New Shop on the Block: 1212 Decor

It's not very often that I see a magazine ad which makes me stop and swoon as much as an editorial layout, but that's exactly what happened when I saw this advertisement on page 12 of the April 2010 edition of Canadian House and Home:

Above image courtesy of 1212Decor.

What caught my eye? The blue hue of the walls, the porcelain ginger jars, the brilliant chandelier, the unique shield mirror...all of the above? Whichever it was, the image certainly had my attention, and I immediately made plans to visit 1212 Decor on Yonge Street to see what lay in store:


As I walked into 1212, my eyes where overwhelmed by gorgeous furnishings and accessories in every direction!! In fact, I think I may have whispered a few "oohs" and "aahs" under my breath. The store is absolutely breathtaking, in large part due the buying prowess and discerning eye of Design Director Alexander Donovan. The staff were extremely welcoming, gracious and helpful (thanks Gayle!), which makes shopping here an even greater pleasure. I will definitely be returning to 1212 soon. Here is a selection of what I saw in store:

Photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto

Rosedale & Summerhill Neighbourhood Walk

Today may not have been the most ideal weather day for a leisurely walk, but since I was out lamp hunting, I took the search to Yonge Street. There is a fabulous strip of independent home decor shops on the west side of the street between Rosedale subway station and Summerhill station .

Let's start the stroll at Yonge & Roxborough:

Belle Epoque at 1066 Yonge:
www.belleepoque.ca

Hollace Cluny at 1070 Yonge:
www.hollacecluny.ca

Putti Fine Furnishings at 1106 Yonge:

AT Design Group at 5 Macpherson:
www.atdesignhome.com

Chair Table Lamp at 1156 Yonge:


Decorum Decorative Finds at 1210 Yonge:


Absolutely North at 1236 Yonge & Absolutely Inc. at 1132 Yonge:
www.absolutelyinc.com

This neighbourhood stroll ends at Yonge & Walker. Now turn around and make sure you didn't miss anything interesting!!


Surpise Bonus: I saved the best for last.
L'Atelier is my favourite shop along the strip, and they recently expanded the space, so there is even more to see!! If you visit during spring & summer, you can also enjoy the tranquil outdoor courtyard at the back.

L'Atelier at 1224 Yonge Street:






Despite the plethora of beautiful decorative items, I didn't find the perfect pair of lamps today (although I did see a fabulous antique onesie at Chair Table Lamp). And so the search continues.