Small Space, Big Ambition
Torontonians are getting creative and tapping into any available area—backyards, disused garages, even patches of Lake Ontario—to design stylish, affordable and, yes, comfortable living spaces in a city where land is in short supply
It’s not easy to squeeze a family of four into a shoebox condo or a skinny semi, but devoted downtowners in this space-starved city are finding ways to make it work. Toronto started allowing laneway suites in 2018 and garden suites in 2022, and since then, the options for where—and what—families can build have improved. The imperative is to maximize every nook and cranny. Below, a series of Torontonians doing creative things with small footprints.
How an east-end family built a shimmering home in their backyard for $325,000
Featuring one bedroom, maple floors, plenty of natural light and a dramatic carport
This family renovated an Airstream trailer for $60,000
Featuring efficient built-in storage, three beds and full-size appliances
He wanted his mom to live nearby, so he spent $450,000 to build her a garden suite
Featuring an outdoor kitchen, Japanese and Scandinavian design, and smart-home features
Inside a $200,000 custom-built van that’s perfect for cross-country road trips and outdoor adventures
Featuring road-trip-ready storage, space-maximizing furniture and a pop-up shower
Half a semi-detached in Dovercourt Village with a whole suite of space-saving innovations
Featuring a custom kids’ play space, drawers within the stairs and a fold-out workstation
A laneway suite so stylish it became the main house
Featuring treetop views, a striking turned-brick exterior and a Zen garden
She bought a 625-square-foot houseboat. It was the best decision she ever made
Featuring a wood-burning stove, floating neighbours and a view of Bluffer’s Park
This designer transformed an under-stair storage space into a kids’ play wonderland
Featuring four-foot ceilings, a wall of kids’ lit and a dog bed turned mini sofa
Three innovative backyard spaces that make the most out of the entire lot
A laneway art bunker, a garage turned work-and-play space and a self-contained fitness studio
Multipurpose furniture to maximize small spaces
A disappearing bed, invisible storage and more pieces that seem to defy the laws of physics
NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY
Sign up for The Vault, our free newsletter with unforgettable long reads from our archives.
