styleNorth

1160 Queen Street West, Toronto
416.533.6362; Tues - Sat 12 - 6 pm, Sun 12 - 5 pm

Some days Toronto feels like the land of the knockoff; I see so much unlicensed, reproduction furniture as I blog my way across the city that a trip to Kate Eisen’s scrupulously authentic INabstracto feels a little like stepping out of a time machine.

Pedigree is the name of the game at this West Queen West stalwart, from the fabulous mid-century furnishings right down to Eisen’s lovely little Fox Terrier, Mildred (below). The owner’s passion is vintage Canadian design but she’s also well up on American, European and Scandinavian furnishings.

The Overman sofa Mildred is snoozing on (above) is $1,995 and there’s a matching chair for $550. The Knoll Bertoia Diamond chairs in the top pic are $795 each and the 1950s Lightolier, all-plastic, table lamp is $295. The stunning original art anchoring the vignette is by Toronto architect Franco Colalillo ($6,500).

You’ll find lots of 1stdibs quality at INabstracto but without the death-defying prices. Kate (above right) is currently selling good condition, walnut Castelli chairs by Giancarlo Perreti for $395 each; the same seats are fetching $1,600 on 1stdibs.com. One of my favourite pieces in the shop right now is the white lacquer coffee table, above left, with its magnificent, gleaming curves ($1,495). The cute little toy dog is made from vintage terry towels by German commercial artist Andreas Linzner ($65 - $110). The bright orange Etcetera easy chair is by Jan Ekselius, a 1970 classic priced at $1,200.

I’m dazzled by the modern primitive Rougier wall sconce (above left) and was even more surprised when Kate told me she has five of them to sell ($850 each); in my mind’s eye I see them lined up above a row of dark banquettes in a luxe supper club. The 1950s chair, above right, was designed by Britain’s James Leonard but manufactured in Canada by ISA International ($175 each and Kate has several of them).

And finally, they may not be a decor item but it’s worth noting that InAbstracto is one of the only places in Canada where you can buy a super cool, Swiss Freitag bag. Freitag means Friday in German and the bags are hot commodities in London, Paris and Tokyo. Made from recycled truck tarpaulins, the bags are completely waterproof and range in price from $150 - $450. Kate keeps it real!