The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2009

The best new design stores in Toronto offered something of an international battle royale in 2009. Canada had a strong showing with two crafty stores (Bluebird Handmade and Wise Daughters Craft Market) making the cut.

Japan made a play via Cubeshops and its Asian quirkfest, while the Scandinavians and Europeans continue to dominate the decor market, with Mjolk's sleek chic, and a nod to the multi-use pieces at double-store Bullfrog & Limitless.

Toronto shoppers are looking to the past, too - a couple of vintage shops are new favorites as well.

It just goes to show that, whether local or international, futuristic or vintage, good design will always triumph.

Here are the 8 best design stores that opened in Toronto during 2009.

Mjolk

Wacky name or no (it’s pronounced “mi-yelk!”), Mjolk is the city's best new design store. The bright, welcoming space and friendly young owners jive with the no-nonsense, stylish Scandinavian offerings here. I spotted silver birch platters ($120), Technicolor office supplies by Anything ($4 - $69), Povel Kjer wool rocking-sheep ($210 - $550), and Arne Jacobsen flatware ($163). More »

Bluebird Handmade

Need a gift for somebody? Head to Bathurst Street to Bluebird Handmade. There you can find Jen Ham's stuffed rabbits ($48), RC Boisjoli’s ceramics that feature a fox chasing a hare ($48), Up In The Air Somewhere papier-mache bowls ($15-$25), and Beside Herself’s floorboard-print scarves ($50). You can try your hand at felting, too, if you sign up for one of the store’s classes. More »

Cubeshops

This Baldwin Street addition carries shelves and shelves’ worth of quirky Japanese oddities, from mugs with number handles and psychedelic flower-shaped pencilholders to ninja pins and Hario coffeemakers. More »

Coriander Girl

If you’ve ever stared covetously at a store fixture, Coriander Girl might satiate some of those lusts - pretty much everything in this flower store/decor boutique is for sale. Help yourself to shabby chic tables, old jugs, Ella’s Botanicals lotions, Lotte lamps, vintage cards, and handmade soap while picking out some blooms for a bouquet. More »

World Headquarters

Bargain-hunters should get to the Junction, pronto - World Headquarters is officially the new HQ for well-priced vintage decor and strange treasures. No-one else on the block will have a brass Indian shoeshine kit ($100), cool old signs (including a lit-up Kool cigarettes clock), or the game Electronic Master Mind ($25). More »

Black Pug DMK

You can barely squeeze between the towering stacks of vintage furniture and decor at this Parkdale vintage shop. During your visit, you might brush up against a Canadian postal scale, card catalogue, school lockers, a metal gooseneck lamp, or a typewriter or two. More »

Bullfrog + Limitless

These brands (German and Dutch, respectively) are housed in two connected stores in Corktown. The Europeans are definitely onto something - almost everything in the stores has an admirable versatility, like the ottoman with built-in storage ($2820), bendable lamps ($3120), and an entertainment console with hidden compartments and a swivel-stand ($4700). Bring your Platinum card. More »

Wise Daughters Craft Market

The craft revolution continues in full swing in the Junction at the Wise Daughters Craft Market. Go local with mapleleaf lamps, screenprinted vintage ties, Avril Loreti’s Scrabble coasters, Curious Oddities brass jewelry, and Fuchsia vegan lipbalm. More »