Augustus Jones
Much like the 19th-century Toronto land surveyor it’s named for, Augustus Jones the retailer thrives in uncharted territory. Stocking a choice selection of European brands, the boutique showroom deals in high-end office, living and dining room furniture that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.
Originally a graphic designer, store founder Cliff Smith discovered an opportunity to indulge his lifelong passion for fine, contemporary furnishings while sourcing pieces for his weekend getaway, a canning factory he was renovating in Grafton, Ontario. He became so passionate, in fact, that he acquired the Canadian distribution rights for Belgium’s Vincent Sheppard and carved a showroom for the manufacturer’s paper-wrapped steel seating from his dramatic countryside retreat.
Now partnered with Jacques Trédille, a furniture industry vet who’s established showrooms in both Toronto and Paris, Smith relocated Augustus Jones to a loft-like storefront off Queen Street East and increased his roster of refined brands to 15. Throughout the space, raw industrial elements such as a pair of giant red-and-white pipes next to the entryway contrast beautifully with the elegant silhouettes and refined fabrics of the imports on display. SHOP HERE FOR: Distinctive, regionally inspired designs by established and emerging manufacturers from across the pond. Turkish brand Enne’s brass-legged Icy-a coffee table is topped with a trio of wooden hexagons evocative of Islamic tiles ($2590), while ergonomic sofa beds by Croatia’s Prostoria come in aqua hues as bright as the Adriatic Sea (from $2220). BEST BUYS: Seating. A raised stage area highlights options in a variety of luxe materials. Porsche lovers will feel right at home in desk chairs by Wagner, a Euro Herman Miller–of-sorts that uses leather upholstery from the same factory favoured by the sports car company ($3200). Our favourite throne is Czech brand Ton’s Split ($640). Designed by Arik Levy, the chair’s bentwood legs are spliced at the top to become both backrest and seat support. 33 DAVIES AVE 416 360 1788 MON-FRI 10-6, SAT 12-5 AUGUSTUSJONES.COM