The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2009

The best new design stores in Toronto offered something of an international battle royale in 2009. Canada had a strong showing with two crafty stores (Bluebird Handmade and Wise Daughters Craft Market) making the cut.

Japan made a play via Cubeshops and its Asian quirkfest, while the Scandinavians and Europeans continue to dominate the decor market, with Mjolk's sleek chic, and a nod to the multi-use pieces at double-store Bullfrog & Limitless.

Toronto shoppers are looking to the past, too - a couple of vintage shops are new favorites as well.

It just goes to show that, whether local or international, futuristic or vintage, good design will always triumph.

Here are the 8 best design stores that opened in Toronto during 2009.

Mjolk

Wacky name or no (it’s pronounced “mi-yelk!”), Mjolk is the city's best new design store. The bright, welcoming space and friendly young owners jive with the no-nonsense, stylish Scandinavian offerings here. I spotted silver birch platters ($120), Technicolor office supplies by Anything ($4 - $69), Povel Kjer wool rocking-sheep ($210 - $550), and Arne Jacobsen flatware ($163).

Cubeshops

This Baldwin Street addition carries shelves and shelves’ worth of quirky Japanese oddities, from mugs with number handles and psychedelic flower-shaped pencilholders to ninja pins and Hario coffeemakers.