Toronto Renovation Stories & Expert Advice

Home Shows are a useful tool when planning a renovation

Finally Spring is here. The snowdrops have bloomed and next will be crocuses and grape hyacinths. I love this time of year -- except for the mud, I could definitely do without the mud. But other than that I love Spring. Spring also means the National Home Show (April 13-22, 2007). Home shows are a great way to seek out a lot of information in a short amount of time. The exhibitors are more than willing to answer your home renovating and decorating questions and tell you about the latest and greatest new products on the market. The last home show I went to I discovered a few neat products and companies I'd love to share with you.

Aya Kitchens and Baths. I am a sucker for anything environmentally responsible that's also good looking and Aya has captured both qualities in their new "green design" cabinetry. Their new line is formaldehyde-free while the cabinets are made out of 100% recycled and recovered particle board. Aya has reduced its waste by cutting the cabinets in such a way that minimizes off-cuts and has achieved a 55% waste reduction in 2006 alone. We have one review on Aya Kitchens, so far. If anyone else would like to post a review, we'd love to hear from you.

Roche Bobois, an upscale French furniture store, opened a store in Toronto a few years ago. It launched its "eco" line of furniture, which not only is made primarily from Burgundy oak, "a sustainable species of oak grown in certified forests," but the designs themselves reflect the connection between man and nature.

Be the first to review Roche Bobois and let other readers know what you think of this store.





An interesting exhibit was the National Home Comfort Centre. As well as offering traditional gas and wood fireplaces, the company offers an "eco smart" fireplace. It's a fireplace that can be installed anywhere, including as a coffee table insert or a room divider (see photo, right). It doesn't need a venting system and uses denatured ethanol which burns cleanly and efficiently.


Be the first to review National Home Comfort Centre.




Chair Source had a fun exhibit, using the same "Louis XIV" chair upholstered in different and funky fabrics. They had a selection of modern chairs and tables as well all upholstered in bright colours -- something cheerful for these grey rainy days.

Be the first to review Chair Source.







I saw a beautiful flooring company called European Flooring. They offer a variety of wood flooring options, including several varieties which are certified as either "PEFC" or "FSC." These designations (the former is European and the latter North American) ensure that the wood used is from sustainably managed forests. The company offers locally grown woods such as Canadian Maple and exotic African varieties, many of which, but not all, have a PEFC designation.

Be the first to review European Flooring.

If you have questions, comments, or reviews of any of these companies or ones from the National Home Show, we'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts and views and particularly reviews and thanks for using Homestars.ca

Labels: aya kitchens, chair source, european flooring, green home decor, national home comfort centre, roche bobois, toronto home shows

Posted by Cathy
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