5 Design Tips That Make Condos Stylish & Spacious

Condos are known for generally having less space than a single-family home, but that doesn't mean you need to feel cramped in one. Learn about these great design ideas for maximizing condo space.

5 Design Tips That Make Condos Stylish & Spacious Close
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5 Design Tips That Make Condos Stylish & Spacious

Posted by Gary Ashton on Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at 1:23pm.

Design Tips to Maximize Condo Space

Anyone looking at condos for sale should prioritize maximizing their space. With a few clever tricks and outside-the-box thinking, condo owners can make their homes feel spacious, comfortable, and enjoyable. Keep reading for the best design strategies to make the most of your condo's living space.

Use All Available Storage Space

One of the easiest ways to make a condo feel larger is to utilize every bit of available storage space. This includes:

  • Adding cabinets and shelves for extra storage space in bathrooms and considering floor space under sinks as an additional place to store supplies.
  • Making use of kitchen drawers, cabinets, and closet space where condo owners can hide away appliances like blenders and mixers.
  • Keeping books, DVDs, and any other media behind closed doors, as they take up less when they are tucked away. This also removes visual clutter that can make a condo appear more cramped than it actually is.

Consider buying furniture with built-in storage such as ottomans that can turn into a table or platform beds with drawers beneath the frame. These pieces will serve dual purposes by providing comfort for everyday usage while also offering storage solutions for condo owners. 

Use Mirrors to Highlight the Space

The correct placement of mirrors can make smaller spaces appear larger. However, placing them correctly is essential to achieving this goal. Mirrors should always be hung opposite windows to reflect sunlight and brighten up the room. However, mirrors should not be placed next to a window because this will just create a reflection problem. When possible, allow sunlight into the home, as natural light is one of the best ways to make your home feel more spacious.

It's essential to keep in mind that if a condo owner does not have any windows in their home, or if all their windows are covered, mirrors can have the opposite effect they're designed to have and make a condo look smaller instead of larger. 

Candles, drapes, and textiles tend to absorb light instead of reflecting it. This will make a place look larger at night when less natural light pours in through windows. However, these items should still be spaced from one another so that a condo does not seem too confined or cluttered, especially if they are on open shelves or surfaces. When decorating a space that doesn't have any windows, dim lighting works well for this purpose.

Pull Out the Paint Swatches

Choosing a Paint ColorThe right paint colors are essential to making a condo appear larger. Choose colors that are lighter and brighter rather than darker. Lighter colors tend to reflect sunlight more, which will create a warm, inviting feel in a room. 

Painting walls white is the most effective way to make a space appear larger, but colors like blue, lavender, pastels green, grey, yellow, and light pink work just as well. Avoid using dark colors like black, brown, or maroon, as they absorb light instead of reflecting it. They will also make a condo feel smaller and cozier than desired. The increased maintenance responsibilities for condo owners gives them the freedom to paint the space however they like. 

Fewer Items Go Farther Than a Bunch of Smaller Ones

Adding a few larger furniture pieces presents a cleaner, less cluttered look than a collection of smaller ones. When choosing furniture to place in a condo, be sure to avoid anything that is floor-model only, as these smaller pieces of furniture will make a condo appear even more cramped.

Instead, stick with higher-quality items such as custom-made dressers and closets or wardrobes and cabinets. Bedroom sets also work well in larger condos because they provide plenty of storage space and create a more organized and accessible appearance than if the bedroom were full of unique nightstands, dressers, and bed frames. 

When it comes to accessories, it's best to go with sleek options like vases, candle holders, lamps (preferably ones with adjustable lighting), clocks, art displays (hangable wall decals are great options), and sculptures. Keep them to a minimum, as they will make the space feel smaller rather than larger if there are too many.

Start Thinking Vertically

The main goal of utilizing small spaces is to take up less floor space and present a cleaner look. With that being said, using vertical space is the most efficient way to achieve this goal. Condo owners should consider hanging shelves or wall decals to utilize all of their vertical space. One of the biggest advantages to buying a condo over renting is that owners have the freedom to build shelves and other vertical storage spaces.

Hanging bookcases are an excellent option for maximizing storage without taking up too much floor space, and they do not need to be large pieces to be effective. The same goes for wall decals; they tend to make spaces look larger because they create dimension instead of eliminating it, which is what smaller items like lamps and vases tend to do when placed on flat surfaces like tabletops or window sills.

Choose Furniture With Function

Storage space is at a premium in a small condo, so it's up to you to choose furniture that can help you make the most of your space. Look for pieces that offer hidden storage, like a coffee table with a shelf underneath or an ottoman with a removable lid. You can also look for furniture that serves more than one purpose, like a dining table that doubles as a desk or an end table that can be used as a nightstand.

Functional furniture can also come in the form of items that can be easily put away to make room for other things. A fold-out couch or a Murphy bed are both great options for small spaces. If you don't mind some DIY, making a fold-down table can also be a good way to hide a table that's only needed during meals.

Maximize Your Condo's Space With These Design Ideas Today

It's possible to make a condo feel larger by using the proper decorating techniques. Remember that less is more when decorating in small spaces, and pay attention to lighting for best results. A well-decorated home will always feel inviting and comfortable, but one that feels cramped can create an unpleasant atmosphere. 

Ready to maximize your condo's space? By following these simple design strategies, condo owners can make the most of their living situation. Utilize vertical space, use mirrors to highlight unused areas, and add light paint colors to brighten the room. Try removing a few items instead of adding more if the space feels cramped. With just a few changes, condo owners can create an open and airy feel in even the smallest space.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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