Opium

I’m a huge fan of this shop! It’s the most remarkable boutique for imported Indian decorative accents… but stop right there, because I know your brain just conjured up horrific images of grand swaths of maroon fabric, brassy saffron throw pillows covered in sequins, and garishly ornate wood carvings of the Hindu elephant god, Ganesh.
This shop couldn’t be further from every tawdry cliché you’ve ever associated with Indian décor… for starters, when you first walk in, you find yourself gently gripped by the earthy colour palette; there’s a very organic feel to it all… lots of browns, mossy greens, punctuated by the occasional shiny flash of colour. Nothing’s too unnatural… and the vibe is surprisingly soothing.
The woman who runs this shop, Tracy, has a to-​die-​for eye. She founded Opium after a trip to India left her captivated by the country’s furniture and other flourishes… but unlike some who’ve tried to make a go of importing goods from Asia (I’ve known at least two who have failed) Tracy seems to have a sixth sense as to what pieces will still hold their magic once they touch down on another continent.
There’s something very classic, artistic, and timelessly appealing about the sculptures, furniture, doorknobs, pictures, and myriad of other décor to be found here; the grander statement pieces look beautifully authentic — not like they were manufactured en mass for sucker-​tourists to cart away. Lots of antiques… and plenty of designs that would look right in place in a more traditional home — not just one with an «Asian» theme going on.
If you have any interest in unusual and eclectic décor, I highly suggest you make the trip here. There’s also a section of Tracy’s own handcrafted jewelry… fabulously unique pieces made from *beautiful* stones (again! This woman’s eye!)
And if all that weren’t enough… Tracy and the staff she hires are possibly the most amiable, gracious, and genuinely winsome people I’ve ever encountered in one shop. They’re just that *very* rare mix of vivacious and warm, yet *cool*, sort of people that you can’t help but think, «wow… um, can we be friends?!»