styleNorth

Continuum (707 Pape Avenue, 416.778.1200), a new decor store at Pape and Danforth in Toronto, is not what I expect from a “vintage” shop. For one thing, a lot of the inventory isn’t especially old, it just isn’t brand new. And much of the stock has been reborn under the fearless direction of store owner Daina Liepa who has a definite knack for updating tired furnishings. I can imagine how dreary the table at left was before Daina had her way with it; a few coats of stainless steel paint and voila, a side table that’s the essence of transitional. Truth be told, I’d never even heard of this paint, which Daina says people slap onto fridges and dishwashers to give them an updated look. On appliances, I expect the results are heinous (what’s wrong with a white fridge!?!), but I’m quite impressed with the treatment on this little table ($145).

Daina’s transformative powers are even more evident on the coffee table below. After sanding and painting, Daina fitted the piece with a belleved mirror top to create something that’s much more chic than shabby ($225).

A coat of white paint did similar wonders for the plaster lamp ($125), above left, and the bamboo chair ($95), which also got a new seat covered in vintage Marimekko fabric. Behind the chair you can see a hint of the custom draperies that make up part of Continuum’s business (slipcovers are also made to order).

January is Mirror Month at Continuum so expect lots of shine and reflective surfaces in the store. I asked to take Daina’s picture because the lady of the house is at least as stylish as her finest merch — she made the amethyst-coloured beaded necklace she’s wearing herself.

And speaking of mirrors, 1stdibs.com recently posted a terrific feature article by writer Louise Devenish who explores the history of the looking glass with lots of exquisite and expensive (naturally!) examples.