The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2012

The best new design stores in Toronto in 2012 were more about little treasures than big statement pieces. With the exception of the odd warehouse-sized boutique (I'm looking at you, Metropolis), many of the design shop hits from 2012 were all about the ornamental faux-antler coffee-table-topper or vintage pop-art print. These design stores wouldn't necessarily help you furnish your barren new condo living room, but they might help supply those pretty finishing touches that can transform a space from student-chic to grown-up complete.

Here is the list of the best new design stores in Toronto in 2012.

See also:

The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2011
The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2010

Kid Icarus

While not ‘new’ in the typical sense, Kid Icarus did unveil itself bigger, better, and with a new program designed to incubate emerging artists in fall of 2012. With more than three times the square footage and a whole lot more pretty printed inventory, this paper and crafts store kept Kensington Market as its home digs, but stocked its new space with evermore stuffed art sculptures and DIY kits. A Pinner’s paradise, that’s for sure. More »

General Tao

General Tao is one of those eclectic design stores that is riddled with absolute must-haves that you never knew you needed. Sorry, discretionary budget. But really, who could resist a Triceratops-shaped piggy bank, bowls made of warped vinyl records, or robot tea infusers? Never mind awesome paper lanterns and unique vintage furniture. That’s it, General Tao, just take my money. More »

Even & Odd

Corktown got a little prettier in 2012, helped in large part by the arrival of Even & Odd. This petite little shop totes the “rustic chic” in modern design, equipped with a healthy presence of salvage wood, distressed leather, and powdered metal. You might also come across the odd (no pun intended) vintage item in store, including a couple of old rotary phones and an antique stovetop copper kettle. More »

Metropolis Living Factory

Those who’ve fallen in love with Metroplis Living got a whole lot more of their beloved in the summer of 2012. Phil Freire, the supreme salvager behind the original Metropolis Living in the Junction, opened this new factory store in all of its 7,000-square-foot glory, created with the intention of showing off some of Freire’s oversized vintage finds. You know, just in case you’re in the market for a 15-foot antique billboard. More »

Everyday Housewife

A throwback name for a retro-inspired space. Designer Bev Hisey decided to turn her studio into a storefront in May of 2012, offering her collection of carpet and cushions direct to the consumer. Paired with an intimate assortment of vintage housewares, the Everyday Housewife space is lush with bright colours, varied textures, and a sense that you should go home and put on an apron. More »

Stroudfoot

Famous among Toronto’s restaurateurs, Stroudfoot decided to take its “sleek decay” style direct to people looking for an alternative to big box design stores. Occupying a sprawling loft space off of Atlantic Avenue in Liberty Village, Stroudfoot is part custom furniture, part refurbished vintage pop-culture pieces, and part pink Godzillas and other Japanese toys. Kaiju fans rejoice. More »

Williams Craig Design Studio

Who better to tap for select contemporary design pieces than the contemporary design pros themselves? William Craig Design Studio decided to make optimal use of its new streetside Ossington space by combining its corporate office with a gallery shop open to the public. Pieces in this sparsely stocked store are limited to the design firm’s absolute favourites, including rustic wooden iPad stands and hemlock leaning coatracks. More »

Monocle Shop

First came the magazine, then came the global brand. And now, Toronto has its very own Monocle retail shop (what of it, London?). New to College Street in October, the Monocle Shop has everything the worldly, sophisticated, modern “Monocle” man needs, including pure cashmere throws from Ongolia and Nordic Air limited edition prints. And remember, a home isn’t a home without a flameless Hinoki wood diffuser from Japan. More »

Town

This store is a bit of a paper paradise. New to Bloordale in October 2012, this place is plush with prints of your favourite celebs, cards for every occasion, gifts bags, bows, and ties, and of course, the most eccentric of wrapping papers. Find the odd gift and home décor item here, too, including coffee table books on birds and ornaments to decorate your tree or otherwise. More »