Retail Inspiration in Toronto

This little stretch on Yonge Street in the tony Rosedale area is one of the best design and decor shopping areas in Toronto.    (This photo doesn’t show two other stores just north of 12|12 that I visited.)

First up is  Boo Boo and Lefty named after the shop owners’ dogs – how charming.  One of the owners is an equestrian, hence the homage to horses and masculine furniture like the tufted leather chesterfield.  Contrast that with the beautiful linen settees, crystal chandeliers and botanical prints and you have a shopping destination that appeals to a wide range of design sensibilities.

This button-tufted linen settee can be used as a dining banquette or occasional sofa.

   

I love this gold-leafed chandelier called the Genie.

Most people would notice this handsome chesterfield but what caught my eye was the pretty floral wall hanging on canvas that has been antiqued and stained for an aged look. 

This baluster style dining table is hand painted and comes in over 25 finishes. 

If you read Canadian shelter publications like Canadian House and Home and Style at Home, then you probably have heard of Decorum Decorative Finds (1210 Yonge Street.)  It seems to be the go to place for decorators, designers and stylists looking for something vintage or unusual, especially lighting.  Matt, the owner, has a passion for vintage and antique finds but in recent years, his offerings have included new pieces.  Contacts in Italy, France, the US and Canada allow him to bring in pieces that you won’t see anywhere else.

I love these Chippendale-esque chairs and gold gourd lamps.

Next up is 12|12, aptly named for its location on Yonge.  The large, posh retail space filled with exquisite pieces opened its doors last year and caters to its discerning clientele.

I was drawn to this area featuring this Anne Selke canopy bed.  This is a favourite with designers, especially in the gold leaf finish.  I love all the bright, happy fabrics – pure gorgeousness.

   

Don’t you love the fabric on this side chair?  

L’atelier (1224 Yonge St), in it’s location for 22 years, has some unique finds like these branch chandeliers made from hickory trees.

They also have a great selection of bell jar pendants which I absolutely love.  They carry vintage pieces as well like the lucite base table below.  I snapped this because I love this over scale pendant.

Isn’t this river stone lamp unique?

  More lovely pendants.

Our last stop was Absolutely which has two stores on Yonge St.  Kelly from Design Ties would love it as there were a lot of animal prints!  I loved the framed maps and unique accessories.

 

We didn’t have time to visit other design shops like Chair Table Lamp (1156 Yonge) and  Hollace Cluny (1070 Yonge) which are just south of this area.  All, well worth a visit too!