I didn't quite understand why this was colourful and I probably never will. however this set might look good with the other two "colourful" harry potter sets

figure
pros: the figure can only be found in this set
cons: none

animal shop
pros: drawers open
cons: none

other shop
pros: drawers open
cons: none

pieces
pros: animals, hats
cons: none

build
pros: easy, strong, quick
cons: none

price
pros: worth it, cheap
cons: none

I recommend this set to anyone who has the other two colourful harry potter sets
I hope you found my review helpful

although this is rather a doll's house than a lego set (perhaps inspired by playmobil?), you should not miss it - a load of unique parts in unusual colours, animals, hermiones cosy sweater... just the cardboard is a stupid idea, luckily it doesn't reappear (except in those hp-sets), possibly it was meant to keep the set's price low. anyway: highly recommendable.

Set #4723 Diagon Alley Shops: The last of the three curiosities, this set is definitely one you should own.

Diagon Alley Shops gave you the pieces to build two models. One was a supply store filled with wands, magic potions, crystal balls, books, capes and even a broom. The other was a familiar store, where you could buy owls, rats, cats or frogs. (Or if you'd prefer something truly wild a transparent orange scorpion.)

This set gave you a lot of fun and interesting pieces, it toned down the pink and orange of the previous two sets in favor of a more muted white uniform color scheme with some green bricks and plates to throw in a dash of color. It also is to my knowledge the only set to ever include a transparent pink treasure chest. (I rather wish now I hadn't parted with it when I sold the other sets... But then again I rather wish I hadn't parted with any of them now that I see bare shelves everywhere without a single HP set to be had for the new 2010 stuff.)

Overall I'd have to say that this set is a very good set to own for MOCers, LEGO collectors who enjoy interesting and unique pieces, and even Harry Potter fans who want to enhance the rest of their Diagon Alley shops. (Which LEGO made available later on.) It truly is a set among sets. (And you can never have too many transparent colored arachnids.) Also this is the only set I believe to offer Hermione in street clothes. (At least the only cheap one.)

Wierd colors-but excellent parts! Look at the photo on the box carefully and I'm sure you can find 2 or 3 parts or more that you do not own in any set. The cardboard backdrop is pretty useless, I keep it in the box so it wouldn't get damaged in future building and rebuilding. Buy this for the pieces!!

I like that this set contains the first Harry Potter Lego minifigure I believe is HP001Hermione Grainger. It's an interesting concept with the printed cardboard background but on a displaying level it risks getting bent/torn and discoloured

Build

The build is real easy and non complex, the parts are pretty bright, in terms of realistic colourings they aren't the best match ie: presumably the 'wood' is orange instead of brown.
There are some neat transparent pieces like the large decanter and moulded crystal ball which I haven't seen before, and a plethora of small animals which add playability. I like the books with the printed flat pieces inside, and I'm a fan of the unusual coloured wizard/witch hats.

Minifigures

Hermione has the traditional yellow face and is the first numerical Harry Potter Lego figure (HP001) she does risk looking like a middle aged woman rather than a young Hogwarts student.

Pros

Lots of transparent glassy pieces and interactive pieces contains HP001

Cons

Colours are unrealistic. Cardboard back drop flimsy.