Interior design may seem like a luxury reserved for affluent homeowners who are lucky enough to have square footage to spare. However, Toronto is a city full of small lofts and condos, and everyone deserves a space that feels specially made just for them.
Contrary to what many people may believe, a smaller unit doesn’t have to feel cramped. The trick is to maximize the capacity of every nook and cranny in a way that makes full use of beautiful form and functionality. In this post, we’ll share a few of our interior design tips to help you live large in a smaller space.
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Bonus Tiny Spaces Design Tip: Creative Storage Solutions
One of the most challenging aspects of living in a small home or condo is an overall lack of storage. It’s one thing to suggest a minimalist lifestyle, but we all need our creature comforts and conveniences.
Fortunately for all of the collecting enthusiasts and shopping aficionados out there, creative storage solutions exist; even better, they can actually add aesthetic appeal. If closet and drawer space is at a premium, think vertical.
- Corner shelf units and floating shelves can display plants, photos, or artwork.
- Coat trees and storage benches in the front foyer make it easy to maintain a clean and tidy entrance.
- Decorative containers can store seasonal clothing and footwear.
- Roll-out shelves in cupboards can ensure absolutely no dead space, giving you more options than you may have dared to dream about.
With a place for everything, you can begin thinking about the rest of your home design. Fortunately, we are just getting started with our tips on how to arrange a tiny space.
Once you start designing your home, you may not be able to stop! You’ll find even more tips in the posts below:
- Beautiful Home Landscaping for the Win
- A Simple Guide to Decluttering Your Home
- 5 Toronto Furniture Stores To Give Your Home A Makeover
Tiny Spaces Tip # 1: Lighting
Effective use of lighting sets the stage for beautiful home decor; it doesn’t matter whether your house is new or old, big or small. Large, expansive windows will make this task easier.
You can maximize the flow of light with sheer curtains or simply by leaving windows uncovered during the day. If you have privacy concerns, a frosted or etched glass window film can offer an ideal balance between brightness and discretion.
- If your home or condo has few or small windows, don’t despair. You can still fill your space with warm, welcoming light thanks to the power of modern technology. The following tips can help:
- Use layered lighting instead of relying on a single source. A combination of ambient and accent lighting can reach the darkest corners and make the space feel more expansive.
- Flush mount ceiling lights, recessed lights, and perhaps a strategically placed desk lamp can brighten up your home even if you’re not blessed with abundant windows.
- Emphasize vertical spaces to draw the eye upwards and make ceilings appear higher. Tall, slender torch lights can add brightness without taking up much space.
- Attractive backlights behind furniture, cabinets, and shelves can add depth and a warm ambiance to a room.
The creative use of lighting is so effective that we have dedicated an entire blog post to it. To learn more, read Fabulous Lighting – Illuminate Your Home on Any Budget.
Tiny Spaces Design Tip # 2: Less Is More
If you’ve been following home design, you might read that maximalism is in. However, as with most things, there is a time and a place. This trend is better suited to large homes that can accommodate a lot of stuff without taking over a room.
Small homes still benefit from a minimalist touch. That’s not to say your space can’t have a ton of personality. It just means that you should keep the number of physical items to a minimum whenever possible, especially when it comes to large furniture. Before visiting a home decor shop, be sure to consider your layout.
- Open-concept spaces are popular, but they can quickly become overwhelmed by too much clutter.
- Closed-floor plans can feel less spacious at first, but they can also allow for different design themes in different rooms.
Once you have assessed the layout, you can determine what you need and where it goes. Look for furniture that has been specifically designed for small spaces. They often serve multiple purposes, which allows you to get away with fewer items without sacrificing functionality.
Are you designing your home with a sale in mind? The posts below will help you prepare for the market:
- How to Sell a Condo During a Down Market
- What Is the Value of a Pre-Listing Inspection When Selling in Toronto?
- A Complete Guide to Home Renovations in Toronto
Tiny Spaces Design Tip # 3: Every Room Needs a Focal Point
Creating a visual focal point is an advanced home designer’s tip. It’s not always easy to pull off, but it’s a brilliant technique that can make a house feel not just bigger, but more interesting. The idea is to draw the eye to the furthest wall from when you enter a room.
A single focal point de-emphasizes the limited dimensions of a room. Done right, it also anchors every other design item in the room and eliminates the feeling of clutter. Here are some ideas that create a natural and aesthetically pleasing focal point.
- A cozy fireplace is an obvious choice if you have one. A gorgeous piece of artwork over the mantle can make it even more attractive.
- A large mirror can enhance the beauty of a room while giving the impression of space that goes on for miles! It can also improve the flow of light and eliminate shadows.
- A statement furniture piece such as a long console table or a bold sofa can draw the eye.
Once you’ve got your focus, you can then add a few accent pieces to add even more visual interest and reflect your personality. With so many beautiful things to gaze upon, the room can’t help but seem more expansive.
Designing a small space can be challenging, but the rewards are beyond measure. With a little creativity, your home can become your oasis.
Are you curious about Toronto life or buying or selling a home here? We are happy to talk strategy with you. Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to start a conversation today.
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