Toronto - Mark and Lisa Abernethy have an older, detached Victorian-style house in Toronto. Lisa, who is pregnant with the couple's second child, says it's the right home for their growing family.

But "we've got to do something about our kitchen," she told CTV.ca during a visit to the Interior Design Show (IDS) in Toronto in the first weekend of February.

She and Mark were there hoping to get some decorating and interior design ideas. But like many of the people at the IDS and other Canadians from coast to coast, they say they're "certainly aware" of the tough economic times.

However, they note that when it comes to their interior design plans, they're thinking of their costs as an investment, not as a frivolous purchase in recessionary times.

"It's not like we're buying BMWs," Lisa says. "It's equity in our home."

Mark adds: "Our kitchen plan is high priority. If we don't go on vacation, so be it. But we have to get our kitchen done."

Like the Abernethys, Mike and Holly Crawford of Toronto say the recession won't necessarily stop them from redecorating their newly-bought condo. But they also say the economic slump means that they won't get everything they want done at once.

"We want to upgrade the flooring, bathroom and eventually the kitchen," says Holly, adding, "But it will be one (project) at a time."

There's little doubt that the recession has hurt renovation and interior design businesses, says Kathy Ware, the marketing manager of Leeza Distribution Inc., a bathroom and kitchen design and countertop company.

"Our American partners have definitely had a massive hit. Their business is down 40, 45 per cent in some cases," she says, noting that has had an impact on her Montreal-based company's business. But she also noted that Canadian consumers have so far helped "pick up the slack."

Ware says increasing numbers of Canadians are redecorating and changing the interiors of their homes, instead of opting to move into a new home. She adds, companies like hers are adjusting to the new economic realities.

"We want to be aggressive. We are thinking out of the box. Other companies may not be in a position to invest further at this time, so we are tying to find new ways of getting business," Ware says.

The company's aggressive approach to marketing was evident at the IDS, where it used beautiful young models clad in little more than towels to show off its latest bathroom and kitchen designs. Hard-bodied models in bathing suits and bikinis served potential customers beverages -- along with eye-popping glimpses of the models bathing in the company booth's fully-functioning shower.

With dozens of other companies vying to lure customers to their booths at the IDS, Ware says innovative strategies are the key to winning new customers during the recession.

"The booth was designed to be bold. One of the goals was to get attention and get noticed... people could see our product in action," she said.

For those who can afford it, the economic downturn may provide the perfect opportunity for some homeowners thinking of redesigning the interior of their homes. With demand for products slipping, redesigning a kitchen, bathroom, or living room could be a good deal right now, says Sue Bennett, an interior designer and CEO of Bennett Design.

"You can get great deals on renovation materials right now -- from plywood, tiles, sinks, faucets. All this stuff is on sale" because demand is down, she says.

Bennett told CTV.ca that homeowners thinking of redesigning their homes -- but concerned about the recession -- may need to take a longer-term approach when thinking about the project. She's careful to note, however, consulting an interior designer will be key to drawing up an effective - and cost-effective -- long-term redesign strategy.

"Having a game plan will save you money in the long run," she says.

For those who want to make an immediate change but are on a budget, Bennett says new paint is the key. But again, she cautions, this is where an overall strategy is helpful to make sure that future additions compliment the colour-scheme. She also noted that buying refurbished materials - old doors, mantles, cabinets - can dramatically cut the costs of redecorating.

Bennett also noted that the newly introduced federal home renovation credit could be a big help for consumers over the next year. Homeowners could get up to $1,350 in tax relief for certain projects.

Bennett says she expects to see increasing numbers of Canadians opt to redecorate and redesign their living spaces as the recession lingers.

"Instead of moving, now they're thinking about what they have in their own home," she says.

"Most people are settling into their homes. So, people are saying, 'what can we do to make this place better?'"