Where the pros shop

July 30, 2012

By Yanic Simard

I’m always on the lookout for the coolest and sought-after trends in the design industry, constantly visiting the newest shops and reading about the next best thing. However, I do have my “go-to” places. Places that even before I walk in, I know that I’ll be leaving with something great — whether it be something tangible or just an inspiration.

1212 Décor
This shop, named because of its location at 1212 Yonge Street, is very different compared to most of the design stores in downtown Toronto. When you walk in you’ll notice the wide array of colour and pattern, which you don’t quite see anywhere else. They’ve got a vast selection of furnishings, accessories, lighting and artwork. They have several room settings located around the shop, which are all pulled together using pieces of furniture that you would never imagine go together, but somehow they do.
It’s a great shop for great designer finds, and also great designer ideas.
1212decor.com

Gautier
Premium French furniture has landed in Toronto! With my French background, it’s almost a no-brainer that this was one of my go-to shops. Gautier gives you a feel-good type of purchase, knowing that all wood comes from a sustainable forest and 97% of their production waste is re-purposed. A combination of style, creativity and quality furnishings make up a beautiful line of adult and children’s furniture.
gautier-shops.com

Design Solutions
If contemporary and beautiful pieces of furniture appeal to you, then you need to check out Design Solutions on 143 King Street East. Their new showroom extends over two floors with the natural light pouring in through their huge floor-to-ceiling windows. I’m also very proud to announce that we have just launched my new furniture collection, the Yanic Simard Concept Furniture Line available exclusively at Design Solutions. Get style, functionality and affordability, and completely furnish a one bedroom suite with 21 pieces of furniture for your living room, dining room, foyer and bedroom for less than $10,000.
For just $9,995. you get one high quality sofa, two side tables, two table lamps, one coffee table, one media centre, one lounge chair, one dining room table, four chairs, one bed, two nightstands, two table lamps, one dresser, one wall mirror, and one entry bench.
designsolutionsinc.ca

Design Republic
Known as a “must-visit” destination if you’re in the downtown core of Toronto, Design Republic stands by their mantra of making “furniture for the people.” Most of their styles cannot be found anywhere else due to the fact that they design and build their pieces themselves. If you’re searching for classic, industrial or modern, they’ve got it all.
mydesignrepublic.com

Snob
No one piece in this shop is alike—everything is handcrafted, mainly from South Africa, and personally handpicked by the shop owner. She travels to almost 20 countries in a year, looking for unique new items for her
design shop. Every piece has a story behind it, which is sure to make you feel good about your purchase. Even including just one item in your home from Snob is a guaranteed conversation piece.
snobstuff.com

Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard

Filed under: EDITORS' NOTES,FROM THE EXPERTS

Tags: decor, finds, inspiration, pros, shopping, yanic simard