Though the retailers in the area no longer actively market the Design District brand, Julian Riley of Maria Tomás (1015 11th Avenue S.W.), who was one of three proprietors to form the idea of a branded Design District, confirms that the label has stuck, thus accomplishing what the group originally set out to do. Riley, along with Jeanne Milne of The Art of Hardware (1001 10th Avenue S.W.) and Margrit Mortensen of Kai Mortensen (which has since closed), created the name and logo nearly five years ago, and organized guided walks through the district to build awareness. The area is still known by many as the Design District—and rightly so, as more home- and design-related businesses move there all the time.

Conveniently, there are many condo projects under construction or already completed in the area as well: Bucci’s Xenex at 1226 8th Street S.W.; Torode Residential’s arriVa at 3rd Street and 11th Avenue S.E.; Apex’s Union Square at 1325 1st Street SE; Renoir’s Lausanne Montreux at 10th Avenue and 14th Street S.W.; Arcus Developments’ Astoria on 10th between 8th and 9th Streets; Resiance Corporation’s Gateway Midtown at 1015 4th Street S.W.; Keynote Development Corporation’s Keynote at 1119 1st Street S.E.; Homburg-Centro Teamworks’ Castello at 530 12th Avenue S.W.; as well as the Millennium Condo Gallery at 1333 8th Street S.W. (Suite 912) and a number of other condo developments radiating off in either direction towards and away from downtown.

Buyers in these condo projects would be well-advised to thoroughly explore the 10th and 11th Avenue Design District before going any further in their search for interior finishings, whether they are looking for door hardware, fixtures, lighting, art, furniture, paint, fabric, floor coverings, window coverings or any type of accents.

For brand-new homeowners or those interested in renovating, options abound for interior finishing. Whether it’s flooring at Century Carpet One Floor and Home (1115 11th Avenue S.W.), Contempa Carpet Company (1315 11th Avenue S.W.), Tiles From the Nile (1336 11th Avenue SW), City Tile (1220 11th Avenue S.W.), or the House of Persian Rugs (617 10th Avenue S.W.), hardware and fixtures at The Art of Hardware or Designer’s Choice (1218 11th Avenue S.W.), paint at Maria Tomás or lighting at Lightspan (1002 13th Street S.W.), The Lighting Centre (1002 14th Street S.W.) or Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre (940A 11th Avenue S.W.), shoppers will find a whole range of choices and inspiration along 11th Avenue and nearby 10th Avenue.

Tiles From the Nile surprises the walk-in client, as they carry much more than tiles. Though it is a new kid on the block, located on 11th Avenue S.W. for just one year, Tiles From the Nile has been selling carpet, tile and hardwood, granite countertops, vanities and furniture and window coverings in southeast Calgary for 15 years. Whether you are planning an extensive renovation or simply need a distinctive, traditional and ornate piece of furniture to complete a room, you will find many choices here.

Art of Hardware is a veritable candy store for anyone who is building, renovating, or simply looking to add a bit of character to their home via hardware. Unique pieces such as stone sinks, Italian towel bars, a Jacuzzi-style laundry sink, twig-shaped armoire handles and pretty glass drawer pulls are just the beginning here.

When it comes time to fill the home with furniture, shoppers can educate themselves in a variety of styles in the Design District. There is an eclectic selection ranging from baroque to ultra-modern to art nouveau to contemporary country, and from mass produced to hard-to-find to made-to-order.

For buyers lusting after a French look, be it contemporary or classical, they’re sure to find what they’re looking for at Peridot (101-638 11th Avenue S.W.), French Connection (1222 11th Avenue S.W.) or Roche Bobois (225 10th Avenue S.W.). For those with a more “cosy” look in mind, Country Furniture (738 11th Avenue S.W.) offers a dazzling array of cute, quirky and chic pieces ranging from furniture and art right down to candles and giftware. Of course, “upscale” is the buzzword in the Design District, and if that’s what you have mind, you’re sure to find it whichever way you look.

To finish off, the homeowner needs accents and art to fill the spaces and create a mood.

All types of options co-exist on 11th and 10th Avenues, with design legends, kitschy classics, distinctive modern pieces and modern country accents living side-by-side (in different shops, of course) in harmony.

Chintz & Company (1238 11th Avenue) boasts perhaps the most extensive selection of furniture, art, fabric, candles, lamps, silk flowers, patio furniture, and other assorted decorative pieces under one impressively-designed roof.

Art ranging from sculptures big and small to abstract paintings to pop art to traditional figure paintings can be found at the eclectic range of galleries in the Design District. Some, like the Paul Kuhn Gallery (724 11th Avenue S.W.) have been in the area since it was Electric Avenue, while others, such as Udell Contemporary (725 11th Avenue S.W.) just moved in last year.

With each passing month, it seems a new name is added to the roster of design shops in the district. Take a stroll down 10th and 11th Avenues and find a treasure big or small to add to your home—just be sure to take your wallet.