Tag Archives: condoideas

17 June 2019

6 Multipurpose Furniture Ideas For Small Spaces

by Administrator Blog

While living in a condo has many benefits, it does have one limitation – space is at a premium!

That’s why it’s important to plan ahead so that you can make use of every square inch of your suite in the best way possible.

In a previous post, we’ve shared some general tips for small condo decor, and in this one we’ll share some ideas for multipurpose furniture that are functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

For the Living Room

If you have plan on having guests coming over frequently, consider getting something like a Palazzo Sofa Bed.

The sofa ingeniously transforms into a bunk bed, creating “a multi-functional living space without sacrificing comfort or style.” Although a regular sofa bed could just as easily have enough room for two guests, the verticality of this sofa means you won’t have to move surrounding furniture around in order to make room.

To save even more space in your living room, you can consider getting something like this Mid-Century Pop-Up Storage Coffee Table

It features a pop-up top to reveal enough storage space inside to hold books, magazines, and electronics, while the pop-up itself can be used as a comfortable work desk.

For the Bedroom

To deal with limited storage space in your bedroom, consider getting something like the South Shore SoHo Ottoman Queen storage bed.

The slat frame lifts with ease, giving you access to a large space where you can store seasonal clothing, sports equipment and other items that you won’t be needing access to every day.

The modern style and neutral finish go well with pretty much any color scheme.

Or, if you’re even more pressed for space, consider getting a Murphy Bed.

It has shelves along the sides to store your items, and a bed that, when folded up, reveals a desk that never tilts, meaning anything you put on it will stay upright even when you fold it up!

For the Kitchen/Dining Room

It can be difficult finding enough space to keep a large dining table in a small condo, but with something like the Duke Extending Console DiningTable you can fold it up for day to day use, and expand it when you have more guests over.

You can also save space using a Winsome Wood Space Saver Drop Leaf Kitchen Cart, which comes with 2 stools that can be stored in the cart itself, and includes a drop leaf table that accommodates 2 people.

The Final Word

If you’re considering getting a condo but are worried about the space limitations, rest assured that there are many options for space saving furniture available to you.

To be the first to know about the latest Pre-construction Condos in the GTA, don’t forget to sign up for our Insider’s Club!

Tags: condoideas, decor, design, furniture, guide, small condo, tips

30 May 2019

Small Condo Decor 101

by Administrator Blog

As condo developers rush to capitalize on the demand for new, affordable housing units across Toronto, it seems that condos are getting smaller and smaller by the day!

While that may seem to be an unfortunate trade-off, there’s actually plenty of upside when it comes to smaller units. Smaller units tend to be more affordable, and allow prospective buyers to live closer to downtown for the same budget.

And with the right décor, smaller units can also be made the perfect mix of functional, stylish, and cozy.

Here are some décor tips to make the most of a small condo!

1. Separate your Spaces

The last thing you want is for your small space to look disorganized and messy.

While open-concept sounds like a good fit for small condos, the lack of definition can often end up making the space chaotic.

Instead, try to define specific areas of your unit for specific purposes, and use furniture to emphasize each area.

For example, use a space divider in your studio apartment to separate your living area from your sleeping area. Or use your coat and shoe racks to round off your entry way.

Other ideas include laying a rug to define an area, or using different floorings for each area. You can also use plants and props to give each area a distinct and separate feel from the rest of the house.

2. Get Multi-Purpose Furniture

Since space is at a premium in a small condo, consider investing in pieces of furniture that can serve multiple uses.

For example, a bed that can be folded up into a sofa is ideal for a studio unit.

Ottomans with hidden storage spaces, expandable desks, and other types of modular furniture will allow you to do more while occupying less space.

Make sure that you choose size-appropriate pieces for your space. You don’t want your home to appear stuffy.

3. Make the Most of Unused Space

Corners, blank walls, doorways, windowsills… identify unused spaces around your condo and think of ways to make them useful.

Try to think vertically as much as possible. Instead of trying to have everything within reach, consider storing less frequently used items in shelves that are higher up.

4. Use Lighter Colors

Rich, darker colors can make spaces look smaller, while lighter shades can make your space seem airier and more open.

Build a palette out of two lighter shades for the majority of your furniture, and one darker accent color for visual contrast.

Feel free to mix it up with bold colored furniture, but avoid using too many colors since they can overwhelm in a small space

5. Unclutter regularly

You can’t afford clutter when you’re living in a small unit!

Make an active effort to identify possessions that are no longer necessary, and declutter your home at least once or twice a year.

Better yet, do it in small bursts. It’s much easier to manage when you take care of small areas one at a time.

The Final Word

Smaller spaces do come with some trade-offs, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much functionality AND aesthetic pleasure you can get from even the tiniest studio space.

As long as you keep your space organized and invest in the right kinds of furniture and décor, you’ll have a home that is both comfortable to live in and beautiful to look at.

If you’re in the market for a brand new condo in the Greater Toronto Area, get in touch! And sign-up for our Insider’s Club to get first access to the latest Condo launch news, VIP incentives, and floor plans.

Tags: condo, condoideas, decor, guide, tips

3 November 2017

Simple DIY Condo Balcony Make-Over

by admin Blog

Here are five simple to incorporate tips on giving your drab condo balcony a make-over:

Establish Zones

No matter how big or small your balcony is, it is important to establish zone-specific areas in your balcony based on what you intend to do use it for. Some ideas include using L shaped sectionals for lounging areas, a bar8stool or table for eating / working, and a series of long beds for planting and outdoor gardening.

Add Colour and Texture with non-permanent flooring

Most condos nowadays come with unfinished concrete flooring, leaving you with many options for how you want to decorate. Easy to install wood inspired plastic floorings are both durable and easy on the eyes. Ikea and other major retailers sell these for as low as $2 per square foot. Installation is easy and requires no tools or other materials, simply snap them together like a jigsaw puzzle.

As some condos have restrictions on permanent changes to outdoor areas, these inexpensive, durable and non-permanent tiles are a great option.

Choose durable low profile furniture

Choosing low profile furniture means you won’t block your prized view while still enjoying a relaxing seating experience. Consider weather-resistant cushions with a high UV rating and ventilation slits to avoid sun and moisture damage. Acrylic is one mildew-resistant fabric that is long-lasting. Pillows made from similar materials will also resist natural wear and tear.

Bring the backyard to your condo

Incorporate elements form the backyard such as an umbrella or fireplace. For umbrellas, ensure that you can mount the umbrella somewhere (such as to the frame or railing of the balcony) to avoid the possibility of it flying off your balcony during high-winds.

Bring space to life with hardy zone appropriate plants

Adding a few hardy plants can breathe new life into your balcony. Green shrubs, vines and minature trees are great additions that will not only add a touch of nature to your city dwelling, but can also serve as privacy screens from your neighbours.

It is best to choose plants that grow well in your climate. For those living in Toronto, evergreen plants such as Topiaries, Upright Cedars, Junipers, and Dwarf Alberta Spruce, will do well during summer and for most of fall and winter. Be sure to bring these plants inside during the coldest weeks of the year.