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 :)

I used Corian as my solid surface material because I preferred the color variety. It's beautiful & I did use it also as the backsplash- allowing it to be one impact statement continuos to the base of my cabinets. It priced out more than any other surface I looked at- but I did get the super high gloss finish & custom light/ electrical switch plate covers made. Corian gave me a free sink for all my trouble-& you bet I took it! Natural materials are so pretty tho- the color variation can be so striking. It's a tough call-go with what appeals to your eye & sense of style. I too think the amount of radiation from your countertops may not be such a grave concern to many people- but I can attest to knowing a few young parents with small children that replaced their main countertops. There's no denying how front & center the natural health movement is- so if you are looking at possible resale options down the road- you are being very sensible to be thinking about your options. Good luck!

You absolutely can, being mindful of load bearing issues; the cost of doing so could be far more than purchasing a second TV, though. You can do this via a turntable design with cords run through the center, and should talk to a local architect to assess any issues, and help engineer specifics. For a smaller set, you may prefer to join bookcases atop a turntable, with books/decor on one side, and the set on the other. This may be of help: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/watch-an-innovative-bookcase-convert-before-your-eyes-stsetivw-vs~22314237

Because we all want it to be contemporary, pretty, but not clashing. You know, some designers have a gift for mixing patterns and colors and it drives me nuts. They can mix stripes with plaids and it is considered high end luxury. I wish it could be that easy. Some may say that my backsplash isn't the best choice for countertops but I love it. I bought mixed white glass and cararra stone diamond shape tiles and matched it with a dark grey bluish green countertop (pretty but it came with the house when I bought it so I kept it) and I think it looks lovely.