The Hands Behind the Craft

For Lead Designer Richard Gingras, great furniture is never the work of one person. While thoughtful design sets the vision, it’s the expertise and dedication of the artisans throughout the Quebec workshop that bring every piece to life. Canadel believes in manufacturing products that are hand-assembled and hand-finished to create furniture that’s made to be lived with for generations.

Every piece tells a story – not only of the artisans who carefully built it, but also of the families who welcome it into their homes.

Q&A

HOUSE & HOME: What does Canadel’s 44 years of craftsmanship mean to you?

RICHARD GINGRAS: It represents a precious body of knowledge passed down from one generation to the next. Every piece tells a story — not only of the artisans who carefully built it, but also of the families who welcome it into their homes.

H&H: Tell us about the skilled hands behind every Canadel piece.

RG: Every piece of furniture passes through the hands of skilled craftspeople at every stage of its production. From assembly and gluing to sanding, distressing, painting and the application of lacquer, as well as sewing and upholstery, every detail is completed with the utmost care.

H&H: How do you want homeowners to feel when they sit down at a Canadel table for the first time?

RG: I hope they immediately feel a sense of comfort, belonging, confidence and pride. A dining table is much more than a piece of furniture; it’s where people gather, celebrate milestones, share stories and create memories.

H&H: Why does Canadian-made furniture resonate with homeowners today?

RG: Today’s homeowners are increasingly thoughtful about the products they bring into their homes. They value quality, sustainability and authenticity. Canadian-made furniture offers all of those qualities while supporting local craftsmanship. People also appreciate knowing where their furniture comes from and the care that goes into making it.

H&H: Why is customization such an important part of the Canadel experience?

RG: Customization allows homeowners to create furniture that reflects both their lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Every family and every home are different, so the ability to personalize dimensions, finishes, fabrics and details ensures each piece feels authentic to the way people live.

H&H: How have dining spaces changed and has it influenced how you design for customers today?

RG: Open-concept living has made it important for furniture to flow seamlessly across dining, kitchen and living spaces, inspiring coordinated collections. At the same time, smaller households and a renewed focus on entertaining have increased demand for versatile pieces, such as extendable tables, that easily adapt to different occasions and lifestyles.

H&H: You’ve worked at Canadel for 25 years. What keeps you inspired?

RG: The constant challenge of creating something new while remaining true to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. I’m also proud to be part of a Canadian, family-owned company that values the expertise and dedication of skilled artisans. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and pride.

One of a Kind

Canadel’s furniture is customizable down to the finest details. Choose from a wide selection of shapes, sizes, materials, finishes, wood colours, fabrics and decorative details. Online, a configurator lets you personalize your furniture and see it come to life before you order.