Mud Australia, the iconic Sydney-based ceramics brand, has opened its first Canadian retail showcase inside Toronto’s Hopson Grace. The 200-square-foot installation, which launched in mid-October, brings the brand’s minimalist aesthetic and expanded home collection to Canadian customers for the first time.
Located within Hopson Grace’s 4,000-square-foot flagship at 200 Dupont Street, the new concept space presents Mud Australia’s full line of handcrafted porcelain pieces, from tableware to lighting, in a setting that reflects both the brand’s refined design ethos and Hopson Grace’s curated approach to home living.
“We’re honoured to host Mud Australia’s first holistic retail presence in Canada,” said Andrea Hopson, co-founder of Hopson Grace. “Their thoughtful approach to design and colour aligns perfectly with our aesthetic and community of design-conscious customers.”
A Collaboration Rooted in Craftsmanship and Shared Values
Founded in 1994 by designer Shelley Simpson, Mud Australia began as a small studio in Sydney with a mission to create timeless, functional ceramics that elevate everyday living. The company has since grown into a global design leader with standalone stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, London, New York, and Los Angeles.
Each piece is handmade from Limoges porcelain, sourced from France and tinted with the brand’s distinctive pigments. The result is a collection that blends simplicity, durability, and refined beauty.
“This is a new concept for us,” said Simpson during an interview with Retail Insider at the Toronto showcase. “We’ve only ever done our own retail stores. Partnering with Hopson Grace gives us the opportunity to bring the full Mud experience to Canada in a space that truly represents who we are.”
The new Mud Australia Toronto showcase mirrors the calm and considered spirit of the brand’s international flagships. Visitors can explore all 19 of Mud’s signature colours and over 100 product profiles, ranging from muted neutrals to vibrant architectural tones such as red, yellow, and charcoal.
“We’ve long admired what Hopson Grace has built in Canada,” Simpson added. “Their commitment to quality and storytelling makes this the right home for Mud in North America.”
Hopson Grace Marks Its 10th Anniversary with Global Expansion
The arrival of Mud Australia Toronto also marks a milestone year for Hopson Grace. Founded in 2015 by Andrea Hopson and Martha Grace McKimm, the Toronto-based brand was built around a philosophy of intentional living, global design, and timeless craftsmanship.
From its beginnings as a tableware boutique, Hopson Grace has evolved into a comprehensive home destination featuring furniture, home décor, and exclusive collaborations with luxury brands including Ginori 1735, Richard Brendon, Sabre Paris, and David Mellor.
“We built Hopson Grace around the idea that conscious consumption and quiet luxury — choosing fewer, better things — naturally leads to more sustainable living,” said McKimm. “Mud Australia not only shares our philosophy, they bring it to life in the objects they create that are refined, functional, and made to last.”
Beyond Tableware: Expanding the Home Collection
At the Toronto showcase, Mud’s expanded collection includes more than its signature tableware. Customers can browse sculptural pendant lighting, hand-cast house numbers, vases, and scented candles, each designed to merge beauty with everyday function.
“We specialize in dinnerware, but we’ve expanded into bakeware and home lighting,” explained Simpson. “Every piece is designed to be elegant yet practical. Fine enough to feel special, durable enough for daily use.”
Each porcelain item is fired at 1,280°C, giving it strength and a delicate texture. “We keep things very fine because it makes them more comfortable to use,” said Simpson. “You feel the difference when you hold it in your hand or bring it to your mouth.”
Simpson describes Mud’s aesthetic as informed by global influences. “People often say it looks Scandinavian, but it also carries Asian sensibilities,” she said. “Sydney is multicultural, just like Toronto. The collection reflects that diversity and how people eat and live today.”
The Registry: Hopson Grace’s Next Digital Chapter
Alongside the new in-store installation, Hopson Grace is preparing to launch The Registry, a proprietary digital platform for modern couples that merges technology with curation.
“We think The Registry is going to be game-changing for Canadian couples,” said McKimm. “It merges the digital tools people expect, like group gifts, cash funds, and travel experiences, with the curated, premium selection Hopson Grace is known for.” Calgary-based eCommerce Canada has been working behind the scenes to set it up.
The platform, launching later this year, will serve customers across North America, allowing them to register for gifts, experiences, and curated home items. “We realized we had to build it ourselves,” McKimm added. “The existing platforms were frustrating for couples and retailers alike. The Registry combines functionality with taste. It’s modern, personal, and built for how people actually live.”
A Shared Vision for Conscious Retail
Hopson Grace’s collaboration with Mud Australia reflects a shared belief in meaningful design and the value of storytelling in retail. Both brands have cultivated reputations for sustainability, craftsmanship, and longevity — qualities increasingly sought by consumers looking for authenticity and connection in what they buy.
“We ship mainly by sea because it’s better for the environment,” said Simpson. “It doesn’t add much to the cost, and it’s aligned with how we think about longevity and care.”
Hopson Grace takes a similar approach to curation. “We partner with brands that share our values,” said McKimm. “Our customers want to know where products come from and why they matter. That transparency builds trust.”
The two brands have worked together for seven years, with Hopson Grace previously carrying select Mud pieces. The new shop-in-shop marks the first time the complete Mud Australia collection is available in Canada.
“When it comes to storytelling and growing our brand, we don’t just curate products, we curate partnerships,” said McKimm. “Mud was the natural choice for us. Our customers were already asking for more of it.”
