Top shops

York is a terrific place to live, especially for shopping. We used to have a showroom in the County Arcade in Leeds, and yet we found many customers from Leeds preferred to shop in our York branch as they like the fact there were more individual shops to see in the city. We tend to forget what a wealth of individuality we have, particularly when shopping for the home.

This week we thought we would list our favourite ten shops in York for home interiors.

1 Mulberry Hall, Stonegate. Tel 01904 620736

Not only the most beautiful shop front, but a world-wide reputation for stocking the finest china and glass available. Just walking into the shop is a treat. Not just for the traditionalist either; some of the modern china and glass designs are stunning.

2 Pyramid Gallery, 43 Stonegate. Tel 01904 641187

We adore the wonderfully eclectic ceramics stocked by Pyramid. It is so exciting to see the work of talented British artists on display and at prices that do not break the bank. We bought a lovely cat sculpture by Dylan Rudge, who is just one of the many artists on display. Also available is a fabulous modern jewellery collection.

3 Ancient World, 16 Petergate. Tel 01904 624062

A particularly strange yet wonderful place. With everything from Roman oil lamps to Chinese artefacts that look as if they have walked straight from the shelves of a museum. Excellent to accessorise the minimalist interior.

4 The French House, 74 Micklegate. Tel 01904 624465

A treasure trove of original French furniture and accessories. We really admire the people who thought of opening a shop like this. Every visit is an adventure as you do not know what you are going to find. The beds and mirrors are some of our favourite buys.

5 Eperon, 36 Barbican Road. 01904 627555

The best architectural ironmongers in York. The utterly charming Mr Vass who runs the shop has a terrific range of door knobs, handles and basically everything you could ever need in brass and general ironmongery. If he doesn't have it he can usually order it for you.

6 BHS Monks Cross, York. Tel 01904 672320

Worth a trip if only to sample the cappuccino in the coffee shop! We often go here for lighting, bedding and towels. Excellent for accessorising. Suede and knitted cushion covers are favourite buys. If you are doing a bathroom on a budget the ideas here are terrific.

7 Barnitts Home & Garden, 24 Colliergate. 09104 625601

Barnitts just seems to grow and grow. What a brilliant store. Everything from garden seats to bunk beds. Whatever you need, Barnitts will have it. We defy anyone to visit Barnitts and leave without buying something. We love those video loops showing miracle dusters and ironing board covers - mesmerising.

8 Gillygate Framing, 32 Gillygate 01904 625722

The best frames and the most helpful staff. We recently had some framed mirrors made here that were a fraction of the price of their London counterparts. Frames of all sizes are available from the wonderfully gilded to the simple steel to suit all interior schemes.

9 F R Stubbs Foss Bridge House,

Fossgate 01904 622470

Service as it used to be. Men in brown (or are they now blue?) coats who understand exactly what you mean when you ask for a bracket thing with a wiggly bit. Just the smell of the place, the wooden shop fittings and the sheer range of stock is a must to see, even for visitors to the city.

10 Plaskitt & Plaskitt, 8 Walmgate Tel 01904 624670

Sorry about this but we love our shop! We will be moving to larger premises in Monkgate at Easter with our best ever fabric, furniture and fabric collections. A completely new look and best of all - a car park.

If you know of any unusual or special interior shops that have offered you exceptional service let us know. We would like to compile an interior design directory for small businesses in York. Send your queries, letters and comments on interior design to: Plaskitt & Plaskitt, 8 Walmgate, York YO1 9TJ.Peter and Joy Plaskitt