Design Ideas for Small Condos: Save Space & Organize Your Home
Posted by Edmonton Homes.ca on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 at 10:10am.
Whether buying a condo in a traditional community or a high-rise, it's not uncommon for there to be less space in standard units. This feature makes living in a condo highly appealing for many, especially those looking to downsize or get their feet wet as homebuyers. After all, owning less space when buying a condo means less upkeep and maintenance for the interiors and exteriors of the home. Yet, some condominium owners may find a smaller space somewhat challenging. Read on for a few easy design ideas to maximize space in a condo to make the most of every square foot of your home.
The Right Paint Can Make a Room Feel Larger
Choosing the right palette of colours for a condo can easily make it feel roomier. Take it a step further by adding a few strategically placed mirrors that can promote the sense of greater space.
Paint colours in smaller homes like the average condo tend to lean towards lighter shades and neutral tones that visually make walls seem to recede. While this approach might initially sound bland, trim, shelves, and accent walls can offer pops of colour and vibrant decor choices.
In particularly small rooms and spaces like bathrooms, closets, nooks, stairways, and hallways, some owners opt to paint the walls and ceiling with the same hue. The key is to avoid very dark paint with complex patterns and prints that can make areas feel smaller.
Strategies for placing mirrors are reasonably simple, and they can add dimension to rooms that may appear to make walls disappear. Mirrors hung behind lighting sources or near windows can help project light into spaces while doubling visual space.
Options like mirrored end tables, coffee tables, and entire walls of windows tend to reflect light outward and upward. They can add interest and visual appeal when used with decorative pieces and artwork.
Curb the Clutter with Well-Chosen Furniture
While many condo owners think choosing several small furniture pieces rather than oversized options is best, that's not always the case. In fact, the more individual pieces there are, the more likely the room is to look and feel cluttered.
A few high-quality statement pieces, such as an oversized couch or chairs, will ultimately take up less floor space in a condo. Nesting tables can eliminate the need for multiple side tables and leave more available real estate for moving about rooms more freely.
Another excellent addition that takes up no space is to help define each room with designer rugs and oversized art. When choosing furniture and decor, choose the best fabrics and upholstery materials.
Take Advantage of Hidden Storage Opportunities
Hidden storage is an excellent feature of even expansive homes, but they are a must-have in the average-sized condo. There are many ways to keep clutter at bay while not being too far away for regular use.
Hollowed storage ottomans and coffee tables are excellent for magazines, remotes, and other small items in living rooms. Recliners and sofas with lift-up armrests can also offer extra space for holding goods, and many have holders for beverages.
Fold-away furniture like small tables, chairs, and wall-hanging flat surfaces are perfect for condos. These can be opened when needed to establish a place to dine, study, or create a temporary home office. Chairs and tables come in handy when guests come over and can quickly be put away after entertaining.
Imagine being able to hide something as large as a bed! Murphy beds have been around a long time, and today, they remain popular with homeowners. Murphy beds are stylish, multi-functional pieces that fold into the wall, and some feature fold-down desks and additional storage. There are even Murphy beds for pets! Be sure to consider this semi-chic bedding option that can be a huge space-saver in small living spaces.
Use Interior Walls Wisely
In a condo, it's essential to make the most of using interior walls for decorations and storage. Vertical shelving is one easy way to use less floor space and increase storage opportunities. To maximize their usefulness, consider installing floor ceiling shelves that are tall and narrow. They draw the eye upward and make the ceiling seem higher than it is in reality.
Custom-built freestanding or built-in shelves or pre-fabricated ones may have features like cubbies or top ridges that provide unique opportunities to display items such as:
- Mementoes & keepsakes
- Framed photos
- Books
- Excess cookware
- Shade-loving plants
Floating shelves are another excellent option that doesn't require much space and can become focal points in almost any room in a condo.
Owners can install wall-mounted racks or bars to create additional storage on walls. These can feature hooks or small drop-in areas that can hold keys and bags in entryways or cookware and utensils in kitchens.
Love plants but lack floor and counter space to hold them? Check out a few DIY indoor vertical garden ideas to bring nature in without needing much floor space. A simple trellis installation can be a remarkable way to display vining plants to create virtual "living" walls.
Utilize Vertical Space
When it comes to making the most of a small space, vertical is often the way to go. People living in condos can take advantage of this by utilizing vertical space in their homes. This can be done in a number of ways, such as installing shelves and racks on walls and using hanging containers for storage.
By utilizing vertical space, you can free up floor space and make your condo feel more spacious. In addition, vertical storage can help to keep things organized and easy to find. So if you're looking to maximize your space, think about going up instead of out.
Condo Living Doesn't Have to Cramp Your Style
Due to the extensive amenities in condo communities and the fact that a lot of the exterior maintenance is handled for the owners, condo living compared to homes is a rather stylish option that can suit almost anyone's lifestyle. With these clever design and decor tips, the space has the potential to feel spacious and grand—even if it's a smaller condo!