Urban Mode

Sometimes it's worth going out of the way to find something that's not available anywhere else. This is true with Urban Mode, a retail concept that has been tackling small space ideas since 1977 - before the condo boom.

Although the store is located off a main street in the city, inside the converted garage is an edited selection of modern, small-scale furnishings is perfectly showcased in the open and airy space that is the approximate size/layout of a downtown condo.

Many of the pieces are convertible: a sectional that morphs into a queen-size bed, an ottoman that doubles as a storage box, and a table that can extend to serve a large group of (hungry) dinner guests. There are a variety of finishes available (from a light ash to the requisite dark espresso), and the fabric choices stay as close to neutral as possible.

But, it's not all about furniture. Urban Mode is also well-known for its selection of accessories. There are several sources of lighting (table lamps, hanging fixtures), vinyl floor coverings, and a large selection of Umbra products, second only to the Umbra Concept Store on John Street.

When the weather cooperates, the garage doors open up and the store's colourful home and garden accessories are trotted out onto the pavement.

There are so many things to whet the appetite of those who feel the need to dress up their dwelling that it's impossible not to get hungry for more. Sometimes, you just have to look for it.

For more information, visit 145 Temcumseth Street (Toronto, Ontario), or www.urbanmode.com.