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L.A. Design

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Interior design staple L.A. Design takes over a former Legion Hall on Niagara Street

Led by Christopher Wood, L.A. Design has been a city staple for custom furniture and interiors since 1994. Wood and interior designer Christopher Artymko (a.k.a. “C1” and “C2,” respectively), along with their posse of collaborators, are behind many notable residential and retail projects, ranging from an update on architect Barton Myers’ minimalist Yorkville home to a glamorous beach house in Sicily.

Having traded in its below-grade location on King Street West (where designs happened behind closed doors) for a radically transformed Legion Hall on Niagara Street, L.A. Design has a new home, focus and vibe. The current space, divided into two levels and featuring an eclectic mix of local and international designers, has brick walls, massive front windows, eightmetre-high ceilings and an open concept studio/showroom.

Upstairs feels like a grand living room, with a wooden chandelier by Brothers Dressler, stacks of green vintage side chairs from the Junction’s Smash and custom sofas by Montreal’s G. Romano. Centre stage: a communal work table where staff and clients pore over blueprints. For hands-on renovation inspiration, the transitioning lower floor will soon feature an “apartment” of industrial and modular pieces for the burgeoning condo market, including kitchens by Cesar.

Shop here for: A residential makeover. L.A. Design’s interior design service outfits your space with custom furniture designed in-house or by talented locals. “C2” will talk specs.

Best bet: David Trubridge’s geometric pendant lights (from $300), hanging in a cluster above the work table, are available in various colours and shapes.

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The industrial designer and textile artist shares the inspirations that keep her loom whirring

In a seaside cottage in Shediac, New Brunswick, the soft hiss and swish of high-tide molds my mood like putty. Breathing in the deep calm—and the smell of last night’s seafood—my mind is miles away from my home in cosmopolitan Toronto. Here, craft feels as grounded as the clams they dig for each morning, and as I prepare for my call with textile artist Laura Carwardine, I can’t help but wonder *Carrie Bradshaw voice* what is the future of textile art in Toronto?

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