Design Accessories
313 Design Market
Brothers Chris and Mark Siemicki agree: “home is where the heart is.” The two opened 313 in their childhood abode to house their shared passion: fun and playful design-forward objects by cool international brands. Home accessories from Dusen Dusen, MOMA, Poketo and Areaware happily mingle with throws and pillows by David Fussenegger. Also: watch for installations, pop-up markets, design related talks and workshops in this space.
313 RONCESVALLES AVE 416 537 2220 313DESIGNMARKET.COM
Average
Average is a collection of contemporary and classic home objects designed for everyday life. Its founders hand-pick unique pieces from Japanese and European design houses. Find exquisite stationery from Notem, clay kitchenware by 2016/ Arita and fashionforward bedding from Tekla Fabrics. Moebe’s modular shelving systems that fasten with wood wedges and Please Wait to Be Seated’s tray-bearing metal-frame coffee tables are covetable.
1081 QUEEN ST W 416 822 8374 AVERAGE.IS
Bergo Designs
Boasting home accessories from top European manufacturers, BD offers an eclectic array of international design. Discover a medley of objects and whimsical gifts, watches, jewellery and gadgets. Peruse impressive collections: Cec Lepage’s colourful Lucite vases, Seletti’s unusual Hybrid tableware fusing East and West influences, and Toronto’s largest selection of Georg Jensen’s house decor and Alessi products (think shiny carafes and space-agey juicers).
28 TANK HOUSE LN 416 861 1821 BERGODESIGNS.CA
Brika
Brika is a destination of choice for whimsical home decor, gifts and stationery by artisans from North America and around the world. Favourite housewares include natural bath and body care handmade in Toronto by Bridlewood Soaps, Vancouver Candle Co.’s line of neighbourhood-inspired candles (including Yorkville and Queen West) and dainty silk reminder bracelets from Mai Lin Jewelry.
642 QUEEN ST W 844 472 7452 (ALSO: 768 QUEEN ST E 844 472 7452) BRIKA.COM
Cambie Design
CD is a trove of thoughtfully curated objects that Marie Kondo would be proud to display. Explore a range of bright textiles sourced from Morocco and Peru: fringed alpaca-blend throw blankets, pompom-trimmed pillow covers and patterned wool rugs made in the Andes Mountains. Other housewares include speckled porcelain mugs and sculptural wall hangings from Sandbox Ceramics and hand-blown smoked glass bud vases from Jesse Bromm.
1048 QUEEN ST W 416 516 7132 CAMBIEDESIGN.COM
Cocktail Emporium
At-home mixologists shouldn’t miss the glassware, utensils and boozy novelty items at this boutique for everything cocktail. Past a wall of over 200 flavours of bitters are new and vintage glassware and bar sets. Zero in on CE’S selection of minimalist Japanese-made bar tools, renowned for their precision and quality, as well as recipe books, absinthe fountains and tiki mugs.
972 QUEEN ST W 647 727 3600 (ALSO: 20 KENSINGTON AVE 416 858 2932) COCKTAILEMPORIUM.COM
Craft Ontario Shop
More than 400 artisans contribute to the collection of handcrafted-in-canada art and design objects that’s adroitly displayed in this gallery-like showroom. The selection ranges from functional housewares and giftables – Daphne Wang’s abstract graphic ceramics, Julie Moon’s stoneware jewellery and Gold & Ginger’s hand-sewn bags – to such conversation pieces as inukshuk carvings and prints from various Inuit and Indigenous artists.
1106 QUEEN ST W 416 921 1721 CRAFTONTARIOSHOP.COM
Cubeshops
Specializing in Japanese housewares and desktop accessories, Cubeshops elevates basic objects into super-kawaii works of art. Appreciate botanical life through Usagi no Nedoko’s preserved plants in acrylic cubes or Iwashi Kinzokuka’s magnificently detailed metal sea creatures. Terada Mokei creates a tiny world at a 1:100 scale, garnishing coasters and greeting cards with “I’m sorry” messages to cheer even your grouchiest co-worker.
11 BALDWIN ST 416 260 0710 CUBESHOPS.COM
Drake General Store
DGS’S flagship is the place to stock up on the store’s signature tongue-in-cheek Canadiana-inspired goods. There are Arborist’s Mountie-printed beer steins, adult onesies, pop-culture pins and vintage-inspired provincial pennants, as well as cotton waffleknit throws for curling up and getting cozy. If home goods with an international flair are more your thing, look to Malin+goetz’s candles and Meraki apothecary products.
1151 QUEEN
ST W 647 346 0742 (ALSO: HUDSON’S BAY, 176 YONGE ST, LOWER LEVEL 416 861 6009; HUDSON’S BAY, 44 BLOOR ST E 416 972 3333 x4137; 2607 YONGE ST 416 966 0553; 61 FRONT ST 416 214 6449) DRAKEGENERALSTORE.CA
East Pavilion
After working at design studios in Beijing and Shanghai, architect Lily Huang and interior designer Teresa Leung saw an opportunity to introduce designed-in-china home accents to Canada. Nankeen textiles in pillow and pouch form feature a 3,000-year-old indigo dying technique from China. For the kitchen, the cast-iron Ding casserole, inspired by ancient bronze cookware, feels perfect for our slow-food-loving moment.
EASTPAVILION.CA
Easy Tiger
ET is a haven for sophisticated minimalist housewares from around the world. Hay takes tray service to a new level with its nestled geometric shapes, while Rami Kim’s ceramic hanging face pots “spark joy.” A selection of everyday essentials elevated through luxe materials and savvy design includes plenty of perfect gifts for the designophile: think linen-covered Shinola notebooks and One Sky Turkish hammam towels.
1447 DUNDAS ST W 647 748 6161 EASYTIGERGOODS.COM
Eclectisaurus
Leslie Zysman’s long-standing Cabbagetown shop carries inventory that highlights art and design from the 1900s to the 1990s. With an emphasis on the postmodern and mid-century modern design movements, Eclectisaurus offers an ever-changing array of furniture, lighting, art, glass, ceramics and textiles. We recently found the 1970s acid-etched brass furniture of Canadian artist Bernhard Rohne and a 1980s Foscarini Italian glass sconce.
249 GERRARD ST E 416 934 9009 ECLECTISAURUS.COM
Fabrique 1840
Simons’s all-canadian online marketplace offers all the hygge and wabi-sabi looks you want. For those with minimalist restraint, check out floating nightstands from Kroft, geometric art prints by Catherine Lavoie and hydroponic cultivation shelves from Îlot. “Canadian design needs to be as celebrated as Scandinavian or Japanese design is,” says president Peter Simons. After perusing the 50-plus Canuck artisans in this shop, we heartily agree.
FABRIQUE1840.COM
The Finnish Place
Devoted to Nordic products for the home, FP boasts Canada’s widest selection of Marimekko merchandise. Shop bags, cushions and bolts of fabric in the company’s brightly coloured prints. The iconic manufacturer reinvigorates its Oiva dishes by adding hints of gold, and with a new “long live life” pattern of dazzling blooming flowers. Iittala resets the table with artful yet functional housewares, including curvy Alvar Aalto glassware in sea blue. 7670 YONGE ST 416 222 7575 FINNISHPLACE.COM
Gardiner Museum Shop
The museum’s dedication to exhibiting the best in local and international ceramics continues in the curated objects lining the gift shop’s shelves. Local artists steal the show: see potter Jay Burn’s crystalline works, and Eiko Maeda’s translucent porcelain bouquet bowls made using a traditional nerikomi technique. In addition, the shop hosts exhibitions featuring the work of top local artists and designers.
111 QUEEN’S PK 416 586 8080 GARDINERMUSEUM.ON.CA
Good Neighbour
Arrayed in a turreted Leslieville cottage, GN’S selection of cool home and lifestyle accessories makes for cheerful shopping. You’ll find staples like Herschel bags, Hudson’s Bay blankets and LAFCO candles complemented by locally sourced goods from Drake General Store and Jenny Bird Jewelry. Alongside these Canadian essentials is a range of international finds including retro Newgate clocks and art books from Phaidon.
935 QUEEN ST E 647 350 0663 GOODNBR.COM
Grøn + White
Britt Nilsson’s online boutique serves up Scandinavian dinnerware, decor and lighting from Danish brands including Normann Copenhagen, Ferm Living and Menu. Check out portable LED lamps that move from room to room – hygge to go. Equally delightful is the selection from Copenhagen’s Moebe, which reduces objects to their simplest forms, including oak picture frames held by an elastic band and a circular mirror secured by a lightweight wire form.
GRONANDWHITE.COM
Harbourfront Centre Shop
Near the Simcoe Wavedeck is a gift shop boasting award-winning designs from afar and Canadian-made stock, including limited-run housewares and objets d’art from current and previous artists-in-residence at Harbourfront’s Craft & Design Studio. Favourites include Rekindle’s muddlers, Stinson Studios’ burl bowls and Larch Wood’s cutting boards.
235 QUEENS QUAY W 416 973 4993 HARBOURFRONTCENTRE.COM/SHOP
Hopson Grace
Floor-to-ceiling displays of tastefully arranged tableware animated by an abundance of dinnerware, barware, crystal and decorative items for the home flank the perimeter of this Rosedale boutique. Mud Australia’s pastel glaze ceramics, Richard Ginori’s legendary luxury porcelain and Dibbern’s fine bone china all tempt on the first floor, while upstairs, HG Home offers bedding, kitchen appliances and even more homewares in a shoppable apartment.
1120 YONGE ST 416 926 1120 HOPSONGRACE.COM
I Have a Crush on You
Owner Amy Kwong jokingly defines her Liberty Village space as “a gift shop, gallery, design studio and sweatshop rolled into one.” See her quirky Smitten Kitten line for luggage tags inspired by vintage baggage claim slips and letterpress cards featuring pop-culture icons. Other fun finds: “Stop Talking” business cards, and Pyropet candles including cats and rabbits that burn to reveal a metal skeleton.
51 JEFFERSON AVE, STE #201 416 880 6369 IHAVEACRUSHONYOU.CA
Iqliving
With enough designer kitchen, bath and storage supplies to outfit an entire condo building, this is the place to find the essential mingling with the totally nonessential. Among staples like Rowenta steam irons, Wüsthof knives, Simplehuman recycling bins and cookware from Cuisinox, you’ll find such fetching novelties as waffle makers from Breville, sandwich shapers, and multi-setting Vitamix blenders to concoct your favourite smoothies. 542 DANFORTH AVE 416 466 2727 IQLIVING.COM
John Paul & Co.
Armani/casa, Missoni Home and Fendi Casa are just a few of the fashionable luxury furniture brands found at JPC. Among our favourites are the refined curves, cognaccoloured frame and leather-buckle details of Fendi Casa’s Soho sectional and the cylindrical Missoni Home pouf upholstered with the iconic zigzag Jarris print. The Infinity Blue coffee table by Fendi Casa, with sapphire-hued bevelled glass atop a gunmetal grey frame, is show-stopping.
122-124 AVENUE RD 416 921 7787 JOHNPAUL-CO.COM
Kiondo African Imports
Owner Chris Johnson sources art, artifacts, furniture and textiles from across Africa for an inventory comprising masks from the Republic of the Congo, natural wood stools from Cameroon, feathered headdresses, vintage Baule indigo fabric and Ikat throws. It’s also here that you will find neck rests from Ethiopia, beaded crowns, dolls and aprons from Nigeria, patterned baskets from Zimbabwe and wooden dolls from Ghana. 323 QUEEN ST E 416 533 9959 KIONDO.COM
Labour of Love
There’s something for everyone in this charming yet worldly boutique, from silkscreened prints by Raymond Biesinger of Montreal to architectural jewellery by Pa De Do from Ukraine – all part of an eclectic assortment of gifts and quality paper goods. Multi-functional yet minimalist handmade porcelain from Japan’s Hasami stands out, as do walnut serving trays from Finland’s Tonfisk. 223 CARLTON ST 416 923 8988 THELABOUROFLOVE.CA
Lee Valley Tools
Don’t let the rows of old-school cabinets and aproned staff fool you: this woodworker favourite has a ton of hardware essentials for the DIY condo set. The grand space carries high-quality components including invisible hinges, soft-close door slides, LED tape lighting and a diverse range of knobs, pulls and handles. Cultivate herbs like a pro with the Grow-light garden, or stock up on firewood starters and splitters.
590 KING ST W 416 366 5959 (ALSO: 1275 MORNINGSIDE AVE, SCARBOROUGH 416 286 7574; 167 CHRISLEA RD, VAUGHAN 905 264 1208) LEEVALLEY.COM
Ma Zone Design Lab
Interior styling and design professional Armin Martiros has hung his shingle above a new two-level concept space. Upstairs is a model living studio where clients can work side by side with Martiros on custom projects; the downstairs is dressed with inspiring product. Here, you’ll find Iittala tableware, Alessi’s classic metal collections, Le Jacquard Français linens from France, custom upholstered furniture and, from Muskhane, felt wall hangings, carpets and baskets made in Nepal.
853 PAPE AVE 416 868 0330 MA-ZONE.COM
Merchant of York
Head to this plant-filled wonder cabinet for such homey decor and accessories as tea and coffee gear from Japanese brands Kinto and Hario and modern milking stools from
Quebec’s Craft Collective. MOY is the sole retailer of Toronto brand Area 91, which specializes in spindly plant stands and coloured glass vessels. As for gifts, the designed-in-house Toronto neighbourhood mugs are a slam-dunk.
181 QUEEN ST E 647 343 6405 MERCHANTOFYORK.COM
Mi Casa
MC maintains a wide selection of unique lighting, affordable accents, furniture and wall decor. Sculptural design objets and one-of-a-kind mirrors make MC a go-to when seeking that bold showstopper for your space. An abundance of standout pieces includes a new collection of original, locally created artworks and a selection of high-end French apothecary items and exquisitely scented candles by Christian Tortu.
238 CARLTON ST 416 929 1913 MICASATORONTO.COM
Muji Atrium Flagship
The functional-chic office, bedroom and bathroom accessories found here lack logos but share an instantly recognizable aesthetic. Simple housewares like toothbrush stands and soap dispensers are elevated by astute Japanese design; Muji’s brooms and dustpans are too handsome to hide in the closet. Fan faves include acrylic storage cases, organic cotton bedding in earthy tones and understated porcelain dinnerware sets in white and beige.
595 BAY ST 416 591 2233 (ALSO: SQUARE ONE SHOPPING CENTRE, 100 CITY CENTRE DR, MISSISSAUGA 905 276 2737; YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE, 3401 DUFFERIN ST 416 479 1204; 5000 HWY 7, MARKHAM 905 201 3587; 300 BOROUGH DR, SCARBOROUGH 416 643 0756) MUJI.COM/CA
Neat
Design-obsessed neat freaks and neatnessobsessed design freaks should head to this immaculately ordered (natch!) storageessentials boutique. Reclaim valuable square footage with Kartell’s stackable Componibili storage units and declutter your entryway with Umbra’s wall-mounted Lettro organizer. Or, bring some pizzazz to your broom closet with Hasegawa’s Lucano step ladders, available in a variety of cheerful colours.
628 QUEEN ST W 416 368 6328 (ALSO: 2901 BAYVIEW AVE 416 229 6328) NEATSPACE.CA
Petroff Gallery
Open since 1982, this hybrid gallery has featured visual art and contemporary craft from over 120 Canadian artists. The work of Toronto’s Jeff Goodman Studio is colourful, fluid and organic, with products ranging from hand-blown vessels to architectural glass. Photographer Chris Albert’s abstract-realistic images of local landmarks evoke wanderlust, while hand-hammered metal jewellery featuring semi-precious stones makes for elegant gifts.
1016 EGLINTON AVE W 416 782 1696 PETROFFGALLERY.COM
Pimlico Design Gallery
Tatiana Velasevic’s shop holds a curated selection of colourful home accents to brighten living spaces. You’ll find glassware from Italy, soy candles from Archipelago Botanicals and soft wool blankets from Scotland’s Paulette Rollo. To keep clutter away, handmade African baskets are available in an assortment of shapes and patterns. Not to miss: handcrafted resin bowls and platters from New York and cotton throw blankets from Morocco.
643 DUPONT ST 416 538 0909 PIMLICOGALLERY.COM
ROM Boutique
Rivalling the artifacts inside Daniel Libeskind’s iconic addition, the ROM’S boutique hosts a rotating selection of art-inspired home accessories and books that echo the exhibitions upstairs. Find polished agate plates and a plethora of dinosaur memorabilia alongside Stinson Studios’ Maple nesting bowls and dramatic Vessel burls. Vividly illustrated monographs on Christian Dior, Chinese ancestry and contemporary Indigenous artists are informative and stunning.
100 QUEEN’S PK 416 586 5766 SHOP.ROM.ON.CA
Rose City Goods
Organic materials, recyclable packaging, fair trade or locally made (by hand), primarily from female-run businesses: check, check, checkedy check. The irresistible home accessories here – waffle throws from Indaba, wool and cotton area rugs by Minna, bamboo serving bowls by Xenia Taler, pyramid-shaped table lamps from Friend Of All, and hand-picked vintage furniture finds – must meet tough criteria before making it onto the sculptural shelves. We approve, too.
1504 DUNDAS ST W 416
994 5979 ROSECITYGOODS.COM
Saudade
In keeping with its name (Portuguese for an intense longing for another person, place or time), this Little Portugal store offers classic and modern housewares and accent pieces imported from the motherland. You’ll find handwoven blankets and baskets, eucalyptuswood directors’ chairs and an array of tableware that includes nature-inspired ceramics by Bordallo Pinheiro, hand-painted mugs and bowls from Casa Cubista and resin-handled cutlery from Cutipol.
1191 DUNDAS ST W 647 352 1191 SAUDADETORONTO.COM
Scout
Brick walls and wood shelving give Leah Eyles’s shop an old-timey feel, but her selection of Canadian-made home goods is certainly of-the-moment – think Stinson Studios’ live-edged bowls, Kate Golding tea towels inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Ontario, and handmade ceramics by Canadian potter Jenny Rijke (we love her marbleized clay mugs). Impeccably crafted leather goods, delicate handmade jewellery and cheeky greeting cards make for unique gifts.
405 RONCESVALLES AVE 416 546 6922 (ALSO: 1140 QUEEN ST E 647 748 1140) IHEARTSCOUT.COM
SHOPAGO
Need a Turner print? A Monet? Perhaps something with pop-art flair, like some Andy Warhol paraphernalia? It’s no secret that the AGO’S two-level shop should be your first stop. But you’ll also find – alongside the art prints – curated products inspired by the AGO’S collection and the latest design trends. Home decor items from Pritzker Architecture Prize–winning architect Zaha Hadid, for instance, are only available here.
317 DUNDAS ST W 416 979 6610 SHOP.AGO.CA/STORE
Snob
Owner Denise Zidel sources premium authentic pieces for this African furniture and decor store in her global travels. Egyptian lighting illuminates made-to-order ostrich-skin furniture, while the eye can’t help but be drawn to the colourful dyedfeather headdresses on the wall. Senufo stools and one-of-a-kind petite wooden furniture pieces are store staples that will be focal points in any room.
123 MIRANDA AVE 416 778 8778 SNOBSTUFF.COM
Souvenir
Danielle Suppa and Trisha Lepper’s airy boutique is home to a tasteful assortment of textiles, jewellery and tableware. Their frequently updated selection includes stonewashed cotton blankets from Portugal and ceramics expertly crafted by the likes of Talia Silva, Rachel Saunders and Mérida Anderson in calming neutral palettes. Besides exclusive limited-edition product collaborations with Canadian designers, Souvenir also produces its own expanding line of homewares, candles and fragrances. 1232 COLLEGE ST 647 350 1232 SOUVENIR-STUDIOS.COM
Spruce
Spruce is filled with a selection of handmade and vintage home and lifestyle goods from local and foreign sources. Colourful lacquered candles by Ester & Erik of Denmark make a statement alongside handwoven art deco– style throws from Portugal. Fair trade goods including baskets handwoven in Senegal and Turkish towels make for great gifts, while a rotating inventory of unique furniture and art keeps things interesting.
455 PARLIAMENT ST 647 748 4060 SPRUCETORONTO.COM
Studio 1484
A narrow flight of stairs leads visitors to a vast array of decorative tableware, rare ceramics, vintage plastics and art glass. Among the eclectic inventory here are Murano glass vases by Flavio Poli, Flora series glassware by Oiva Toikka for Iittala, Göran Wärff’s leaf series pieces for Kosta Boda and Jens Quistgaard’s teak trays and ice buckets for Dansk. The shop also offers custom framing and art restoration services.
1484 QUEEN ST W, 2ND FL 416 534 8471 STUDIO1484.COM
Studio Brillantine
Overflowing with international design objects, SB offers a wide range of gifts and personal accessories. Here, Comme des Garçons wallets, jewellery from Vivienne Westwood and original Memphis Milano and Georg Jensen pieces mingle with whimsical collectibles from Tintin, Moomin and Kidrobot’s designer toys. Numerous re-editions and out-of-production items abound, as does an extensive selection of Alessi housewares and Iittala glassware.
1518 QUEEN ST W 416 536 6521 STUDIOBRILLANTINE.COM
Studio Pazo
Besides the city’s largest collection of housewares from Fornasetti, Stelton and Iittala, SP boasts plenty of vintage furniture, playful decor items and European tableware. Familiar classics like Alvar Aalto 60 stools are displayed alongside a diverse range of accoutrements, from glasses to ceramics. Multihued wooden