We think Toronto doesn’t get enough credit as a design mecca – which is shocking, because there are beautiful things to be had and inspiring people to talk to seemingly everywhere. As the city matures, several smaller design districts have blossomed, each with their own aesthetics and cornerstone establishments. We have our favourites around town and we’ll be sharing them with you, starting with King St. East. Consider this your guide.
The King St. East Design District, or KEDD, running from Church St. to Parliament St, is a once-lowkey treasure that is becoming widely established as the place to find perfect pieces for the home. Take a look at some of our favourite shops in the area, and don’t forget to add your own hidden gems – we want to know!
BoConcept
Founded in 1952, this Denmark-based interiors company, has a long history of catering to the young and hip. Their pieces emphasize fashion and function, so dual-use and convertible furniture is common and always beautifully designed. If you’re looking for a splash of youthful energy, or you have a smaller space and need to make every piece count, BoConcept is just the ticket.
Ma-Zone
Those with kids, or a serious love of all things colourful and cute, will lose hours in this store. For over 10 years, owner and award-winning interior designer Armin Martios is all about surrounding his customers with things that make them really, really happy. So whether you’re adding another layer of colour to your home, or a minimalist looking for a pop of colour, you’ll find it here.
EQ3
This design-forward company started in Winnipeg, and though it’s expanded around the world, it still proudly sells many Canadian-made goods. Their open and airy showroom has something for everybody, from beautiful upholstery to Scandinavian-inspired furniture to modern flatware. This Canadian success story is a must-visit if you’re in the neighbourhood.
Kiosk
If your aesthetic veers toward industrial, then you’ll feel right at home in Kiosk’s concrete showroom. They feature a great cross-section of established and up-and-coming designers, so if you’re looking to replace a well-worn staple or take your home in a totally new direction, you’ll find they have something for everyone. Kiosk has quickly become a cornerstone of the KEDD.
Resource Furniture
When you think of innovative, modern furniture, a Murphy bed doesn’t exactly leap to mind. However, Resource Furniture has totally reinvented the concept to have a sleek, European design, incredible ease of use and lifetime warranty – so you can imagine the skill and thought that goes into the rest of their pieces, too. Their transformable furniture is some of the most functional and fashionable in the world – so even if you’re not in the market for couch/dinner table/tv stand, stop in and start to rethink what furniture can do.
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Title Image from kingeastdesigndistrict.com