Sustainable Style Starts With Vintage
Hot Spot: Ethel 20th Century Living gives new life to old furniture, with a showroom of wonderful vintage and upcycled pieces full of character and craftsmanship.
By Will Scott | Photography by Ben Bonsu
Good design and sustainable choices are accessible to everyone in this vintage furniture and housewares spot in Toronto. The shop’s full name is Ethel 20th Century Living, which alludes to what’s on offer. It’s run by Shauntelle LeBlanc, an industrial designer-turned-saviour of high-quality mid-century (and similarly contemporary) design. The fact that “fast” furniture — cheaply manufactured items made to look good but not last — creates so much waste started to irk her. At Ethel, sustainability is baked into the process through recycling, upcycling and extending the life of vintage pieces. LeBlanc emphasizes eco-friendly products and recycled wood furniture, with the bonus of “keeping stuff out of a landfill.” Mid-century vibes abound — channelling designers Georg Jensen, Herman Miller, Russell Spanner — but without the hype or price tag. LeBlanc calls it “working-class vintage.” It’s the kind of style that never goes out — with smart, timeless pieces made with heart and soul. CAA
(Clockwise from left) The showroom at Ethel 20th Century Living offers a whimsical and wonderful collection of vintage and upcycled furnishings; Shauntelle LeBlanc, the store’s owner and curator; more than just rescuing pieces from the landfill, every item here tells a story.
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The showroom at Ethel 20th Century Living offers a whimsical and wonderful collection of vintage and upcycled furnishings; Shauntelle LeBlanc, the store’s owner and curator; more than just rescuing pieces from the landfill, every item here tells a story.
Sustainable Style Starts With Vintage
Hot Spot: Ethel 20th Century Living gives new life to old furniture, with a showroom of wonderful vintage and upcycled pieces full of character and craftsmanship.
By Will Scott | Photography by Ben Bonsu
Good design and sustainable choices are accessible to everyone in this vintage furniture and housewares spot in Toronto. The shop’s full name is Ethel 20th Century Living, which alludes to what’s on offer. It’s run by Shauntelle LeBlanc, an industrial designer-turned-saviour of high-quality mid-century (and similarly contemporary) design. The fact that “fast” furniture — cheaply manufactured items made to look good but not last — creates so much waste started to irk her. At Ethel, sustainability is baked into the process through recycling, upcycling and extending the life of vintage pieces. LeBlanc emphasizes eco-friendly products and recycled wood furniture, with the bonus of “keeping stuff out of a landfill.” Mid-century vibes abound — channelling designers Georg Jensen, Herman Miller, Russell Spanner — but without the hype or price tag. LeBlanc calls it “working-class vintage.” It's the kind of style that never goes out — with smart, timeless pieces made with heart and soul. CAA