FREE MY INTERIOR 289 Queen East, 647-932-8181, freemyinterior.com
There’s a rack of vintage clothing in colourful geometric prints standing behind a cutting table at the back of new Queen and Parliament decor shop Free My Interior. On a person, the retro frocks and flowing blouses might read “fashion victim,” but sliced, diced and accessorized into covers for the store’s signature line of cushions, they take on a clever new look.
Owners Aaron Furfaro and Zina Nelku spent four years stitching up pillows, upholstering headboards and refinishing found furniture for their design clients before realizing the projects would work well in retail, too. After stumbling upon a storefront while hunting for a new studio, they decided to open the shop on evenings and weekends.
In addition to upcycled buys, the store also displays a rotating selection of paintings and photography by local artists.
Free My Interior picks: A pleated, butter-yellow silk dress becomes a chic throw cushion cinched with a thin black belt, $70 the duo also create a collection of light fixtures, including a black drum shade draped in fine silver chain, $240 the price is right on an irregularly shaped solid walnut coffee table inset with smoked glass, $350.
Look for: Ask-a-designer days, when Furfaro and Nelku dish out free interior advice. Summer dates will be posted on the store’s website.
Hours: Wednesday to Friday 4:30 pm to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.
