Sip The Day Away In Bruno Coffee’s Latest Outpost In Toronto

A delectable cup of coffee is a work of art; naturally, the surroundings it’s served in should be too. That’s the approach Architecture Riot took when creating Bruno Coffee’s second outpost in Toronto, Canada. The design team infused the locale with sculptural elements and subtle curves, creating an inviting cafe that encourages customers to sip slowly.

“Our approach focused on achieving a balance between functionality and aesthetic clarity—where continuous horizontal planes and softened corners establish a natural flow, guiding customers intuitively through the space,” share studio principal Sally Kassar and design collaborator, Javier Huerta, noting that a parred down palette of oak, plaster, and exposed brick offers an interplay of textures and warmth. “Careful spatial planning ensured that the design maximizes the limited footprint while maintaining a clean, cohesive visual language,” they continue. “The end result is a space where each element feels intentional, enhancing both the tactile and visual qualities of the environment.”

Custom millwork seamlessly melds seating, storage, and display areas, creating a cozy ambience for customers anchored by an expansive service counter. “Instead of placing the service area at the back of the space, we wanted both the barista and the guest to have access to the entire depth of the shop,” the designers share. “This led to a design that splits the space along its length, rather than in the more typical, shorter direction.” Organically shaped sconces echo the curvature throughout while original brick flooring nods to the site’s retail history. “Every detail was carefully considered to create a cohesive rhythm, balancing practicality with warmth, and ensuring the space feels inviting and comfortable,” they add.

Meanwhile, the building’s Queen Street West facade lures customers with its striking shade of blue. “The decision to use a vibrant blue façade was driven by a desire to establish a strong visual identity for Bruno Coffee while maintaining a dialogue with the Queen West streetscape,” say the designers. “Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the blue façade reinforces Bruno’s brand identity, establishing continuity between its locations while offering a fresh interpretation suited to Queen West’s dynamic architectural fabric.” Bruno Coffee’s considered design decisions leave a lasting impression—one that embodies the brand’s slow and intentional cafe culture.

Unwind In The Latest Bruno Coffee Outpost

A Toronto Eyewear Store by Reflect Architecture Pays Homage to ‘80s Glam

Eyewear from Sim Bains’ All Eyes on Me boutiques in Ontario’s Oakville and Milton neighborhoods has been spotted on the faces of fashionable Canadians for years now. So Bains knew that when opening a shop in his native Toronto, he needed to up his game. He enlisted the locals at Reflect Architecture, who took a look at his extensive line of Cartier eyewear and hit upon the idea of designing the boutique around the box itself.

“We had a rich history to indulge in,” says principal Trevor Wallace. “As global boutique fashion houses look to street wear for inspiration, there is a dynamic narrative coming forward to unite unique aspects of the cultural spectrum through design and fashion.” This meant red velvet walls as dramatic as the interior of a ring box juxtaposed against vintage grey stone, and center rows of table displays arranged like a runway. While waiting for exams in the crisp white lab in back, guests can sip espresso or cognac on Tom Dixon’s groovy seating. Wallace’s most treasured detail, he says, “is the matte, blasted fade on the top-lit mirrors inspired by the excess of the 1980s.” After all, just a touch of too much always looks good.