Furniture designer Gil Avivi operates his Toronto-based woodworking and design studio called Gil Avivi Ant Man Woodworking & Design Ltd where he creates fun, stylish and unique home furniture that can become the topic of any conversation!

As you can see from the following images, Avivi’s eccentric work stands out loud and proud! His approach to craft and artisanship can be seen in his style of furniture (or rather, in his redefinition of it) as something completely different to what we’re used to.

One of my absolute favourite aspects about Avivi’s work is his playful interpretation on what furniture is “supposed to be”. Instead of convention, he creates freely, without limiting himself to forms or judgement. Whether his pieces are made of skateboards, giant dominos, or has wheels in its designs “just for kicks”, his work ends up being not only functional but one-of-a-kind. It’s engaging and unconstricted.

Although Avivi’s approach to style and form might be considered non-conforming, it is definitely whimsical, and I would even say that it falls under the spectrum of postmodernism.

Like many of the postmodern greats, Avivi also reflects the local culture into his pieces since he incorporates repurposed skateboards which are commonly ridden down the streets of Toronto by local kids. I think this is both clever and beautiful as a reflection of local culture as well as personal influence.

Adding personal touches (and character) is more difficult to include in design than simple stylish aesthetics – and I believe that Avivi has managed to do both.

Although playful, Gil Avivi’s pieces are not just fun for the kids. Rather, they are fashionable design pieces, which fit well with street-style and the loft-type aesthetic.

If you’re interested in seeing more amazing pieces like this, visit Gil Avivi Ant Man Woodworking & Design Ltd

Photography courtesy of Gil Avivi Ant Man Woodworking & Design Ltd

Interested in seeing more Canadian custom furniture? Check out these canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca articles:

Vancouver Firm AFJD Design Studio Grow Furniture Using Mushrooms

The 49th North Lounge Chair Designed By Kenny Nguyen And Ian Buckley

Toronto’s MSDS Studio: A Dialogue Between Human And Building

Photos courtesy of Gil Avivi.

Researched and Written by Mikhail Shchupak-Katsman, Undergraduate Environmental Design, OCAD University