Tricks to create a sense of space
Fool the eye to make condo seem bigger
Living in a condo doesn’t mean you are giving anything up. In fact, you are gaining freedom and the opportunity to live stress-free in a rejuvenating environment, with the option to get away at a moment’s notice.
Condos may be smaller than other types of homes, so it’s important to utilize every space available and design your home to emphasize its best features.
Also keep in mind that condos often offer an extension of square footage with shared amenity areas such as workout rooms, pools, hot tubs, party rooms, wood shops, craft rooms, game rooms, underground parking and guest suites.
One of the best perks: outdoor maintenance, such as clearing snow and landscaping, is usually not your responsibility, so you can travel without worry.
There are many ways to make your space appear larger. Here are a few ideas on maximizing your home:
CLUTTER- FREE LIVING
Our lives are now so fastpaced; our home has become a place to rejuvenate.
When it’s clutter-free, we can relax. There is nothing that makes a space feel more cramped than having too much stuff. A cluttered room equals a smaller room. Free up space by being organized. Most condos have a storage closet, so take advantage of it. To create clean surfaces, use baskets to hold little objects. Often if children and adults are sharing a space, baskets are perfect for toys to keep the area clutter-free.
Fewer large items also create a feeling of more space than many smaller items. For example, instead of hanging numerous pictures on the wall, hang one large painting.
Don’t clutter shelves with many items; instead use a single vase or a couple of candles. On bookshelves, lay books on their side and leave plenty of white space where you can highlight an art piece or an interesting knick-knack. White space allows the eye to rest.
HANGING MIRRORS
Mirrors can create a false sense of space. By placing them across from a focal point, they give the illusion of depth. Mirrors also reflect natural and artificial light to make a room brighter. Glass tabletops provide a similar effect, creating more of an open flow.
MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE
Furniture that can be used for multiple functions can certainly clean up a space. Look for chests that can be used as coffee tables; sofa beds; or beds with drawers for storage underneath. Ottomans can be used as footstools, for storage, or flipped for entertaining. End tables that can be used together or pulled to the side as wedge tables offer versatility. If there is only one extra bedroom, use it as an office but include a piece of furniture that can be used as a bed.
Another tip is to stick to clean lines. Place furniture on angles, and in a great room area, designate areas of function. Selecting furniture to fit the size of the room, or moving the furniture away from walkways will create more open spaces. Sofas and chairs with open arms and exposed legs, along with glass tables, create an appearance of open and free space, as light filters under the furniture, making the room appear airier. Furniture in the same colour as the walls also creates an added feeling of space.
For eating spaces, round tables provide the most seating for the least space. Extendable, folding or nesting tables are ideal for entertaining as they can be tucked away when
not in use.
LIGHTING
Lighting is a key element. If you do not have a lot of natural light, you can add some lighting features to the room to make it look bigger. Pot lights are very popular. Lighting walls and features such as photos or the fireplace also help to open the room and create a mood. Lamps will bring in colour and focus attention.
Make sure window coverings are sheer or are pulled back to bring in more light. If you don’t have a nice view, hang plants and place potted flowers near windows.
WALL COLOUR
Painting is a small change that can go a long way. Light colours, such as pastels and neutral colours, leave your condo feeling airy and open, since light bounces around the room. Another option is to paint your wall trim and mouldings a lighter colour than your walls so the wall appears further back.
Condos and condo townhouses are usually open-concept. Introducing too many colour schemes will overpower the space.
When painting, choose a colour that you can repeat. For example, paint your bedroom the same colour as your washroom. Choose a lighter or darker version of the shade for the living area and kitchen. A monochromatic colour scheme will make your home appear larger.
Also ensure your decor flows from one room to the next, including out to the balcony, which is an extra room on your house.