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Whether a condominium is your very first home purchase, or you’re downsizing from a detached house, it’s important to know how to best maximize space while showcasing your personality. Interior design can be daunting, so we’ve put together a handy list of our top ten tips for designing your condo.
Want to see our tips in action? Our professionally designed show suites have a little something for everyone. They’re open every Saturday & Sunday to the public for viewing (entrance at the front of the Summit House at Morgan Crossing, along 26th Ave.).
- Never Underestimate the Power of Storage – No matter what type of home you live in, handy storage solutions that blend seamlessly into your aesthetic is key. We love the look of built-in shelving, and use it often in our show suites. Or for a quick solution, try an ottoman that doubles as a storage bin. Mason jars are an inexpensive way of organizing everything from household knick knacks to baking ingredients and toiletries.
- Embrace Your Space – Don’t miss opportunities to use the same space in multiple ways. That fantastic granite countertop is a great place for chopping veggies, but throw a couple barstools around it to use as a breakfast bar. Try investing in a leather bound coffee table that doubles as extra seating during dinner parties.
- Use Area Rugs to Separate Space – Most condos maximize space by blending the dining and living room into one central space. Placing a large, colourful area rug in your living area defines it from the rest of your space, while adding a pop of colour and personality.
- A Little Bit of Paint Goes a Long Way – Paint can be your best friend when it comes to decorating. It’s inexpensive, and easy to change if needed. Light colours, like off-whites and taupe shades can brighten a room and make it appear larger, while bold accent colours like burgundy and teal help define and draw attention to a space. Try doing a bit of both, but remember the key here is to use colours in the same family (warm tones or cool tones, but not both).
- Don’t be Afraid of a Little Colour – Many condo owners opt to keep walls a lighter shade to maximize light. But you can always find creative ways of adding accent colours through accessories such as lamps, vases, rugs, and throw pillows. Because accessories are easily interchangeable and don’t break the bank, you can change the mood of your home with a couple new pieces (out with the blue, in with the orange!)
- Make Your Space Uniquely You – The most important thing to keep in mind when decorating is staying true to your aesthetic. Your home should be a reflection of your personality. Maybe you love modern lines and clean minimalism. Or perhaps you love ornate crown molding and a have a flair for the dramatic. Make sure this is reflected in your home!
- No Need to Spend a Fortune – You’ve just bought a new home, so perhaps that custom sofa made of Italian silk has to wait a little while longer. Try checking out local antique and thrift stores in your neighbourhood for a funky, unique piece that you can bring back to life. A coat of paint on a vintage armoire and patterned slipcover on an older sofa can go a long way!
- Invest in a Piece Your Really Love – While you don’t need to spend a fortune on everything, you may find a piece or two that speak to you. It could be a painting you’ve had your eye on, or a custom built in wall unit. If you really love it, it’s worth considering.
- Throw Matchy-Matchy Out the Window – Long gone are the days where everything needs to match just so. Some of our favourite looks come from mismatched items that somehow work perfectly together. So don’t get rid of that art deco pattered armchair just yet—it may surprise you.
- Highlight Unique Features – Take a look at what makes your space unique. The lofts at Summit House boast 22’ ceilings, so a spectacular light fixture and art pieces draw your eye to the vaulted ceiling. Custom drapes framing tall picture windows are a great way to bring unique patterns and textures to your home.