Taking it outside
Article content
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
De Gaspe brings its signature style outdoors
As Canadians gear up for the Victoria Day weekend, patios, balconies, and backyards are coming back to life. This seasonal shift also sparks renewed interest in our outdoor living spaces, and with it, a demand for well-designed, weather-ready furnishings.
Recommended Videos
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Taking it outside Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Known for its blend of minimalist beauty, local craftsmanship, and enduring functionality, Montreal-based artisanal furniture company De Gaspé has recently opened its first Toronto showroom in the heart of Leslieville.
The launch not only signals a growing footprint beyond Quebec but also coincides with the debut of De Gaspé’s first outdoor furniture collection — Konrad — marking a bold new direction for the brand.
De Gaspé’s story began in 2013 with three friends — two economics grads and a skilled woodworker —sharing a vision for well-made, locally crafted furniture. What started in a shared workshop using wood and plumbing pipes to create custom pieces for friends quickly evolved into a full-fledged business.
Co-founder Nicolas Turgeon credits their collaboration with former Bombardier woodworker, Benoit Therrien, as the turning point. “That’s when we realized we could create something special,” he recalls.
Named after the street where the company was born, De Gaspé officially launched in 2014 and has since become synonymous with design-forward, durable furniture for both commercial and residential spaces.
While their client base has expanded coast-to-coast, the team remains proudly anchored in Montreal—now with a stronghold in Toronto, too. The Leslieville showroom, which opened in September 2024, reflects the company’s creative DNA. “The neighbourhood is full of design studios, independent businesses, and that laid-back vibe we love,” says Turgeon.
The showroom opening also served as the perfect stage to debut Konrad, De Gaspé’s first foray into outdoor furniture. A hybrid dining-lounge chair and matching side table comprise the collection, crafted from powder-coated Quebec steel and finished in five nature-inspired tones such as Earthbound Ember and Midnight Teal.
A UV- and water-resistant Dekton surface on the side table adds a sleek, weatherproof edge. Designed and made entirely in Canada, the pieces embody both playfulness and precision.
“We’ve carried Pedrali’s beautiful outdoor pieces for the past 10 years,” says Turgeon of the Bergamo-based Italian brand. “But we also wanted a made-in-Canada line that’s ready for spring without the 12 to 14 week wait. The Konrad line lets us meet the demand for the outdoor season without sacrificing our design values.”
As De Gaspé expands into this new terrain, they’re joining a broader shift in outdoor furniture design. According to Laurent-Olivier Nencioni, Purchasing Director at fellow Montreal brand Jardin de Ville, the 2025 outdoor space is all about “comfort, flexibility, and creating that seamless indoor-outdoor flow.” He adds.
“People aren’t just buying outdoor furniture anymore—they’re curating outdoor experiences. Modular pieces, easy mobility, and premium materials that stand up to our climate are at the forefront of every collection this year.”
That mindset is clearly echoed in Konrad’s multi-functional design. The stackable chair’s dimensions allow for both upright dining and relaxed lounging, while the side table includes a built-in handle for portability. The goal? To adapt easily to patios, rooftops, and balconies alike—whether in the city or at the cottage.
De Gaspé continues their tradition of naming collections after economists—Konrad pays tribute to German economist Kai Konrad, known for his work on public goods and collective decision-making. “It’s a nod to our roots,” says Turgeon, referencing the founders’ university days. “And it reflects the idea of shared space and thoughtful design.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the Konrad line to include lounge seating and al fresco dining options. “We’re just getting started,” says Turgeon. “We want people to live with our pieces indoors and out, year-round.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.