How To Get The Most Out Of Your Condo-Sized Space

For the last 7 years my husband and I have lived anywhere from 750-350 sq ft. And though we don’t necessarily have a ton of extra space, we’ve learned a lot about what it means to make the most of every square inch of your home. In Toronto, living in a condo is second nature, but knowing how to maximise your space doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Below we’ll talk about my five best tips to help make your small space shine.

Get Your Layout Working For You 

When working with a small space, your layout is everything. Finding the perfect spot (and angle) for each piece of furniture is a bit of an art form, but the big rule of thumb is to start with what you need. Looking at the living room, a rug, a few seating options and a coffee table are really all you need to start making a cosy living space. To make the space feel bigger I’ve put the rug lengthwise towards the window. By doing this you trick the eye into thinking there is more space. Another option is to simply move the furniture away from the walls by a few inches. Once you create a sense of depth, the room will appear a little larger and things won’t feel quite as cluttered.

Keep It Balanced 

Oftentimes the gut reaction to a small space is to purchase really small furniture and compact pieces. Though for your larger items like couches and chairs this may be a good idea (purely for the lack of square footage) it’s actually encouraged that you use more dramatic pieces. Because the space is small, your eye is expecting to see small objects, but when you put in a larger piece it tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger to accommodate it! By adding in a little drama you create a sense of dimension. If larger pieces like these chairs and bench are a little too glam for your taste, even putting your furniture at an angle can help achieve the same trick. Just remember to keep it balanced, no need to put a ten foot wide sectional in that will literally take up your entire condo.

Know How Much Storage You Need

In a small space like this it is usually implied that the kitchen will be adorably small, and although it is nice to think that we don’t need a whole lot to make a great meal (and for some you don’t), most people need more storage, especially in this room. To help keep the space we’ve added a thin couch backing table turned makeshift island with a flip-up table. Adding an island to your kitchen can be one of the easiest ways to maximise your storage (and squeeze in a dining table) in a small space like this. Explore other storage options in other places within your home, just keep in mind that if it is open storage, you’re also making a commitment to keep it clean even when everything is put away.

Don’t Be Afraid To Go Vertical 

Vertical storage is one of the unsung heroes of the interior design world. Oftentimes this space is neglected, mostly because it is above our eyeline! Though I wouldn’t suggest filling every corner close to your ceiling, even integrating simple things like this metal and marble storage shelf make things feel a little more balanced.

Keep Your Walls Clear (If You Can) 

Another easy way to help your space feel bigger is to keep your walls clear. This means only putting a certain amount of art or items on the walls. Of course having a focal point is always a great addition to any space (check out our piece about Gallery Walls to find out more), the less you put up, the bigger your home will feel. Another trick if you don’t want something on the wall is to add mirrors. Because they reflect light, it highlights where there would normally be shadows, thus making the room feel a little larger. Clear walls aren't for everyone but it’s a great place to start if you want to feel that space.

Texture Is Queen

Adding texture is a great way to create visual engagement in your space. One of the easiest ways to do that is by looking at the texture of your furnishings. These chairs and bench all have a worn “Teddy-Bear” like fabric that links the pieces together. Layering in the more reserved grey and lilac pillows adds more dimension without the fabric feeling over done. By starting small with even a throw pillow or blanket, you can create more depth in your styling.

Remember Your Lights!
Lighting is often forgotten when you're maximising a space, but adding in small things like the floor lamps shown here is a great way to start. By putting them on the floor you're tricking the eye into thinking there’s more space, and because of the large window, your lighting won’t be competing with the view. Whatever lighting you choose, just remember to revisit it once it’s dark so you can see your space at every time of day and make any adjustments you may want.

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