Happy Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day!
As I sit writing this I am luckily enough to be peering out to a beautiful lake on a warm summer morning. Beauty surrounds me everywhere from the lake right in front of me, to the huge forests in our backyard. It reminds me how lucky I am to be Canadian and to have all of this at our doorstep.
With the current status of the world my patriotism shines even brighter. There are so many things that I love about our dear nation. I love our landscapes, our multiculturalism, I love our general politeness, and I love how our government has been there for us throughout the pandemic. I can go on forever with everything that I love about Canada! It truly is the best country to live in!
Working as a designer for over a decade now, I have always tried to support local businesses and Canadian companies. We have amazing products, artists and manufacturers throughout the country so why not support them as much as possible. I am sure you can imagine that after renovating and designing for over 10 years, my list must be long. This list has become even more important now throughout our season of COVID. With international trade slowing and plants throughout the world shutting down, buying Canadian has become even more of a necessity. So as we near Canada’s birthday, I thought it would be fitting to share with you some of my faves. That way, the next time you are out shopping for furniture or products for your reno, you are equipped to buy Canadian. So here you go, my top 5 Canadian go to suppliers:
Ciot
Ciot originated out of Montreal and has currently expanded throughout Canada and the US. In my opinion, Ciot is a leader in tile design. They have unbelievable porcelain and natural stone products that will stand the test of time. If you want to see the newest trends, then you need to go to Ciot! Visiting any of their showrooms in Mississauga, Toronto or Montreal are an experience that will leave you wanting to incorporate all of their selections into your home. Goodnews, if you aren’t near any of their show rooms, many of the smaller tile and flooring locations carry a selection of their products. Honestly, you won’t be disappointed.
Vintage
Over 4 years ago when I was at the IDS (Interior Design Show) I had the privilege of stopping at the Vintage booth and speaking to one of their sales representatives. I was hunting for an amazing hardwood product that was predominantly produced in Canada to help reduce our carbon footprint. After taking the time to visit their factory in Toronto to see how the flooring is manufactured and their attention to detail at every step, I was sold immediately. They have every species, colour, engineered vs. solid, custom colours, they have it all and it's made here in Canada except for their handscraped line!!! Amazing!
Huppe
Huppe is an innovative modern furniture company out of Montreal. If you are looking for a statement chair, or storage bed, they are the place to look to. You can customize the wood, and fabrics on all of their furniture including their upholstery lines. You won’t be disappointed with their product and it's worth the wait. Shop from their Quick Ship Program and you will get your goods quicker. Looking for a supplier close to you? Check for one through their website. Their pieces are truly show stoppers! I’m in love.
Riobel
Riobel is a plumbing company that originated out of Quebec. They are one of my go to plumbing companies forsure. I love their designs, finishes, and I love that they are Canadian so if you need a part, you don’t have to wait for weeks or even months to get it. Contemporary to more traditional designs, they have them all for your kitchen and bathroom. You can buy their product everywhere from Home Hardware, to any of the plumbing showrooms. You know it's a good product when plumbers recommend it!
EQ3
This furniture company originated out of Winnipeg, but is now sold everywhere. Their approach to clean/contemporary furniture is incredible and affordable. If you are looking for mid century inspired stools, affordable contemporary dining chairs, or a contemporary customizable sectional, they are my go to. The way they merchandise their product makes it easy for the customer to choose the perfect fabric and right side table for their sectional. If you aren’t close to their showroom or a store that carries their product, you can shop online and it will ship directly to you! I shopped on their website during COVID to get a new office chair, and I got it within 2 weeks or less!! Quick is all I can say!!
Well there you have it! I have so many more on my list and if you want some more recommendations, send me an email and I am happy to share. Go Canada go!! I LOVE you!
