As Good as it gets – Canada furniture

Much has been discussed over whether Canada has a national identity that boasts anything beyond big blue lakes, maple syrup and hockey.In fact, there are lots of ways in which Canadians distinguishes themselves, right down to the furniture used in our homes. Canadian Made Furniture is as good as it gets. We, for instance, like softer seating than those European side, but want it firmer than their Stateside counterparts, who tend to choose larger,cushiony seating. A very firm understanding of our needs. We also demand great style, but are slightly wary of anything that’s too trendy.

According to Lifestyle expert Janette Ewen Canadians have it right, and show an innate sense that the best furniture balances form and function.Canadians love and expect only good quality, and good design. Given that, more of us should be opting for Canadian-made furniture. Why? Well there are obvious reasons to buy Canadian — supporting our industries, reducing the time and distance that products have to travel and always saving the resources. But mostly, it’s because Canadian furniture manufacturers are great at combining functional design with longer use.

The trade-only events by Canadian furnishing market bring together retailers, designers, decorators and suppliers, the offerings of over 300 furniture manufacturers and distributors. Of these, many stand out at just one look. They show a variety of bedroom suites made out of amazingly veined American walnut, and another more affordable line in birch veneer. Both have simple, straight lines and smooth finishes that let the beauty of the wood grain to shine through.

A sleek line of sofas, sectionals and chairs in neutral tones, some with fabric and textured finishes is flourishing steadily.Matte, distressed and hand-rubbed finishes, both on new wood and pieces crafted out of reclaimed timber, are also growing popular.Crisp finishing, such as a flat “flange” edge combined with lush but sturdy feather/down seating, is an excellent example of how to blend comfort and style. With a neat, tailored look, almost like good English menswear but still incredibly comfortable. That’s good design.

Emerging themes in Canadian Furniture include nods to glamour, reflected in silver, brass and bronzy golds, both on hardware, such as nailheads and pullsand as accent pieces such as table tamps. Pearly and glossy whites also ride along which do double duty by adding visual interest and bouncing light into a space.

The popularity of smaller urban spaces has sparked interest in furniture with storage, prominent are beds with side drawers and coffee tables built to hide magazines, electronic devices and other items. Leather furniture continues to be hot, and continues showing up on unexpected surfaces such as headboards.To top it off brilliantly Eco consciousness is reflected in hand-finished accessories and naturalistic accessories such as tree-stump end tables.

People do not want to be using rooms any more done by designers and design magazine layouts as the source of ideasfor their own spaces. Now, the sources are more intimate and personal and reflect what you’re passionate about, like favourite picnic spot or historical era. So that becomes the base for the design.The editor’s role then becomes more responsible, i.e. showing people how to find, and how to mix pieces together, rather than reflecting a frigid paper look.