Originally featured in January 2010 issue; photography by Kim Christie.

1 Eclectic condo living room

Why we love it When moving into a cookie-cutter condo, it can be hard to break away from making the interior design look like every other condo on the market. Owners Chad Farquharson and Wayne McGill have transformed the living area of their 700 sq.ft. Vancouver condo to suit their personalities. With a mixture of colours, textures and prints, this small space is anything but ordinary.

Originally featured in February 2010 issue; photography by Virginia Macdonald

2 Pretty row house

What we love From the stained glass window to the lavender rug, this Toronto row house belonging to our editor Erin McLaughlin oozes classic style with a modern twist. Super high ceilings make up for a lack of square footage in this small space, while the acrylic waterfall table and oversized mirror trick the eye into seeing the area as bigger than it actually is.

Originally featured in March 2010 issue; photography by Evan Dion.

3 Basement bedroom escape

What we love When half of your home is in a basement, what better room to put there than a bedroom? Homeowners Malcolm Patterson and Rodney Smith have created a comfy getaway in the basement of their Toronto digs, designing it with a strong sense of masculine style. Low ceilings work in their favour, creating a cosy den that is highlighted with task lamps and glowing bedside tables.

Originally featured in October 2009 issue; photography by Paul Chmielowiec

4 Beautiful basement lounge

What we love If your interior design isn't comfortable, then style becomes irrelevant. This basement retreat in the home of art director Susan Rogers combines both --  the four-colour palette is brought to life with a variety of patterns and textures, and lounging is clearly encouraged. The small room incorporates a space to relax (and sleep -- the sectional converts to a bed!), as well as a place to work (the black chair in the forefront sits at a desk).

Originally featured in January 2010 issue; photography by Kim Christie.

5 Showstopper bedroom

What we love One way to make a small space seem grand is to have a showstopper piece, like this chalkboard wall in Wayne McGill and Chad Farquharson's bedroom. Combine that with a glam tufted headboard and luxe patterned pillows, and visitors won't even notice how small the room is.

Not sure how to decorate your small space? Check out our solutions to these 5 small space myths.