The post crafted below is a guest post that I have written, on the assumption that my article features in the hugely popular, BlogTO. This is a daily weblog, covering all local news and culture in Toronto.
In particular, I believe that my blog would sit well in the City and Culture, Fashion and Style section. There is definite synergy with my blog and other fashion/style posts featuring in this section so I believe that I am already talking to an engaged and interested audience, who I hope will enjoy my post. In addition, design shops are becoming increasingly prominent and popular in Toronto, so there is growing interest in all things design. What makes my post unique is the geographical focus – West Toronto. Enjoy!
Guest post for BlogTO:
Whether you are looking to renovate or rebrand your home, this list covers off the top three need-to-know design shops making waves in Toronto, today.
Aside from its adorable name, this shop is a gift shop meets gallery, based in Toronto’s Liberty Village. Its founder, Amy Kwong, takes inspiration from her travels and fellow artists, musicians and clothing designers living in the surrounding area. The end result? Truly unique products that are not only functional, but will make you smile. Take the Rob Ford china plate or bowl. Contemporary and smart and with a portion of the proceeds donated to CAMH, what’s not to love?
This store is a modern destination from Crate and Barrel, that first opened its doors in 2000. With 11 urban stores under its belt in America, CB2 has recently ventured to the North and now you can buy what they claim to be affordable, modern home furnishings, in your very own Toronto. Based out of a lofty show room on 651 Queen Street West, this store covers everything from cutlery to couches, wall art to wine glasses, extraordinary light fixtures to egg timers. Take advantage of their sale through July 20. Good luck bargain hunting!
Number 3: Toronto Designers Market
Last, but by no means least, the Toronto Designers Market. Possibly one of Toronto’s best kept secrets, down to the fact that it only opened its doors on May 31. Located at 1605 Queen St West, this 3000 square foot space features over 30 different designers showcasing their creative masterpieces.
From jewelry to clothing, furniture to household items, this space has it all. And with the space being affordable, you are guaranteed to see the latest raw talent, emerging from the creative designers and entrepreneurs across Canada. The market runs from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 6pm, so get yourself down there and get inspired!
‘Today’s guest post, Katie Houghton, founder of Property Monarch, blogs about all things house-related in Toronto. To read about her musings on renting, buying, design and more, check out Property Monarch.’
Nice post Katie! Definitely, I’m going to visit these stores. One of the things about Toronto is the huge amount of stores with unique things. Although in this case, I’m not sure if I have room for Rob Ford china in my apartment 😉
Hi Ainoa, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I too agree that Toronto is full of awesome boutiques, but I will also pass on the Rob Ford china…
I absolutely LOVE C2B!! It’s one of my favourite stores on Queen Street West and go every time I’m down that way. Their prices are surprisingly affordable for such modern designs – it takes quite a bit of self-control not to go crazy and buy everything when I go shopping there haha! I may have to go back soon, though, now that you’ve mentioned a sale…
Great post Katie 🙂
Haha that’s good! That takes a lot of self-control!
You should consider doing a post on C2B products you love or have bought – I would definitely read that! It would be really neat if you showcased items you already have in your own home (even thought I’ve never seen your apartment, from what I can see in the background of the pictures of your adorable puppy, it’s quite pretty and well designed!). 🙂
That’s a great idea Anja – I have a number of CB2 products in my home so I could definitely review these and rate them in a future post. Thanks for the encouragement and idea!
Great post Katie! I always love reading your posts. These are definitely hidden gems – I live across the street from I Have a Crush On You and I have never noticed it or gone inside. Those Rob Ford plates are definitely enough reason for me to go check it out now!
Hi Aryana, thanks so much for reading my post and the kind words. You HAVE to go and check out the store opposite you but I don’t expect you to come out with the Rob Ford plates…!
Oh man Rob Ford plates?! I wonder how many of those actually sold- and how satisfied customers were once the novelty wore off :P. There are so many great things to be found in tiny stores. They show one of a kind pieces and great vintage finds. One of my favourite out of the way/hole in the wall type of sales was a prop sale I went to. Movie props were being sold by a company that didn’t want them anymore. They had gorgeous couches, crystal glasses, maps, and a heck of a lot of random things. my favourite buy was an old wicker picnic basket- I get compliments everywhere it goes! These stores seem to sell the same types of once in a life time finds. I love that! This is definitely a blog post for Blog TO!
Nice post Katie! Definitely, I’m going to visit these stores. One of the things about Toronto is the huge amount of stores with unique things. Although in this case, I’m not sure if I have room for Rob Ford china in my apartment 😉
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Hi Ainoa, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I too agree that Toronto is full of awesome boutiques, but I will also pass on the Rob Ford china…
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I absolutely LOVE C2B!! It’s one of my favourite stores on Queen Street West and go every time I’m down that way. Their prices are surprisingly affordable for such modern designs – it takes quite a bit of self-control not to go crazy and buy everything when I go shopping there haha! I may have to go back soon, though, now that you’ve mentioned a sale…
Great post Katie 🙂
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Hi Anja, I know, CB2 is just so lovely, I could spend hours in there but I am quite disciplined, fortunately! Thanks for the read.
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Haha that’s good! That takes a lot of self-control!
You should consider doing a post on C2B products you love or have bought – I would definitely read that! It would be really neat if you showcased items you already have in your own home (even thought I’ve never seen your apartment, from what I can see in the background of the pictures of your adorable puppy, it’s quite pretty and well designed!). 🙂
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That’s a great idea Anja – I have a number of CB2 products in my home so I could definitely review these and rate them in a future post. Thanks for the encouragement and idea!
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Great post! I personally love CB2 but I have never heard of the others. I will definitely be checking them out soon.
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Hi Zoe, I am glad I may have introduced you to some other stores that may become your favourites!
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These stores sound interesting. I like that you talk about local stores and not big chain stores. Great post.
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Thanks for taking the time to read my blog Maggie and I hope that you enjoy the ‘experience’ if and when you do check these non-chains out.
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Great post Katie! I always love reading your posts. These are definitely hidden gems – I live across the street from I Have a Crush On You and I have never noticed it or gone inside. Those Rob Ford plates are definitely enough reason for me to go check it out now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Aryana, thanks so much for reading my post and the kind words. You HAVE to go and check out the store opposite you but I don’t expect you to come out with the Rob Ford plates…!
LikeLike
Oh man Rob Ford plates?! I wonder how many of those actually sold- and how satisfied customers were once the novelty wore off :P. There are so many great things to be found in tiny stores. They show one of a kind pieces and great vintage finds. One of my favourite out of the way/hole in the wall type of sales was a prop sale I went to. Movie props were being sold by a company that didn’t want them anymore. They had gorgeous couches, crystal glasses, maps, and a heck of a lot of random things. my favourite buy was an old wicker picnic basket- I get compliments everywhere it goes! These stores seem to sell the same types of once in a life time finds. I love that! This is definitely a blog post for Blog TO!
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