40 - Friday, February 26, [988 - North Shore News Canadian home designers are tops ONE OF the myths perpetuated by people who only pretend to understand fashion is that Euro- peans have a corner on design in- novation and leadership. That simply is not true. Europe does have a legitimate reputation in creative fashion, but many other areas, including Asia, Scandinavia and North America, contribute immensely to the direction of fash- ion throughout the world. Canada, too, has its share of world-class designers, possessing outstanding credentials in creative excellence and originality. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of furniture creation. Canada's furniture designers take a back seat to no one. VIR- TU, an annual competition and exhibition established to provide Canada’s furniture designers with a touring forum to display their work, has revealed remarkable tal- ents in this discipline smong prac- titioners, from the architectural, industrial and interior design sec- tors across Canada. POOL OF TALENT In addition to this superb pool of design talent, Canada has a long history of craftsmanship and manufacturing of home fur- nishings. Canadian designers and manufacturers can choose to work with a wide variety of domestic hard and soft woods, but they also have ready access to exotic wocds and fine fabrics from around the world, which means there are no restrictions upon the materials they use to create. These factors build a strong case for considering furniture produced in Canada, no matter what you are in the market to buy. The high quality of Canadian designed and manufactured furniture is a prime example of why awareness cam- paigns, such as the federal gov- ernment’s ‘‘Think Canadian’’ program, have been initiated to educate consumers. EXCELLENT VALUE Canadian-made: home fur- nishings represent excellent value, both in terms of fashion and design. Consumers seem to agree. In 1985, 82 cents of every dollar spent by Canadians on home fur- nishings went to purchase Cana- dian-made products. And Americans are catching on, too. Last year, U.S. consumers spent $175 million on household furniture made in Canada — an increase of 44 per cent over the previous year. So when it comes to buying fur- niture for your home, don’t be unduly influenced by those who would have you believe that quali- ty and style are exclusive to im- ports. You’re the one who must live with the furniture you buy, so it should reflect your own charac- ter and lifestyle. | MEMBER CANADIAN SEED GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION LIFESTYLES Questions to ask when buying furniture Entertainment Centre on Castors Fits most 28” TV's — now deeper in size ony 999” | SUCH a huge selection and wide variety of styles and prices availsbic, choosing furniture can be a complicated, and at times frightening, task. To make the choice of fur- niture a little easier, here are a few questions every furniture buyer should ask before making a purchase. While not exten- sive, it will give you, the con- sumer, a guideline to follow. i: How large a space do 1 have to fill? 2: ts the furniture suitable for the area [ have ta work with? 3: What style of fursiture am | jooking for? Modern? An- tique? Exotic? 4: Will the furniture [ am buying fit in with my other fur- niture? 5: How much do I want to pay? 6: Exactly what purposes do I want the furniture to fulfil? 7: Do I want decorative or purely functional furniture? 8: What color do I want? 9: Will the color FT chonse r stains includin Stereo Stand on Castors With pull-out shelf The Dumont Series “Oak” Includes 7 drawer dresser with 3 way wing mirror, headboard and 2 nite stands. ile eds : 45; This contemporary suite features SOLID Oak tops, fronts & drawer faces with cabinet makers. Oak wood sides. ‘NO PARTICLE BOARD” 5-PCE. SUITE ONLY 1799” Optional Hi-chest Only 749.95 We now carry BOOKCASES in many styles sizes & stains ALL SPECIALLY PRiCED sets from... (includes 2 12” leaves) 20 IF" | 36”, 42” or 48” solid oak tables & 4 chairs 1099” Oak TN. Centre on Castors SSE Fits most 28” TV's ‘os 599" blend with the other furniture 1 have? 10: What kind of ‘‘iook’' am I trying to achieve? Casual? Modern? il: Is the furnitre of pood quality? 12: Does the quality of the furniture justify the price? 13: Is there a guarantee? 14; Does the furniture suit my individual style? 15: Is this a good investment? Will the furniture fast? 16: Do I like it? TV. Stand on Castors The Classic Series Solid “Oak” Includes dresser with 3 way wing mirror, headboard, footbeard and 2 nite stands. Now ONLY TOP QUALITY SETS BEING SOLD! 3 door from 999” Modern or Traditional This ‘Traditional Suite Features SOLID Oak Tops, fronts, drawer faces & sides, Ball Bearing Drawer Guides: 6-PCE. SUITE ONLY 3499" | Optional Armoire Only 1299.95 Matching Oak | Buffet & Hutch sets 4 door from | 1199” we Pe a orld ree. pe ee cr i es oe tae enn enti a