Celebrity experts and emerging style, décor and DIY bloggers took part in the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge at Toronto’s Fall Home Show presented by Scotiabank in 2012,  where they sourced and repurposed a household item from a Habitat for Humanity Toronto ReStore location.  All items will be on display in the Habitat for Humanity Toronto booth.

“Upcycling is currently a huge trend,” says Fall Home Show manager Tina Holmes. “The Ultimate Upcycle Challenge is the perfect way to draw attention to how easy it is to turn something used into something new and functional while raising awareness for ReStore and Habitat for Humanity Toronto.”

Toronto ReStore locations sell quality new and gently-used renovation and décor materials, with proceeds going to cover all of the charity’s administrative and fundraising costs. Each celebrity expert purchased a household item of their choice from a ReStore and repurposed and restored it adding their own personal touch.

 “We are very excited about this collection of creative genius coming together to support Habitat for Humanity Toronto and being a part of this sustainable design movement,” adds Neil Hetherington, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto.  “The funds raised from this auction will be used by Habitat for Humanity to purchase building materials so that volunteers can build new homes with families in need."

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The Toronto Fall Home Show is pleased to announce the winner of the 2012 Ultimate Upcycle Challenge!

Congratulations Lindsey Gerrish on winning the challenge and the grand prize of a $500 Visa Card.  

The response of the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge was an overwhelming success and we would like to thank all of the talented experts for taking part with such great diy transformations of their ReStore items!  

Thank you to everyone who bid on an Upcycled Item, the auction has now closed.

Lindsey Gerrish @LGrecreated www.recreated.ca Part-time furniture upholsterer, amateur design follower, blogger, closet jig-saw puzzle-lover, full-time fun-seeker. Before Item: Old Movie Theatre Seats Upcycled into: Entryway Seating ReStore location purchased at: ReStore Etobicoke Click here to read Lindsey's blog post on her upcycled item.

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	Carson Arthur @Carson Arthur www.carsonarthur.com Eco Friendly landscape designer and TV personality. Working at making the world a better place...one garden at a time. Before Item: Lamp Upcycled into: Bird Bath ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design
	Christine Dovey @BijouAndBoheme www.bijouandboheme.blogspot.com Décor Stalker, Fashion Hunter, Art Maker Before Item: Coffee Table Upcycled into: Upholstered Bench ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design Click here to read Christine's blog post on her upcycled item.
	Clare Kumar @Streamlife www.streamlife.ca I get a thrill taking the bumps out of life as a Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant, and most recently Product Developer. Check out @Pliio! Before Item:: Bar Cart Upcycled into: Home Office Piece ReStore location purchased at: ReStore Studio District Click here to read Clare's blog post on her upcycled item.
	Dean & Shannon Acheson @akadesigndotca www.akadesign.ca Canadian couple, Dean and Shannon Acheson, share their thrifty design finds, organization ideas and affordable DIY projects. Before Item: Old door, 2 stair spindles, 2 brackets & few old crystal door knobs Upcycled into: Entryway Table ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design Click here to read Dean & Shannon's blog post on their upcycled item.
	Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault @LeighAnnAllaire www.benjaminmoore.com Colour Aficionado • DIY Ninja • TV Personality • Design Blogger • Social Media Obsessed • College Instructor • Wife • Mom Before Item: Mid Century Modern TV Console Upcycled into: Funk-tional Hipster Cocktail Station ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design
	Lisa Canning @Lisa_Canning www.lisacanning.ca I run Lisa Canning Interiors. Market editor for Dabble Magazine. A fashion lover, blogger & mom of 3 who can be caught on HGTV & The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV. Before Item: Chair Frames Upcycled into: Chairs for urban, small space dwellers ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design
	Lisa Ferguson @DecorMentor www.lisafergusoninteriordesign.com Lisa has 11+ years experience renovating & decorating both beautiful and functional interiors that are as unique as each of her clients. In addition, she has 12+ years designing, importing and marketing home decor goods and has designed over 150 custom furniture pieces. Before Item: Kitchen cupboard door and commercial luggage strapping Upcycled into: Magnetic Wipable Message Board ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design
	Mag Ruffman @MagRuffman www.toolgirl.com TV host, producer, writer, book publisher (wereallinthistogether.ca), author, woodworker, welder, trail-running enthusiast, kids' building advocate Before Item: 35lbs masonry nails, 3 carbon steel saws, 3 wrenches, associated trailer mix nails Upcycled into: Whimsical eccentric steel garden trellis. ReStore location purchased at: East York/Design Click here to read Mag's blog post on her upcycled item.
	Sarah Gunn @SarahGunnStyle www.sarahgunn.com Interior stylist. I share my mad DIY skills as a guest expert on CityLine & my passion for design at yummymummyclub.ca. I have an addiction to pretty things. Before Item: Cabinet Door Upcycled into: Kitchen Art ReStore location purchased at: ReStore Etobicoke Click here to read Sarah's blog post on her upcycled item.
	Shoana Jensen @ShoanaJ www.shoanajensen.com Lifestyle Expert on CityLine. Organizing, entertaining, decor, food, tech, pets, fashion & more...love it all and love to share ideas! Before Item: 1980’s Side Table Upcycled into: Updated Side Table/Pet Bed ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design Click here to read Shoana's blog post on her upcycled item.
	Vicky Sanderson & Michael Simardone @Vicky Sanderson www.thestar.blogs.com/onthehouse/ www.simardonedesign.com Vicky Sanderson is a freelance columnist for The Toronto Star and CasaGuru, amateur chef, devout re- and up-cycler, news junkie, and opinion-ista. Long before it was considered cool, Michael Simardone has been trolling his Junction-area neighbourhood for architectural salvage from rebuilds and renos that the self-described treehugger ferries to his studio on his bike, and turns into one-of-a-kind furniture.   Before Item: Stairway spindles, mirror glass, cupboard doors, hardware & chair Upcycled into: Entryway Table & Chair ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design & ReStore Studio District
	Wendy Russell @ShesCrafty_ www.wendyrussell.com Decor Producer on @TheMarilynShow, TV Host of She's Crafty (airs on ION Life in USA). Event Speaker, Freelance Writer & Creativity Ambassador to the World! Before Item: Old bi-fold doors Upcycled into: Jewellery organizer ReStore location purchased at: ReStore East York/Design
For more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto ReStores, click here.