Wow, bit of an "open ended question". You might want to start with what you are wanting to stay away from when looking into tiles as a flooring option. I can tell you all you want to know (and probably a tremendous amount of what you don't want to know) about cork floor tiles...but I don't think that's what you had in mind. Or is it?

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 :)

Aniline dyed is usually top of the line. Reason is that other leathers are often surface dyed and waxed and the wax wears off leaving discoloration and also makes the furniture kind of uncomfortable when bare skin touches it. Avoid bicast like the plague. Do some research before investing and buy the quality you're comfortable with. Also, look for eight way hand tied springs as these can be repaired if they come loose. Sinous springs won't last and I'm told can't be repaired. Having said all that, I puchased a moderate grade of top grain leather and it's lasted eight years, but it has discolored somewhat and I'm looking to replace in the near future.

Try BM Chantilly Lace...I've had success with it paired with both grays and blues.