Umbra Undone
Lindzi Armstrong
Beyond the bright pink panelled exterior lies a new little gem in the heart of Toronto. The Umbra brand has decided to become a known houseware name by launching a two-level flagship store rather than just continue to sell through retailers only. While you can still pick up the occasional, thoroughly modern plastic garbage can or toilet paper holder in other stores, Umbra offers a unique browsing opportunity. Designers for the brand pop in now and again to show buyers right in front of their eyes what goes on during the design process. Whilst building models or booking meetings, the Umbra dream team is available to answer shoppers’ questions, or to listen to their thoughts or praise.
In typical contemporary style, the white-on-concrete interior boasts all the trinkets one needs to set up one’s nest. Beware though — this is the place where “modern” and “cliché-overboard” meet. Funky, interesting art pieces line the store, mixing with the random bits you buy just because they are $8.99 a piece, like the iPod case with a bungee cord in oh-so-many colours.
The eye is compelled to dart around, identifying the pretty things in white and gold, and taking in the very fresh wood panelling on just about everything. Bridging on overkill, however, Umbra is quickly becoming the go-to place for everything from garbage cans to drapery. Best thing about the store? Its fabulous library of style and design, offering loads of literary works. A scrumptious wall of interesting and inspiring art, architecture, and product design books is a mainstay at this joint. |
