My profession allows me to have access to a number of different trade-specific vendors and wholesalers, but typically my go-to places for my clients are some of my cherished neighbourhood haunts. Toronto is full of inspired and stunning home décor shops, so depending on your style and your budget, there’s a place for everyone. I have a never-ending list of places to go, but here’s a start on some of my favourites!
Hollace Cluny
For more than two decades, Hollace Cluny has been a source of spectacular contemporary design. With uniquely crafted furniture, lighting, accessories, and art, you will find many statement pieces here. Much of the work is sourced from young designers, so expect an eclectic and inspired mix of everything.
Union Lighting and Furnishings
Canada’s largest lighting showroom offers staggering amounts of chandeliers, scones, floor and table lamps alongside home accessories and furnishings. With a showroom full of curated vignettes, it’s easy to find inspiration for whatever your style may be: modern or charmingly retro.
Hopson Grace
Opened in Rosedale in 2015, Hopson Grace specializes in life’s joyful essentials: food, wine, friends, and family by touting premium tableware designs from around the globe. Expect luxury porcelain, fine bone china and pastel-glazed ceramics, most unavailable elsewhere in North America.
Elte Market
The sister to its bigger brother, Elte, this home goods shop is still in the family, but while its owned by Jamie and Andrew Metrick (whose family has run Elte for over four generations) the store-by-store comparisons tend to stop there. Unlike the more upscale Elte, the Market offers items – found on their yearly buying trips – that are slightly more unusual and against the grain for the urban homeowner. With functional furniture (think beds with built-in storage options and scaled-down couches) their offerings are perfect for smaller spaces.
Mjölk
Touted as pure, honest and essential, Mjölk (meaning Milk) in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood is a lifestyle shop and gallery that houses work by Scandinavian and Japanese designers and artisans with an emphasis on craftsmanship, functionality and timelessness. From textiles, antiques, bath, wellness and art, this shop is a stunning and serene space worth a long visit.
Montauk Sofa
Suited for the diverse needs of a modern home, Montauk’s quality upholstered furnishings offer superior craftsmanship and comfort. Made in Montreal, but with an outpost in Toronto, their collections are aptly named: Modern, Classic, Slip Cover, Dream and Archetype, so you can custom-create your own designs to suit your tastes.
Jardin de Ville
For stunning outdoor furniture, look no further than Jardin de Ville. From wood decking to sophisticated furniture, umbrellas and fireplaces, plus fully customizable and functional pieces, Jardin de Ville is home to big international brands like Manutti, Royal Botania and Roda, and it is the first to introduce the Cane Line into the North American market too.