Neighbourhood Design Guide: The Best Home Design Stores in South Main

Welcome to SoMa—home of oat milk lattes, vintage credenzas and craft beers aplenty. Step into our very own West Coast Brooklyn, where Michelin-starred restaurants meet cool local bars, and where hipsters, artists and people who have or are seriously thinking about getting a tattoo are known to congregate. The home design shops? A hub for mid-century modern and eco-conscious minimalism. And the best part: you’re always within reach of a great coffee shop, snack or post-shop patio beer.

The Best Home Decor Stores in South Main

1. Vancouver Special

Borrowing its name from Vancouver’s iconic ’60s and ’70s-era boxy homes, this indie design store is a modernist’s delight. Think of it as the cool cousin of Ikea that went to art school in Copenhagen. Vancouver Special is a playground of Scandi-cool, from coral Acapulco chairs to cream vintage desk lamps. Design power players like Alessi, Vitra and Muuto rub elbows with hip furniture brands like Normann Copenhagen. It’s stylishly minimal and, of course, special.
3612 Main St.
shop.vanspecial.com

2. Nineteen Ten

This popular indie store will have you questioning the difference between a “want” and a “need.” With curated, one-of-a-kind homewares, skincare and gifts, it’s a one-stop shop for that perfect locally made teak coaster set, vacuum-sealed travel tumbler or delightful greeting card.
4366 Main St.
nineteenten.ca

3. Parliament Interiors

Here, mid-century modern meets trendy seasonal with fresh decor pieces and accessories that cater to smaller spaces. Give yourself plenty of time in the extensive showroom as you debate with yourself over how much your current lifestyle necessitates a gold-mirrored bar cart. And don’t sleep on the Kermodi Living Art collection: find funky plants in minimalist pots here.
2703 Main St.
parliamentinteriors.com

6. Olive and Wild

Forgoing the hip hood’s usual pared-down vibe, Olive and Wild is like that one jet-setting friend who always brings back an earth-toned sculptural clay pot or 100-percent alpaca throw. Featuring elegant, global-chic accents from international and local designers, this boutique home decor shop is where you’ll find that je ne sais quoi.
4391 Main St.
oliveandwild.com

Where to Eat and Drink in the South Main Design District

7. Liberty Bakery and Café

Start your SoMa day at Liberty Bakery, Main Street’s Wes Anderson-esque café. Run by an artist, musician and photographer trio, it’s as cool as it gets. Prepare to be seduced by the aroma of fresh cardamom buns and the cuteness of Totoro-shaped gingerbread cookies. Pair one with a smooth latte and you’re all set to hit the streets, snack in hand for that mid-shopping energy boost.
3699 Main St.
liberty-bakery.com

8. El Camino’s

Cure your shopping fatigue with some happy hour pescado tacos, plus a refreshing paloma (Altos Reposado, pressed lime, grapefruit soda and a pinch of salt) to wash them down. And for a true Mount Pleasant experience, enjoy your cocktail on the quaint roadside patio, making cars and passersby green with envy.
3250 Main St.
elcaminos.ca

This story was originally published in the July/August 2023 print issue of Vancouver Magazine—find the digital issue here.