‘Right-size’ your decor to maximize high-rise living
Moving into a new home is an exciting time to embrace decorating a fresh space, and also the chance to downsize and ultimately “right-size” your decor, especially when moving from a larger residence.
Decorating for a high-rise space with right-sizing in mind is about unifying a space with a number of elements. Whether you’re an emptynester, a family with small children or young professional, it is possible to keep things in scale while using items that reflect your personality and style.
HGTV.com article, Six Tips for Downsizing, can get you pointed in the right direction with some basic guidelines.
Start by planning ahead and not waiting to make decisions on setting goals for your space. Next, determine your lifestyle needs and find purpose for your wants and needs. A major factor to consider is decluttering odds and ends while editing technology components, which can invade smaller spaces and affect the flow of a room.
Another important point is to think in terms of is the quality and multipurpose for furniture as you’ll be squeezing items in a differently designed space. Lastly, consider getting an objective opinion to finalize the look.
Niki Papadopoulos, partner and lead designer at Mark Williams Design Associates, said the biggest problem for homeowners when rightsizing is having an emotional attachment to home contents. But moving to a high-rise is a chance for a new beginning.
“Owners need to realize they will live life a totally different way in a condominium,” Papadopoulos said. “It’s more freeing in many aspects, but changing routine and traditions can sometimes be things people don’t anticipate. Entertaining, for example, changes for some in a significant way. Most often condos cannot accommodate a 20-person dining table so shifting the mindset to a more efficient living model is one that, as a designer, I often have to help our clients understand.” Spacious floor plans in today’s highrises result in fewer challenges when choosing furniture, but take care to work out accessories and placement to ensure a flowing space with all the elements. One of the hardest items is choosing drapery for the generously spaced windows, Papadopoulos said.
“Have your drapery professionally made and installed, and be prepared because drapery is always the most expensive part. It takes a lot of fabric and labor to fabricate drapery, but it is so worth it. If you have a space with high ceilings and giant windows, drapery gives you the vertical softness you need to tie everything together,” Papadopoulos said.
The best plan of attack when moving in is to start with your current pieces in your home then work backwards to fill in the gaps and go from there.
Be sure to allow delivery time for new furnishings as they sometimes can take longer than you think, Papadopoulos added.
If designing for your high-rise yourself, keep in mind this is a unique living space.
“Don’t be afraid to mess around with the furniture plan,” Papadopoulos said. “One thing people sometimes struggle with is going from a traditional floor plan with spaces that were very compartmentalized in their single-family home and designated for specific purposes.
“Condo living is a completely different animal. To me, it’s about utilizing all of the space you are given and truly making it work for you.”