What MOCA’s new artistic director, Rui Mateus Amaral, is coveting in home decor

For most of his life, Rui Mateus Amaral wanted to be a performer. After studying dance and theatre in Toronto, he was introduced to the art world by his partner, gallerist ­Daniel Faria. The pair travelled to art shows and biennials around the world, and after completing a master’s in criticism and curatorial practices at OCAD, Mateus Amaral helped Faria open his eponymous Toronto gallery in 2011. He started guest-curating at MOCA in 2019, displaying a knack for finding boundary-pushing artists, and his career took off from there. This past May, Mateus Amaral became the museum’s new artistic director. He plans to bring even more playfulness and contrast to the contemporary art hub. “There always has to be a mystery to the art,” he says, “something bizarre or something I don’t understand right away but that’s pleasing at the same time.” Here, he shares the home decor items he’s loving right now.

Related: What designer turned boutique owner Kaelen Haworth is coveting in home decor

Illusory table

This side table from Space Copenhagen has discreet wheels that make it suitable for anything from bathroom storage to an office trolley. “It makes me think of artist Donald Judd’s work. I like that it has three compartments.”

Powerful painting

Paul P. is a Toronto painter who collects images from the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (known as the ArQuives)—many from gay erotic magazines produced in the 1970s—and reimagines them. “I love the colouring and softness of this painting. I find it totally calming and serene.”

Seventies sofa

Ligne Roset’s Togo sofa has been a design classic since it was created by Michel Ducaroy in 1973. “These sofas are incredibly comfortable, and they immediately change your perception of the room. They’re low to the ground, so they make the space feel more expansive.”

Designer sideboard

This vintage cabinet was made in the 1950s by French designer Charlotte Perriand. “Charlotte worked with Le Corbusier. Daniel and I love that her work is now getting the recognition it deserves.”

Tall vessel

Interior designer Ashley Botten’s furniture and decor brand makes this 18-inch-tall vase from hand-rubbed steel. “Ashley has a way of bringing together the industrial, soft and rustic. I love the volume of this vessel and how it can be used for one item, like a branch. It feels both masculine and feminine.”

Timeless bar cart

Designed by French furniture maker Mathieu Matégot in the 1950s, this trolley is crafted from perforated steel. “Steel can feel industrial, but these lines are crisp and elegant. I’d stock it with my favourite drink, mezcal, and fill the magazine rack.”

Portuguese pottery

Casa Cubista is a collection of ceramics and textiles that are handmade in Portugal. They’re available at Saudade on Dundas West. “I buy more of their bowls and plates every summer. I love their simplicity and how easy it is to mix and match.”