Contemporary Furniture
18 Watt
This showroom packs avant-garde Spanish
seating from Beltá, Oi Side and Casadesús alongside poufs, benches and poolside furniture by Ross Lovegrove, Javier Mariscal and Karim Rashid. Vondom expands its reach with unconventional planters, lamps and rugs that lend colour and dynamism, as does Johanson, whose modular sofas and chairs morph felt into sound absorbers for home and work spaces.
834 CALEDONIA RD 416 787 1818 18-WATT.COM
Augustus Jones
Drawing its name from a 19th-century Upper Canada land surveyor, AJ brings stunning European furnishings to the New World. Its bold selection of indoor and outdoor furniture includes previously hard-to-find brands like Enne and Fermob. The curved rattan contours of the Wicked series from Vincent Sheppard and the angular, petal-like lines of Prostoria’s Trifidae lounge demonstrate AJ’S eye for daring forms and quality construction.
33 DAVIES AVE 416 360 1788 AUGUSTUSJONES.COM
Avenue Road
A industrial building with an airy central atrium is the perfect backdrop for AR’S selection of distinctive luxe furniture and home decor. This expansive showroom is home to exquisite lines, from bespoke kitchen solutions by Obumex to minimalist lighting options from Apure. AR also offers stellar seating (see Jaime Hayon’s plush Vuelta armchair and Yabu Pushelberg’s tailored Lombard Street sofa), USM’S endlessly customizable wardrobes and workspaces, and floor coverings from The Rug Company. 415 EASTERN AVE 416 548 7788 AVENUE-ROAD.COM
B.O.F.F. Wall Bed
This Canadian-owned and -operated Murphy bed manufacturer has been catering to condo dwellers for over 30 years. Maximize your living space with its affordable wall beds, office systems and go-anywhere cabinets for the home. The showroom also includes endless styles of shelving, hardware, accessories, door finishes and panels, from Shaker to modern to contemporary.
4249 STEELES AVE W 416 636 2633 BOFFWALLBEDS.CA
Barrymore
Barrymore’s upholstered furniture is handmade in Toronto. Select a sofa, sectional, daybed or headboard style, then choose from thousands of leathers and fabrics – options by Maxwell, Kravet and Robert Allen among them – before your piece is constructed in the adjacent workshop. For ready-made space-saving solutions, try multi-configurable media units by Quebec’s Huppé.
1168 CALEDONIA RD 416 532 2891 BARRYMOREFURNITURE.COM
Biltmore Domicile
BD’S eclectic Distillery District showroom feels a little like an attic full of treasures – albeit stylish treasures of impeccable craftsmanship. The three-decade-old family business specializes in bespoke sofas handmade in their Montreal shop with kiln-dried maple frames, and available in an array of upholstery options and cushion fills. GW General shares the space, stocking heaps of home decor accents and vintage finds.
80 DISTILLERY LANE 416 360 7632 BILTMOREFURNITURE.COM; GWGENERAL.CA
BLVD Interiors
Budget-conscious fans of contemporary style love BLVD’S affordable, compact and multifunctional furnishings: wheeled bar carts, stackable dining chairs and platform beds with stowed drawers. Guest-hosting condo dwellers will appreciate the extensive selection of sleep solutions that redefine the futon: Flip transforms from armchair to lounger to single bed, and the mid-mod Walter sofa is a foldout sleeper with enough room for two.
707 QUEEN ST W 416 362 5222 BLVDINTERIORS.COM
Boconcept
Denmark’s largest furniture retailer seamlessly blends functionality and modern luxury in residential staples at an affordable price point, offering plenty of ways to recreate the Copenhagen look at home. Karim Rashid’s curvy velvet-upholstered Ottawa sofa, with its optional built-in USB charger, keeps your devices within reach. Hard meets soft in the Bilbao coffee table, where smoked glass is set atop a bulbous concrete base.
230 ADELAIDE ST E 647 352 8802 BOCONCEPT.CA
Bois & Cuir
Next time you’re window-shopping in Yorkville, make a stop at this comprehensive Montrealaise home furnishings showroom to see shabbychic vignettes inspired by vintage, industrial and classic styles that can be reshuffled at the drop of a hat. Walk through the company’s collections and you’ll gawk at Aida, composed of made-in-india cabinets inlaid with bone, and the mid-century-inspired Flores collection, which recalls modern Brazilian designs.
55 AVENUE ROAD 647 348 2647 BOISETCUIR.COM
Cabinet
Cabinet’s fully customizable solid walnut, maple and oak furnishings for living, dining and bedrooms are impeccably built by its skilled craftspeople. Their showroom features stunning examples of workmanship: blocky dining tables in chevron patterns, credenzas with a hand-carved textured finish, and louvred sideboards with hidden drawers. Also popular: the streamlined yet rustic Benjamin bed, with its accompanying dresser and nightstand.
354 DAVENPORT RD, STE #100 416 923 9234 CABINETFURNITURE.CA
Calligaris
This Italian manufacturer’s forte is sophisticated furnishings that exude creativity and elegance. Take, for instance, the Basil chair upholstered in linger-after-dinner leather on a variety of base options, from swivelling pedestal to bar-height legs. Space-saving solutions, including beds with an inconspicuous, easy-to-operate vertical-lift storage system, allow you to maximize your space. 170 KING ST E 416 504 2959 (ALSO: IMPROVE CANADA, 7250 KEELE ST, STE #304 905 876 1206) CALLIGARISTORONTO.CA
Carrocel
Dubbed “the Candy Store” by local designers, Carrocel has gathered a wealth of high-end original and custom furniture. A stroll through the sprawling showroom reveals eclectic vignettes flush with stately transitional and contemporary seating and casegoods, as well as a wide selection of art deco and mid-century modern styles. Dining tables reign supreme – find models crafted with Macassar ebony, polished walnut or Lucite.
245 BRIDGELAND AVE 647 694 4683 CARROCEL.COM
Casalife
Contemporary, modern or timeless classic: Casalife proves big design ideas can fit any space. The living, dining and bedroom vignettes here feature North American–made products that maximize function and style at any budget. Look for brands American Leather, Huppé and Stylus, and ever-growing collections of lighting, rugs and tabletop accents. If your dinner parties are legendary, don’t miss the Skovby extension dining table, which seats up to 20.
350 EVANS AVE, ETOBICOKE 416 922 2785 (ALSO: 2532 YONGE ST 416 922 2785) CASALIFE.COM
Casper
Doubling as the famous bed-in-a-box’s Canadian headquarters, this boutique invites sleepyheads to experience Casper products in person – complete with a bedding shop, pillow nap bar and adorable private nap rooms. Here, customers can try out everything from the ergonomic and temperature-regulating Wave mattress, clump-resistant pillows and stylish bed frames and nightstands to the gently dimming app-controlled Glow bedside lamp.
342 QUEEN W 647 660 0700 (ALSO: SHERWAY GARDENS, 25 THE WEST MALL 416 447 8175) CASPER.COM
CB2
Its condo-friendly furniture, lighting and accessories were always cool; now, CB2’S collaborations with established designers and gifted newcomers have put it over the top. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Internet-frenzied special-edition Shearling chair and pink velvet sofa mix chic and cozy. Fred Segal–designed indoor/outdoor furniture brings California calm to hard lofts, while Ross Cassidy’s Japaneseinspired bento box tables and shoji screen chairs will appeal to those making simpler statements.
651 QUEEN ST W 416 366 2828 CB2.COM
The Chesterfield Shop
Celebrating its 70th year in the biz, TCS has five showrooms offering acres of comfy sofas and recliners in multiple leather and fabric options. Browse sofa beds from Palliser and choose from innerspring, pocket-coil or gel-infused foam mattresses. Its specialties: sectionals in every size, shape and comfort level, a vast selection of theatre-style recliners kitted out with LEDS, and colourful tufted armchairs. Retreat into cocooning pieces aimed at making a home an inviting sanctuary. 2045 YONGE ST 416 667 1150 (ALSO: 4900 DUFFERIN ST; 1218 KENNEDY RD; 1248 DUNDAS ST E; 17940 YONGE ST) THECHESTERFIELDSHOP.COM
Commute Design
The soaring ceilings of this studio-cum-showroom provide an appropriately dramatic backdrop for the generously sized sculptural lighting on display. Fixtures originally cooked up for Commute’s many restaurant projects can be ordered to go; chances are you’ve seen its unique plated, perforated and polished pieces at Aloette, General Assembly and Oretta. Complement your choice of statement light with a custom leather sofa, marble-topped bench, or one of several striking accent tables in brass or gradient
glass.
2896 DUNDAS ST W 416 861 0521 BY APPT ONLY COMMUTEDESIGN.COM
Coolican & Company
“Endlessly durable, purposefully made” is Coolican’s motto. Its heirloom-quality, Toronto-made wooden furniture is painstakingly constructed in small batches. Their Euclid wall mirror features a steam-bent arched frame inspired by the doorways of a Shaker village in Kentucky. Breadboard ends and a spare silhouette give its white-oak Lakeshore dining table a timeless appeal. Don’t miss benches – inspired by footstools in Moroccan souks – upholstered with recycled fabric from French fashion houses wound into cord.
1299 ST. MARY’S AVE, UNIT #4, MISSISSAUGA COOLICANANDCOMPANY.COM
Crate & Barrel
Easy-to-mix accessories and craft-conscious furniture and tableware are C&B’S stock-intrade. Tighter spaces will love their streamlined sofas, storage ottomans and adjustable pedestal tables that accommodate various heights. C&B’S elegant utility cart doubles as a rolling bartop, kitchen prep station or bathroom caddy. Mix and match home accents in marble and gold with wood and porcelain. Fulfill your entertaining ambitions with petite gas grills, stemless wineglasses and artisanal dinnerware in matte black.
YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE, 3401 DUFFERIN ST 416 657 4100 (ALSO: SQUARE ONE SHOPPING CENTRE, 95 SQUARE ONE DR 905 949 1545) CRATEANDBARREL.CA
Design Republic
In the F.C. Burroughes Furniture Company’s former digs – one of the city’s greatest intact historic buildings – DR sells of-the-moment, urbanite-approved furniture. Live-edge dining and coffee tables with customizable steel bases are a draw, as are their made-in-toronto sofas, sectionals and sofabeds, available in hundreds of fabrics and leathers. Complementing small kitchens are islands on casters, industrial Rochelle stools in chirpy colours, and vintage accessories to personalize your look.
639 QUEEN ST W 416 603 0007 MYDESIGNREPUBLIC.COM
Design Within Reach
DWR is a destination for new designs and designers whose work captures the spirit and ideals of iconic modern design. Its collection mixes authentic licensed classics from Emeco, Cassina and Knoll with DWR’S exclusive house designs. DWR’S ever-popular Story bookcase from Afteroom virtually disappears when fully loaded. We also love the streamlined Sen media unit by Ibon Arrizabalaga in graphite, while the Neverending Glory hand-blown glass pendants inspired by chandeliers from Europe’s most eminent opera houses add a sense of quiet refinement.
214 KING ST E 416
977 4003 DWR.COM
Designers Walk
Spread across five buildings, DW’S furniture, lighting, accessories and fabric suppliers cater to the city’s interior design community. Find lush textiles from JF & Co. next to bustling design firms in Building 2, the Resource Centre in Building 3 and, in Building 4, a marketplace packed with fine rugs and wallcoverings from Robert Allen and The Red Carpet & Rug Company. Find luxury home furnishings, fabrics and accessories from retailers Theo and Primavera in Building 5.
RESOURCE CENTRE, 168 BEDFORD RD, 2ND FL 416 961 1211 x225 DESIGNERSWALK.COM
Direct Interiors
With 4,645 square metres of floor space and over 200 manufacturers in store, you’d be hard pressed not to walk away with exactly what you were looking for. At this one-stop shop, you will find everything from nursery furniture (check out Dutailier) and leather upholstered sofas (see Bernhardt) to entertainment centres (from Hooker Furniture) and dining sets (by Calligaris). Lighting, bedding, window coverings and rugs round out the selection. 2005 CLARK BLVD, BRAMPTON 905 791 9660 DIRECTINTERIORS.COM
Drechsel Studio
This design studio’s prowess is blending residential and commercial functionality using hybrid furniture and lighting from such stalwart European manufacturers as Arco, Asplund and Fredericia. Stingray is not your grandma’s rocker: the plastic seat’s unconventionally organic shape is wide and dynamic. Want a different way to lounge? Get inspired by the creative, avant-garde forms of DS’S modular sofas, including Sancal’s La Isla, and Verpan’s Welle – a low, undulating seating landscape with six different mix-and-match units.
150 KING ST E 416 740 7226 DRECHSELSTUDIO.COM
Elte
Many style-savvy shoppers make Elte their first stop for sofas, tables and beds. Elte has assembled a stacked lineup of designers, including Kara Mann, Timothy Oulton, Aerin Lauder, Thomas Bina, Milo Baughman and Thayer Coggin. Seek out furniture and accessories from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and test drive luxurious mattresses from Vispring. There are also scores of broadloom and handmade carpet options, including vintage Moroccan rugs featuring deep hues in lattice patterns.
80 RONALD AVE 416 785 7885 ELTE.COM
Elte MKT
Focused on discounted high-end design, Elte MKT’S raw industrial space caters to a modern clientele with an ever-changing inventory of urbane, compact furnishings. Explore sofas, beds and lighting – not to mention a strong selection of cowhide, vintage kilim and colourful silk rugs. Wall decor options abound: customize your home with graphic illustrations or polished photos from Yellowkorner, a shop-within-ashop at Elte MKT that offers limited-edition non-digital prints, finishes and frames. 1381 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 789 0800 ELTEMKT.COM
EQ3
With an economical approach to design, EQ3 produces intelligently crafted and retro-sleek furniture and accessories. They primarily tout made-in-canada pieces, including sofas and sectionals. For a pressed-for-space condo, try the Marcel bed with optional six-drawer storage, or baskets handwoven from seagrass that double as storage and decor. Add small-scale, big-impact accents with Ball lamps in various finishes, or the Posey series of pastel ceramic vases in playful forms that will bring fresh energy to any room. 51 HANNA AVE, UNIT #3 416 533 9090 (ALSO: 222 KING ST E 416 815 2002) EQ3.COM
Fisker International
Headed by an owner with a growing design– build business, this no-nonsense trade-only showroom brings high-end Italian and Danish furniture and millwork to the Toronto market: seating from Plank and Mater Design, wardrobes from Presotto and contract furniture from Howe. Fisker’s now looking south: its latest venture is a collaboration with Brazil’s Sollos, a collection of furniture with a modern take on the mid-century modern aesthetic that exemplifies casual luxury.
58 STEWART ST, UNIT #100 INFO@FISKERINTL.COM BY APPT ONLY FISKERINTL.COM
Gautier
Environmentally friendly furniture for tight spaces is central to this French manufacturer’s offerings for adults, kids and teens. Their pieces are building-block masters: adjustable, stackable and multi-purpose pieces to fit any nook or cranny. Take the country oak–finish Natura line with shelving options that perform double duty as integrated media stand storage and see-thru room dividers. Reinventing the smallest of spaces is Nocturne, with its 3-in-1 functionality: a pull-down bed with an extending console-to-dining table or multimedia unit. 164 DAVENPORT RD 416 777 9494 GAUTIER.CA
Green Light District
Shop owners David and Deborah Peets travel the globe to find eclectic furnishings sourced directly from independent artisans. Online, you’ll find artful lamps from Montreal’s Brollte and wood inlay media units by Christopher Solar, as well as European oak side tables with slender cube-shaped bases and tops that remove to reveal hidden storage space. Eyecatching homewares include sculptural blackened oak candlesticks and merino wool felt pillows.
457 RONCESVALLES AVE 416 272 5005 GREENLIGHTSHOP.CA
Hardware Interiors
Murray Duncan and Jordan Tabachnik search far and wide for vintage furniture and salvaged materials. Serving both residential and commercial spaces, their in-house label Morgan Clayhall crafts functional and artful bespoke tables, lighting and installations with refined finishes. Many of their spectacular custom pieces incorporate Duncan’s bold and abstract mixed-media paintings and collages to create one-of-a-kind statements.
31 SAULTER ST, UNIT 3C 647 641 3724 BY APPT ONLY HARDWAREINTERIORS.COM; MORGANCLAYHALL.COM
Hollace Cluny
Wandering through HC’S elegant showroom, you’ll discover a selection of tailored furniture and accessories from such high-end brands as De La Espada, Carl Hansen & Søn, Knoll and Bassamfellows. We noted handcrafted, mid-century-style wooden furniture from Smilow, statement-making tables from Tom Faulkner and exquisite wallpaper featuring old books and organic patterns. Complementing the collection are understated light fixtures from Stickbulb, David Weeks and Serge Mouille.
245 DAVENPORT RD 416 968 7894 HOLLACECLUNY.CA
Hollis+morris
H+M is a contemporary lighting and furniture studio that specializes in minimal pieces – some with a futuristic bent, and all manufactured on site. The impeccably honed pieces integrate wood and metals: aluminum basin coffee tables, fiddlehead-like umbrella stands and off-axis conical stools that resemble large chess pieces. Imaginative luminaires include hexagonal or zig-zagging Bolt sconces, and paperclip-like Link pendants.
501 ALLIANCE AVE, STE #102 647 970 9716 HOLLISMORRIS.COM
Home Smith
An eclectic yet curated selection of vintage, antique and modern accents and furniture greets visitors to this charming Roncy outpost. Larger pieces run the gamut from swanky velvet club chairs and weathered hickory bar carts to slender glass étagères with gilded iron frames. The diverse selection of textiles and accessories here includes Montauk linen throws, small-batch candles and vinyl mats inspired by world tile patterns.
309 RONCESVALLES AVE 416 484 3702 HOMESMITHHOUSE.COM
Home Société
HS brings French flair to the city. The biggest coup: the introduction of Ligne Roset to the uptown design district. This manufacturer boasts high-end furniture and accessories, from sleek yet sumptuous sofas (see Ploum) to chic dining chairs and sideboards (check out Book&look). Elegant media consoles and bed frames from Maison Corbeil round out the selection.
1270 CALEDONIA RD 647 696 4612 HOMESOCIETE.CA
Homestyle Furnishings
Natuzzi Italia’s luxe assortment of leather and fabric seating is the headliner here: the Euro collection boasts swivelling armchairs and deeply cushioned sofas with adjustable headrests. Models feature built-in docking stations, side pockets and even shelves for added versatility. The range comprises upholstered beds, dining and coffee tables, and a recliner that intuitively responds to posture shifts.
1190 CALEDONIA RD 416 780 1055 HOMESTYLEFURNISHINGS.COM
Hudson’s Bay
The sixth floor of the iconic flagship store is stocked with high-end furniture and appliances: the largest Huppé shop in the city, a new Natuzzi Italia shop, Glucksteinhome and much more. The newly redesigned lower level stocks a perfectly curated selection of cookware, dinnerware and tabletop accessories, including Kitchenaid mixers and Le Creuset baking dishes in every colour of the rainbow.
176 YONGE ST 416 861 9111 (ALSO: 44 BLOOR ST E 416 972 3333; YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE, 3401 DUFFERIN ST 416 789 8011) THEBAY.COM
Improve Canada
Organized like a trade show, this supercentre boasts 400 vendors ready to help with any home improvement task, from hardwood flooring to fine-art framing. Find innovative appliances and fixtures from kitchen and bath manufacturers like Jura, Leicht, Miele and American Standard alongside select products from Bauformat, Poggenpohl and Canaroma. Other standouts: Komandor’s custom closets and doors and The Door Boutique’s panoply of modern knobs.
7250 KEELE ST, VAUGHAN 416 417 7507 APPT REC IMPROVECANADA.COM
Industrial Storm
Owners Gary Flaherty and Hanson Tan offer personalized design services in a showroom that spotlights small-run and one-off furnishings and art objects; everything from furniture to Nepalese wool-blend rugs. Here you’ll find concrete coffee tables on recessed castors by Oso Industries, casegoods by Ted Boerner, exotic fibre textiles from Bisson Bruneel and wallcoverings with dreamy painted scenes by Look Walls & Interiors.
367 DUPONT ST 416 955 9888 INDUSTRIALSTORM.COM
Interior Elements
IE’S focus is high-end Italian furniture. With 26 tailored environments featuring pieces from Baxter, Minotti, Molteni&c and Dada, its offerings highlight plush and perfectly fitted sofas and easy chaises longues that point to minimalist aesthetics and an attention to detail. Exquisite lighting from the likes of Nahoor, Bomma and Lasvit – do see the horizontal Cipher pendant by Yabu Pushelberg – maintain the sense of European glamour.
102 BERKELEY ST 416 928 0222 INTERIORELEMENTS.CA
ITALDESIGN
King East’s “design mile” gets another big hitter with the recent opening of ITALDESIGN. Boasting 13 mega brands, it’s set up as a one-stop, all-things-contemporary-home showroom. Here, you’ll find kitchen systems by Ernestomeda, bath furnishings from Antonio Lupi and sleek furniture and wardrobes by Misuraemme. There is Italian lighting by Artemide, appliances from Gaggenau, and epic wallpaper by N.O.W. Edizioni. And that’s just the half of it!
325 KING ST E 416 346 4922 ITALDESIGN.CA
Italinteriors
The clean, inviting displays here are punctuated by Italy’s most sophisticated furniture icons. De Padova, Flexform, Living Divani, Porro, Porada and Riva 1920 are represented in fashionable muted palettes. From Cassina is a resurgence of classic pieces by Gaetano Pesce and Vico Magistretti – and, from Flexform, Carlo Colombo’s Sveva chair, which features a sculptural saddle-leather shell. Upstairs: Boffi’s elegant K6 kitchen system with sliding work surface.
359 KING ST E 416 366 9540 ITALINTERIORS.CA
Jalice Interiors
JI’S beat is European furniture and lighting that embody old-world sophistication – but thanks to rich hues, curves and quirk, there’s not a stuffy item in sight. Seek out the striking colour-blocked sectionals and bodice-shaped lounge chairs from Freistel by Rolf Benz, Furninova’s cozy wingbacks animated by a pattern of bright buttons and, for the office environment, JI’S bespoke desk systems and partitions.
JALICE.CA
Kendall & Co.
This inviting Cabbagetown boutique offers everything from window treatments and lighting to wallpapers and textiles, as well as accessories and furnishings, all with a whimsical or luxe touch. The two-level space is a one-stop shop for wall murals, roller shades and drapery, seating of all shapes and sizes, plus a rotating selection of local and ethically minded homewares, including a collection of colourful fair-trade wool, bamboo and outdoor rugs.
514 PARLIAMENT ST 416 363 9914 KENDALLANDCO.CA
Kiosk
Kiosk’s space is an architectural tour de force: dramatic staircases and a catwalk lead through three floors of exquisite contemporary furniture by top European brands, including B&B Italia, Glas Italia, Knoll, Rimadesio, Stua and Zanotta. Fall for the composed glamour of the Ren dressing table from Poltrona Frau – with its full moon–shaped mirror and secret leather-clad compartment – along with incredible lights from Flos, Foscarini and Bocci.
288 KING ST E 416 539 9665 KIOSKDESIGN.CA
Klaus
Klaus is the long-time source for contemporary and classic designs by such esteemed manufacturers as Thonet, Artifort, Tom Dixon, Moooi and Louis Poulsen. Here you’ll find the work of pioneering German design studios Rolf Benz, COR and e15 alongside hip Danish brands Menu, Normann Copenhagen and &tradition. Among the many exclusives is lighting by Montreal’s Lambert & Fils and Vancouver’s Andlight. Nienkämper next door showcases its own line of office furnishings.
300 KING ST E 416 362 3434 KLAUSN.COM
Kroft
Dustin Kroft has an affinity for versatile, original solid-wood furniture, and it shows in his made-in-toronto collection. With a focus on minimalism and craft, much of the catalogue consists of ready-made small objects and bite-sized furniture items. Our favourites include the wall-mounted Buoy nightstands and bespoke trestle tables available in oak, ash or walnut – a handsome nod to Scandinavian, Japanese and Shaker styles.
124 CONNIE CRES, UNIT #11, CONCORD 416 928 5959 BY APPT ONLY KROFT.CO
Made Design
Shaun Moore stocks one-of-a-kind products from independent designers. Check out Jeremy Hatch’s porcelain Best Before creamers for Ricochet Studio – shaped like open milk cartons – as well as detailed rugs by Studio Eeuwes and super-durable stools, bowls and wall organizers by Felt Studio. The real showstopper here, however, is the designed-inhouse inventory of customizable dining tables, upholstered furniture, built-ins and shelving. 70 GEARY AVE 416 607 6384 MADEDESIGN.CA
Mjölk
Home accessories by prominent Japanese artisans; heritage Scandinavian furniture by Fredericia; and contemporary, made-to-last pieces from De La Espada, &tradition, Frama and Maruni: sophistication abounds at Mjölk. Here you’ll find such treasures as Oji Masanori’s sand-cast brass flatware and Finn Juhl’s iconic France and Chieftain chairs. Among the many exclusive pieces are in-house collaborations with international designers.
2959 DUNDAS ST W 416 551 9853 MJOLK.CA
Mobilia
Contemporary furnishings and decorative accessories for large homes and small spaces fill vignettes propped with lighting, rugs, throws – even a dash of office product. Popular items include modular leather sofas such as the Rockland II and Funktion sectionals, which feature fully adjustable headrests and tilted back seats respectively; the extendable Westlyn dining table with marble base; and the Wolfe bed, with its tall, tufted headboard upholstered in viscose–linen.
1425 DUNDAS ST E, MISSISSAUGA 905 625 9106 (ALSO: 71 COCHRANE DR, MARKHAM 905 305 0355) MOBILIA.CA
Modern Sense
MS is all about ultra-contemporary furniture. Continually refreshed stock includes Italian and Canadian mid-mod side chairs and occasional tables, slick dining sets and floating entertainment units. Some favourites: Innovation Living’s condo-friendly Long Horn sofa, which opens up to become a double-bed delight; Tonin Casa’s made-in-italy trestlelegged dining tables; and Huppé’s overstuffed sofas and solid-wood bedframes with floating nightstands.
1875 WILSON AVE 416 746 9381 MODERNSENSEFURNITURE.COM
Molteni & C | Dada
M&C’S Vincent Van Duysen–designed showroom and refined vignettes illustrate its commitment to detail-driven furniture, accessories, storage solutions and kitchen systems. Accessory trays in the Gliss walk-in closet offer a place for every pocket square, while a dappled stone vessel sink reminiscent of terrazzo (from sister kitchen manufacturer Dada) and the Grid compositional wall system (with its many luxe customization options) stand out.
339 ADELAIDE ST E 416 362 2226 MOLTENIGROUP.COM
Montauk Sofa
Hardwood frames and springs tied at eight pressure points ensure Montauk’s cushy and handsomely casual seats will hold up for years to come. The slate-grey, sink-into-me backrest of the Heather sofa is draped with a pillow hood and oversized down-filled cushions for the ultimate Netflix-binge environment. Valcucine’s kitchen systems are equally spectacular; the sensor-controlled Air Logica reveals small appliances and cooking utensils hidden behind a rising backsplash with a wave of the hand.
220 KING ST E 416 361 0331 MONTAUKSOFA.COM
Nirvana Home Collection
Modern and contemporary home furnishings with an ergonomic edge mingle here with Umbra and Braun accessories. Task and lounge chairs by Humanscale and Human Touch, as well as desk lamps by Koncept and Aerelight, suit the needs of any workaholic, while sofa beds – made to order in Toronto – are equipped with hidden storage, and are perfect for hosting guests in close quarters. Canadian linens and goose-down duvets round out the selection.
55 BLOOR ST W 416 929 8300 NIRVANAHOME.CA
Palazzetti
A loft-like setting complements the exclusive stock of minimalist furnishings and accessories here: the soap bubble–esque Cloud lamps by Cattelan; the Barbara table with peekaboo concrete base and Leon credenza (whose front has an incredible trompe l’oeil ripple effect) by Casamania & Horm; and Bonaldo’s sexy Lock chair, whose seat and back provide comfort with a single swoop of padding. Palazzetti’s selection of Fornasetti’s decorative plates are proven bestsellers.
1020 LAWRENCE AVE W 416 785 7190 PALAZZETTI.CA
Pavilion
Clean lines, comfort and classic silhouettes give Pavilion’s sofas, dining tables and media units – modern furnishings designed with urban dwellers in mind – a timeless quality. Pavilion specializes in Canadian-crafted and made-to-order pieces, including sleek bedroom furniture in walnut and white oak, and deep, modular sectionals. Also here: handmade dining tables and credenzas, original artwork and prints, lighting and home accessories.
42 GLADSTONE AVE 416 504 9859 PAVILIONMODERN.COM
Pekota Design
Pekota carries its own brand of furniture designed and built in Canada, as well as an assortment of pieces from around the world. Best described as industrial elegance, the collection of chairs, tables, sofas, shelving and lighting pieces made from hand-finished steel and wood is defined by a unique blend of modern and art deco styles. Also on offer: an assortment of live-edge wood slabs of various sizes and wood types.
810 FLINT RD, NORTH YORK 647 710 9573 PEKOTA.COM
Poliform
Look no further for streamlined and distinguished Italian furniture systems. Put your threads on full display with stand-alone wardrobes or walk-in closets with smoked glass doors and slender frames. Varenna kitchens redefine the art of cooking with ultra-thin cabinetry and integrated handles and lighting. Sprinkled throughout the showroom are luxe (and often multi-functional) furnishings, while stunning tubs and washbasins by Antonio Lupi occupy the lower level. 99 JARVIS ST 416 601 1661 POLIFORMTORONTO.COM
Quasi Modo Modern Furniture
QM is an elegant showroom displaying contemporary furniture from such top international brands as Knoll, Cherner, Vitra and Gervasoni. Find lighting from heavyweights Artemide and Foscarini and expressive new pendants by Arturo Alvarez. Spain’s Gan features stylish outdoor tartan rugs and colourful wool poufs that pull triple duty as seat, ottoman and nesting table. Balance form and function at the small scale, too: colourful glassware from Iittala abounds.
1079 QUEEN ST W 416 703 8300 QUASIMODOMODERN.COM
Radform
This bright, street-facing showroom displays modern European furniture for residential, commercial and hospitality settings. Offecct’s Carry On stool is easily transported between rooms, and its quilted leather, stackable Bop chair, designed for concert venues, fits perfectly in a home studio. We like the tubular metal bookcases that can be wall- or floormounted, and the modular Meet sofa’s built-in wooden planters, which bring greenery into the mix.
317 ADELAIDE ST E, STE #102 416 955 8282 RADFORM.COM
Resource Furniture
RF’S innovative, convertible and modular furniture speaks to space-hungry Torontonians. Over 100 customizable pieces for adults and kids unlock their multi-functionality with a simple tug. Italian-made wall beds by Clei double as desks, couches or shelving units during the day, while cleverly incorporated corner closets, upper cabinets, or full-wall shelving maximize micro-apartments, home offices or dens.
322 KING ST E 416 901 7555 RESOURCEFUNITURE.COM
Restoration Hardware
Commanding four levels of retail space, this home furnishings mecca features entire floors dedicated to transitional, modern and outdoor collections. View a collection of its global designers’ creations: velvet tufted sofas, steel I-beam dining tables and hand-carved alabaster pendants. Don’t miss the luxurious alpaca throws, stonewashed Belgian bed linens and Moroccan wool area rugs, or the on-trend offerings for toddlers to teens.
YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE, 3401 DUFFERIN ST 416 322 9422 RESTORATIONHARDWARE.COM
Roche Bobois
Browse elegant, casual and contemporary furnishings in this airy two-storey showroom. Two collections – traditional Les Nouveaux Classiques and modern Les Contemporains – boast such stunners as the Carrara marble– based Aqua table and the low-slung Mah Jong modular seating system. The Globe Trotter collection by Marcel Wanders features sofas and cabinets sprinkled with illustrated motifs evoking fantastic journeys. Hand-tufted rugs from Missoni Home and Christian Lacroix add pizzazz.
101 PARLIAMENT ST 416 366 3273 ROCHE-BOBOIS.COM
Selene Furniture
One of the GTA’S largest modern Italian furniture showrooms, SF is just 30 minutes from downtown. It’s also Ontario’s sole distributor of Sangiacomo custom wall units and wardrobes; Sovet’s glass, wood and ceramic specialties; and Meson’s integratedeverything kitchens. SF’S sofas, chairs and upholstered beds are made in its on-site manufacturing facility with remarkable turnaround.
8051 KEELE ST, VAUGHAN 905 669 2606 SELENEFURNITURE.COM
Shelter Furniture
An affordable Queen West vibe available to the Uptown scene. Much of the rotating selection of contemporary to mid-century living, dining and bedroom furniture here is globally sourced. Experience one hip vignette after another, each a complete set combined with lighting and accents, and choose from well-tailored sofas with slim, small-profile designs; these pair nicely with SF’S mid-mod consoles, side tables and occasional chairs.
885 CALEDONIA RD 416 783 3333 SHELTERFURNITURE.CA
The Sofa Bed Store
Oh, the ubiquitous sofa bed...luckily, things are done a little differently at SBS. Instead of hiding a thin foam mattress inside the seat of the sofa, the seat here is made from a shape-retaining pocket-coil mattress – meaning the mattress is comfortable and the convertible sofa streamlined. Our favourites from the selection: the Movie Night sofa with wooden arms and the handsomely tufted Soho sofa with extra-wide armrests.
590 MT PLEASANT RD 416 901 9134 THESOFABEDSTORE.COM
South Hill Home
SHH is home to impeccably crafted pieces from around the world, from timeless contemporary elegance by French designers Stéphane Parmentier, Jean-louis Deniot and Joseph Dirand to the casual luxury of Brazil’s Jader Almeida. Talented Canadian designers’ work figures in the mix; be sure to see Matthew Mccormick’s ringed luminaires, Paolo Ferrari’s distinguished seating and Powell & Bonnell’s masterfully understated consoles.
146 DUPONT ST 416 924 7224 SOUTHHILLHOME.COM
Space Furniture
SF’S skilled artisans create custom millwork and furniture: contemporary cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling fireplace surrounds, floating staircases, media units and closets. Their stainless-steel and Corian countertops are made to order with integrated sinks, providing a seamless, easyto-clean kitchen surface. SF’S pieces are marked by their durability, affordability and timeless style.
SPACEFURNITURE.CA
Studio b/plan b
The impeccably crafted modern furniture here ranges from dreamy beds by Walter K. to sculptural consoles by Caste. Exclusives include transitional seating and carpet from Holly Hunt, columnar sculptures by Corbin Bronze, handwoven outdoor sets by Dedon, lighting from Penta and Oluce, and concept spaces dedicated to Italy’s Flexform Mood and Henge. The in-store Hästens shop showcases handmade mattresses from Sweden’s bespoke bed manufacturer.
380 KING ST E 416 363 2996; 416 941 1010 STUDIOBHOME.COM; PLANBOFFICE.COM
Stylegarage
Stylegarage is a destination for industrial-chic wares and made-to-order furniture supporting local craftspeople and suppliers. Here, you’ll find bespoke sofas, console desks and various customizable wood dining tables and kitchen islands. Upstairs is the mid-mod collection of couches, chairs and coffee tables by Toronto’s Gus Modern: the Wallace Chair with its channel-stitched leather upholstery is a modern reinterpretation of the classic English chesterfield.
78 OSSINGTON AVE 416 534 4343 STYLEGARAGE.COM
Suite 22 Interiors
This home to sharp Italian furniture has tailored living, dining and bedroom vignettes that boast such heavy hitters as Cattelan Italia, Lago and Tacchini. Standouts include Naos’s Quasar extendable table with a gorgeous visible gear mechanism; it adjusts the size with a simple push or pull. Bonaldo’s hemispherical Planet coffee table with internal lighting creates a focal point.
160 BULLOCK DR, MARKHAM 905 554 6084 SUITE22.CA
Tendex
After 35 years in the retail biz, this purveyor of fine European furnishings from Italy (i
4 Mariani and Misuraemme) and Germany (More Moebel, Yomei) has moved online. The Lax dining table by More Moebel, which features two ×-shaped supports with an array of solid wood top options, is a compelling piece, as is the Magic Matrix – a lightweight and highly flexible shelving system from Yomei – and i 4 Mariani’s curvaceous Voile chair in saddle leather.
TENDEX.CA
Toronto International Design Centre
With all things home decor spread across 25-plus showrooms – a staggering 14,000 square metres – TIDC is a one-stop shop for design professionals. Showrooms feature the latest in furnishings, accessories, appliances, textiles, flooring and lighting from top Canadian and international manufacturers. Among the must-see attractions are rug art from Renwil, Distinctive’s kitchen appliances, and luxe accent pieces from Guild Design Gallery.
THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, 6900 AIRPORT RD, MISSISSAUGA 905 678 5626 BY APPT ONLY EXPLORETIDC.COM
Tusch Seating
Though it caters to pros, anyone with, well, a tush can peruse Tusch’s colourful stools, desks, chairs and tables from Italy and Spain, exclusives from Tonon and Billiani among them. Look for Capdell’s low-slung Nix chair, which gracefully combines solid wood and curved plywood, and Expormim’s modern
take on the rattan/wicker armchair. Inclass’s various polyethylene bases and tabletop options make for endless configurations to adapt to new ways of working.
251 BARTLEY DR, UNIT #3 416 368 6100 TUSCHSEATING.COM
Upcountry
Old meets new in this showroom’s range of retro, modern and transitional furniture with a strong focus on Canadian designs. Look for mid-mod sofas by Toronto’s Gus Modern, whose Scandi-style Astrid sofa pops in cherry red, plus stately sectionals from G. Romano and wood-frame beds by Mobican, both out of Montreal. More cool Canuck offerings: dressers, entertainment units and rustic oak-veneered dining tables.
1400 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 787 8488; (ALSO: 3443 FAIRVIEW ST, BURLINGTON 905 333 3088) UPCOUNTRY.COM
Urban Mode
Inside this former auto shop is a veritable rainbow of classic and contemporary furnishings and accents. For lighting with an edge, try Normann Copenhagen’s chunky bell pendant in a matte finish or Muuto’s hand-painted, hand-spun aluminum Ambit rail lamp. Softline’s modular sofa with adjustable backrests allows you to create two different seating directions at once, and Blu Dot’s painted wood dressers with bevelled relief doubles as a space divider.
145 TECUMSETH ST 416 591 8834 URBANMODE.COM
West Elm
This Liberty Village outpost features modern home designs for condo dwellers. Whether starting out with furniture essentials such as beds or sofas, or styling up with decorative
objets, WE is a destination for affordable accoutrements. Fan faves include handwoven wool rugs, Usb-charging nightstands, and bath staples for your self-care needs. Add homegrown items to the mix, such as handcrafted soap from Skipping Stone and reclaimed-wood coffee tables by Son of a Woodcutter.
109 ATLANTIC AVE 416 537 0110 (ALSO: 2131 YONGE ST 416 480 1078) WESTELM.CA More contemporary furniture: Bauhaus, Casa Di Luce, Eurolite, NUA Office, Studio Pazo and Torp.
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, Wusthof 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 and 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 zig-zag 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 Ethiopian neck rests, 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
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
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 alike. Best of all: proceeds from sales directly support this longstanding art institution.
317 DUNDAS ST W 416 979 6610 SHOP2.AGO.NET
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 ostrichskin furniture, while the eye can’t help but be drawn to the colourful dyed-feather headdresses on the wall. Senufo stools and one-ofa-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
Spacing Store
Hop on the Spadina streetcar to 401 Richmond to see the ultimate hub for citified design. Rob Croxford’s vintage-styled TTC and tourism posters are stacked alongside contemporary prints, while a wall of subway-stop buttons encourages you to rep your favourite neighbourhood. Sift through over 100 non-fiction titles about The Six and pick up raccoonthemed gifts, city-inspired glassware or Love My Local’s Toronto-shaped serving board.
401 RICHMOND ST W 416 644 1017 SPACINGSTORE.CA
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. Multi-hued wooden trays by Vitra and patterned rugs by Sweden’s Pappelina round out the broadly appealing offerings.
219 QUEEN ST E 416 507 0000 STUDIOPAZO.CA
Swipe Design
It would be unfair to call Swipe simply a bookstore, given its array of giftable design products for home and office. Scandinavian minimalism is celebrated with ceramic and glass housewares from Marimekko and Iittala, which sit alongside chalkboard cups from Magisso and Areaware’s stacking pine Blockitecture pieces, adding whimsy to the shelves of architecture and design books. 401 RICHMOND ST W 416 363 1332 SWIPE.COM
Task
Anne Seally – and her impeccable eye for handcrafted tableware, home goods and gifts – is back, having moved shop from Brooklyn to the Beach. Inside this cozy space is the wide array of rare housewares you’d expect from an experienced New York buyer, including delicate Japanese towels made from organic cotton, exquisite candle and home scent lines, tin-plated copper serving trays hand-hammered in Turkey and perfectly formed brass tea scoops.
1915 QUEEN ST E 647 345 3444 TASKNEWYORK.COM
Teatro Verde
TV’S inventory of luxury florals and decor items is ready to furnish any event, from garden parties to evening cocktails. If its selection of home fragrances or throw pillows – in-house lines designed for each season – does not convince you, this midtown institution’s inventory of modern and traditional accessories for the kitchen and bath alongside glass cases displaying striking floral arrangements will surely impress.
55 AVENUE RD 416 966 2227 TEATROVERDE.COM
Tokyo Smoke
Founded by Quadrangle Architects’ Lorne Gertner and his son (former Google exec) Alan, TS is equal parts coffee shop and cannabis-culture boutique. Impulse-buy items cater to your appetite for sleek design: next to such must-haves as lighters, papers and vapes are the locally designed Heirloom Stack set of nesting pipe, ashtray and grinder (by Castor Design) and a ridged solid brass grinder (by Blok Design for 48North).
333 YONGE ST 416
477 3618 TOKYOSMOKE.COM
Toronto Designers Market
TDM is a bustling space and home to a community of more than 40 local entrepreneurs. Specializing in art, fashion, skincare and home decor, the vast array of vendors promises something for everyone. Keep your eyes peeled for Kristina Kirkwood’s sculptural branch and stone lamps, Kwesiya’s vibrant African fabrics, and Andie & Co.’s handcrafted plant-based candles and home fragrances. 1605 QUEEN ST W TORONTODESIGNERSMARKET.COM
The Umbra Store
The iridescent bands girding this flagship conceal a team hard at work designing the latest and greatest home accessories. Among the compact household essentials the brand is known for, seek out Karim Rashid’s ergonomic Oh chair, the Hub collection (an assortment of entryway pieces including a storage ladder, umbrella stand and mirrors), and a new lineup of indoor/outdoor planters.
165 JOHN ST
416 599 0088 UMBRA.COM
Vacuums Plus
“A space entirely devoid of matter,” reads the definition for “vacuum,” but VP is not devoid of anything. This supermarket of residential and commercial vacuum cleaners carries products from Electrolux, Rowenta and Samsung. The pièce de résistance, though, is an ode to German-engineered innovation: the entire wall dedicated to Miele’s crowd-pleasing sucker-uppers. Just in: Dyson’s cord-free vacuums which make the prospect of cleaning much more appealing.
101 SPADINA AVE 647
748 7587 VACUUMSPLUS.CA
Vdev
Merci to Vdev for importing furniture and lighting in Montreal’s boho-chic style to Ossington. The glassed-in storefront features distressed leather sofas and armchairs, brass bar carts and a plethora of lights, from mini Led-powered marquee signs to the large copper-framed Bristol pendant. For those who like their vintage in bulk, there are shelves of cocktail glassware at the back, plus bins of coat hooks and cabinet knobs.
120 OSSINGTON AVE 647 348 3381 VDEVMAISON.COM
William Ashley China
A dazzling, immersive space full of inspiration, WA’S flagship is home to over 200 iconic brands, with designers ranging from Christian Lacroix to Ora Ïto. Staples like Michael Graves’s conical kettle for Alessi, Philippe Starck’s extraterrestrial juicer and Richard Sapper espresso makers mingle with the dissolving landscapes of Hermès’s 24-karat matte gold Voyage en Ikat dinnerware – inspired by a weaving and dyeing technique used to pattern textiles across Asia.
131 BLOOR ST W 416 964 2900 WILLIAMASHLEY.COM
Workshop
This experimental home decor and accessories purveyor carries pieces by professional and emerging designers alike. The fine porcelain handles of ERA’S series of tea and espresso cups – inspired by historic design styles – cradle thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass vessels and add a splash of humour to the morning grind, while Torre & Tagus’s cementand-steel Framework vase makes for an ideal gift.
WORKSHOPTORONTO.COM
Zebuu
This narrow surprise of a boutique artfully displays unfussy accessories for the home. Alongside locally crafted pine ottoman trays and wire animal wall sculptures, you’ll find Tramontina knives, glazed ceramic noodle bowls and handmade copper bottles for blossoms or buds. Textiles rock: cotton bedspreads and blankets, houndstooth throws and a luxe assortment of the city’s best Turkish bath towels for your home or country cabana. 1265 BLOOR ST W 647 748 1265 ZEBUU.COM
Ziggy’s at Home
Packing a modern aesthetic with plenty of flourishes, Ziggy’s offers stylish home and bath products. Collect Kobo candles, Umbra’s fun functionals and your choice of floor mats: colourful woven styles from Chilewich or graphic vinyl models from Beaumont. Other notables include Maison Berger air purifiers, Cluse marble-faced watches and a filling station of safe and guilt-free green soaps and cleaners in refillable bottles from Common Good.
794 COLLEGE ST 416 535 8728 ZIGGYSATHOME.COM More design accessories: Advice from a Caterpillar, Boconcept, CB2, Crate & Barrel, Drechsel Studio, Elte, Elte MKT, EQ3, Ginger’s, Hollace Cluny, Memo, Mjölk, Restoration Hardware, Suite 22, Torp, Urban Mode and West Elm.