Ottawa has always had a quietly distinctive sense of style — and nowhere is that more apparent than inside the homes of the people who actually live here. The Ottawa Citizen's long-running 'My Space' column has been pulling back the curtain on that private world, giving readers an intimate look at how locals carve out spaces that are entirely, unapologetically their own.
A Window Into Ottawa Living
The premise is simple but endlessly compelling: invite a real Ottawa resident to show off the space they call home, and let the details tell the story. Whether it's a carefully curated gallery wall in a Hintonburg rental, a sun-drenched reading nook in a Glebe Victorian, or a minimalist kitchen in a new Lebreton Flats build, every 'My Space' feature reveals something true about how the city's residents relate to where they live.
It's not about perfection or Pinterest-worthy staging. It's about personality — the books stacked by the bed, the inherited furniture that doesn't quite match but somehow works, the plant collection that's quietly taken over an entire windowsill.
Style That Reflects the City
Ottawa's design sensibility tends to resist easy categorization. You'll find Scandinavian minimalism living next door to maximalist colour and pattern. Mid-century finds from Hintonburg antique shops sit alongside custom pieces from local makers. It's a city that takes style seriously without taking itself too seriously — which is exactly what makes the 'My Space' column such a good read.
The column also reflects the city's broader housing story. Ottawa's neighbourhoods are genuinely diverse in their architecture and price points, from heritage homes in Sandy Hill to sleek new builds in Barrhaven. The people who live in them are equally varied — long-time residents, new Canadians, young families, retirees — and their spaces reflect that richness.
Why Personal Spaces Matter
There's something quietly radical about home features like this. At a time when so much of what we see online is aspirational to the point of alienation, there's real value in seeing how a real Ottawa librarian, teacher, or small business owner actually lives. No sponsored partnerships, no algorithmic optimization — just a person, their stuff, and the story behind it.
For design lovers, the column is also a reliable source of local inspiration. Seeing how someone has handled the awkward layout of a typical Ottawa semi-detached, or made the most of a basement apartment's low ceilings, is genuinely useful in a way that a glossy shelter magazine rarely is.
Keeping an Eye on the Column
If you haven't bookmarked the Ottawa Citizen's 'My Space' series yet, it's worth doing. It runs regularly and each instalment is a quick, satisfying read — the kind of thing that reminds you why local journalism still matters. Ottawa is full of interesting people living interesting lives, and this column is one of the better ways to meet them.
Whether you're deep into a home renovation, just moved into your first place, or simply nosy about how your neighbours live (no judgment), 'My Space' delivers.
Source: Ottawa Citizen, My Space column. Published via Google News Ottawa Style feed.
