THE PERFECT SLEEP NIGHT AFTER NIGHT
THE
PERFECT SLEEP
Attention to detail from start to finish is what you can expect from a luxury Aireloom mattress. We’ve poured decades of craftsmanship and nature’s finest materials into our art of mattress making. The process is a labor of love, performed by true craftsmen who focus on every cut, stitch, and piece of material that goes into making sure you experience the most natural and comfortable night’s sleep possible.
AVAILABLE AT ELTE
NIGHT AFTER NIGHT
Attention to detail from start to finish is you can expect from a luxury Aireloom mattress. We’ve poured decades of craftsmanship nature’s finest materials into our art of mattress making. The process is a labor of love, performed by true craftsmen who focus on every cut, and piece of material that goes into making you experience the most natural and comfortable
We are Jamie and Andrew Metrick, fourthgeneration owners of the Toronto-based design store, Elte. Welcome to the inaugural issue of our magazine. In this edition, themed “100 Years of Design,” we share how our family’s connection to people, places, and design has grown over the past 100 years and still inspires us today.
The first section of our magazine is dedicated to furniture and its evolution at Elte over the past three decades. We celebrate the launch of Elte Collection, designed by Andrew Metrick, whose attention to detail and passion for timeless design has resulted in a versatile and enduring collection. We also highlight the debut of our vintage collection, the grand opening of Canada’s first dedicated showrooms for Italian icons, B&B Italia, Maxalto, and Cassina, and welcome the addition of a host of international brands that have joined the Elte family in the past year.
We celebrate the new home of our luxury bath and kitchen brand, Ginger’s, now located on the second floor of our showroom at 80 Ronald Avenue in Toronto. This move creates a more streamlined shopping experience and introduces an array of new brands. The reimagined space now features Canada’s first full-scale Waterworks showroom, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership with the renowned kitchen and bath brand.
The second section of our magazine chronicles Elte’s rich history in rugs, which began with our founder and greatgrandfather, Leon Tenenbaum, who fled nazi-occupied Paris for a new home in Toronto. Here, he and subsequent
generations have woven their lives into the fabric of art, culture, and community. Now, with Jamie Metrick at the helm, we brought one of the greatest private rug collections to Canada with the Naziri Family Private Collection, launched our original Tapis Français Collection, introduced the Karakul Collection, and expanded our esteemed Eskayel Collection, a collaboration with Brooklyn-based designer Shanan Campanaro. We also visit Bhadohi, India, where Elte is committed to enhancing the lives of weavers and their families.
We are proud to introduce our newly reimagined Cafe Elte. Located in the heart of our showroom, the cafe is a place for our community to gather, recharge and enjoy a taste of southern Italy.
Lastly, we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our sister brand, Mkt. Conceived by us in 2014, Mkt was created with a vision for a modern, curated home for the next generation of homeowners. We’ll share with you a selection of some of our favourite products in the store right now.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Jamie’s wife, Heather, and our cousin Ellie. Heather and her creative team, along with Ellie and her production team, have built this magazine from the ground up.
As you turn these pages, we hope you find inspiration in the stories that continue to unfold in our 100 years of design, celebrating the connections that define who we are and where we are headed.
Warm regards,
Jamie and Andrew Metrick
PAST &
The Rhine Sofa Collection, Designed by Andrew Metrick
PRESENT
Elte has expanded its furniture collection over three decades. Today, an appreciation for the past and meticulous attention to detail continue to shape our approach. At the helm of furniture sourcing, design, and curation at Elte is Andrew Metrick, a fourth-generation owner who grew up surrounded by design.
THE ELTE COLLECTION
Furniture Designed by Andrew Metrick
Continuing Elte’s commitment to considered design, owner Andrew Metrick leads the design of Elte’s furniture collection.
Metrick’s approach centers around his timeless understanding of scale and proportion, his relentless attention to detail, and his admiration for designs of the past.
Since the launch of Metrick’s marble designs in 2021, the collection has grown to include upholstery, wood and metal pieces available in an array of styles and sizes for unparalleled versatility. This year, Metrick added a custom upholstery program, offering over 300 premium Italian fabrics.
“Customization is a red thread throughout the collection,” explains Metrick. “Our clients are discerning, and Elte’s pieces allow them to source the perfect size and material for a space.”
With new designs in the works, the collection is constantly growing and evolving. “Elte Collection is a key part of our furniture offering, alongside international brands and vintage furniture,” says Metrick.
OPPOSITE Metrick with his Colonna Modular Sectional; ABOVE Marble design from Elte’s inaugural collection; BELOW Oblique Collection, crafted from American white oak.
Pedra Rectangular Pull Up Table; $1,345
Duvall Coffee Table; $5,775
Altar Console Table; from $3,995
Shift Dining Table; $12,055
Arcade Console Table; $11,795
Cassetto 6-Drawer Dresser; $6,675
Bruges 6-Drawer Dresser; $7,795
Spoke Coffee Table; $6,475
Oblique Round Dining Table; from $5,995
Beam Coffee Table; $10,395
Vintage Viggo Boesen Lounge Chair
THE VINTAGE COLLECTION
Iconic Pieces Crafted to Endure Through the Ages
Chair, by Viggo Boesen
Sideboard, by Henning Kjærnulf
Paimio Lounge Chair Model No. 41, by Alvar Aalto
‘3LC’ T-Chair, by Katavolos, Littell and Kelley
Samo Dining Table, by Carlo Scarpa
Chair, by Niels Otto Møller
Lounge Chair, by Flemming Lassen
Easy Chair, by Kristian Vedel
RY26 Sideboard, by Hans Wegner
B&B ITALIA, MAXALTO
& CASSINA OPEN IN TORONTO
Elte is honoured to announce the opening of B&B Italia, Maxalto and Cassina showrooms in Toronto’s Castlefield Design District.
This spring, Elte had the privilege of partnering with iconic Italian brands Cassina and B&B Italia to bring their first Canadian monobrand showrooms to Toronto.
Recognizing Toronto as a vital market, these brands sought a partner to help establish their meaningful presence here, and we are humbled to have been chosen for this role.
Both the B&B Italia and Cassina showrooms are located at 125 Tycos Drive in Toronto’s Castlefield design district, where Elte’s Ronald Avenue showroom has been a cornerstone of the district for 35 years. The brands’ presence further enhances the district and reinforces the area as a premier destination for luxury design.
The combined 17,000 square feet of the B&B Italia and Cassina showrooms present a diverse picture of Italian design and craftsmanship. B&B Italia showcases minimalist and timeless designs, while Cassina offers bold and striking pieces.
Elte’s collaboration with B&B Italia and Cassina highlights a growing appreciation for global design innovation in Toronto. The showrooms offer designers and enthusiasts a premier destination for both inspiration and shopping.
For hours and contact information visit elte.com/pages/showrooms-and-hours
“WE WANT TO PARTNER WITH BRANDS THAT ARE PUSHING DESIGN FORWARD AND TELLING RICH STORIES.”
— Andrew Metrick
OPPOSITE Cassina showroom; TOP B&B Italia Showroom; LEFT Andrew Metrick extends a warm welcome to the brands during the Cassina and B&B Italia grand opening parties; ABOVE Maxalto showroom, located within B&B Italia’s showroom
Le Bambole Three-seater Sofa, by Mario Bellini
Alanda ’18 Rectangular Coffee Table, by Paolo Piva
Sectional Sofa, by Mario Bellini
Up 50 Armchair and Ottoman, by Gaetano Pesce
O’ Square Dining Table, by Monica Armani
High Armchair, by Patricia Urquiola
O’ Swivel Chair, by Monica Armani
Bambole Armchair, by Mario Bellini
InToto Maxalto Console, by Antonio Citterio
Maxalto Sofa, by Antonio Citterio
Chaise Longue, by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand
Tulu Chair, by Kazuhide Takahama
Sengu Table, by Patricia Urquiola
Dudet Armchair, by Patricia Urquiola
Soft Corners Side Table, by Linde Freya Tangelder
Sengu Bold Modular Sofa, by Patricia Urquiola
Paravento Balla Screen, by Giacomo Balla
Grands Trans-Parents Mirror, by Man Ray
Dining Table, by Michael Anastassiades
Doron Hotel Armchair, by Charlotte Perriand
Over the past year, Elte has introduced a diverse collection of international furniture and lighting brands to its assortment, united by their commitment to pushing design forward.
NEW BRANDS AT ELTE TIMELESS ICONS TO MODERN INNOVATORS
NORR11
Founded in 2011, NORR11 offers timeless pieces on the leading edge of design. Designers Tommy Hydahl and Kristian Sofus Hansen push boundaries with sculptural, courageous and sophisticated design.
Founded in Italy in 1962, Flos has revolutionized lighting by pushing boundaries with avantgarde designs. Through collaborations with renowned designers, Flos achieves harmony between form, craftsmanship and technology.
FLOS
Founded in 2013, Denmark-based contemporary furniture maker and design studio Overgaard & Dyrman merges traditional techniques with modern technology. With a passion for organic forms, luxury materials, and precision details, their designs are hallmarks of timeless style and uncompromising quality.
HELLER
Since 1971, Heller has worked with leading designers to create sculptural, easy-to-live-with collections. Furnishing museums, offices, restaurants and homes, Heller’s products are made from durable, recyclable materials that allow them to be enjoyed indoors and out.
Established in 1874 and regarded as the original house of light, Louis Poulsen collaborates with architects, engineers and designers to create innovative fixtures that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of spaces.
KØBENHAVNS MØBELSNEDKERI
Founded in 2006, Københavns Møbelsnedkeri crafts furniture, kitchens, wardrobes and bathrooms for both private and corporate customers worldwide. Combining timeless tradition with exceptional attention to detail, every design moves from concept to completion in their Copenhagen-based studio and workshop.
OVERGAARD & DYRMAN
LOUIS POULSEN
KARAKTER
Rooted in Scandinavian tradition with an international outlook, Danish design manufacturer Karakter offers iconic designs of the past while also collaborating with contemporary designers to create relevant, honest, and sometimes playful furniture, lighting, and objects.
IMPERFETTOLAB
Founded in 1992, Italian design studio, Imperfettolab, is led by designers and partners Verter Turroni and Emanuela Ravelli. Inspired by material exploration and the beauty of imperfection in raw materials, their designs highlight organic and
BROWN JORDAN
Since its inception in 1945 by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan in Pasadena, California, Brown Jordan has partnered with renowned designers to redefine outdoor living through its modern aesthetic, innovative design and durable materials.
AGAPECASA
Born from an ongoing collaboration with the visionary Italian designer and architect Angelo Mangiarotti, Agapecasa is entrusted with the production of Mangiarotti’s iconic furniture designs.
ARFLEX
Founded in 1947, Italian furniture company, Arflex, is recognized for its collaborations with leading designers. Pushing the boundaries of creativity while remaining timeless, Arflex is celebrated for its innovative use of materials.
THORUP
Established in 2017 by Kasper Thorup, Thorup Copenhagen is an independent Danish design studio crafting furniture, lighting, and objects with a focus on natural materials and artisanship.
For over 70 years, Italian furniture company Cappellini has forged a legacy at the crossroads of innovation and functionality through pioneering design collaborations with influential and emerging designers.
CAPPELLINI
NEW HOME
Elte is proud to announce the new home of our luxury bath and kitchen brand, Ginger’s, on the second floor of our showroom, located at 80 Ronald Avenue, Toronto. Designed by Burdifilek, the completely reimagined showroom exhibits a host of new and exciting brands, while showcasing and honouring our longstanding collections. For hours and contact information visit elte.com/pages/ showrooms-and-hours
GINGER’S BOUTIQUE
Our new space features a curated selection of bath accessories, fine towels, robes, baskets, soaps, fragrances and more.
Cracked Glass Bath Accessories Collection with Polished Gold Details
Abyss Super Pile Towel Collection in Laurel
Laboratorio Olfattivo Home Fragrance Collection
BRANDS AT GINGER’S
FIXTURES
Artelinea
Blu Bathworks
California Faucets
Claybrook
Cocoon
Crosswater
Dornbracht
Duravit
Falper
Fantini
Gessi
Julien
Kreoo
Lefroy Brooks
MGS
Native Trails
Phylrich
Rohl
Samuel Heath
Stone Forest
The Galley
THG
Villeroy & Boch
Vola
Watermark
Waterstone
Waterworks
Wetstyle
Discover our curated selection of bath, kitchen, boutique and hardware brands.
BOUTIQUE
Abyss & Habidecor
Lothantique
Decor Walther
Matouk
Sferra Fine Linens
Tina Frey Designs
HARDWARE
Armac Martin
Classic Brass
Top Knobs
Water Street Brass
VOLA. For life.
The first VOLA tap was designed by Arne Jacobsen for Danmarks Nationalbank in 1968. Since then, every product has been made to order in our factory in Denmark and is designed to be repaired, never replaced.
COMBI-26 Thermostatic mixer with Round-head shower, double-head shower at shoulder height and hand shower, in 40 Brushed stainless steel.
Explore our new catalogue at VOLA.com.
Exclusively distributed in Canada by the Hastings Bath Collection.
Available Exclusively at Ginger´s in Toronto 80 Ronald Ave.
Waterworks, renowned for its luxury kitchen and bath products, has proudly opened its first fullscale Waterworks showroom in Canada, within Ginger’s, at 80 Ronald Avenue, Toronto.
“We have a deep connection with Waterworks and the Waterworks family, Barbara and Peter Sallick,” says Andrew Metrick, reflecting on a partnership that spans two generations. “The new Waterworks showroom marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
For over four decades, Waterworks has been a leader in the kitchen and bath industry, celebrated for its superior craftsmanship and innovative designs.
The new Toronto showroom offers unparalleled access to Waterworks products, allowing customers to experience the brand’s elegant fixtures, premium fittings and bespoke accessories firsthand. This space is more than just a retail location; it is an immersive environment where customers can explore a wide range of styles, finishes, and configurations.
The Waterworks showroom at Ginger’s is now open to the public.
Book a personalized consultation at elte.com/pages/consultation
A FINE ART
Elte’s history is deeply rooted in rugs. In 1919, we began as a carpet company in Paris. During the Second World War, our founder, Leon Tenenbaum, relocated to Canada and opened Elte.
When Leon’s daughter, Cecile, and her husband, Fred Metrick, took over the business, their primary focus was on selling carpets and broadloom. They had a love for art and a profound interest in supporting Canadian artists. They commissioned several prominent Canadian artists, such as Jack Shadbolt, Gordon Smith and Harold Town, to create carpets. This practice harkens back to the golden age of carpet design when the most influential modernist painters of the 20th century designed and produced rugs.
Today fourth-generation owner, Jamie Metrick , leads carpet sourcing, design and curation. In the following pages, we are excited to share with you four very special rug collections available at Elte and one community initiative that is very close to our hearts.
THE NAZIRI FAMILY PRIVATE COLLECTION
The Naziri Family Private Collection was built by Mohammad Naziri and his wife, Lila, over the span of five decades sourcing rugs from the remote corners of southern Persia.
Showcasing the rich cultural history of the regions, this rug collection was carefully curated by the Naziri family for their parallels to 20th-century modern art movements.
Woven with sentiment by nomadic Qashqai tribes, these rugs, that hold the stories of romantic love and familial bonds, were exchanged within the tribes as tokens of affection. Like small, rare jewels, these rugs feature vibrant colours, symbolic motifs and patterns that resonate with the spirit of contemporary artistic expression.
Primarily exhibited and traded to international art dealers and collectors, Elte is honoured to be the first to offer this private collection commercially.
THE KARAKUL COLLECTION
The wool from ancient Karakul sheep is revered for its lustre and soft hand.
With this collection, one-of-a-kind designs are handwoven by master artisans using an unconventional wool foundation that gives the rugs their relaxed appeal.
Complementing undyed wool with an earth-toned palette, the rugs spend nearly two months in the sun while the wool establishes a patina. The patina continues to develop over the lifetime of the rug, growing more beautiful with the passing of time.
BELOW Karakul 11816; OPPOSITE Karakul 11851
At the heart of the Karakul Collection is the highest quality wool, sourced from Karakul sheep. One of the first sheep breeds to be domesticated by humans, its strong and lustrous wool has been revered since ancient times. Karakul wool is used not only throughout the pile of the rugs but also the foundation, creating the relaxed drape and soft hand of fabric.
The patient and organic finishing stage of the rugs is reliant on the elements. Over the span of nearly two months, the rugs are repeatedly washed and exposed to the sun as the wool gradually establishes a patina. This patina continues to develop once in the home, evolving and growing more beautiful with the passing of time.
“THE PATINA CONTINUES TO DEVELOP OVER THE LIFETIME OF THE RUG, GROWING MORE BEAUTIFUL WITH THE PASSING OF TIME.”
— Jamie Metrick
ABOVE Karakul 11816; LEFT Karakul 12415
THE TAPIS FRANÇAIS COLLECTION
The Tapis Français Collection is an homage to the golden era of rug design, when the most influential modernist painters of the 20th century designed and produced rugs from a small French workshop.
An Elte original collection, Jamie Metrick collaborated with artists and artisans to bring his vision of these rugs to life.
The Collection was photographed at the Mill Owners’ Association Building in Ahmedabad, India. Designed by Le Corbusier and constructed in 1954, the brutalist structure is a physical manifestation of the architect’s vision of modernism.
Modernist principles were shared among the art and design of the era, unifying the spirit of the original inspiration for Elte’s collection with the architecture in which it was photographed.
“THE TEXTURE AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE BUILDING RESONATES WITH THE DESIGN OF THE RUGS.”
— Jamie Metrick
Images
Pankaj Anand
THE ESKAYEL COLLECTION
HEIRLOOM RUGS DESIGNED BY ESKAYEL HANDMADE BY MASTER ARTISANS IN JAIPUR EXCLUSIVELY FOR ELTE
In a collaborative process, Elte partnered with the Brooklyn-based textile design studio Eskayel to translate founder and artist Shanan Campanaro’s organic forms and natural colour palette from watercolour to weaving.
Shanan’s creative vision, inspired by forms and colours from travel and nature, often takes the form of water-based ink paintings. Her textile design studio, Eskayel, marries this vision with craft and sustainability, producing designs across mediums such as fabric and wallpaper.
Between Brooklyn and Jaipur, the Eskayel collection grew from an iterative process years in the making. The rugs are hand-dyed, hand-knotted, and hand-cut to achieve Eskayel’s signature aesthetic, which involves shadowing and intricate blending of colours.
OPPOSITE Rococo Amethyst Rug, Designed by Eskayel For Elte; TOP RIGHT Up For Anything Olive Rug, Designed by Eskayel for Elte; BOTTOM Shanan Campanaro, of Eskayel, and Jamie Metrick, of Elte, work side-by-side in her Brooklyn Studio, March 9, 2020
NEW FROM ESKAYEL
The Eskayel Collection is ever-evolving. As artist and designer Shanan Campanaro continues to create new works on paper, we continue to develop new techniques to translate them into heirlooms.
GIVING BACK
Elte’s School and Women’s Empowerment Centre
Known as the ‘Carpet City’ due to its rich history in rug weaving, Bhadohi has been the heart of Elte’s rug production for more than 50 years.
Images
Pankaj Anand
Continuing the legacy of his grandparents, owner Jamie Metrick makes regular visits to the region. In 2009, Elte took over the complete funding of a School and Women’s Empowerment Centre in Bhadohi, India. The School is commonly known as the “Elte School” and provides education to over 300 students, many of whom are the children of rug weavers.
“Every kid deserves the right to an education,” Jamie explains. “Much like food and clean drinking water, education is one of the fundamentals we owe every human being. It’s the foundation for improving their lives and the lives of their families over time.”
The Women’s Empowerment Centre extends to the mothers of the children who attend the school. Here, 50 women annually receive basic education and training in sewing and stitching. Women who decide to pursue these skills as a side business have access to a loan, often creating and mending uniforms for the children.
“MUCH LIKE FOOD AND CLEAN DRINKING WATER, EDUCATION IS ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTALS WE OWE EVERY HUMAN BEING.”
— Jamie Metrick
OPPOSITE Jamie Metrick and Prakash Sharma sit in the Elte School classroom during a visit in 2019; LEFT A student shares her work; TOP RIGHT Students riding bikes to Elte School; BOTTOM RIGHT Elte’s Second-generation owners Fred and Cecile Metrick on a regular visit to Bhadohi, c. 1970s.
THE NEW
Drawing on family recipes passed down from generation to generation, Chef
brings a taste of southern Italy to Elte’s showroom.
Mauro Ritacca
Chef Mauro’s journey is deeply rooted in his Italian heritage. Growing up, he shared in the cherished rituals of his Italian-born parents, such as meticulously handcrafting fresh pasta, harvesting vegetables from the garden, hanging sausages to cure, and transforming grapes into wine and tomatoes into sauce.
“When my family and I first met Mauro, he invited us into his kitchen for a family meal. We immediately felt comfortable. His warmth, humility and open-mindedness, not to mention deep love for food and family, was something we hoped to bring to the cafe,” says Jamie Metrick, fourth-generation Elte owner.
Sophisticated in its simplicity, the Cafe Elte menu includes a selection of coffees and pastries, grazing plates, salads, paninis, and pastas served alongside expertly paired wines and beers.
Located within Elte’s showroom at 80 Ronald Avenue, the newly reimagined cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere designed to create sense of community.
Chef Mauro Ritacca
Featuring Quincey Sofa
Accord Sideboard
Echoes Art Nala Rug
Design for a Modern, Edited Home
Conceived by Andrew and Jamie Metrick in 2014, Elte’s sister brand, Mkt, is designed for the next generation of home dwellers, offering a high-design market tailored to modern living. To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we’ve curated a selection of our favourite new pieces at Mkt.
Collector’s Edition
Embracing the clean lines and minimalism of the Bauhaus style, these pieces act as a foundation for expressing personal style. Rooted in a philosophy that combines art with technology, they are a perfect blend of past and present, form and function, creating timeless and enduring pieces that stand the test of time.
I am proud to say that I am part of a fourthgeneration, family-owned business, Elte, which is approaching its 105th year. The distinguished man sitting beside me is my father and mentor.
Not only was I fortunate enough to be his son, but I also had the privilege of working alongside him and learning from him. Throughout my life, I’ve probably read 300 books on business, but none provided the education he did. What I read came naturally to him.
A remarkable attribute of my father was his unwavering commitment to treating everyone with the same respect and consideration, no matter the circumstances. Whether it was a casual interaction or a more significant engagement, he always extended the same level of attention and care to each person he encountered. His fairness and consistency in how he valued others were not merely tied to the nature of any exchange but reflected his deep belief in the inherent worth of every individual.
Everyone loved my father, and it warms my heart each time someone shares a story about him with me. Sometimes I feel more like the father than the son because I always beam with pride.
When Fred retired, he took on tennis with a passion, playing for hours every day right up to the week before he
passed. He went from being a solid club player to becoming Canada’s national singles tennis champion for the 85 and over category. He inspired everyone. There is a video of him playing tennis at age 96, just search “Tennis Legend Fred Metrick”. He got over 1 million views, and I probably was half of those.
Fred embodied elegance and sophistication. Soft-spoken and deeply curious, he showed genuine interest in everything and everyone he encountered. He enjoyed life to the fullest, finding contentment in what he had and never desiring more. His brilliant sense of humour made him incredibly fun to be around, bringing joy and laughter to all who had the pleasure of his company.
Fred married Cecile, the boss’s daughter, who was our mother and the absolute love of his life. They had an incredible 68-year marriage. Cecile’s father, my grandfather, founded Elte, pronounced “L” “T”, standing for Leon Tenenbaum.
My father was kind, honest, and a true gentleman.
With deep admiration and love,
Ken
Mastering the art of outdoor living since 1945.
