We've hunted down a selection of special little businesses hidden away from large shopping centres and the main shopping streets of Sydney.

Your Display Gallery
From old fishing baskets to English teacups and saucers, this gem of a place is a great source for preloved homewares and furniture. Filled with a great selection of vintage buys, the two-storey shop is an unexpected find in the quiet streets of Greenwich. 123 Greenwich Road, Greenwich, 9906 7556.

Doug up on Bourke
Hidden upstairs on busy Bourke Street, Doug up on Bourke holds an enormous collection of industrial and rustic antiques. The huge warehouse space is brimming with things like wooden soft-drink crates, pine tables, butter churns and old tools. 901 Bourke Street, Waterloo, 9690 0962.

Major & Tom
Georgina Tom's eye for detail and selection of gorgeous old things is the perfect excuse to take a trip out to St Peters. And you'll keep returning for Depression pieces, cabinets, worn benches and tables. Downstairs Major & Tom handles furniture restoration and cabinet-making. 45 Barwon Park Road, St Peters, 9557 8380.

Prue Trollope
Step into this little emporium away from the main street in Balmain and you'll think you're in Greenwich Village, New York City. Items around the globe will satisfy the curious and worldly with finds such as bright floral doormats, glazed Chinese ceramics, quilts and soft furnishings. 21 Mullens Street, Balmain, 9810 6567.

Honeybee Homewares
Owner Virginie Fontes hand picks the kind of beautiful French homewares you wish you had room to bring back from your holidays. In palettes of white, taupe, grey and soft blue. Stylish tableware, canvas totes and shoes, linen and furniture. 178 Sydney Road, Fairlight, 9948 9908.

Tokens of Living
In a semi-industrial location hidden in Mona Vale on the northern beaches, this place presents large-scale pieces of distinctive furniture, lighting and collectables. With their fingers on everything Continental, much of the furniture is from The Netherlands. Owners Hans and Helen Manger can also source, design and build specific furniture, lights and accessories. 113 Darley Street, Mona Vale, 9979 3056.