Arisan Woods Sustainable Luxury Home Décor In Grimsby, Ontario
Arisan Woods is the work of woodworker and environmentalist Aaron Grant, whose practice blends craftsmanship with deep environmental responsibility. Arisan Woods represents an approach to design and home décor rooted in what could be described as beautiful altruism.
After more than a decade of woodworking and years spent commuting to a corporate job in Toronto, Aaron made the decision to step away from that lifestyle. Together with his wife, Corné, he committed full-time to Arisan Woods, motivated by a desire for better health, more time with family, and the opportunity to build something purposeful.
Arisan Woods creates luxury home décor, including coffee tables, benches, cutting and curing boards, carved world maps, and custom pieces. All items are made from ethically sourced wood, never from clear-cut forests. The materials come from fallen trees or those removed due to pruning or safety needs, with most wood sourced locally or within Canada. Each piece carries a story connected to the origin of the wood and how it was discovered.
Education and stewardship are central to the practice. The founders involve their children in the process, using the work as a way to demonstrate the importance of giving back more than is taken and actively reducing environmental impact. The goal is not only to create beautiful objects, but also to contribute to a healthier world for future generations.
Among their most distinctive works are the coffee tables, each shaped by the natural grain and history of the wood. One notable example is crafted from a 100-year-old Big Leaf Maple from British Columbia. In addition to statement pieces, Arisan Woods produces smaller functional items and bespoke commissions, all handcrafted according to a simple standard: if a piece would not belong in their own home, it does not leave the workshop.
The woodworking process is intentionally slow and intuitive. Some pieces remain unfinished for years until the wood is ready and the form becomes clear. Drying and curing are essential, and the work is guided by restraint rather than force, allowing the character of the material to emerge.
This thoughtful approach to sourcing and making results in a portfolio that brings new life to reclaimed wood. Finished pieces often evolve organically during production, and custom works such as river tables are designed to enliven interior spaces while reflecting care for the natural world.
In line with the Buy Good Feel Good mandate, Arisan Woods supports reforestation by planting a tree for every product sold through its partnership with One Tree Planted. Sales from the Expo alone contributed to the planting of 500 trees in British Columbia, with plans to expand these efforts further.
Looking ahead, the founders aim to allow customers to choose where their trees are planted, strengthening the connection between people, product, and planet. The work of Arisan Woods reflects a belief that thoughtful design can restore life not only to living spaces, but also to forests themselves.