Who are you?
Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore, owners of MADE.

How long has the store been open?
The store will be three officially in September.

Why did you open your store?
We had an idea of what we personally needed and wanted to see in Toronto and we knew so many Canadian makers who had impressive work yet had no dedicated outlet for showing it. We could easily have continued to complain about what was missing or we could start to build what that idea should become.

What can people expect to find when visiting your store?
Modern Canadian design that reflects original ideas with an emphasis on quality and usability.

Who are your customers?
Individuals, from all kinds of backgrounds, ages and incomes. They all tend to have a passion for design and an adventuring spirit where they are seeking objects that speak to them on a more personal level.

Favorite moment while running your store?
Our first birthday stands out. Friends and design colleagues, supporters and clients all crammed into the store and we had a stupid time.

Worst or most Embarrassing moment?
There was a moment when a customer walked in the door. We both mistook her for someone we knew well and greeted her heartily and effusively. She was really taken aback and then we realized she wasn’t who we thought she was.

Is there an item you regret selling?
We had some scarves by Elsworthy Wang, the black one sold within an hour of displaying them. It sits in my mind as the scarf I (Julie) was supposed to have.

Name something you sell in your store that you also own in your own home?
We both tend to have some things that we love but something we have in common is that we each bought a set of Katherine Morley’s Arctic Bookends (above). She pours so much design heart, design thought, and design soul into her work. Oops. I guess we have a few things in common. We both also have lights by Propellor and some molo seating pieces. Ps. we don’t have identikit homes!

What are you really interested in right now?
MADE is developing more custom work and interior consultation. Aesthetically we are always interested in layers that go into a design that may appear simple but result in a rich effect.

Matt Nye: The Unusual Space (above)
Installation in the MADE Cooler
Until June 13th, 2009

MADE

867 Dundas Street West, Toronto
West of Bathurst, between Euclid & Manning
416 607 6384
info@madedesign.ca

Store Hours: Tues to Fri 11-7, Sat 11-6, Mon by appointment only.
(days and hours can change over time. These are up to date as of July 2009. Always best to call or check their website for the most recent info.)

Photos by Juli Daoust