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Get a crash course in creating the ultimate pad from must-see presenters including HGTV’s Masters of Flip, Kortney + Dave Wilson, Cityline’s DIY expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, plus a slew of Ottawa’s very own top designers and personalities at the Main Stage brought to you by Chaiya Décor. By the end of it all, you’re certain to have
everything you need to live and entertain in equal style – design knowhow included.

Leaving behind their impressive careers in herpetology, Lisa and Winston Chard opened Chaiya Décor in 2015. They have a simple but commendable model; to ensure that the products they sell are sustainable and ethically produced. Though holding their pieces to such a high standard definitely makes for more work, Lisa and Winston are happy to do it if it means a more sustainable and ethical final product.

With Chaiya Décor leading the conversation about sustainable furniture and home décor in Ottawa, it’s important to learn more about this new and responsible trend. The trend of prioritizing sustainable materials has sprung up as a response to the environmental impact that furniture and home décor has on the planet. Sustainable furniture requires more of a focus on the manufacturing process and design elements, as well as the piece’s ability to be recycled once its time has passed. For example, bamboo is grown easily in abundance and has a unique ability to be recycled into new products, making it the perfect material for sustainable furniture.

Not only are the materials of the furniture and décor important, but sustainable furniture also requires a focus on the manufacturing process. Limiting carbon emissions during manufacturing and ensuring that the production does not interfere with the local environment is an important requirement as well.

Chaiya Décor also focuses on the ethical implications of the furniture they sell. “This requires us to spend many weeks on the ground in the regions of the world where our products come from,” said owner, Winston Chard. “We feel it is important to meet the artisans personally, since that is the only way to know for certain that the things we bring back to Canada are both sustainable and ethical.” There are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to buying ethical products. Stay on the lookout for manufactures that are Fair Trade Certified and keep in mind the illegal timber situation. Recently, there has been an influx of illegally logged timber that is exported illegally. If a deal seems too good to be true, it just might be.

Navigating your search for sustainable and ethical furniture can be difficult but stores like Chaiya Décor are making it easier. Drop into their Merrickville store to take in their gorgeous showroom or check out their Facebook page to spot your next home décor piece. 

From September 28-October 1, 2017 the Ottawa Fall Home Show will be filling the EY Centre with hundreds of home improvement experts ready to help you with your next project. It is a must-attend event for Ottawa homeowners. Get your tickets now!