excelITR Canadian Home Guide

C A N A D I A N

I N T E R I O R S

G U I D E

CELEBRATING CANADIAN ARTISTS & DESIGNERS

OUR OFFICES 2021 TRENDS FURNITURE

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C O N T E N T S

VINTAGE HOME DECOR INDOOR PLANTS KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN ARTISTS OUTDOOR FURNITURE COTTAGE LIFE ORGANIZATION KIDS' ROOM HOME OFFICE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS STATIONERY GET COMFORTABLE CANDLES

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As pandemic days stretch to months, our homes have become our everything: office, school, gym—solace. And the more time we spend at home, the more we’re feathering our nests.

According to a recent TD Bank survey, 45% of Canadians surveyed have either purchased or are considering major purchases of furnishings and appliances for their homes, while 37% are planning significant home renos or repairs.

This reno and building frenzy (combined with decreased lumber supply) have driven Canadian lumber prices up by more than 50% in one year. The home furnishings market is also booming, and as we head into another staycation summer, the wait list for pools and hot tubs is seemingly infinite.

Rather than buying more, my plan is to organize more. With work, kids and dogs at home, I feel that “organized chaos” is the order of the day for me. Which brings me to the inspiration for this guide.

As our longstanding clients and candidates know, we love promoting all things Canadian, from festivals and events to small businesses and products. This summer, as we all continue to hunker down, we thought we’d help you make the most of your castle while keeping our economy strong by supporting some exceptional homegrown companies.

Whether you’re considering a home office upgrade, designing a new garden oasis or—like me—tackling a much-needed reorg, we invite you to have a look at some CANADIAN producers who can help bring your vision to life.

It’s been an arduous year for everyone (to say the least), and we hope Canadian talent will continue to flourish now and always.

Sincerely, Kathryn Co-Founder & CEO of excelITR

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Before work from home, there was work from some incredibly beautiful offices.

All of our offices were designed to promote both privacy and collegiality. We offer comfortable, glass-walled spaces that keep conversations private while connecting colleagues visually.

This seamless design enables us to cheer together and also help fill urgent orders by crowdsourcing top candidate names.

We know some of our clients are redesigning their commercial space to suit their future workplace. To reduce your legwork, we wanted to share our design and contracting contacts with you.

SHARING OUR CONTRACTORS O T T A W A

O F F I C E S :

DOWNTOWN & WESTBORO

Design by 2H Design Construction by Buck Construction Art Consulting by Studio Sixty Six G T A

O F F I C E S :

BAY ST & MISSISSAUGA

Design & Construction by Jancon Art Consulting by Art Life Design V A N C O U V E R

O F F I C E :

PENDER ST

Design & Construction by PWI Space Changers Inc. Photos of our Westboro office by OBJ360 Content Studio

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T R E N D S

PLANTS.PLANTS.PLANTS

COZY UP YOUR SPACE

This year we're bringing the outside, inside with greenery in every corner.

With all the time we're spending at home, blankets, candles, & oversized pillows are in!

COLOURFUL KITCHENS

OPEN STORAGE

White kitchens never go out of style, but deep colours offer a new feast for the eyes.

Instead of shoving things into closets, make organization a beautiful part of your décor.

EARTHY PALETTES

VINTAGE INFLUENCES

Natural colours and textures are a timeless trend that brings a calming feel to any room.

Ornate, vintage lighting and mirrors bring a timeless, eclectic vibe to new spaces.

FURNITURE Ontario & Quebec "Here at MUST, we get inspired by current events and combine trends, textiles and unexpected materials to create your dream living space. Whether you’re a classic kinda gal or guy, or rather the bold type, MUST adds a little jazz in your life."

Est. 2005 Shop online or in-person at their eight locations

Toronto, ON "Founded in 2016, Wazo is a leading furniture brand based out of Canada. With an intuitive sense for trends and an eye for beauty, art and design, we travel the world to source only the highest quality and most unique products."

Eco-friendly Book a Facetime call with their design team

Vancouver, BC "We opened our doors in 2003 with a passion for refined, inspired décor and accessible design. In those days our vision was simply to bring a new style to Vancouverites. Today, our community has grown immensely and we now share our signature style with an international market."

Styling services offered Female-founded

VINTAGE "Founded by Fanny Vergnolle de Villers, VdeV first opened its doors in 2012 on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, in Montreal. Since then, the company hasn’t stopped growing. VdeV is a home décor and furniture store with a vintage and industrial style."

Montreal & Toronto Female-founded One-of-a-kind pieces Always updated with the latest inspirational trends

Halifax, NS Holy Roller Vintage is made for all vintage lovers.

With aesthetic ceramic housewares, wicker furniture, statement mirrors, sculptures, and trendy pieces, this Instagram shop is a vintage dream. DM via Instagram to purchase.

Female-founded Best Of Halifax One-of-a-kind prints, décor pieces and furniture

HOME DÉCOR "We are a community of socially-conscious design enthusiasts who put 'caring' for people, and the planet, at the centre of everything we do. Where the products we support, services we love, and ideas we champion reflect our unwavering pursuit of a happier and more sustainable future for all."

"For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples in Manitoba, including my Anishinaabe ancestors, created beautiful patterns to adorn their pottery collections and host of bone tools. Most of the surviving pieces are held by museums now, but I think the world needs more than exhibition- we need these patterns in our homes provoking thought; we need them bridging gaps; and, we need them inspiring our loved ones. The Indigo Arrows line picks up where my ancestors left off."

Montreal, QC Black-owned business Certified B Corp 1% For The Planet Member

Winnipeg, MB Indigenous-owned business Female-founded Small batch & inspired by loved ones

Indoor Plants "Introducing The Petal Pop-Up - a new type of floral fun popping up all over Toronto. Our interactive, DIY flower-arranging experiences get friends, family and colleagues to tap into their inner florist and create beautiful floral arrangements."

"Foli first began as an obsession with greenhouses. We love the feeling of being in a greenhouse, surrounded by plants. It is an alluring, living, breathing, tangible feeling that we wanted to re-create in our own homes and offices. Plants make us happier, more focused, boost our creativity and clean the air we breathe."

Toronto, ON Black-owned business Female-founded Shop online and plan plant parties!

Saskatchewan Female-founded Curated by season High-quality plants delivered with tips & tricks

KITCHEN

"At Old Faithful Shop, we value products that have proven themselves through design, material and craftsmanship to be trustworthy, reliable and dependable. Heirloom pieces to be handed down to future generations."

"On a sunny day in April 2001 is when it all began.

Crocus & Ivy started as a small shop and a dream for two women with a passion for beautiful living.

As Crocus & Ivy turns 20 (years young), it's time to celebrate! So, with the purchase of our 'celebrate' candle, we will donate all profits to the Regina Branch of Canadian Mental Health - an organization that's important to our community."

Vancouver, BC Made for everyday living Trusty, well-built heirloom pieces Classic designs & basics

Regina, SK Celebrating 20 years Candles, books & more Follow their recipe blog for tasty desserts

Interior Design "Leclair Decor is an Ottawa-based full-service design firm, founded by husband and wife team, Sacha and Melissa Leclair. The business (just a side hustle at first) began in 2011, after they bought and revamped their first home and started receiving inquiries from friends and family about decorating services for their spaces."

"As a full-service design studio, Hampton Rowe is equipped to assist with a wide range of design challenges. These include interior design of residential and commercial spaces, collaboration with architects and builders, selection of finishes, millwork and architectural details, and furniture and décor procurement."

Ottawa-based Founded by a couple Design firm & furniture shop Fun Fact: They design celebrity homes

Toronto, ON Black-owned business Female-founded Lifestyle shop coming soon

ARTISTS "Florence Yee is a Cantonese-struggling visual artist and recovering workaholic based in Tkaronto/Toronto and Tiohtià:ke/Montreal. Their practice uses text-based art, sculpture, and textile installation with the intimacy of doubt. Their work has been exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario (2020), the Mackenzie Gallery (2020), Gardiner Museum (2019), Centre A (2019), and Art Mûr (2018), among others."

Toronto & Montreal Queer Cantonese visual artist Exhibited in many galleries, including the Art Gallery of Ontario (2020)

Toronto, ON "Kelly Grace’s paintings might be described as close-up views of faraway feelings. Appearing by turns like stills from a classic film, anonymous Polaroids in a found album, or half-remembered flashes of a recurring dream, they wander the misty spaces between memory and fiction.'

Grace's main goal is to make an impression Upcoming show at Robertson Gallery, Montreal

ARTISTS "Guillermo Trejo is a Mexican/Canadian Artist based in Ottawa. He completed his BFA at the National School of Painting, Sculpture and Engraving in Mexico City, with a specialization in printmaking, and then moved to Canada in 2007.

The experience of immigration and distance has shaped Trejo's work."

Ottawa-based Has exhibited at the Ottawa Art Gallery & the Galerie Saw Teaches at Ottawa School of Art

Ottawa-based Christopher Griffin says, "I have come across patches on sidewalks that express everything I strive for in my work. Colour, texture, pattern, line quality. They also contain a quality of randomness, freeness and freshness. These are visually complete moments."

Inspired by Imperfection Art featured at Milan Fashion Week

OUTDOOR FURNITURE "For over 70 years, the Hauser brand has stood for quality, value and integrity. Each and every day we strive to exceed the expectations of our customers through unparalleled service, insightful product design, and superior performance. Our success is based on your satisfaction."

"At Aosom, (pronounced "awesome", as in “The Bike Trailer I got from Aosom was awesome!”), we offer a wide range of quality, cost-effective products from categories such as Biking, Fitness, Home Goods, Massage Equipment, Backyard Products, Pet Products and more!"

Waterloo, ON Family owned, third generation Founded in 1949 Beautiful pieces that are made to last

Scarborough, ON Serving across 10 provinces High-quality products at a reasonable price

COTTAGE LIFE "After searching for a classic and timeless Adirondack chair at seven different manufacturers, we found the most comfortable and heavy duty at Canadian Recycled Plastic Products (CRP). If you are looking for a classic Adirondack Chair that is comfortable, strong, and able to withstand twenty Canadian years outside, then search no further."

"At Barbecues Galore we’re proud of our roots, we’re proud of our people, and we’re proud to sell a staggering variety of barbecues, accessories, fireplaces, patio furniture, fire tables and a lot more, much of it designed and made right here in Canada by family-owned businesses with great stories just like ours."

Westport, ON Chairs made of recycled materials Low-maintenance, highquality chairs

Ontario & Alberta Quality products & competitive pricing Est. 1979

O R G A N I Z A T I O N

"We work hands-on for you, or alongside you to free you from disorder and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Though we have a systematic approach, we do not believe one-size-fits-all. We align everything we do with your specific challenges to meet your unique lifestyle."

"We are a husband-and-wife team trying to make the best out of the current world scenario. As travelers, self-declared foodies and busybodies, we find it hard to spend most of our time at home, either working or watching Netflix. I mean, there are only so many times I can arrange and rearrange my spice jars!"

Calgary, Edmonton, Fraser Valley In-person & virtual organization services Home office & work space decluttering

Toronto, ON Creative solutions for your home Labels for all of your design needs

KIDS'

ROOM

"Started in 2020, Balu Organics is a mommyowned business that was born out of the desire to give my daughter unique products that challenged her physical and mental growth, and satisfied her never-ending curiosity. From tummy time to first climb, we make sure you have the best and most beautiful options for your little one's developmental playing."

"We believe that every kid learns from their environment and that their room should be an extension of the rest of the home. Their space should be welcoming, functional and most importantly, inspiring and fun. Our Canadiansourced selection also helps represent, support and provide visibility to Canadian designers and made in Canada."

Toronto, ON Black-owned business Female-founded Elevated essentials for babies and toddlers

Toronto, ON Est. 2003 All made in Canada Baby, toddler, kid, teen

HOME OFFICE "We are Ugoburo, specializing in the sale & service of commercial-quality office furniture, standing desks & ergonomic chairs in Canada.

Through our website and multiple online shopping tools, Ugoburo is able to offer the most convenient shopping experience of anything possible in a traditional retail store in Canada."

"We're proud of where we're from. But not because of plaid shirts and maple leaves. We're proud because everything we do is guided by a uniquely Canadian approach to design. An approach that takes responsibility for not only the design of a product, but the process. An approach that focuses on making furniture that's timeless, not trendy. An approach that is transparent and collaborative."

Brossard, QC Deliver & install anywhere in Canada White glove delivery service

Winnipeg, MB Custom fabric options Locations in five provinces Book a design consultation

SUSTAINABLE HOME PRODUCTS Founders Natalie & Rob said, "We are both longtime vegan environmentalists and are dedicated to doing our part to address the climate crisis.

When we first dipped our toes in the sustainable, vegan lifestyle, we found that we were spending insane amounts of time researching various products... So, we created one. Ardent Earth takes the time and stress out of being an ecoconscious consumer. We do all the research, so you don’t have to."

Toronto, ON Low waste & sustainable Vegan & cruelty-free Safe & healthy

Nanaimo, BC "Green Bohème honours the practice of slow living with wares that have been thoughtfully created by artisans from around the world. We hope to inspire with collections that celebrate sustainability and quality in the art of homemaking."

Plastic-free shipping Ethical basics Donates to environmental conservation

Stationery

"The Lettering Studio Inc. is a Toronto-based calligraphy art studio. Using a dip pen and ink, we specialize in modern calligraphy handwritten the old-fashioned way, along with hand-lettered signage. Calligraphy literally means beautiful writing and stems from ancient roots."

Toronto, ON

"Do Good Paper Co. is an ethical Canadian

Female-founded

independent stationery company that sells

5% of box sales are donated to charity

beautifully designed paper products and subscription boxes."

Female-founded Custom items & personalized gifts

Eco-friendly materials

Get Comfortable "Our garments are made with quality natural fabrics - linen, cotton, flannel. We make pajama sets, night shirts, robes, boxer pants and sleep shorts - our best-selling being the “Classic” nightshirt. We also produce a seasonless core collection of womenswear. We love what we do and have been doing it for a long time; since 1992 to be exact! We create simple, straightforward garments built to last."

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

"Topsy raises happy sheep; winter makes better wool. Topsy offers 100% Canadian wool blankets and natural products to the eco-ethical kindred spirits out there. Our Connect to the Land programs give back to the community by offering green spaces of calm and quiet to visitors."

Amherst Island, ON

High-quality, smallbatch production Founded in 1992 Pieces inspired by Northern Ontario

Founded in 1972 100% pure wool blankets

Candles "LOHN was founded and created in Toronto in 2018, and launched with four candles, hand poured and made with clean scents, coconut and soy wax, and recyclable packaging. Taking inspiration from the road less travelled, LOHN creates scents designed to transport you to another time and place."

Toronto, ON

"Milk jar is a clean-burning coconut soy candle company from Calgary, Alberta. Launched in 2016, founder Holly Singer set out to engineer a local, unique candle alternative to the synthetic paraffin wax candles on the modern market. A number of years after the inception, Milk jar remains locally manufactured, and a staple in Canadian apothecary with stockists across the country."

Calgary, AB

Female-founded Recycled materials used Scents to transport you to moments in time

Female-founded Quality burn time, 50-60hrs $1 from every product is donated to programs supporting children with disabilities

OUR TALENT IS FINDING GREAT PEOPLE TO FUEL YOUR SUCCESS. WISHING YOU HEALTH, PROSPERITY AND HAPPINESS - AT HOME AND BEYOND. excelITR.com