Design Accessories
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. Among the standouts are concrete soap dishes and bath brushes crafted from horsehair by Sweden’s Iris Hantverk; Japanese slow-drip coffee brewers; YUL’s runway-ready knapsacks and totes; and notebooks for typography lovers from Denmark’s Normann Copenhagen. 1081 QUEEN ST W 416 822 8374 AVERAGE.IS
Bergo Designs
Boasting home accessories from top European manufacturers, BD offers an eclectic array of international design. Among a medley of objects is the Cubebot by Areaware, a Japanese-inspired puzzle that converts from an innocuous cube into a robot; shiny carafes and dishes from Alessi; and collectible roller pens from ACME. Meanwhile, Tom Dixon’s Brew collection contains a PVD stovetop espresso maker with an exaggerated handle – an unlikely marriage between art deco geometries and futuristic aesthetics. 28 TANK HOUSE LN 416 861 1821 BERGODESIGNS.CA
Black Rooster Decor
Nina Ber-Donkor and Prince Brefo-Donkor’s boutique sparkles with the glamour of a Hollywood Regency manse. Its wide selection of statement-making furniture and decor objects gravitates toward the opulent, like Jonathan Adler’s velvet Maxime club chair, or benches and ottomans swathed with sheepskin or rabbit fur. Smaller pieces include brass sculptures, black and white ceramics and rich, earthy throw pillows; accents in gold and Lucite add to the space’s sumptuous allure. 1025 QUEEN ST E 416 465 7778 BLACKROOSTERDECOR.COM
Bookhou
With most of its items fashioned on site, Bookhou offers small-batch local furniture and accessories at their best. Natural materials are at the forefront, like totes and pillows in linen and waxed canvas adorned with monochromatic geometrics or hand-drawn designs. Other gems include screen-printed linen storage buckets, drawstring project bags for crafting supplies and, among the custom hardwood pieces, maple veneer mobiles that recall mid-century Finnish design. 798 DUNDAS ST W 416 203 2549 BOOKHOU.COM
Brika
Brika is a destination of choice for whimsical home decor, gifts and stationery by artisans from North America and around the world. Favourite housewares include Xenia Taler’s striped ceramic coasters handmade in Toronto, Montreal textile artist Blanc Laine’s pastel woven wall hangings, Vancouver Candle Co.’s line of neighbourhood-inspired candles (including Yorkville and Queen West) and Morning Culture’s hippie-chic La Playa throw blankets. 642 QUEEN ST W 844 472 7452 (ALSO: 768 QUEEN ST E 844 472 7452) BRIKA.COM
BYOB
At-home mixologists shouldn’t miss the glassware, utensils and boozy novelty items at this emporium for everything cocktail. Past a wall of local bitters are new and vintage coupes, copitas and tumblers. Elsewhere in the store, find upscale essentials like Final Touch’s stainless-steel Yarai mixing glasses, wood and copper muddlers, Boston shakers, minimalist Japanese tools and vintage cut-glass goblets. 972 QUEEN ST W 416 858 2932 (ALSO: 20 KENSINGTON
