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Where to Find DIY Inspiration in the GTA: 5 Must-Visit Spots from a Real Estate Staging Pro
Kiel Storms is the Designer for UPstaging, the BREL team’s in-house staging company. Nothing gets him more excited than finding a great deal on a piece you won’t find anywhere else.
Home improvement—is there anything more satisfying? When I think about DIY renovations, I think about hunting for inspiration. You plan to do it yourself but don’t want it to look DIY. You want to know what the best of the best are doing and then decide if you want to recreate or incorporate anything you’ve seen or march entirely to the beat of your own drum.
If you love nesting and improving your home as much as I do, then you probably already know about these spots. If not, read on and get to one as soon as possible. Your home will thank you.
Where to go if you want to add an eclectic touch to your space
1. The Re-Store 700 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5G3
The Re-Store is a DIYer’s heaven. They sell everything from entire kitchens—cabinets, counters, fixtures—to used furniture, art, decor, lighting, and so much more. While all Re-Stores are great—they support Habitat for Humanity and recycle items that may otherwise be discarded—I’m biased towards the Etobicoke location for its size and frequent turnover.
What you can expect to find:
- Inspiration for light fixtures- often more unique and grander than what you thought you were looking for or could afford new. Come with an open mind and be prepared to leave with something great.
- Eclectic and high-end furniture pieces that can take your space to the next level- Elte and RH pieces often make their way into the store
The best place when you’re on the hunt for kitchen, bath, or flooring inspiration
2. Olympia Tile and Stone 75 Milburn Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 3A3
If you’re renovating a kitchen or bathroom, you should probably see what’s out there before making any firm decisions. Sure, your Pinterest board is finished, and you’ve seen what you like on Instagram, but have you seen it with your own eyes, touched it, and spoken to a knowledgeable professional about the pros and cons of your choice?
As Canada’s largest tile showroom, it’s a great place to get inspired and take your DIY project to the next level.
Don’t forget to pay attention to:
- How the tile is laid- patterns, relief bands, tile combinations, recurring trends seen throughout the showroom
- What tile is used in what spaces and why? Big or small, lots of grout or minimal, know if your product is best suited for your job.
Honourable Mentions: Cercan Tile, Stone Tile , and Euro Tile & Stone
The place to go to be immersed in home furnishing inspiration.
3. Home Societe 1270 Caledonia Rd, North York, ON M6A 2X5
Thinking about upgrading your living or dining rooms? You’ll want to see a range of beautiful furniture you can touch and sit in before pulling the trigger on anything. This could be any home store whose aesthetic speaks to you, but I’ve chosen Home Societe in the Castlefield Design District because of its scale (it’s enormous) and range of furniture (endless).
If you leave here without seeing something that makes you think critically about your home—seeing something you like or reinforcing going in a different direction—drive straight to the optometrist. The showroom is big enough for the furniture to be beautifully laid out and divided by designers.
Take particular note of:
- Furniture pairings and placement- the rooms are laid out in interesting ways with interesting combinations.
- Trending fabrics and textures- are you influenced by what’s current and what will soon be dated? Does this impact what you were thinking of going with? Or are you even more set on marching to your own beat, trends be damned?
Where to go when you want to see something you’ve never seen before
4. NewWall 363 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1N3
Before I entered this showroom, I had no idea that wall coverings could be so beautiful. Worth a visit, even if you’re not thinking about wallpaper. Once you see some of the stunning options available, you may think about finding a place for punch in your home decor- powder room, guest room, entrance vestibule.
This is not your average ‘paint and wallpaper’ store and you’ll need an appointment, but if you’re serious about doing something different and DIY, this needs to be on your list. Expand your thinking around what your walls could look like and leave feeling energized by the stunningly beautiful options. They also have an array of bespoke fabric options and a showroom that will leave you speechless.
Don’t miss:
- The installation- wallpaper drenching entire rooms, ceilings and all
- The endless combinations- from subtle to loud patterns to hand-drawn paper and murals, the only thing more beautiful than your favourite pattern is seeing it in combination with another
The place to be when it’s time to get your hands dirty.
No, this is not a lazy choice, this is a practical one. I’ve never started or finished a DIY project without a visit here. Substitute your local hardware store or preferred box home reno store if you like, but the Depot is where it’s at for me. From upgrading or building in Ikea bookshelves to that DIY tile job you’re tackling with some extra flair inspired by a trip to a fabulous showroom, you’ll need to stop by.
Inspiration without application is a fanciful thought. Turn your dreams into reality and stop here to figure out how to make it all work. I’ve bought more than just the tools and supplies here too. The Gluckstein lighting collection is excellent, and after touring more expensive tile showrooms, sometimes buying here and installing like the glamorous showrooms elsewhere can be a great hack.
Be sure to look for:
- The Gluckstein lighting collection- stylish, affordable, and easily sourced
- End-of-season finds: Their patio furniture and BBQs go on epic sale at the end of the season. I scored a set of four chaise lounge chairs at my location one year for the price of one, and I’m still talking about it.
