Table of contents for Fall 2017: Best New Homes & Condos in DESIGNLINES

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @designlinesmagazine For the ultimate home office inspiration Feel productive while you’re procrastinating by touring the city’s top domestic workspaces. All throughout August, we’ll be posting our favourite real-life Toronto studies – including this mucho-masculine room pairing a cowhide rug with a handsome Stylegarage desk. VISIT US ON THE WEB: designlinesmagazine.com To hear from topof- their-class local designers We kick off back-to-school season by catching up with local firms MSDS Studio, Area 91 and Christopher Wright to chat about their recently launched desk, office chair and lamp designs. Plus, we get their tips on how to stay focused. SIGN UP FOR OUR E-BLASTS: designlinesmagazine.com/news To keep up with our editors’ busy summer event itineraries Our Wednesday dispatches keep you in the loop about the latest and greatest from…

EDIT SEP 28-OCT 8 How do we build a better future? Design Exchange, with the United Nations Development Programme and some of the globe’s top creatives, launches a 10-day expo of design, innovation and technology to answer just that. The festival’s embrace of fresh ideas is evident right from its unconventional venue: the former Unilever soap factory located near the foot of the Don River. The beautifully ruinous 13,935-squaremetre- space, filled with rusted vats and metal catwalks, still smells faintly of laundry detergent. But that’s not to say the expo’s programming skews squeakyclean. Upon entry, photography by Paolo Pellegrin asserts that conflict has become the dominant theme of our time. The visuals act as the backdrop to the opening exhibition, “Prosperity for All,” in which multidisciplinary designer Bruce Mau –…

The Brooklyn start-up’s products are minimalist, yet packed with personality, and the company recently made its foray into small furniture, launching a cage-like stool by Toronto’s MSDS Studio. The seat is likely the first of many hometown collaborations for Wolfond, who just opened an office in the Junction. We caught up with him at Flùr, an MSDS-designed floral shop filled with Good Thing’s Gather vases, to find out what’s brought him back – and what’s propelling him forward. What made you launch your own homewares company? After I graduated, I originally set out to licence my work to other manufacturers. But a company like Herman Miller is just not accessible if you aren’t an established name. And I grew frustrated by the opacity of dealing with industry players who make…

The city’s top shopping districts California Closets Let CC’s consultants walk you through the process of selecting customized organization and storage solutions for the garage, office, bedroom, kitchen and more: think workbenches replete with drawers, Murphy beds and wardrobes with adjustable shelving, as well as hampers and lighting. Finishes include the Tesoro line, which mimics linen and herringbone. 1400 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 342 1717 (ALSO: 158 DAVENPORT RD 416 342 1717) CALIFORNIACLOSETS.COM Komandor Bespoke closets, cabinets and office and entertainment systems, as well as room dividers with nearly invisible frames, reign supreme here. Interior drawers and shelves can be crafted in all sizes, while sliding door options – made of sustainable wood – are endless. Panels from European brands Kronopol and Egger come in an array of colours, while Decorativo…

Caesarstone It seems that low-maintenance quartz surfacing is everywhere. But have you touched large Caesarstone slabs while consulting a pro about its many uses? This brand-new 300-squaremetre showroom allows you to do just that. A long wall showcases all 62 varieties, with helpful graphics explaining how to trim the edges to your desired effect. Inspiring Caesarstone furnishings by top designers – including Tom Dixon stools, and tables from the Stone Age Folk collaboration with Jaime Hayon – dot the intimate seating and kitchen areas. 350 CALDARI RD 416 479 8400 CAESARSTONE.CA Cambria Gallery Cambria’s Corktown outpost only showcases the brand’s natural stone surfaces, but staff members are happy to direct visitors to local dealers that carry its quartz slabs sourced from Canadian mines. All of the brand’s lines, including nine…

Amati Canada The kitchen and bathroom fixtures at AC range from traditional to contemporary. Among the 50-plus brands in store are faucets by Blanco and Hansgrohe, rain showers by Aquabrass and Dornbracht, commercial-grade sinks by Elkay, elegant freestanding soaker tubs by Porcher and therapeutic bath systems by BainUltra. Also here: minimalist fixtures from Riobel, fully furnished vignettes highlighting wares from DXV by American Standard and wall-mounted Duravit toilets designed by Philippe Starck. 105 DONCASTER AVE 905 709 0881 AMATICANADA.COM Appliance Canada Find the latest innovations in ultra-premium appliances here, including LG washers that clean more clothes in less time thanks to a separate Sidekick Pedestal drawer for intimates, and Gaggenau fridges with motorized shelves and LED light pillars. Two of the five burners on Miele’s induction cooktop can be combined…

Allan Rug Company There are flooring options galore across this showroom, which houses a versatile selection of contemporary and traditional styles in an extensive array of carpet tiles, hand- and machine-made area rugs, hardwood flooring and wooden planks. Standouts include maple planks by Lauzon, luxury vinyl by Karndean, mix-and-match carpet by Milliken and cork from Fuzion Flooring and Torlys. Custom designs are also on offer, as well as Hunter Douglas window coverings to complete the look. 103 MIRANDA AVE 416 639 2545 ALLANRUG.COM Amala Carpets A whitewashed industrial showroom provides a striking backdrop for the house-designed artisanal rugs in Nepalese wool and Thai silk. Staff at this six-generation family business work directly with the craftspeople who harvest, dye and weave their creations using socially and ecologically sustainable methods. Amala now…

Are & Be This Annex shop stocks wallpaper and floor coverings otherwise impossible to find in the city, including Object Carpet’s Rugxstyle collection of incredibly thin, industrial-grade area rugs with colour-tinted, geometric shapes and Eley Kishimoto’s vibrant, hand-screened optical-illusion prints. New offerings include Erica Wakerly’s geometric papers, now in hardwearing vinyl, and Wall & Deco’s bathroom-safe Wet System murals. 1213 BATHURST ST 416 533 3203 BY APPT AREANDBE.COM Farrow & Ball Though classy to the core, the British brand offers options with modern appeal, such as the bold new hues in its heritage paint collection and wallpapers that embrace playful motifs – such as the art deco-inspired Arcade, whose curving shapes seem to dance gently across the paper. Favourite paints include the deep teal Vardo, named for traditional horse-drawn Gypsy…

Haworth The dashing task chairs, desk sets and storage found in this showroom channel the verve of Suits, courtesy of such design stars as Marcel Wanders, Jasper Morrison and Patricia Urquiola. Lust-worthy leather pieces from Poltrona Frau add luxe, while Cappellini’s commercial/home hybrid furniture makes being at the office much more inviting. 55 UNIVERSITY AVE 416 363 3486 HAWORTH.COM Humanscale Inside this LEED Gold-winning national HQ is a wealth of ergonomic and responsibly made desk chairs and LED task lamps. And wellness is evident in its product line, too: QuickStand is an easy-to-use accessory that attaches to any surface to create an adjustable sit/stand workspace; and OfficeIQ, an activity tracker integrated into chairs and desks, reminds users when to move. 488 WELLINGTON ST W, 6TH FL 416 979 0470 HUMANSCALE.COM…

18 Watt Interior designers flock to 18 Watt to access exclusive continental furniture and lighting. The no-nonsense showroom packs in scores of examples of avant-garde Spanish seating from Beltá and CasaDesús. The Spanish influence continues with poufs, benches and poolside furniture designed by Ross Lovegrove, Javier Mariscal and Karim Rashid for Valencian manufacturer Vondom. Sweden’s Johanson morphs its sound-deadening pressed felt into acoustic wall panels and stackable chairs. 834 CALEDONIA RD 416 787 1818 18-WATT.COM Akroyd Furniture Visitors 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 and slide-out storage drawers. Dining chairs in black walnut or solid cherry…

Bang & Olufsen Toronto High fidelity meets high design at the Danish electronics brand’s multi-zone space that emphasizes technological excellence. Offerings include home-theatre set-ups and ready-to-rock audio equipment imbued with smart wireless technology. The sculptural BeoLab 90 and conical BeoLab 5 speakers fill rooms with sound. Joining Horizon and Avant in the new generation of TVs is the 4K BeoVision 14, which adjusts to ambient light levels for optimal viewing and looks smart with pleated oak detailing over its three-way speaker system. 100 DAVENPORT RD 416 935 1919 BEOTORONTO.COM Bay Bloor Radio Founded as a small radio repair shop 71 years ago is a family business that’s now a threelevel destination for discerning audio- and videophiles. It offers everything from flat-panel televisions and home-theatre systems to turntables and headphones. Highlights…

AM Studio Intricate and imaginative lighting here is sourced from American, Israeli and local artists – some is even crafted on-site. This intimate gallery displays Swarovski crystal, as well as luminaires in metal and handmade glass that is fused, blown and drawn into dramatic sculptural forms. Popular offerings include compositions of sleek metallic tubes lined with LEDs; crystal pendants in organic shapes; and 1970s-esque hand-blown glass orbs. 1270 CASTLEFIELD AVE 416 783 4100 AMSTUDIO.CA Artemide Find everything from innovative pendants to outdoor fixtures at the distinctive Italian lighting manufacturer’s wedge-shaped showroom. The nature-inspired Chlorophilia chandelier features wavy tiers of clear acrylic leaves, which filter and refract rays to create a forest of spectacular shadows overhead. The stripey, egg-shaped LED Incalmo – another suspension light that creates graphic shadows – merges…

JF & Co. This “design concierge” has fabric, wallpaper and rugs – plus all the necessary installers – at the ready for interior designers. Over 10,000 fabrics are on hand by such top brands as Blendworth, Maxwell, Pindler and Telefina, with many hung with extra swatches to make matching patterns to neutral body cloths easier. Duralee’s woven jacquards employ Crypton, a fabric that resists pilling, staining and weather damage while staying soft to the touch. Drapery hardware, furniture by World’s Away and quarterly education seminars are also available. 326 DAVENPORT RD 416 238 5254 TRADE & BY APPT ONLY JFANDCO.CA Kate Thornley-Hall This local designer’s line of cheery wallpapers and textiles includes vibrant throw pillows, as well as contemporary wool and silk carpets hand-woven in Nepal and emblazoned with sophisticated…

The Urban Estate 346 Davenport Davenport Rd & Dupont St Completion: February 2019 From: $1,079,000 (134 square metres) Quick Take: Floor plans big enough to fit a grand piano, deluxe finishes and ample privacy. With this slender nine-storey building, Freed Developments appeals to a posh crowd looking for central digs that won’t require them to book a “party room” to entertain. From the Street: RAW Design’s scheme for the glass facade punctuates marble and quartz panels with vertical strips of greenery to establish a street presence that’s appropriately stately, but not stiff. About half of the units have direct elevator access, with the lobby as the building’s only shared amenity. Staggered balconies add extra seclusion. Moving In: The mid-rise has just 35 units, each offering open-concept floor plans that deliver…

SIXTEEN DEGREE may be a new studio, but the principals are hardly rookies. Architects Stephanie Vermeulen and Kelly Doyle spent eight years at an established, local firm, striking out on their own after becoming fast friends. A jewellery store, a brewery and a winery are a few of the stunning non-residential projects they’ve since crafted together. “Because we’re a small firm, we do all the work ourselves,” says Vermeulen. “If issues arise on-site, we can solve them easily.” Happily, their first residential design, a five-bedroom in Leaside, was hassle-free. As it turned out, the owners – Marisa and John, who also have a toddler – shared the architects’ taste for uncomplicated interiors, down to an affinity for sharp black accents. The three-year-old firm, whose name is a nod to Toronto’s…

Average The brainchild of graphic designer Chris Hanz is his ode to functionalist sensibilities, specializing in high-quality desk supplies and housewares with a stripped-down aesthetic and clear purpose – you won’t find any decorative items here. You will, however, find spring scissors and bamboo toothbrushes from Nomess Copenhagen, brass DUX pencil sharpeners and stainless-steel catch-alls from Good Thing. 1081 QUEEN ST W 416 822 8374 AVERAGE.IS Bergo Designs Boasting home accessories from top European manufacturers, Bergo offers an eclectic array of international design. Among the selection of Eva Solo accessories from Denmark are carafes covered in zippered insulator cozies that absorb condensation. Italian manufacturer Seletti’s series of plates printed with planet imagery are out of this world, while macho coffee makers also abound. 28 TANK HOUSE LN 416 861 1821…

Advice from a Caterpillar This enchanting Rosedale store is wellstocked with decor treats for tots and parents sourced from around the world. For instance, &K Amsterdam’s copper cooler keeps the champagne chilled when it comes time to welcome your new arrival; meanwhile, smarten up the little one’s bedroom with rattan chairs from Danish brand Bloomingville, as well as Egmont’s whimsical animal-shaped lamps. Huzi’s understated building-block spaceship is one toy you’ll want to keep on display. 8 PRICE ST 416 960 2223 ADVICEFROMACATERPILLAR.CA Baby on the Hip This eco-minded Leslieville shop has a great selection of toys, furniture, supplies and clothing for the mini-me in your life. Bébé Fête’s Nursery Rhymes boombox sweatshirts and tees make adorable wardrobe statements, while handmade Silly Dolls toys are a great safe gift option. For…

ARD Outdoor Build your backyard oasis with Tuuci parasols and colourful egg-shaped LED garden lights standing up to a half-metre tall. ARD’s Madrid extension dining tables in powder-coated aluminum with tempered glass tops pair with stackable Cosmo dining chairs featuring wooden armrests, and sling seats and backs. There are also Dekko concrete fire pits to extend the night into the wee hours. 3019 DUFFERIN ST 416 551 6055 ARDOUTDOOR.COM Casualife Staff designers help you choose between an entertaining space, an exterior family room or a private oasis, then navigate you through outdoor furniture from Parker James, Protégé and Summer Classics. Favourites include stainless-steel sofas and woven loungers with sunshades by SoKul. Casualife’s poufs, with weather-resistant resin weave on aluminum frames, do triple-duty as side tables, footstools and seating. 6 SHIELDS…

Artemano Zen simplicity infuses Artemano’s hand-crafted furniture sourced from India, Africa, Indonesia and Thailand. The in-store experience is relaxing, enriched by running water and organic visuals – such as heavy tree roots reimagined as a bar or coffee table. Dining-table options include the rosewood Anand model, which sits on a single wood-block plinth, and Raja, which is made from recycled railway ties. Also find bed frames, dressers, sofas, wingbacks and other seating. 698 CALEDONIA RD 416 548 7818 (ALSO: 1090 DON MILLS RD, UNIT N012A 416 477 1717; 255 BASS PRO MILLS DR, UNIT #405B-406 289 807 0700) ARTEMANO.CA Atomic Design Owner Lawrence Blairs recently expanded his collection of refurbished 1950s and ‘60s originals – from the likes of the Eameses, Verner Panton and Pierre Paulin – to include post-modernist…

1925 Workbench It’s business in the front here and beautiful sliding barn doors in the back. All custom doors and furniture are made on-site in woods that range from pine to teak, complete with craftedright- here hardware. Recent projects include a walnut slab model with transom-like cutouts, a sliding ash bookcase to conceal under-stair storage and a five-metre-tall steampunk library with rolling ladder. 198 THIRTIETH ST 416 878 1869 BY APPT ONLY 1925WORKBENCH.COM ADH Fine Hardware Looking for better-than-big-box options for house numbers, latches, doorknobs and pulls? ADH has been offering tried-and-true hardware solutions – in traditional and contemporary styles – from Baldwin, Emtek, Richelieu and Rocky Mountain for 50 years. Standouts include modern house numbers by Atlas Homewares, invisible hinges by Simonswerk and super-slim pulls by Top Knobs. We…