Table of contents for Issue 2, 2018: The Annual Shopping Guide in DESIGNLINES

BEST TORONTO PATIOS EVER Head online this summer to see our definitive, totally scientific list of real-life patios and backyards, our favourite outdoor loungers and hangouts, and the season’s best-bet events. FOLLOW WENDELL CASTLE’S TRAIL Discover the late American furniture maker’s (p. 45) most inventive contributions to design, and to our city. Plus, local architects and gallerists weigh in on his public sculpture at Yonge and Bloor. OUR NIAGARA ROAD TRIP CONTINUES… Uncork the full story behind DesignAgency’s transformation of The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette (p. 38) in Ontario’s wine country, with more drool-worthy images and inspiring tips for planning your weekend getaway. Hint: you’ll need plenty of shopping bags, as well as a designated driver. LOOK BEFORE YOU EAT Forget balanced diets and join us as we munch our…

GOODY GOODY GUM DROPS Available in mint and peach colours with grey-dipped bottoms, the leather strap on these tie-dye-style Danish beanbags can be removed for easy washing. Made from 100 per cent cotton. MIMI’S CIRCUS BEAN BAG, $250, AT ADVICE FROM A CATERPILLAR, 8 PRICE ST ADVICEFROMACATERPILLAR.CA FUTURE PERFECT Don’t grow out of it with this quirky felt garland. Featuring upside-down lettering and graphic power-boosting shapes, it’s the accessory every misfit can rally around. GARLAND, $20, AT DRAKE GENERAL STORE, 1151 QUEEN ST W DRAKEGENERALSTORE.CA DEAREST ONE Takeshi Sawada’s artful deer-like chair is guaranteed to become an heirloom, if not the family pet. Tykes will want to pet the plush faux-fur seat while they relax against the antler backrest, made from solid European oak. BAMBI CHAIR, $370, AT ELLA +…

SLEEP DesignAgency might have a thing for Victorian luxe (we’re looking at you, Broadview Hotel). Thankfully, the Prince of Wales Hotel, the team’s fave spot to hit the hay when in the area, gushes 19th-century magic. Built in 1864, it has a mansard roof, Victorian furniture and a peacock-populated stained-glass wall, as well as excellent pub fare and spa treatments. 6 PICTON ST, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE 905 468 3246 VINTAGE-HOTELS.COM SHOP If you’re into sampling grub from food trucks, shopping wares from local artisans and listening to live music, the Handmade Market is your jam. Let’s talk about the butter tarts from 13th Street Bakery, Harvest Pillows’ organic cushions that promise a just-like-in-the-country sleep and the fun, nerdy greeting cards by The Chemist Tree. MAY 11 & 12, 13TH STREET WINERY, 1776…

Welcome back to our Annual Shopping Guide issue, where we send a team of intrepid writers out into the wilds of Toronto furniture and accessory stores – and they report back on only the best destinations. Get out yourself and explore the city’s seven design districts – plus the plenty of shops and showrooms off the beaten path – to find the product solutions for every room of your home. Plants from ValleyView Gardens 8636 REESOR ROAD, MARKHAM 905 471 5630 VALLEYVIEWGARDENS.COM…

1 EQ3 With an economical approach to design, EQ3 produces intelligently crafted and retro-sleek furniture and accessories. Its latest collection introduces the Replay sofa with configurable seat options, the Arie ottoman and the Chiara Lounge Chair in walnut or black ash. Add geometric accents with Ball lamps in various finishes, storage boxes suitable both for vast libraries and simple arrangements of tchotchkes 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 2 Fisker International Headed by owners with a growing design–build business (they outfitted The Globe and Mail’s new digs), this 220-squaremetre loft is a no-nonsense showroom. Stop here for high-end Italian and…

Word of Mouth “I just love hanging out at Gare De L’est (1190 DUNDAS ST E) because the peeps are amazing. I sit at the chef’s bar, see my food being done, talk to the kitchen and generally am really entertained.” - Glenn Boccini, Dark Tools “We go to Tabule (810 QUEEN ST E) religiously as the high quality of the food is always on point, the service friendly and efficient and the menu is kept fresh with new additions.” - Stefan Weishaupt, Avenue Road “Our favourites are Pinkertons (1026 GERRARD ST E) and their sibling bar across the street, Poor Romeo (1029 GERRARD ST E). We really love the relaxed atmosphere and great selection of drinks.” - Katey Simerson, MachineAge Modern “Mengrai Thai (82 ONTARIO ST). Ignore the usual…

1 Advice from a Caterpillar Refined and cozy with a rustic edge, this Rosedale boutique carries everything that caters to the design-loving parent. Personalize your nursery with linens, rugs and throws from artist-turned-designer Caroline Z Hurley, and painted woven baskets with delicate leather straps from Finnish-Kenyan fair-trade collaboration Mifuko. Toddlers will love Anne-Claire Petit’s hand-crocheted cotton tea set, while the EZA collection of whimsical porcelain mugs and spoons capped with zoo animals is just as fun for adults. 8 PRICE ST 416 960 2223 ADVICEFROMACATERPILLAR.CA 2 Are & Be This Annex shop stocks striking floor coverings and wallpaper otherwise impossible to find in the city. It’s the exclusive Canadian retailer of Object Carpet, whose residential and commercial-grade carpet tiles, broadloom and area rugs come in a multitude of sizes, colours,…

Word of Mouth “La Cubana (392 RONCESVALLES AVE) is light and airy. The palette feels like summer all year round.” - Mischa Couvrette, Hollis+Morris “I often dream of Persian brunch at Tavoos (1120 COLLEGE ST) – a perfect party platter of a little bit of everything. The combinations they offer (try the eggs with dates and walnuts) are an unexpected flavour fest.” - Danielle Suppa, Souvenir “Imanishi (1330 DUNDAS ST W) has great food, service and sake; it’s the perfect place for a small group because of their delicious sharing plates (which are actually kind of hard to share because they are so tasty).” - Juli Dault Baker, Mjölk “Skyline Restaurant (1426 QUEEN ST W) for its original retro interior. This old-school diner has new owners and everything was left…

Off the Beaten Path Bedford Park Royal Lighting Looking for lighting options for any kind of living space? About 100 new items arrive here monthly, from essentials like Sirius’ discreet, dimmable pot lights to modern wallplates by Lutron and Legrand – available in every hue and material possible – not to mention LED strips and bulbs of all sorts. There are larger, statement-making fixtures here, as well: Serge Mouille-inspired floor lamps; 15-bulb chandeliers; Tiffany-glass shades; drum-style luminaires; and ceiling fans from Casablanca, Kendal Lighting and Monte Carlo. 1549 AVENUE RD 416 782 1129 ROYALLIGHTING.COM College & Yonge Alleen’s Alleen’s stocks window treatments for every need and budget. Choose from hundreds of curtain textiles by Robert Allen, Joanne Fabrics and Kravet; blinds by Maxxmar and Shade-O-Matic; shutters by Eclipse; and motorized…

Do the Design District Hop Where our intrepid DL explorers uncovered neighbourhood charms What is your name? Myriam Couturier What have you done for us lately? I walked around the King West, Liberty Village and Queen West areas, visiting stores and showrooms, chatting with owners/managers and checking out new products to include in this year’s issue – everything from high chairs to crystal chandeliers to ergonomic office furniture. What accessories could you not live without on your walk? My phone! I took a bunch of notes, follow-up information and product pictures, plus used Google maps when my (okay) navigation skills led me astray. Also, a good pair of boots, since I walked for hours in unseasonably warm rainy weather. What is your name? Evan Pavka What have you done for…

WHAT THE CLIENTS HAD: a 116-year-old Period Revival home near Casa Loma. What they wanted: a “modern art gallery” aesthetic. Enter Audax into a situation where duelling needs had to be met: the homeowners’ checklist of wants – including one large family space that connects the living, dining and kitchen together while opening to the rear yard and covered terrace – and the city’s requirement to maintain the front half of the heritage building. Inside, Audax aligned the main axis of the living room, dining area and kitchen lengthwise along the main rear wall of the ground floor facing the garden. A concrete wall marks the junction between heritage property and contemporary addition. Responding to the homeowners’ desire for a raw, gallery-style space, Audax left the material in its natural…

1 Akroyd Visitors here peruse a range of bespoke mod furnishings in walnut, cherry, white oak and maple, all sourced from regional woodlots and crafted on site. Check out the media cabinets with slatted doors, platform beds that boast cantilevered side tables, live-edge headboards and slide-out storage drawers. The popular leaf-shaped Trefoil side table, now back in production and redesigned to pack flat, provides a natural touch, while solid maple serving bowls with a beeswax finish are the perfect complement to AF’s signature tables. 15 CASE GOODS LN, STE #101 & 102 416 367 5757 AKROYDFURNITURE.CA 2 Alumilex This Montreal manufacturer of custom windows and doors delivers everything from oversized patio doors to tilt-and-turn windows. The aluminum fenestration systems are available in an infinite array of colours and can be…

Word of Mouth “Gusto 101 (101 PORTLAND ST) never disappoints. We’ve had many industry visitors from Italy who love it, too. Buca (604 KING ST W) is perfect for something a little more upmarket. Order the Nodini and pizza with scissors!” - Daniel Fisker, Fisker International “Aloette (163 SPADINA AVE) is my go-to for best food because the menu is full of familiar items that Chef Kriss somehow elevates to gourmet status. My favourite menu item is the burger – a diner classic elevated to a gourmet pleasure without the greasy hangover. Beautiful space, casual atmosphere, attentive service.” - Richard Assaly, LightForm “Joe Bird (207 QUEENS QUAY) for Caesars, calamari and amazingly delicious wings! Our top choice is the sweet and sticky hoisin tamarind.” - Warren Moore, Harbourfront Shop Must-Stop…

1 Atomic Design Lawrence Blairs recently expanded his collection of mid-century pieces (heavy on the Eameses, Verner Panton and Pierre Paulin) to include more recent selections; it now comprises refurbished 1950s and ’60s originals and postmodern designs from the ’70s and early ’80s. AD’s smaller decor accents delight: hand-blown Murano glass table lamps, neon art and a selection of Scandinavian and Italian glassware. SparK, a new in-house range of custom lighting, includes table and suspension lamps in warm burnished brass. 965 QUEEN ST W 416 912 2358 ATOMICDESIGN.CA 2 Average The brainchild of graphic designer Chris Hanz, Average is an ode to functionalist sensibilities, specializing in high-quality desk supplies and housewares with a timeless aesthetic and clear purpose – in other words, impressively functional, but no less handsome for it.…

Word of Mouth “Salt & Pepper Catering (287 DAVENPORT RD) is a small luncheon place that serves the best fresh sandwiches, soups and salads. It is delicious, always super fresh and has friendly staff.” - Arne Nordtorp, Torp Inc. “Fat Pasha (414 DUPONT ST) is a Jewish delight. How many Jewish restaurants do you know of?! Very few, that’s why it’s cool.” - Richard Bertrand, South Hill Home “Rose and Sons’ (176 DUPONT ST) new delicatessen menu is absolutely amazing. It’s a great place to grab a quick lunch or an after-work drink.” - Spencer Crouch, Moncer “Quanto Basta (1112 YONGE ST) delivers an intoxicating mix of delicious Italian fare, great wine and buzzy atmosphere. We’re addicted.” - Martha Grace McKimm, Hopson Grace Must-Stop Shopping Spots “Want Apothecary (1070 YONGE…

1 18 Watt Designers flock here for exclusive continental furniture and lighting that leans more toward chic hotels than the comforts of home. The 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. More accessible are the innovations from Sweden’s Johanson, which designs modular sofas and easy chairs, and morphs felt into stunning sound absorbers. For real attention-grabbers, look to Andromeda Murano’s serpentine glass chandeliers. 834 CALEDONIA RD 416 787 1818 18-WATT.COM 2 Allan Rug Company This 1,200-square-metre showroom boasts a staggering selection of versatile contemporary flooring solutions, from carpet tiles and area rugs to hardwood, cork, laminate and luxury vinyl. Find innovative products from custom and handmade rugs to extra-wide hardwood planks, as…

THE DIRECTIONS read like a treasure map. Drive past vineyards, an old chestnut tree and duck ponds until you see a minimalist black barn (designed by gh3 architects). This is where Toronto’s DesignAgency, fresh from a Broadview Hotel redo, brought The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette Winery to life, crafting an interior that champions co-chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson’s delicate, French-inspired food. Think persimmon-glazed duck (pictured) and house-made Cabernet Franc. Local ingredients echo the surroundings, as does the gabled interior. “We kept the overall design subtle, focusing on such details as metal inlay in the concrete tabletops, which trace the paths of Niagara rivers,” the designers said. Other custom work includes an installation of black string lights over a central harvest table, and a backlit display of regional photographs by…

Hot Docs International Documentary Festival Apr 26-May 6 Featuring compelling docs from the series Made in Mexico and The Changing Face of Europe, this fest is the reel deal. HOTDOCS.CA Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival May 1-31 Billboards by Beyoncé’s pregnancy announcement photographer, Awol Erizku, plaster the city. On display indoors: the work of 1200+ shutterbugs. SCOTIABANKCONTACTPHOTO.COM OCAD Graduate Exhibition May 3-6 Some 900-plus promising designers and artists exhibit their thesis projects in several campus buildings, including the Sharp Centre for Design. OCADU.CA/GRADEX Doors Open Toronto May 26 & 27 Keep your eyes wide open as you explore Toronto’s many iconic and historic buildings, from Knox College to Campbell House. TORONTO.CA Luminato Jun 6-24 Take in one of 3000 unique performances, such as All Strings Attached, a synth, strings and piano…

“HOW CAN YOU HAVE an integral garage and habitable basement on a narrow lot and still be able to have a living room that connects to the backyard?” This was the primary challenge Ja Architecture Studio faced with this new build on Briar Hill Avenue, a home for a bustling young family with the space requirements typically accommodated by larger suburban lots. In response, the firm created a series of visually connected platforms on the living level that, through slight sectional changes – three steps up or down – create transitional flow from one to another, yet maintain their own clear purpose. Access to the entry was elevated and the living space gradually moves down – from the foyer and living room above the garage – to the kitchen, family…

IT’S THE MODERN HOMEOWNER’S DILEMMA: they want a quintessential Victorian’s quirky details and nooks to explore, but none of its drafts and dearth of closets. The best approach is to embellish the old bits, then blend them into a new look. Alison Milne Design recalibrated just such a house in Cabbagetown, and the result is a stunning study in customization. The homeowners, who have three girls under the age of eight, wanted a light-hearted, colourful space to showcase their collection of Canadian artwork, all in a setting that retained its heritage context where it made sense. (In Milne, perhaps they found the perfect cohort, since she also happens to own an art gallery that focuses on Canadian talent.) Traditional elements at the front of the 210-square-metre house are mostly original,…

Word of Mouth “Morning Glory (457 KING ST E) has great breakfast, and it’s almost anti-design, which I prefer. They also have a secluded patio in the back, which is nice and low key.” - Klaus Neinkämper Jr, Klaus “Cocina Economica (141 BERKELEY ST) – being off the beaten path is what makes this a gem. The food is good, but the magic is being able to sneak in a couple of tequilas during lunch without getting caught.” - Fraser Greenberg, Relative Space “Soma Chocolatemaker (32 TANK HOUSE LN) mixes my chocolate addiction with a touch of creativity and design!” - Anthony Ghanem, Roche Bobois “Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie (35 TANK HOUSE LN) has beautiful design, great food and the best bread selection. I always take out-of-town clients there, and…

1 Augustus Jones Drawing its name from a 19th-century Upper Canada land surveyor, Augustus Jones specializes in bringing stunning European furnishings to the New World. Its fresh white interior provides a pleasant contrast to the bold selection of indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories on offer, including previously hard-to-find brands like Enne and Fermob. The curvaceous Chips chair by Ton and the smooth lines of the Wicked series from Vincent Sheppard highlight AJ’s eye for daring forms and quality construction. 33 DAVIES AVE 416 360 1788 AUGUSTUSJONES.COM 2 Avenue Road A 1907 industrial building is the perfect backdrop for AR’s selection of distinctive luxe furniture and accessories. Its expansive showroom is home to a variety of exquisite lines, from bespoke kitchen solutions by Obumex to minimalist lighting options from Apure.…

Word of Mouth “Boralia (59 OSSINGTON AVE) is the most inventive, delectable food we’ve had in a long time. The Mussels Smoked in Pine Needles and Pine Ash Butter (c.1605!) are unforgettably delectable.” - Kate Eisen, INabstracto “After shop hours, we’ll get together and grab a bite at OddSeoul (90 OSSINGTON AVE), the Korean fusion spot with a wicked sharable menu. And the only spot you might find us after a round or two at the staff local is Sweaty Betty’s (13 OSSINGTON AVE).” - Evan Redsky, Planet of Sound “I’m a sucker for tasting menus and Canis (746 QUEEN ST W) is one of my favourites in the city. The food and atmosphere remind me of some of my favourite spots in Copenhagen. I think it’s the closest you…

1 Appliance Love AL specializes in premium built-in appliances from top brands, with an emphasis on smart features. Just look to under-mount ovens with panelled warming drawers by Wolf, wine and Monolith fridges from Liebherr, Miele’s silent dishwashers and the Urban Cultivator indoor garden for proof. Other standouts include eye-popping designs by Dolce&Gabbana for SMEG fridges, outdoor cookers from Germany’s Grillson, which burn ultra-efficient wood pellets for fuel, and refrigerators by True with bold industrial styling. Another reason AL is much-loved: it delivers, installs and services purchases. 950 DUPONT ST 416 516 9500 (ALSO: 1024 DUNDAS ST E, MISSISSAUGA 905 306 1020) APPLIANCELOVE.COM 2 Commute Design The soaring ceilings of this buzzing studio-cum-showroom provide an appropriately dramatic backdrop for the generously sized sculptural lighting on display. Fixtures originally cooked up…

Word of Mouth “Ace Bakery (1 HAFIS RD) is really a tiny cafe in front of its bread-making facility in a commercial area. Fresh and fast, but with space to sit.” - Fabia Sadoch, Palazzetti “I love Greek food and I think Krystos Modern Greek Cuisine (3200 DUFFERIN ST, UNIT #22) has the best in Toronto. The food is always freshly cooked and, so far, my experience with the service has been great!” - Shan Shrestha, Amala Must-Stop Shopping Spots “I love to wander and dive into stores of all kinds – it inspires my lighting design and opens my mind to new ideas. Stone Tile (1451 CASTLEFIELD AVE) is always inspiring with its beautiful selection of textured tiles and cool displays.” - Orly Meyer, AM Studio “Holt Renfrew (YORKDALE…

It’s difficult to understand the work of Philip Beesley – the analytical mind wants to give meaning to his strangely beautiful and wildly mesmerizing 3D veils made of tiny polymer nodes that are wired to respond to human presence, fluttering and shifting like Venus flytraps. I’ve given up, which is halfway to realizing that Beesley’s type of architecture is not about reducing visual experience into sound bites. Our worlds are full of rationality; so much so we feel vulnerable when we can’t find the words to explain what we are seeing. When you stand beneath a massive Beesley installation, as visitors will do at the Royal Ontario Museum this June as part of the “Transforming Fashion” exhibition, the countless nodes will flicker with a sensorial rhythm as though expressing an…