Ottawa’s design identity is often understated, but look closer and you’ll find a furniture and decor scene rooted in craftsmanship, longevity, and thoughtful living. As homeowners increasingly move away from disposable interiors, local makers and curated boutiques are shaping spaces that feel personal, enduring, and deeply connected to how people live today. From custom-built pieces designed for a specific home to carefully sourced mid-century icons, Ottawa’s furniture landscape values quality over trends and intention over excess.
What sets the city apart is its balance between tradition and modernity. Many of Ottawa’s standout furniture studios and decor destinations prioritize materials that age beautifully, production methods that respect the craft, and designs that serve both form and function. Whether furnishing a new build, restoring a heritage home, or refining a single room, these stores and makers understand that furniture isn’t just decorative, it’s foundational to how a space works and feels.
Custom furniture, in particular, plays a growing role in Ottawa homes. Built-ins, bespoke cabinetry, and one-of-a-kind tables allow homeowners to respond to unique layouts, storage needs, and architectural details in ways off-the-shelf pieces can’t. At the same time, curated retailers are giving new life to iconic designs, offering access to timeless furniture with stories and provenance behind every piece.
Below are three Ottawa-area furniture and decor destinations contributing to this thoughtful design culture, each approaching interiors from a distinct but complementary perspective.
Mike McNerney is a designer and builder specializing in custom wood furniture and cabinetry, with over 35 years of experience working in both native and exotic woods. His practice explores the natural variation of grain and colour through solid and veneer applications. Collaborating closely with clients, he creates functional, enduring pieces ranging from built-in cabinetry and kitchens to tables, desks, and display units. Based in Ottawa, his work extends across Canada and internationally.
Website: mmcnerney.com
Phone: 613-731-9925
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Form Furniture specializes in Canadian-made custom furniture, with a strong commitment to locally crafted, small-batch production. Their work prioritizes thoughtful design, material integrity, and long-lasting quality over imported or mass-produced pieces. Collaborating closely with clients, Form Furniture creates distinctive furniture that balances form and function while supporting local makers and sustainable production practices. Each piece reflects careful craftsmanship, refined detail, and a clear respect for contemporary living.
Website: formfurniture.ca
Phone: 613-234-3676
Rating: 4.7 ⭐️
Mostly Danish is a Canadian‑owned interiors boutique in Ingleside specializing in original mid‑century modern and Scandinavian furniture. Founded by Zvi Gross, the company sources and refinishes unique designer pieces from around the world, offering an extensive inventory housed in North America’s largest Scandinavian furniture warehouse. They also provide furniture repair, refinishing, and reupholstery services, with options for shipping across North America from their warehouse.
Website: mostlydanish.com
Phone: 613-291-2204
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Together, these businesses reflect a broader shift in how Ottawans approach furnishing their homes. Rather than chasing short-lived trends, there’s a renewed appreciation for pieces that last, designs that adapt, and craftsmanship that tells a story. Whether custom-built, locally made, or carefully restored, the furniture shaping Ottawa interiors today is thoughtful by design and built to be lived with for years to come.
Photo: iStock
