The Globe and Mail

It's all about where you'd put the lawn chairs. That's what I've figured out over the years I've been writing about real estate: If you can find a shady place for the lawn furniture, the rest will fall into place. The other thing I've determined is that it's good to allow the mind an occasional detour into Sillytown, since architecture is a subject that's often treated with far too much reverence and not enough humour. With that in mind, let's explore some fantasy home conversions. We've all done it: While gridlocked on the Gardiner Expressway, we've gazed at those old silos and wondered what sort of condos they'd make. While walking the dog past the veterinary clinic, we've mentally placed the lawn chairs out front and ourselves in them nursing a cool drink.