JUNE 28, 2022

Tips to Help You Transition from a House into a Condo.

Our top design tips to guide you through the process of right-sizing.  

Whether your children are off to college or university, living in their own homes, or you are simply ready to take care of less space, moving into a condominium could be the solution – though for some, transitioning from house to condo may come with a bit of an adjustment. 

For example, if you wanted to expand your space while living in a house, you might tear down some walls, or add an addition. In a condo however, it’s thoughtful layouts, curated design and minimal clutter that help to expand your space, along with practical amenity spaces such as party rooms, kids’ zones, flex working spaces, fitness centres, and outdoor terraces, that extend your home beyond your suite. While condominium living may mean less square footage, there are still many opportunities to get creative and make your suite work for you and your lifestyle. The proper term is right-sizing. 

Many homeowners have checklists for their suite, including multi-functional, open concept, or sometimes segregated spaces. Although right-sizing may seem intimidating at first, there are ‘condo design’ planning strategies that can help homeowners cross many of the items off their checklist, and ensure their home is what they’re looking for. 

This month’s blog will explore some of our top design tips to guide you through the process of right-sizing. 

Floors, Walls, Windows and Ceilings. 

Most condo spaces are one-level and open concept. The four main pieces that must work together, are the floors, walls, windows, and ceilings. When done correctly, there is a balance between visually expanding the space and creating different zones that serve unique purposes. And remember, rooms and zones are not the same, there is a difference. 

Kitchen in Model Suite 211 at Bianca 

Window coverings should also follow the same rules to create a continuous flow of colour. Many people may overlook that these can also act as a wall application when closed. 

Aside from the wall partitions separating primary spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms, closets) into rooms, there are many options to create separate zones within your suite by using other dividing options. For example, glass walls allow light to filter through spaces, but gives still indicates a boundary.  

Furniture.

Furniture placement can be used to separate one area from another. When selecting furniture, choose your anchor pieces first. Theses pieces are often larger and not as easily, or often, replaced as smaller furniture pieces. When laying out your furniture, work with the space’s natural architecture if possible – use the ceiling drop, column, walkway or shape of the room to naturally carve out your space. Sofas or sectionals with their long edges create a visual boundary. Area rugs can delineate from one space to another, even within the same room. 

Grand foyer in Model Suite PH 12 at Aquabella at Bayside.

Architectural Features.

Architectural features such as ceiling heights, fireplaces, niches and columns can also be used to create natural separations and identify functions within one room.  

Colour Scheme. 

A colour scheme can unify a setting and differentiate a space from another zone, even within the same room. Paint is the easiest way to colour block a space. When there are contrasts in finish, the eye goes from one colour palette to another in a room which creates a visual boundary. This differentiation in colour can be used to your advantage; the colour identifies where one area starts and stops, and another begins, clearly marking your zones.

Right-sizing to a condo can be an adjustment, but it can also be exciting and liberating. Thankfully by using the tips in this blog, you’ll be well on your way to condo living. 

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