Toronto design shops to find the perfect finishing touches
It’s not about how much you spend when decking out your space, it’s about those quality finds that reflect your unique style and taste. From one-of-a-kind found objects and mid-century furnishings to coasters inspired by TTC tokens or a bubble gum pink turntable, here’s our picks for the best design shops in the city for tasteful objects and necessary accessories alike. [Image credit: iStock.com/jodiejohnson]
Love the Design
1226 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W3Christine Flynn’s meticulously curated boutique of shabby chic meets contemporary treasure trove is a feast of the senses. From one-of-a-kind found objects like embellished mirrors and rustic lamps to coveted vintage furnishings. If you’ve ever wanted to create an art wall, you’ll find a wealth of inspiration here, as well as Christine’s own art pieces that blend vintage with nature and modern urban life.
Bay Bloor Radio
55 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1A5Whether chilling at home, throwing a house party or entertaining, the right music, the right sound and the right equipment can make or break the mood. Since the late 1940s, this family-run business has kept its competitive edge by supplying Torontonians with some of the city’s most coveted hi-fi sound equipment. Top pick: the oh-so-transportable Tivoli table radio. Plug in your audio device and take it wherever you want, from the bedroom to the patio.
Spacing Store
401 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8Toronto-themed merchandise is in the midst of a serious heyday. Hit this downtown spot for a number of statement pieces that are quintessential nods to the 6. Next time you have friends over for dinner, why not pass the butter in a Red Rocket streetcar dish or place your cuppa joe on a TTC token coaster. Or, adorn your wall with a vintage print of the Yonge line or a map of your favourite YYZ hood.
Putti Fine Furnishings
1104 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L6If its decadent, ever-changing window display hasn’t taken over your attention, the interior of this European-style furnishings and design store will. When you think Putti, think Marie Antoinette’s bedroom: ultra-luxe velvet cushions, emblazoned pendant lights and mid-century furnishings. Or, peruse statement accent pieces to add that extra bit of bling to your space (think: French ceramic wall hooks, decadent glass cloches and baroque-style antique mirrors).
Medulla & Co
809 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1Part hair salon, part lifestyle boutique, Medulla & Co. carries a small but mighty collection of luxe home accessories for the ultimate statement piece. Think quality vs. quantity. Set the lighting mood in your space with a brass light holder that’s etched to give off geometric shadows against a wall or table. Splurge on a set of hand-carved beechwood wooden spoons or a colourful and intricate throw, hand-woven from Shetland wool.
Sonic Boom Music
215 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2C7Canada’s largest independent record store (a claim a store member says is yet to be disputed) carries some of the most stylish and affordable turntables in the city to amp up your space. Check out a Crosley Cruiser – portable, briefcase-style and ranging in colours from bubblegum pink, muted lime green and classic black. If you’re more inclined to drop the needle on two turntables before an audience, check out the higher-end brands such as the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon or the Audio Technica LP120, which hooks up directly to your computer.
