Irish Design House
When Irish Design House owner Sinead Clarke and her husband arrived in Toronto, it didn’t take them long to realize Riverside was where they wanted to live and do business.
“We loved the area and felt very comfortable here,” she says. It’s now been four years since she opened Irish Design House, and Sinead has only warm thoughts about running a business in Riverside.
“I love the sense of community,” she says. “There is such a lovely feeling when you know a customer well and are able to serve them well.”
The Queen Street shop specializes in natural and sustainable clothing and home decor, predominantly and beautifully, handmade Ireland. You’ll also find an eclectic selection of stylish women’s clothing that is designed and manufactured in Toronto, including Sinead’s own line of adorable headbands among other items. The colder the weather in Toronto, the warmer the shop becomes. In fact, year round, the Irish Design House feels more like a country home.
In addition to unique and cozy gifts (for yourself or loved one), the Irish Design House offers beginner sewing classes in a comfortable studio at the back of the shop.
Karen Lloyd is a writer, photographer and website designer in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. This blog is part of the series giving you the inside scoop on Riverside, Toronto. Read other blogs in the series: Riverside Patios, Places to Stay in Riverside, Brunch Spots, Health & Wellness in Riverside, Kid-Friendly Riverside, Event & Catering Spots, Riverside Chefs, Self-Care in Riverside, It’s Easy Being Green in Riverside, The Dirt on Gardening in Riverside, Eat Around the World in Riverside, and Saying ‘I Do’ East of the Don.