Earlier this year, our principal, Dyonne Fashina, was named one of @hospitalitydesign ’s 2025 Wave of the Future Honourees.
As part of the recognition, she was asked to create a video about her journey. True to who she is, Dyonne chose an unconventional path: she invited filmmaker and longtime friend @kelseyblakecreative to craft a documentary told entirely through the voices of clients, friends, and family.
During its original screening at HD Nextgen Forum in Austin, Texas, there was an audible gasp across the room as HD’s Editor-in-Chief @ladyponch shared that Dyonne would be viewing the film for the very first time together with the audience of industry peers. A bold, honest gesture that reflects her spirit, offering a unique surprise for all, especially Dyonne.
A huge thank you to Kelsey and all those who contributed.
This is the extended version of that very film. 🎬 enjoy! 🍿
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#denizensofdesign #documentary #interiordesign
Earlier this year, our principal, Dyonne Fashina, was named one of @hospitalitydesign ’s 2025 Wave of the Future Honourees.
As part of the recognition, she was asked to create a video about her journey. True to who she is, Dyonne chose an unconventional path: she invited filmmaker and longtime friend @kelseyblakecreative to craft a documentary told entirely through the voices of clients, friends, and family.
During its original screening at HD Nextgen Forum in Austin, Texas, there was an audible gasp across the room as HD’s Editor-in-Chief @ladyponch shared that Dyonne would be viewing the film for the very first time together with the audience of industry peers. A bold, honest gesture that reflects her spirit, offering a unique surprise for all, especially Dyonne.
A huge thank you to Kelsey and all those who contributed.
This is the extended version of that very film. 🎬 enjoy! 🍿
__________________________________________
#denizensofdesign #documentary #interiordesign
Earlier this year, our principal, Dyonne Fashina, was named one of @hospitalitydesign ’s 2025 Wave of the Future Honourees.
As part of the recognition, she was asked to create a video about her journey. True to who she is, Dyonne chose an unconventional path: she invited filmmaker and longtime friend @kelseyblakecreative to craft a documentary told entirely through the voices of clients, friends, and family.
During its original screening at HD Nextgen Forum in Austin, Texas, there was an audible gasp across the room as HD’s Editor-in-Chief @ladyponch shared that Dyonne would be viewing the film for the very first time together with the audience of industry peers. A bold, honest gesture that reflects her spirit, offering a unique surprise for all, especially Dyonne.
A huge thank you to Kelsey and all those who contributed.
This is the extended version of that very film. 🎬 enjoy! 🍿
__________________________________________
#denizensofdesign #documentary #interiordesign
This cabinet took 100+ hours and reimagines stained glass as a contemporary furniture material.
The Landscape Cabinet approaches stained glass architecturally rather than decoratively, pairing hand-cut glass with a brutalist solid white oak form designed to feel like a carved block of stone.
Every visible surface is textured, from the case and doors to the leg system itself, creating tactile depth and shadow across the entire piece.
Inspired by the Ontario landscape, the stained glass panels evoke rushing water, rolling hills, and open blue skies. Each panel is hand-cut and integrated into precision oak frames built entirely from solid wood using traditional joinery.
The glass intersects the brutal form like a vein of quartz sparkling in the sun.
As daylight moves through the panels, the cabinet shifts constantly throughout the day, exploring weight, light, permanence, and atmosphere through furniture.
Custom cabinet for @denizensofdesign Photos by @n_haze
Play takes center stage in our May 2026 issue. From imaginative classrooms and whimsical cafés to community spaces designed entirely through a child’s lens, these projects prove that great design can spark curiosity at any age.
Our cover features The Willow Play Cafe in Toronto, where DS Studio and Denizens transformed a former dive bar into a richly layered gathering space for kids and adults alike. Walnut paneling, vintage seating, and softly glowing lighting ground the café, while hidden beyond a keyhole-shaped portal, a playful world of climbing structures, tactile puzzles, peg-light walls, and interactive architecture invites endless exploration.
Visit the link in our bio to learn more—and to see other projects in our May issue.
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Photography by Scott Norsworthy
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/projects/5-kid-focused-designs-to-ignite-the-imagination/
We are excited to share that design is well underway for our next museum restaurant project, which will take place inside the stunning Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
@agakhanmuseum@fooddudes
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#denizensofdesign #interiordesign #design #museum #agakhanmuseum
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A restoration of the historic entry of this former Four Seasons property in Toronto’s Rosedale heritage district is well underway.
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#denizensofdesign #denizens #interiordesign #interiors #design torontodesign toronto
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We are thrilled to be working with the super amazing @azulmexicanto on their first flagship dine-in location.
Stay tuned.
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#denizensofdesign #denizens #interiordesign #interiors #design torontodesign toronto
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Putting together the pieces for
@lamarzoccocanada ’s Toronto showroom. Coming soon.
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#denizensofdesign #denizens #interiordesign #interiors #design torontodesign toronto
A quick stop in Florence brings about memories, 20 years past and inspiration for years to come.
#denizensonvacay #designinspiration #historicwalks #memorylane
Farewell Lago Di Como. Gorgeous stay in the 15th century Palazzo Albricci Peregrini. La Granda room a two storey loft was an absolute dream. A place of calm before the madness of Salone.
Grazie Mille
#denizensonvacay #designinspiration #adaptivereuse #como
Kicking off Eurotrip2026 No.1 with a short stay in Zurich, Switzerland. 🇨🇭
Fabulous stay @lockehotels , Locke am Platz.
We will even accept the carpet base 😜 ( swipe 👉🏽)
#denizensonvacay #designinspiration #switzerland #hotel
