Luxury Shopping For the Home in London

London is notoriously style-conscious, and to make your mark in the big city, you don't just have to wear the right clothes, know the right people and eat in the right restaurants.

You also have to have a home that wouldn't look out of place in Hello! magazine.

Fortunately, there's a fabulous choice of stylish interior-design stores in the capital. Many have furnished the homes of the rich and famous and many offer a bespoke service.

So, by the time you've finished shopping, you should be more than ready to host that swanky champagne-supper party for your friends.

The Conran Shop

If you've ever stayed at a Sir Terence Conran hotel, you'll be aware that the man has taste. You'll also be pleased to know that you can decorate your home in the style of his salubrious retreats. Sir Terence's stores, in Marylebone and Chelsea, are home to a large range of contemporary designer goods from around the globe – everything from fabrics and ceramics to kitchenware and gadgets. And right next door to the Chelsea shop the lovely Bibendum restaurant offer extra temptation.

The General Trading Company

It's something of an understated name for a store that furnishes the Royal residences – but who cares? The point is, by shopping at the General Trading Company, the average Joe can relax in the same trappings as The Queen herself. In old townhouse buildings just off Sloane Square, this swanky emporium offers a truly enlightened selection of furniture and home accessories.

King's Road and New King's Road

Meandering from Sloane Square to Putney Bridge, these streets are home to some of the finest furniture stores in the world. The very sensible and practical Peter Jones on Sloane Square is followed by Heal's and Designer's Guild, which in turn are close to the exclusive home boutiques of Sydney Street. As you venture towards Fulham, you enter a world of exclusive, chic outlets offering modern and antique furniture.

Liberty

With its delightful Tudor-cottage façade, Liberty stands out among its neighbouring high street stores and bars. And the homeware is totally eye-catching too. You will find luxury rugs, furniture and Oriental objets d'art in this beautiful store, but Liberty is particularly famous for its printed fabrics, for sale on the second floor.

Linley

People often accuse the Royalty of not earning their vast riches, but that's not something you can say about David Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret. Lord Linley's shops in Mayfair and Belgravia are dedicated to the designing and making of wonderful, hand-crafted furniture, much of it bespoke. And if anyone should know about palatial interior design, it's Linley.