Oftentimes on the blog, we discuss decor and design trends but we usually focus on the home front. This allows our readers to find inspiration to create the perfect layout for their interiors and exteriors. But what about those looking for ideas for their business?

When it comes to businesses, truth be told the appearance of your retail space plays a very important role in attracting and enticing long-term customers. Whether it's a restaurant, a café or a store, having a look that stands out will get you a lot of attention on social media as well as on decor blogs.

In the larger Canadian cities, like the metropolis of Toronto, you’ll find a large selection of boutiques and cafes, each more original than the next. This is why we’ve put together a list of 6 shops that could be featured in magazines in Toronto’s West End.

Renovations and commercial design: 6 Toronto East-End businesses worthy of magazines

1- Black Rooster Decor

Black Rooster Decor started online but is now situated in the upscale Leslieville neighbourhood of Toronto’s east end. This store may look small from the outside, but indoors it packs a punch. The showroom is a mini decor emporium, with an array of unique and stylish pieces for any home. The interior of Black Rooster is glossy and elegant, with white walls that keep it bright and a wide range of rotating home decor from around the world on display, you’re sure to find some excitement in this space!

2- Marvel Coffee

Marvel indeed; with two locations in the Danforth area, Marvel is a swanky spot for a hot cup or a delicious snack. The marble countertops and tables may be in opposition to the currently-trending coffee shop world, mainly occupied by exposed brick walls and wood. Nonetheless, this space’s high ceilings and intricate light fixtures are inviting. The room is small, but that keeps things inside cozy.

3- Tori’s Bakeshop

With a plethora of vegan bakeries in Toronto, it can be difficult to stand out. But Tori’s Bakeshop in the Beaches knows how to get noticed. From the outside, Tori’s may appear modest, but its interior is reminiscent of a bakeshop from a fairy tale or a fantasy novel. With charming mint green accents, open concept shelving and giant whisk-light fixtures, it’s a magical little space where we’d be happy to spend an afternoon. 

4- Merchant of York

Merchant of York is a simple, but effective, small crafty storefront in Toronto’s Moss Park region. They sell an assortment of gifts, plants, large prints, and other small housewares. The store’s interior is complete with a beautiful hardwood floor, plenty of iron-like open-concept shelving to display their goods, and high ceilings. It’s warm and inviting.

5- City Betty

City Betty is trying to bring a few big-city dreams to The Danforth. This trendy east end brunch spot nods to both California and New York, and their menu attempts to highlight what’s on offer at Ontario farms. The restaurant interior is chic and breezy, with a long mustard green booth across one wall and a table close to the bar aptly named “The Lookout.” Between the hanging greenery and the soft murals on the walls, we can see why this spot has a packed brunch hour.

6- Godspeed Brewery

This east end brewery may be sparse inside, but that’s exactly why it works. The decor inside Godspeed is reminiscent of German beer halls, with long wood tables, high ceilings and tons of space. Of course, the interior has a strong industrial feel to it, with lots of chrome accents, as well an open kitchen and glass room to peer into where the beer is.