Design is everything. Everything!

“Design everything”, infamous words from my second semester Interior’s professor. Some individuals know from an early age what they want to do with their lives. As an 80’s baby the doors were wide open, my choices were endless. “Do what you love”, went hand in hand with this decision process and for the next 20 years I did the exact opposite. Well, that’s not totally true after graduating with a B.A. I found myself doing what I thought I should do.


Lifeguard, turn nanny, to selling gym memberships then buying media, I spent 6 years pursuing career paths that left me feeling more lost than accomplished. While I picked up some life skills along the way it wasn’t that I was confused about where to go. Rather I was trying to find something that would measure up to what I knew I actually wanted to do.

The desire to design has coursed through my veins from as early as I can remember. Sitting in a lifeguard chair I would be overwhelmed by the early light entering the space. Spending time at the park with 2 youngsters it was an experiment in forms and function. Gym tours became subconscious space planning challenges, while media buying flamed a need for office space that were environmentally conscious.

I woke up at 26 and realized I had to stop fooling myself, advertising was treating me well but I needed to start my life. My first day of design school at Sheridan came around last September 2009 and I finally feel excited for my professional future. Late nights hung over presentation boards are a labour of love in preparation for the morning’s deadline. Walking through Toronto has become a pop quiz in material choices and identification while stimulating ideas for projects to come. My eyes are becoming accustomed to breaking down a space into elements and seeing the details is takes to comprise a finished product. In the words of Paul Rand, “Design is everything. Everything!”

On the brink of entering my second year, this blog is my opportunity to share my passion, knowledge and generate inspiration. The week tends to be over flowing with work, friends, summer events and summer escapes leaving me to find some time on Sunday to get down to business. A nod to my favourite band growing up “No Doubt”, I declare this, the inaugural blog of the Sunday Morning Designer. A forum, a coliseum, maybe even and Olympic O sized stage in which a young designer on the brink of her design career can share.

With all this being said I want to provide a slice of design think-age and as I sit here sipping coffee it only seems appropriate to share my favourite java spots in Toronto. Selected based on not only their caffeine creations these spots provide an environment purposed to their individual clientele. Full of rich aromas each creates a setting conducive to lazy hours of sipping and you preferred choice of leisure.

In no particular order:

5. Dark Horse Espresso Bar @ 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 102

The Dark Horse is the home of java elitists, filled with hipster Queen kids and a healthy dose of designers of all walks who inhabit this corner of the city. The interior of this cafe hotspot boasts high ceiling, exposed wood beams and columns, wrap around glazing and is full of visual texture. I especially like the oversized dining tables providing family style seating. Overhead pendants line the bar like frothy drops of milk dripping from the espresso machine’s frother.

What is really wonderful about this space is its home in the Robertson Building, constructed from 1911-1913 by Denison and Stephenson Architects. Built for the James Robertson Company, it housed the company’s showroom which claimed to have the largest display of plumbing and sanitary fixtures in the Dominion of Canada. Its current modern claim is greener as it’s undergone an eco-restorative update. In March 2004, a 250 square foot living wall was installed into the lobby by Air Quality Solutions Ltd. While in June this same year Gardens in the Sky created a rooftop oasis complete with greenery, greenhouse and cedar viewing deck. While the strangers on either side of you may be more interested in their Mac gear, it’s a pretty blissful building to pass a cappuccino in. (Photo: http://www.globalnerdy.com/2009/04/15/dark-horse-cafe-on-spadina-now-open-coffee-and-code-at-the-spadina-dark-horse-this-friday/)

4. Bulldog Cafe @ 89 Granby Street

The offspring of Stuart Ross I first found out about Bulldog Cafe on FoodTV’s show Restaurant Makeover. At this time I was still living in the suburbs and it was only last week that I had my first encounter with this java icon on my walk home. In no hurry I took a couple minutes to step inside and see the final product up close and personal. A glass display case shows off a tantalizing assortment of treats as you walk in, which leads into a black topped bar which runs the length of this space. Laminte stainless steel 2 seater tables are positioned across from the counter with views out onto this quiet residential street. The bar’s black ceramic tile backsplash is countered by the neutral cream walls, featuring cleverly disguised Ikea bookshelves as display space. The designer, Meredith Heron’s nod to a European cafe environment was just as composed in the flesh as it had been on TV.



3. Jet Fuel @ 519 Parliament Street

Jet Fuel is one of my new finds as a result of moving into the neighbourhood of Old Cabbagetown in Toronto. It’s been an institution in the area since 1992 and after a taste of their homemade lemonade it’s no surprise as to why. While I’m not particularly overwhelmed by the design, its narrow long layout provides a unique seating challenge. Stools and narrow bars line the exposed brick walls allowing the locals to lean or perch while waiting for their drinks to cool. The second half of the cafe is up a few steps and offers a quiet and cosier feel. A quiet place to sneak away and read, write or woodcarving should you chose, which I witnessed on my most recent visit. They often mix up the art display on the walls while the high ceilings allow for natural light from the front to stream into the back corners of this local favourite. (Photo: http://ourfaves.com/place/216246/jet-fuel-coffee-shop-inc-toronto)



2. Everyday Gourmet @ 93 Front Street East, St. Lawrence Market on the lower level

Tucked into the corner on the lower level of St. Lawrence Market Everyday Gourmet is a weekly Saturday morning tradition. Without a doubt the best cup of coffee in the market this family run joint has been a part of the St. Lawrence community since 1979. Cluttered but functional, this space operates as both a java to-go pit-stop and a retail space. Glass apothecary jars showcase yummy snacks while the aroma of custom blend beans tempts your senses.

St. Lawrence market was part of the initial market block appointed back in the early 1800’s by the city. It wasn’t until 1901 that the market witnessed its first major facelift in over 100 years, gaining a new roof and copula. It became known at this time as “Siddall’s Shed” after its architect John William Siddall. By the early 70’s its future was looking dim and destined to demolition until a bunch of Torontonians pulled together and petitioned for its preservation. By the late 70’s after 4 years of renovations the space reopened to the public. Since this time the market has become a mainstay for foodies and a beloved historical space in Toronto.

1. Manic Coffee @ 426 College

This is my number one as it’s my first cafe hangout, in my first neighbourhood when I first moved into the city. Discreetly set into the block on the north east side of College this jem brings together everything a coffee drinker needs in a cafe. Oversized windows for people watching up front, a variety of seating to accommodate various lounging activities and lots of fun things on the walls to check-out over a cuppa. Typical exposed brick is broken up with creamy panels of drywall while medium-dark hardwood floors run the length of the space. A track of overhead lights runs through the cafe creating s bright yet laid back feel. Whether catching up with a good friend or book, this space is where I could lose a couple hours of my day without a worry.



It’s on this note with a healthy dose of caffeine pumping through my system that I say welcome and thank you for reading the first of many to come Sunday Morning Designer posts.