Meet Toronto’s Suite 22 Interiors
The Italian furniture retailer’s second spot suits the condo crowd
Editor’s note: This feature story was published in winter 2014. For up-to-date info, refer to our Suite 22 Interiors store listing.
Large vinyl letters on this refined industrial building’s windows announce Suite 22 Interior’s arrival downtown with a coy message: “Have we met?” While the retailer’s Markham showroom has been one of the GTA’s top destinations for contemporary furniture for almost a decade, the store’s out-of-the-way location meant that much of the condo crowd had never heard of it. Surely this, Roberto D’Ulisse’s new, 370-square-metre outpost off King East will change all that.
The light-soaked space makes you feel as though you’ve died and gone to European design heaven. Heavy-hitting manufacturers hold court, including Kristalia, Cattelan Italia and Arketipo. While Italy’s Bonaldo is almost a half-century older than D’Ulisse, designs like its L-shaped Line chair ($5,800 in leather) – which converts from armchair to chaise lounge with a simple push – are as youthful and contemporary as the sprightly store owner.
Germany’s Spectral is especially 21st-century savvy: the company’s future-proofed Cocoon entertainment units feature concealed docks that can easily be swapped when you upgrade your smart devices (from $8,400). That kind of modern versatility defines many of Suite 22’s pieces, most of which are shown in black, grey or white. Breaking up this tonal palette is a colourful corner dedicated to Kartell’s plastic-fantastic serving trays, lights and vases – all stocked for cash and carry.
Shop Here For: Tailored living, dining and bedroom vignettes boast something for the whole home. Resting on clear glass panels, Lago’s Air sofa and beds are modular wonders that clip together on a track system. Move your chaise from one side of your couch to another when the mood strikes.
Best Bet: Italian seating. Pull up a chair at one of the half-dozen dining tables displayed in-store. Among your options: Kristalia’s Joko and Bikappa – done in ivory felt and black plastic, respectively – and Cattelan Italia’s Margot, which features a smoky, leather-covered metal frame.
429 Richmond St E 416 703 8322 Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu & Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5
