After discovering Habitat Restore in Toronto and several good used furniture stores, I am officially hooked on recycling building materials and buying furnishings second hand. I am currently building a home up north and have saved many thousands of dollars by purchasing all light fixtures, all interior doors, vanities and sinks, stair railings and a beautiful recycled kitchen that was salvaged from Forest Hill, , etc. My house here in Toronto will be on the market soon, again staged with newer fixtures, lights, a front door, paint, all recycled from Restore and the old ones donated. My point of this message, is to encourage viewers to adopt this approach, and consider reclycing and refurbishing to redecorate and renovate. A recent episode of Rachel Ray, featured a refurbished TV armoire challenge, these bulky cabinets now becoming obsolete due to the new flat panel and plasma tvs, these large pieces were transformed into a mirrored bar with glass shelves; a computer desk; a Murphy bed; and a change table. http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/evettes-armoire-makeovers/
I am challenging City Line to a similar challenge, perhaps doors, yes doors, so many going to the dump, many of solid wood, always an ample supply at the salvage stores. There is a wonderful site called www.robomargo.com/trash.html , check out what they do with buidling salvage, in particular door projects and benches from old headboards, you would be amazed.