1 Go big ! / Well , maybe not TOO big , but the truth is opting for a few standard sized pieces of furniture creates a more streamlined look and even the illusion of more space . Too many separate smaller pieces look cluttered ; a busy space feels like a small space . Opt for tailored tidy full-sized signature pieces like the sofa and dining suite .
2 Ditch the island . / Ideally we all have the perfect 10 ’ x10 ’ kitchen , with a lovely island for extra prep space , but one si�e does not fit every layout . � see so many condos with a tiny island breaking up the space and squee�ing the free area for a dining table into a corner , resulting in the ever-popular four-person round glass table . I prefer to lose the island and instead opt for a full-sized table in its place . The table surface doubles as kitchen prep in a pinch , and it opens up the tra�c flow by removing fixed boundaries defining each space . The bonus is you create a space to welcome friends and gather a sizable group with as much comfort as a larger home .
3 Add some character , already ! / I get it , the developer only offered white , white or white for the walls , and the model suite or staging was the picture perfect minimalist modern design . This is now your home and there is no better place to start personalizing than a blank canvas . Condos are infamously lacking in character which to me means we can make it whatever we want . The Victorian claw foot tub of your dreams requires the same plumbing as that builder basic . Why not swap it out ? There are easy ways of taking your modern box and infusing classic details .
BY MELISSA DAVIS • @ melissadavis
I ’ m a big advocate for living small . That is , living within the limits of our shrinking urban spaces , and stretched finances . The nature of the current real estate climate has more of us opting , be it by choice , or necessity , to live smaller . Condos reign king for the first time buyer and empty nester alike , and with a bit of smart planning and a few designer tricks , living with less does not have to mean going without . As a condo convert myself , I ’ ve mastered the art of debunking small space myths , embracing the freedoms and efficiencies inherent in these pint-sized dwellings .
HERE ARE MY TOP 3 TIPS TO LIVE A FULL-SIZED LIFE IN YOUR SMALL-SIZED SPACE :
1 Go big ! / Well , maybe not TOO big , but the truth is opting for a few standard sized pieces of furniture creates a more streamlined look and even the illusion of more space . Too many separate smaller pieces look cluttered ; a busy space feels like a small space . Opt for tailored tidy full-sized signature pieces like the sofa and dining suite .
» TIP Hugging the corner with a large sectional is another great way to maximize seating without wasting the equivalent valuable floor space that several smaller separates would require .
2 Ditch the island . / Ideally we all have the perfect 10 ’ x10 ’ kitchen , with a lovely island for extra prep space , but one si�e does not fit every layout . � see so many condos with a tiny island breaking up the space and squee�ing the free area for a dining table into a corner , resulting in the ever-popular four-person round glass table . I prefer to lose the island and instead opt for a full-sized table in its place . The table surface doubles as kitchen prep in a pinch , and it opens up the tra�c flow by removing fixed boundaries defining each space . The bonus is you create a space to welcome friends and gather a sizable group with as much comfort as a larger home .
» TIP For an even more clever space hack , opt for storage bins along one side that can easily house the kitchen storage overflow , toys or shoes and purses if you ’ re cut from the same cloth as I !
3 Add some character , already ! / I get it , the developer only offered white , white or white for the walls , and the model suite or staging was the picture perfect minimalist modern design . This is now your home and there is no better place to start personalizing than a blank canvas . Condos are infamously lacking in character which to me means we can make it whatever we want . The Victorian claw foot tub of your dreams requires the same plumbing as that builder basic . Why not swap it out ? There are easy ways of taking your modern box and infusing classic details .
TIP : Applied molding is a quick & easy way to add traditional details and when painted out along with the walls , you can achieve big impact in the style department .
Small space living offers clarity from clutter , ease in upkeep and less stress on the pocket book . I say go small to start living big !
fredi spring 2016 • 61