Abby Cook

Name: Jen Selk & Nathan Kalman-LambLocation: Midtown — Toronto, CanadaSize: 2 bedrooms, 800 square feetYears lived in: 2.5 years together, Nate for 5 — Rented Jen and Nate’s two bedroom Toronto apartment proves yet again that you needn’t spend buckets of money to make a home function well, look beautiful, and reflect the unique personalities of its inhabitants.

Name: Courtney Wotherspoon and Trevor Byrne + Maude the catLocation: Queen & Beaconsfield (Queen West) — Toronto, CanadaSize: 1,000 square feet (upper floor of their house)Years lived in: 1 — owned In need of some fresh inspiration on this first workday of the new year?

Name: Justine Fowler, Angus Bennett, and baby OscarLocation: Downtown Toronto, CanadaSize: Approximately 1200 square feetYears lived in: 2.5 years; Owned She’s a fashion professional and he’s a great chef. Together they own one of Toronto’s most popular (and delicious) restaurants. Is it any wonder that their home is also delectable? The stylish and creative pair renovated a 120-year-old downtown home, and the result is simply beautiful.

Name: Dean and Shannon Acheson + their three lovely kids + Penny the dogLocation: Ajax, OntarioSize: 3 bedroom, 1050 square feetYears lived in: 2 — owned The Acheson family moved into this suburban bungalow two years ago to cut down on Dean’s work commute.

Name: Klemens Affandy and Robert DelaneyLocation: Grange Park— Toronto, CanadaSize: 1250 square feet; 2 bedroom + denYears lived in: 4 — owned While Klemens and Robert’s 15th floor condo offers stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood and Toronto’s downtown, it’s their interior that really shines. This bright and spacious space embeds tranquil Eastern elements within a modern, urban envelope.

Name: Amy & Keith + cats Biggie & KittyLocation: Downtown Toronto — Ontario, CanadaSize: About 1500 square feetYears lived in: Amy 10, Keith 5 — Rented Welcome to Amy and Keith’s downtown Toronto live/work space. From the moment you enter their vibrant front hall, it’s clear that this is no conventional home. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to think you have stumbled onto a John Waters set!

Name: Shanan and ChrisLocation: West Queen West — Toronto, CanadaSize: 2000 square feet + 400 square foot studio (building behind the house)Years lived in: 3 — owned Take one newly renovated, 3 bedroom semi-detached home up for sale in Toronto’s West Queen West neighborhood. Add Shanan, a graphic designer who recently returned to Toronto in search of a home and workspace for her company, Linseed Projects. Wait a few months.