Two Young Torontonians Make a Home in a Former Commercial Space

Name: Pierre
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The basics: 1 year, rented — 650 square feet

Pierre and his roommate are making the most of their slightly unconventional space. While there is the occasional (electrical outlet-related) drawback, living in a formerly commercial space has provided them with high ceilings, lots of light and a blank canvas on which to get thriftily creative.

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My home was previously a commercial space, type unknown. With that it has plenty of natural light from large windows and a unique layout. The space really benefits from simple, uncluttered style as it’s not big. Implementing functional aspects, such as the bar table, were key to make the most of the space. The budget was limited but we tried to make the space warm and simple to the bustling market neighborhood we live in.

What is your favorite room and why? I really love the bathroom! It’s not big by any means, but it has a huge window that showcases the sunrise. With sleepy mornings having a shower and watching the sunrise is amazing.

If you could magically change something about your home, what would it be? More electrical outlets! With it being a former commercial space it was set up for some type of business. Residential needs are a bit different, though it has made us think of some interesting solutions to this!

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The sofa, KNOPPARP from IKEA is probably the most recent addition. We went back and forth on if we needed one or not. It really ties the space together and makes the common area more livable. It was a great price at $150 CAD so it made investing in it as roommates a no-brainer.

Which fictional character would be most at home in your place? To be honest I think this is the real apartment that Hannah and Marnie from GIRLS would have lived in. It’s realistic of city living at a young age with a rather normal budget!

Pierre’s words of wisdom: Put thought into everything you do. It doesn’t matter where something was purchased, does it work? Does it fit into the space or was it purchased just because it was an immediate need. Think things through!

Thanks, Pierre!

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