Welcome to Refining Design’s Spotlight!

I’m Kristy Malone, Toronto’s Interior Decorator for the Refined and Modern Gentleman, and I’m here to recommend what I believe to be the city’s hottest spots for the décor-savvy shopper.

If you have refined tastes and appreciate beautiful décor, this is the feature for you!

In this edition of the Refining Design Spotlight, I speak with Marie, who is the owner of Trinity Gallery.

Trinity Gallery – Upper Beaches, Toronto

My own dining room is stocked with artwork from Trinity!

Trinity Gallery has been a fixture in Toronto’s Upper Beaches neighborhood for over two decades.

During this time, this little shop has established itself as the go-to place for stylish, unique, and inspirational giftware and décor pieces.

I love shopping here. From the minute I walk in, I’m welcomed by a captivating array of beautiful things, all expertly layered and displayed. I find it really hard not to get immediately excited about the treasures I’m about to find.

The shop inhabits a small space, but Trinity Gallery is well-stocked with many elegant, modern pieces.

This is no small feat, given that it can be a tricky balance stocking items that are both timeless but also unique. As a shop owner, you certainly want to be ahead of the curve, but at the same time you need to recognize that many homeowners are hesitant to take bold chances with home decor, until they see it widely available. The owners at Trinity have mastered this balance.

Customers are usually delighted to find décor items that are both high caliber and reasonably priced. It’s the perfect balance between affordable and unique. In fact, my own dining room is stocked with artwork from Trinity!

Above all, the owners, Holly and Marie, are a pleasure to work with! They have a proven track record of recognizing their client’s style preferences and needs and pulling together pieces for a cohesive look. In search for the perfect chair or sofa? No problem! Tell Marie what kind of comfort level you’re looking for and she will have the perfect piece in seconds.

But she’s brutally honest, too. Marie has cut me off in the past saying, “Kristy, you don’t need that bowl!” Haha! Bottom line, she is practical and honest with her customers, which is exactly what you want in a neighbourhood shop.

Q&A with Marie, Trinity Gallery House

With Marie from Trinity.

How would you describe your business?

Trinity Gallery is a way of life. We can decorate your home and dress you to match (we own a clothing store too).

How would you describe your décor style in 3 words?

Classic. Contemporary. Accessible.

What makes your style/products/service unique?

We are always evolving. We’re open to new ideas and not afraid to change things up. It keeps things fresh and interesting.

How long have you been in business?

It has been 22 years.

How did you get started? Tell us a bit about your background.

Design has always interested me and there seemed to be a need for this niche here in the east end of Toronto.

Why are you in this business? Why did you decide to open your own store?

My background is in clothing, however it’s all relative. A good line is a good line, whether it’s the cut of a dress or the contour of a sofa. I can see colour, which is huge. You can’t teach that in school.

Why did you choose this neighborhood?

I love the sense of community. There’s a feeling of belonging.

Art of mixing and matching metals at Trinity.

My fave vingnette at Trinity

What’s your favorite part of being in this business?

There are so many aspects I love: the creativity, meeting new people, being surrounded by beautiful things.

Why is décor important, in your opinion?

A home that makes a person happy is important. At the end of the day, that’s what decorating is all about.

If you could go back in time 15 years and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

Trust your instincts, they’re usually not wrong.

Who is your ideal client? Who do you enjoy working with the most? Who can you help the most?

Our most ideal client is an open person who will consider all the possibilities

What is your personal/business slogan?

Anything is possible.

What/who inspires you?

Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they love something we’ve put together, be it an outfit or a living room. It’s all about making people feel good.

If you could work with anyone in the business (dead or alive), who would it be? Why?

Nancy Braithwaite, Darryl Carter, Vincent Wolfe to name a few — I enjoy their simplicity and clean lines.

Valenitine’s Day inspiration

Dreaming of the beach.

How do you define success?

Success is getting to do something you love every day.

How do you feel about trends? Follow or unfollow?

Trends are fun for accessories but it’s wise to keep your larger more expensive pieces timeless

Do you find there’s a difference decorating for men versus decorating for women?

There are definitely generalizations. Men tend to oppose painting wood, they seem to prefer darker colours, and have an affinity to leather. Many women will paint out wood in a heartbeat, they’ll want everything white and drawn to softer fabrics.

Where can our readers find you?

Trintity Gallery

HOME DECOR & GIFTWARE
149 Main St. TO, ON
416.686.5980

www.trinitygallery.ca