BRING ARTISTIC FLAIR TO ANY SPACE WITH THEIR WELL-CHOSEN PIECES
Story by Cameron Maitland
Photo by Warren Haas
One look into Toronto’s Ministry of the Interior design gallery and you’ll be surprised by one thing: colour. Since 2007 the eye-catching look of Ministry has been stopping traffic on the Ossington strip. While other interior design Meccas around the city may take a minimalist approach, owner/curator Jason MacIsaac brings life to his store through a careful selection of joyful product.
MacIsaac’s background as an art director not only informs the electricity which surrounds the products in store, but gives the shop a unique retail design perspective. Ministry provides pieces for consumers and also branches out into interior design commissions and concept spaces like ‘Rolling Hills’, which was created for for the 2010 Interior Design Show.
To MacIsaac, the biggest design mistake made is not “continuing the conversation”, and he sees Ministry of the Interior as his chance to show customers “a different and new kind of space.” Rather than simply offering the hippest trends, Ministry seeks to “play with people’s perception of design concepts as a whole.” For instance, instead of just fad environmentalism, Ministry seeks out true sustainability through well-made and interesting pieces with a focus on production that lasts.
But what do these concepts mean when you walk in the door? MacIsaac wants Ministry “to cater to a gamut of people and a gamut of needs,” and that shows on his sales floor, which features items that range from small gifts to large room-defining furniture. These pieces have narratives of intricate production, and Ministry’s staff is more than happy to lead you through the tale behind every chair and lamp.
Currently, Ministry is turning its gaze to fun, signature pieces like Jaime Hayon’s gold nose dimmer ‘Clown Lamp’. The same joy and innovation follows on to the larger pieces like the Groenart ‘Zitten’ that, though it carries a hefty price tag, as a chair and table combo can redefine a space and commands attention. Falling in line with their sustainable philosophy, you can find the simplistic, sturdy design of the Wouter Scheublin ‘Frame Chairs’ which act discreetly and are built to last. Shoppers on a budget are welcome too, as there are smaller touches like recreated Edison-style Ferrowatt light bulbs, which can add interest without emptying your bank account.
The fact that you can get everything from light bulbs to large furnishings is what makes Ministry of the Interior an Ossington institution, and a breath of fresh air in the Toronto design community.
Visit Ministry Of The Interior at 80 Ossington Ave., Toronto.
