By Rosie Prata
“Canaroma isn’t just a company; it’s a family,” says Andrew Piacentini of Toronto’s Canaroma Bath and Tile—and he means that both literally and figuratively. The kitchen and bathroom company started in 1979 when Piacentini’s father, Frank, teamed up with his brother-in-law, Roy Mancini, to innovate the industry.
Instead of presenting individual bathroom components to customers, Canaroma took inspiration from Italian showrooms and presented entire finished suites just as they would be viewed in a home. The outcome was an instant win-win: products were seen in their best light and clients could easily envision transforming their spaces. Canaroma—a portmanteau name combining “Canada” and “Rome”—was born.
The owners’ sons are still active in ensuring that Canaroma stays true to its roots in delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction, and they are now joined by a group of experts specializing in design, tiling and plumbing, custom home building, and more. “What defines us is more than just our products—it’s our values,” Piacentini says. “We’ve built our business on heart, hard work, honesty and respect, and we seek those same qualities in our team.”
Over the past 45 years, Piacentini says, the team’s passion for design has only grown. “We meticulously curate our collections through extensive research, global sourcing and attending international design shows—always staying ahead of emerging trends.” Among those emerging trends in kitchen design: a move away from stark whites toward warm, natural tones such as taupe, beige and deep green; sleek, handle-free, minimalist cabinetry; statement backsplashes; and smart technology such as touchless faucets and app-controlled appliances.
Over the past 45 years, Piacentini says, the team’s passion for design has only grown. “We meticulously curate our collections through extensive research, global sourcing and attending international design shows—always staying ahead of emerging trends.” Among those emerging trends in kitchen design: a move away from stark whites toward warm, natural tones such as taupe, beige and deep green; sleek, handle-free, minimalist cabinetry; statement backsplashes; and smart technology such as touchless faucets and app-controlled appliances.
Similarly, in bathroom design Canaroma has noticed more clients wanting to create a spa-like ambience at home, with rain showerheads and natural materials complemented by sustainable technology, such as water-saving faucets and LED mirrors. Tiles are going large with minimal grout lines for a serene, modern look, while unique vessel sinks and richly hued vanities add a dose of bold personality. In both kitchens and bathrooms, mixing materials has become a popular way for people to express a sense of dynamic eclecticism.
“Our selection spans a diverse range of styles, colours and materials, from contemporary and traditional to truly one-of-a-kind designs,” Piacentini says, and the Canaroma showroom is proof. For those who want their kitchen and bathrooms to be the masterpieces of their homes, look to French company THG Paris’s Beyond Crystal collection, a collaboration with Baccarat that features crystal-embedded faucets, or to the hand-painted porcelain sinks by New York-based Sherle Wagner, which are functioning works of art with details crafted in gold and platinum. Italian heritage brand Fantini is revered for its streamlined and architectural faucets, while California-founded Kallista’s Juxtapose collection by Mick De Giulio mixes metals for a chic, modern look. The highly versatile Galley Workstation is a groundbreaking culinary innovation that answers the question “what if a kitchen could behave like a Swiss army knife?”
A visit to Canaroma’s 20,000-square-foot Toronto showroom is guaranteed to spark inspiration in designers, tradespeople and homeowners alike, whatever their tastes. “We strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment for both our staff and customers,” Piacentini says. With the company’s knowledgeable and friendly team members onsite to provide personalized design assistance, clients can confidently navigate the vast array of luxury products with expert guidance from a trusted source.