Added to the fact that Toronto is one of the most populous cities in North America, I heard that it is also one of the fastest growing cities in N.A.. Not sure how true that is, but the housing market is very hot, which could account for the large number of designers and decorators. There are design schools, firms, etc. to train and employ designers. Being a big city, ther'es also a lot of money to fuel the design industry. Every new condo building hires a designer/firm to do their models and marketing material. I think HGTV is based in Toronto. Toronto and Montreal have almost nothing in common. The feel is very different, the culture is very different. I love both cities, Montreal has old-world charm and a new-world grit that is very alluring. Toronto feels much larger (because it is) and much more cosmopolitan. People compare the feel of it to New York, I'm not sure I totally agree, but the architecture, climate, those sorts of things, are comparable. Toronto always leaves something to be discovered. I've been living in the city proper for over ten years and every year discover a fun new neighbourhood. Those who don't like it usually came and went only to the Eaton's centre in the core, which isn't very charming. The small old neighbourhoods and little enclaves of century homes are full of charm and character; the sleek new condos are equally beautiful and create an urban culture all on their own. My husband's family is from BC, they definitely agree that Vancouver has a wonderful small-town feel. Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto, maybe less; not really close to the border, unless you come across the lake from NY. I'll agree that Banff might be the prettiest place on earth, I was only 13 when I went and it has never left me. It's nice that you're interested in our little city, so happy to share my feelings on it :)

@shortped - definitely hear you on that. The walnut has the slightest bit of red/warmth that shows in it. It is exaggerated by the warm incandescent lighting that was used to take the pic a bit and fortunately isn't super red in person. I agree that makes furniture choice tough! Our furniture is really basic at the moment... actually, who am i kidding... we actually don't own any furniture for this room yet. This project has draimed us, but we will piece things together as we can. :) lol - I can say that I got a great area rug on sale from PB (blues and whites in it!). - @monowad - thank you! - can't wait to see what it does look like after the finishing coat... i do feel it will be better.

This is a year old post. Did you do any of the above suggestions? The little circle knobs could be changed out for something of a better scale. There are way too many of them to break up the monotony. Try mixing them up, something different for the lowers.

So cabinets came yesterday and I opened one box and ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM THey won't be ready to be installed for awhile but I am SO HAPPY that I ordered them