Plush rugs, intriguing wall hangings and unusual designs reign at the Cross, writes Andrea Dixon.

PLUM INTERIORS
Check the Mud bowls, from $25, which are made in the likeness of half a rockmelon so accurately that they look more like a plaster of Paris cast than handcrafted ceramics. The coffee mugs are a fun take on corrugated paper takeaway cups in blue, green and orange. There is an Chinese timber lattice, $690, which would make an intriguing wall hanging on a city apartment balcony. Owner Jenny Rudwick has a small collection of Samantha Robinson vases, $55, gothic-looking red cut-glass wine glasses, from $18, and Chinese fabric lanterns, $86.
87B Macleay Street, 9368 0547

MACLEAY ON MANNING
This is the last word in style with a fantastic collection of cutting-edge design including the hip lotus lamp, $1300 (pictured). This is cleverly designed like a photographer's reflector umbrella and perched on a tall tripod. In one corner is a red Philippe Starck-designed Eros pedestal chair for Kartell. Owner Jill Ordish has picked up an Icarus light shade made of sliced plastic, which resembles stark white garuda feathers. I adore the Parisian parasols with ruffles that make a gorgeous style statement in the dreary rain.
Shop 1, 85 Macleay Street, 9331 4100

IL PAPIRO
This place is definitely one for collectors of unusual things. It is stocked with hundred of cards that are marbled in a traditional 17th-century style and has beautiful Murano glass from Venice. There are incredibly delicate handblown ink wells, from $43, and silver-tipped pens and quills. Shelves are full of journals covering all occasions including Wines to Remember. The leather¿bound photo albums, $284, are handmade with acid-free paper and fine tissue between the sheets. Even the pencils are papered in scenes from Medici-era Florence.
87A Macleay Street, 9361 6252

FURNITURE EXCELLENCE
The Italian furniture includes Besana's noted wardrobe and wall systems that turn plain, old spaces into the most beautifully functional libraries and chic wardrobes. There are contemporary Swan lounges that are as pleasant to sit on as they are to look at. The stylish Opera sofa is so comfy that it makes a luxurious $8199 day bed for a Sunday nana nap.
Shop 7, 81 Macleay Street, 9361 4622

ARIDA
This store has an ensemble of clothes and upmarket European and Chinese antiques. A crystal chandelier, $5500, has been stylishly wrapped in sheer black fabric creating a stunning effect, $1950 for the shade. It is just perfect to hang over an 18th-century Napoleon III circular extension table, $38,500. Head here if you need a pair of Sung Dynasty stone horses from Shanxi province, China, circa 967.
61 Macleay Street, 9357 4788

DAR MOOR
This appointment-only gallery has an impressive collection of handloomed Moroccan rugs. Lesley Walton and Madelienne Anderson have recently received a container of divinely lush Berber woollen rugs. "I used to live, write and paint in Morocco and 12 years ago I brought back things that I sold to friends and family. It all sold in five minutes. So we are doing the same here," Walton says. Decorators and architects are the main customers, but they happily open the gallery to the public. They have a lovely collection of framed Islamic calligraphy, tables and furniture, but the rugs are the high point.
86 Victoria Street, 0411 170 008