O Canada: 7 Great Design Shops to Visit (and Browse Remotely)

Over the years, we’ve uncovered—in person, through friends, and through the wonders of the Internet—a slew of top-notch design shops across Canada. Here’s our shortlist, whether you’re planning a trip or browsing virtually.


Le Marche St. George


Above: For years we’ve looked to the family of artists behind Vancouver’s Le Marché St. George for style—and dinner party—inspiration (see our posts Canadian Je Ne Sais Quoi and Into the Wild, just to name two). If you’re in Vancouver, stop by for a look around this singular “general store, café, occasional event space, and home” (and pop into Le Fabrique St. George next door for a bite). Photograph via Le Marché St. George.


Old Faithful Shop





Above: Old Faithful Shop is named for trusty household goods and old-fashioned, personal service, the kind that would’ve once been found in the general stores once run by owner Walter Manning’s grandparents (on both sides—read more here). But in addition to well-made utilitarian wares—brushes, brooms, doorstops—there’s a great collection of contemporary Japanese and Scandinavian design. And, happily, there are now two locations in Vancouver.


Ai & Om


Above: Another Scott & Scott-designed storefront: Ai & Om Knives, where precision-made, hand-forged Japanese kitchen knives are displayed like art in a gallery. See more in Shopper’s Diary: An Architect-Designed Artisan Knife Shop in Vancouver.


Kitchen Staples and The Soap Dispensary


Above: A can’t-lose combination: a zero-waste store designed by architects. And this one—neighboring outfits The Soap Dispensary and Kitchen Staples in Vancouver—were designed by some of our favorites, Scott & Scott Architects. Stop in for plastic-free finds for all over the house. (And read more in Shopper’s Diary: Kitchen Staples, A Design-Forward Zero-Waste Store in Vancouver.) Photograph by Fahim Kassam, courtesy of Scott & Scott Architects.


June Home Supply


Above: June Home Supply might not have a brick and mortar, but their site is a frequent stop for beautifully made basics, beautifully styled. Browse via June Home Supply.


Drake General Store


Above: What’s “a traditional hotel gift shop, classic general store, flea market stand, and museum shop all rolled into one” (and also “proudly Canadian”)? Drake General Store. Since Julie first wrote about the outfit way back in 2011, it’s expanded (and currently carries some of our favorites, like Puebco); there’s a hotel group associated, too.


Mjölk


Above: Last but not least? Toronto shop Mjölk, of which we are longtime devotees, helmed by husband-and-wife team John Baker and Juli Daoust and artfully curated with the belief that “there is a beauty to be found in even the most simple, everyday tools.” Here’s a glimpse of the shop lately, ft. the Mjölk Savoy Dining Table and signs of spring.


For more design-forward places to visit, head to our Design Travel section on Canada.


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