We’ve all heard of the old saying, “good things come in small packages” It’s one of my favorites, and it’s certainly true when it comes to buying apartments and condos.
The great thing about apartments and condos is usually their proximity to great lifestyle options like work, cafes and restaurants, retail centers and transport.
If you’re looking at downsizing and are worried if the property you’re considering is a little on the small size, fear not. There are a few tricks that will give the impression of space in even the smallest home.
All it takes is a little planning and some smart furniture choices. Additional focus should fall on storage solutions to reduce clutter.
As your local real estate agent, I meet a lot of downsizers who try to jam their old life into a new smaller home. This rarely works. Instead see your downsizing as an opportunity for a fresh start with these key tips.
- All homes benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Take the opportunity to use only light, neutral colors, as this will help create the impression of space. Resist using your favorite color on a feature wall. Your favourite colours will work well as cushions and throws.
- Feature furniture that is light in colour and has legs, as this exposes the floor and will enhance the feeling of space. Keep each piece modest in size.
- Invest in one hero piece of furniture to make a bold statement in each room. This might be a favourite piece from your previous home.
- Consider a coffee table that is glass or Perspex. Heavy wooden tables eat up space. An ideal dining room table would seat four but have extendable leaves to seat eight.
- Hang mirrors to reflect the natural light and enhance the sense of space.
- Art on the walls should be smaller than average, but one larger piece can be the focal point in a room. Hang the flat-screen TV, don’t keep it on a cabinet top. Hang photos of family in artistic clusters with light frames rather than putting them on top of furniture.
- Storage solutions are essential. Nothing feels more cramped than a cluttered home. Floating shelves are practical for books, and watch out for couch designs that offer space to stash your stuff.
- Hinged doors can destroy the sense of space. So, either install sliding doors or take out the doors to embrace a more open-plan approach.
- Try roller-blinds rather than curtains which can make smaller rooms feel cluttered.
- Update your lights. Fashion in lighting fixtures usually changes every three to five years, so they’re probably due for an overhaul, anyway. Halogens and LEDs in the ceiling are popular, especially if you install dimmer switches. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with the overhead light but ensure its size is suitable for the room.