Anne Sportun and Superkül Team Up for a Storefront Refresh

When she was 18 years old, Meg Graham of Toronto-based architecture and design firm Superkül, bought her first grown-up piece of jewelry from Anne Sportun. Years later, Graham would find her design firm reimagining the jeweller and goldsmith’s Queen West storefront.

Anne Sportun and her daughter and co-owner Haley Woodbury wanted their redesigned space to reflect their essence of their pieces – organic and timeless. Superkül used natural materials and played with texture and lighting to create a space to achieve this. “We have had customers come into the store and use the exact words we gave to Meg as inspiration for the space,” said Sportun.

The exterior design – which includes revamped signage, porcelain tiling and bronze metal accents – is carried through to the interior, with custom-cut porcelain tiles, continuing bronze accents and white oak display cases complimenting the presented jewelry collections. The ceiling of the space also got an added touch of elegance, with a faux-curved ceiling. Furniture in the quaint front seating area is by Vancouver-based design group Bensen.

A Marrakech finish on the walls compliments the backing of the wall-set jewelry cases – almost mimicking the same felted texture. The finish adds another textural aspect to the space while maintaining its organic feel.

The consultation space features Calacatta Super White marbles displays, bronze-trimmed mirrors and pleated felt walls to add texture and dimension, while dampening acoustics to create a more serene consultation environment.

“We felt it was important to create a comfortable environment for our customer to shop,” said Sportun.

Wall sconces and thoughtful lighting choices above display cabinets showcase Sportun’s collections. A pendant light by Luminaire Authentik adds an organic element, complimenting the consultation areas clean-lined finished.

Canadian millwork by Millworks Custom Manufacturing throughout the space provides a sturdy yet elegant place for Sportun’s pieces. Graham and Sportun echoed the sentiment that it is inspiring to work with fellow designers, despite their different mediums, to refine a space. “There is an understanding and a comfortability there that is greatly appreciated,” said Graham. “It makes the process feel intuitive when you’re on the same page.”