From vintage looks to natural vibes, the best new styles all offer something familiar

Everywhere you look, it’s something new. New furniture, a new shade, a new surface – it’s as exciting as it is overwhelming. But what trends are going to last longer than just a season? Because while we like the shiny and new, we like something with a bit of longevity even more. Below, we dig into four design trends we love that are taking over Toronto and – crucially – that we think will last past fall. Read on to see what’s piquing our interest.

Space Invaders

Carving out space in an urban dwelling can be a challenge, especially if you want it to be as visually appealing as it is functional. As many of us spend more time at home, it’s become a necessity to find some privacy. Our favourite dividers come in many forms – retro-inspired breeze block, tactile wood and felt, and classic steel-cased glass.

1. The design–build team of 1925Workbench crafts sliding glass and steel partition walls, a perfect transition between foyer and living space.

2. Retro-inspired breeze block is all the rage on patios, indoors and actual breezeways. We love local manufacturer Kreitmaker’s many unique versions. Seen here is an installation at The Drake hotel.

3. These molded felt privacy panels are genius. In three colours and three sizes, they easily mount to (and hang from) any surface, making for private workspaces on the fly. Available at Urban Mode.

4. Toronto company Gripblock has swept the city with its pandemic patio-makers. There’s no reason the interchangeable and paintable wood blocks wouldn’t make a great solution to a garden or lofty space, too.

Deco Dowels

The simple and beautiful look of dowels has been infiltrating our social media feeds for a reason. With their nod to the 1920s, these rounded shapes have an enduring appeal that works in many spaces. The modern twist – used on everything from kitchen islands to furniture – is a more casual, natural wood finish.

1. Kitchens are seeing the highest uptick in this trend. This house by Asquith Architecture deploys the rounded form in a unique and inviting support to a kitchen island. Cabinetry by Nick Day Design.

2. It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Kroft’s Hanging Clothes Rack, made of solid wood and hung from adjustable cord, is one good-looking space-saver.

3. We’re huge fans of woodworker Kate Duncan. We’ve gone bonkers for her Ribbed collection of furnishings, which includes a bed, dining table, credenza, and this stunning desk.

4. This is a little on the nose, but how could we resist? The Companions bed by StudioIlse for De La Espada – made of white oak with copper feet – has us spun. Available at Mjölk.

Pastel Appeal

The softer side of 2021 has revealed a lot of colour saturation. Smaller bathrooms are the ideal place to channel your love of one colour and hop on the pastel train. A retro-inspired pink loo, when updated for a new generation, takes on modern, pared-back forms.

1. A bathroom swathed in floor-to-ceiling pastel tones has maximum impact, especially when paired with hits of matte black. A pale milky pink tile like these from the Minimarmi collection look right on trend with a glow that’s sure to make everyone look great in the mirror. Available at Ciot.

2. Don’t stop at the tiles; keep your colour palette going strong with this soft-focus sconce (for wall or ceiling) by Vibia. Available in pink, green and white. Available at Robinson Lighting & Bath.

3. A perfect pairing to this soft roundup is Farrow & Ball’s Calamine (No. 230). With its whisper of pink and hint of grey, it’s reminiscent of the bug-bite cream of summers long ago.

Lining Up

Line art is popping up everywhere these days, on every- thing from wall treatments to clothing. In both robust and finer forms, the aesthetic works well in many environs, from a funky loft to a sleek condo. Or, get smaller hits of the black-and-white trend with accessories and artwork.

1. Toronto designer Sam Sacks always pushes her artistic concepts to the next level. With its tactile, organic lines, this hand-painted mural channels the spontaneity of street art.

2. The charcoal drawings of Emma Hayes’s made-in-the-U.K. Vine wallpaper begs to be touched. Available at NewWall.

3. The Toronto Ink Company makes ink out of anything including fox grapes, which were used for this complex and frame-worthy squiggle. Available at Souvenir.

4. So perfectly imperfect, we’re looking for any reason to use this hand-painted bowl by Casa Cubista. Made of terracotta in five patterns. Available at Saudade.