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 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 BERGODESIGNS.CA
Bookhou
With most items fashioned on site, Bookhou offers small-batch local furniture and accessories at their best. Natural materials are at the forefront: totes and pillows in linen and waxed canvas are adorned with monochrome geometrics, floral prints or hand-drawn designs. Other gems include patterned tea towels and pencil cases in nature-inspired hues, miniature ceramic vases and a line of screen-printed notebooks and calendars. Among the custom hardwood pieces are shapely benches and chairs with intricate curves 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. Favourites include Morning Culture’s hippie-chic La Playa throw blankets, glamorous black-and-gold papier-mâché bowls by Swaziland’s Quazi Design and kitchen accessories that blend style and function – like Stak Ceramics’ glazed iPad docks, which house utensils alongside your tablet. 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 alcohol-related novelty items at this emporium for everything cocktail. Past a wall of local bitters (ambitious visitors can sample each one) are new and vintage coupes, copitas and tumblers. Opposite, you’ll find upscale essentials including Cocktail Kingdom’s Yarai mixing glasses, Boston shakers, minimalist Japanese tools and vintage cut-glass goblets. 972 QUEEN ST W 416 858 2932 (ALSO: 20 KENSINGTON AVE 416 858 2932) BYOBTO.COM
Cambie Design
CD is a trove of Canadian-made ceramic objects and bright textiles sourced from Morocco and Peru: fringed alpaca-blend throw blankets, pompom-trimmed pillow covers and patterned wool rugs made in the Andes Mountains using traditional weaving techniques. The exquisite ceramic pieces on display include Xenia Taler’s striped blue
