From the French-infused art capital of Montreal to the high-tech seaport of Vancouver, Canada is big in both size and culture. Stereo-typically associated with a sort of “rustic aesthetic,” Canada’s emerging design scene ventures well beyond carved wood and maple leaf motifs. From hyper-modern minimalism to surreal and sculptural, a swath of Canadian designers have created a unique voice that’s making waves around the world, earning critical acclaim and gracing studios from Milan to Tokyo. Here’s a look at some of our most creative neighbors to the north.
Known for pairing strikingly simple geometric forms with rich materials and meticulous craftsmanship, designer Matthew McCormick is quickly becoming a modern day icon. Capturing the attention of Rossana Orlandi and featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Azure and beyond, McCormick creates fixtures that resonate around the world. From custom fixtures for larger-scale projects to simple suspensions, each of his pieces carries a signature style that’s taken his Vancouver studio to new heights.
Despite a portfolio crafted from wood and metal, hollis+morris are anything but rustic. Their portfolio of highly abstract fixtures explore new territory while maintaining a warm aesthetic that works in a variety of spaces. From the posh and playful Willow pendant to the iconic Bolt collection, it’s easy to see designer Mischa Couvrette’s architectural and environmental influence.
Object, furniture and lighting designer Ben Barber pushes against the conventional and established archetypes of 'west coast modernism', creating a portfolio of products that are both simple and complex, fun and functional, chic and colourful. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Barber joins a rising group of young designers reshaping the Canadian design landscape with an artful eye.
Known for their larger-than-life projects and mesmerizing custom installations, Viso is one of Canada’s largest lighting manufacturers. Their incredibly diverse portfolio covers everything from natural stone and metal to fabric and ceramic, and their cutting edge light systems fill the lobbies of resorts around the world, from the FIVE Hotel and Resort in Dubai to the Deloitte Headquarters in their hometown Toronto.
Led by Brian Richer and Kei Ng, Castor Design turned heads with their now-famous Recycled Tube Light, earning them a reputation for recontextualizing materials in unique and interesting ways. Each Castor piece has its own narrative, blurring the line between practicality and art, experimenting with materials, process and technique. The result is truly one-of-a-kind.
Pushing the boundaries of high art and lighting, trained artist Zac Ridgely created Ridgely Studio Works to explore his passion for sculpture and light. His unique pieces incorporate materials not typically associated with lighting: Steel rods, bicycle frames, hand cut glass panels. The results feel pulled from an art gallery, taking on an entirely new life when switched on.
Woven woods, braided rope, macram and cane work, the world of fibers is full of surprising techniques and textures. Nothing brings that earthy, organic feel to a space quite like a bamboo pendant, wicker chair or a jute mirror. Our natural selection is enough to make Darwin proud.
For over half a century, Montreal-based Artcraft have fused art and lighting with timeless appeal. A portfolio of everything from rustic wood chandeliers and pierced metal pendants to industrial wall sconces and everything in-between make them an instant go-to when browsing for a specific style.