Carmen’s Corner

COULD THIS BE YOUR FAVORITE COLOR IN 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:17:00 +0000

I don’t know about you but I cannot wait for spring to arrive! Winter is almost gone with its long nights and short days, and I can definitely feel the arrival of spring, look around you it’s almost everywhere :) from nature to retail stores, you know when spring is coming. And if you have been shopping for clothing recently you probably noticed two big trends- color and patterns.

This is the perfect time to decide if one or both are for you. As you try to decide where to start your condo decoration, keep in mind that trends come and go but you can keep them with you as long as you like.

As pointed out in few previous blog posts about trends, color and how to go about incorporating color trends without taking the risk of investing too much money in something temporary, I encourage you to consider how important is color for your own personal space.

What I believe is the most important factor to consider is that your home should reflect who you are, so select a color palette that is close to your heart and have fun with it.

When choosing colors and patterns there are 2 main categories you have to consider: temporary (easy to change) and permanent (or almost- more difficult and expensive to change).

If you choose to go with a color splash just for the season and for the entire year not sure if you will keep it for a longer period of time, think of investing in accessories, area rugs, wall features.

Should you choose to go with more of a permanent color accent, consider kitchen cabinets (either lower or uppers or both), backsplash tiles or back painted glass, light fixtures and key pieces of furniture (like an accent chair or a sofa), window coverings.

This year’s colors selected by Pantone vary from soft hues to strong & powerful. Each color can become the focal point in any room or throughout your condo space. There are also a few colors that can be combined for some of you who emailed me questions about how to mix more than one accent color in the mix of neutral background colors.

So let’s start:

Tangerine tango- the color of the year!- it can be such a strong color when paired with dark neutrals but also soft and fluid when mixed with various hues of whites and off whites.

Here are 2 paint colors selected from Benjamin Moore Canadian website- see the two coordinating colors below.

courtesyof jonathanadler.com

Here are few scenarios:

- Use this color sprinkled in large surfaces like floors or walls- this powder room is the perfect place for a bold pattern that takes over the entire room, what it’s called small space big drama!

courtesy of wstudio.ca

You can also add an area rug like one of these two, for either a strong pop of color or just hints of it- either way your space could look spectacular!

Solar power- is one of those colors that definitely change one’s mood in any room. It can be paired with either cool or warm neutrals from off whites to deep rich tones of grey, taupe and brown. Yellow and white is a guaranteed happy combination, either in accessories or use on large surfaces.

courtesy of jonathanadler.com

If you live in a loft, a yellow runner is a definite pop of color and could be the main accent of the open space, see in the image below how the white and yellow is predominant and the dark exposed edge of the stair is a very subtle yet strong background that holds the yellow tone and helps it stand out even more.

The 2 color combinations from Benjamin Moore shows you how you can combine it with either warm of cool neutral tones.

The ‘maple gold’ color would work well with either of the 2 neutral below if used as wall colors.

The ‘golden bounty’ tone of yellow- more of a mustard hue- can be combined with the dark color ‘durango’ for the walls and perhaps the ‘graham craker’ color can represent small accents used in front of the dark wall color.

courtesy of jonathanadler.com

Used in small proportions for accents only, yellow works beautiful with white and grey tones and the stripes from the bedding in the image below shows how subtle yet vibrant this accent color can be in a small or large space.

Viceroy Hotel is a perfect example of to abundantly use yellow as the main color in a room, used for more than one surface! I know this is not easy for many of you to pull together, but if you look at this image you can see how yellow is predominant yet very well balanced within the room. If you think about it, many other colors could be used in this ‘formula’.

Courtesy of Apartmenttherapy.com

Bellflower-a wonderful lilac tone, can be paired with both light and dark, warm and cool neutrals. ‘charmed violet’ is the Benjamin color paint I selected as being close to the pantone trend. While paired with white this color can create soft feminine spaces, when used just as accent with the predominant color being the dark paint ‘wrought iron’ and darker variations of lilac and purple, the space could be very dramatic to say the least.

Sodalite blue- one of the trend colors that could be trendy for more than one year, as it works perfect with either cool or warm greys, black and white.

‘Symphony blue’ paint color from Benjamin Moore shows how soft this blue hue looks when combined with the two sandy tones below. For a more dramatic effect, pair this color (or darker variations) with grey/charcoal colors and metallic textures and white for a sharp contrast. Whether used as a background color or accent, navy blue will always create powerful masculine condo spaces.

Cabaret- is a great tone of hot pink part of the pantone trends for few years now. This is one of those colors you either love or hate, but it can definitely create drama in a small space like this powder room.

Benjamin Moore’s ‘peony’ paint color shows how vibrant this tone is when coordinated with cool tones of greys and white.

Used for more permanent accessories like this very comfortable sofa I spotted at one of the shows in Europe , this color can be the ‘here I am’ color in any room.

Sweet lilac- looks like ‘cabaret’s softer and lighter version, definitely a girls color. You would be surprised though to find out that many people choose this color for their kitchens, in a (sometimes successful) attempt to create a retro look.

Paired with white it creates very soft and light filled with bedrooms with a ‘summer like feeling’ throughout.

Also area rugs like the one in this image can add just a touch of color in a space that could be white and grey throughout. Best would be to add few more small accessories around the seating area.

Margarita- an ever green trendy color tone- will probably be around for a long time in various tones and hues as many people find this color very calming.

courtesy of jonathanadler.com

‘central park’ paint color from Benjamin Moore shows you how warm dark or light neutral colors are the best pair for it. This color doesn’t necessarily have to be the predominant color in the room- as you can see in this image, few accessories are doing the trick.

Driftwood and Starfish- are again neutral tones that may be the pantone trend for 2012 but can definitely stay in any room for many years to come.
These two colors I have selected from B. Moore as the pantone equivalent can do wonders in a small or large space and can work on their own without any vibrant color punch.

Cockatoo- is not just one of the color tones many of our readers ask about especially this time a year when spring is knocking at the door but also throughout summer.

B. Moore- ‘calming green’ is one great comparison which looks very fresh when paired with cool neutrals.

In a completely white or white & grey space, this area rug could be a soft accent without taking over the room, while when mixed with dark tones of charcoal it could become a strong accent that could potentially dominate a small seating area.

So now is the time to answer one of the most frequently asked question I receive from you- which colors can be combined together and how?

This is a tricky one, mostly because it may not be easy to put in a formula and when done right it works like magic, but when done wrong (meaning in the wrong place or amount of each color) it could be confusing.

courtesy of jonathanadler.com

One designer who has a great portfolio including color mixes, Jonathan Adler has a few good examples like this dining area where accent color revolve around the black & white contrasts. or this dramatic runner with blue tones leading to an area where you can see accents of orange and reds.

Shelving units are one of those elements in any room that could bring color in and I’m talking about a strong mix of colors like in this image.

Area rugs are great opportunities for bringing in a mix of colors without feeling guilty for using too many colors. The advantage of using more than one color accent is that you can pick the predominant accent and play with it further, introduce artwork that brings out that color even more and the result could be nothing less than spectacular!

Wishing you happy mix & mingle with the colors of 2012!

DID YOU MAKE ANY DESIGN RESOLUTIONS FOR 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:06:00 +0000

As early as the first week of January, all I could hear people talking about was their new year’s resolutions. Some more realistic than others, some are the same as the past 5 years (uummm, that’s already a sign that you should change how you go about that particular resolution J) and some lovely couples I met recently have actually made design resolutions!

Well, I can assure you that design resolutions may be little bit easier to reach than the personal ones.

At the end of the day, making New Year’s resolutions may be a trap for many of you out there- you know you start strong in January and by March you could be disappointed over your lack of power to keep going. I found that the key of meeting any goal depends not on how hard you work on your goal but on how bad you actually want to…be successful, lose weight, reach financial goals etc. When you just kinda’ want it, you will most likely be super excited at the beginning just to slowly but surely replace that goal with another one a bit easier to reach. When you really want to achieve it, nothing will stop you! Every day/week/month you check in with yourself and accurately assess where you’re at.

Unless you want to make really safe resolutions like the hilarious Howie Mandel made one great resolution for 2012- lose 'wait'- no more waiting in line, just go get what you want :)

Making design resolutions should not put any kind of pressure on anyone, because the design of your home should not be something you only dream off but many times it is something you need!

Here is the top 5 design wish list of all condo owners I met in 2011 and few easy ways to make your design wishes come true:

1. We need more storage space, but we don’t know where to start.

I’m sure many of you living in spaces less than 700sq.ft. have already considered this as a top priority design resolution. Here are 3 simple ways to tackle this issue:

- Make a list of all the items you NEED to keep. You know what that means, don’t you :) I’m talking about de-cluttering first. Too many spaces are filled with items we don’t know for sure if we will ever need again- the easiest way is to move everything that is not of daily or weekly use in a storage space.

- Try to ascertain an approximate size of the storage space you need and where idealy would it be located.

- The best part- look for clues- what do I mean by that? Every condo space has many corners, niches, jogs (especially with curved or angled condo floor plans)- these are great opportunities for adding a built in or purchase a storage unit. Built ins are the best though because you can fill in the entire width, depth and height of the space and if you make the unit out of MDF you can paint it in the same color as your adjacent walls and voila- your built in almost disappeared! Here are few examples for you: Here are 3 good examples:

ü 1 bedroom- 653 sq. ft from San Diego- very nice layout, pretty clean and looks like more recessed areas have been properly designed to fully utilize the space- but I can always find more storage space- see the markup with magenta- think of full height built ins with a combination of closed and open spaces- a tone of extra storage space!

ü 1 bedroom- 582 sq.ft from Toronto- nice layout, some may be afraid of the “tunnel effect” considering the length of the foyer and main open space, but with the right furnishings and mix of colors it could be a great space. Again- look at the areas highlighted for potential extra spaces.

ü 1 bedroom + flat (den)- 697 sq.ft. from Vancouver’s Millenium Park- great layout and a few built ins opportunities not to be missed in case storage is your dilemma.

So take a good look at your floor plan and try to identify these areas, you will be amazed how much more storage space you can create without affecting the overall look of your space. Also read again this blog post and you will see hidden space treasures, so many areas you may have not thought about converting them into storage spaces.

2. How can we create a furniture layout that serves dual function so we have less clutter? If you read my blog post “No dining table? No problem!” you will see just a few examples of how multifunctional furniture makes its way fast into small condos. Here are few more ideas:

ü Dining area- if you don’t sit down and have dinner at the dining table every day, think of not having a dining table and create a larger living space where you can entertain friends, have maybe a small desk incorporated into a built in etc.

ü 2^nd bedroom- if you will not have guests too often, create a layout similar to a den- either home office or just a family room that could be easily converted into a guest room.

ü Den area- this is one of my favorites rooms as it is usually the smallest space yet it comes with so many design possibilities, read again the condo den blog.

3. I am moving into my brand new condo and don’t know how to furnish my bedroom, nothing seems to fit!

So you purchased a fantastic 566 sq.ft. condo penthouse and waited for 4 years to move in just to realize you can’t fit a queen bed?

There are a few things that you should take care of before making your final purchase, and one of these are: make sure you have an accurate furnished floor plan with dimensions!

Just because it looks on paper like an OK layout at a unheard price of $$ per square foot, doesn’t mean it will be exactly what you were looking for.

After a quick exercise, my client was somewhat disappointed with the small bedroom where fitting a queen bed and 2 night tables leaves no space for moving around.

So now you have to make compromises and that’s not what you wished for when you bought this great place. Take this as a great lesson and make your “wish list” before purchasing your condo.

4. What are the best way to select wall colors, furniture upholstery colors and art? I actually wrote before about the exact steps I follow many times when designing condos, you can read the post again here .

You can also think of the colors like you would use them in your wardrobe- will you choose a colorful suit, jacket etc? then you must know that there is no need to add another scarf or tie to add something to that color J if the color is used on a large surface that will (without any doubt) stand out, the rest becomes secondary.

That color better be one that you would not just like but LOVE to see every day.

5. How can I add color to my space without being stuck with it for years to come and without spending a fortune to change that color every year?

This answer comes easily now after you read the post about the formula for selecting colors, to make it easier think of colors as being just sprinkled in your space.

You walk in and see the overall colors scheme somewhat neutral, either light or dark, then select key spots where your eyes should go first to look for color, for e.g. white built ins can have color coordinated books, dark den spaces could have art with a touch of color, light or dark bedrooms may have the bedding color coordinated for every season or your living space seating area may have different throw pillows for different season or special events, anniversaries, holiday décor etc.

I cannot wait to receive your questions with your design challenges and hope to make it easy for you to solve them :)

HOLIDAY CONDO DECORATING FOR EVERYONE-part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:43:00 +0000

When it comes to Christmas decorations I have to admit that every year I’m looking for some new ideas, more so related to a theme.

As many of you emailed me about Christmas decor colors and themes, I thought I’d give you some ideas of how to create a theme and decorate your entire condo space consistently so it doesn’t look like you simply put together all your decor accessories received over the years.

Here are a few theme examples:

-       eco friendly holiday decor
-       nature inspired holiday decor
-      white holiday decor throughout
-       pick a color for all your decor- red, blue, yellow, green, purple?
-       in the mood for a multicolour and vivid decor?
-       materials- what kind? green? faux green? woodsy?

I’d like to tackle few so called ‘problems’ many of you write me about. One of the most common is the lack of space for a Christmas tree. I actually don’t think this is a problem, it just gives you an opportunity to come up with something new.

I found lots of great alternatives to a Christmas Tree! This year Restoration Hardware has some interesting decor accessories & mini lights like these wonderful super small warm LED lights called starry string lights which can be wrapped around any kind of branches. They work great even on these driftwood trees, what a great alternative to an evergreen tree and a touch of rustic, this is the answer for Maria who was asking me about decor elements to create a more woodsy feel and look to her space over the holiday.

Another alternate is to simply use Christmas decorations on a oversized vase/planter with natural branches.
This is really easy to do and it lets you play with your own color theme. I’m sure you’ve seen these white painted branches everywhere, why not create an arrangement and use mirror finish decorations as well as your favourite color for this season.

Let’s not forget about using just evergreen branches and garlands on the largest walls of your condo space, for a great visual impact!

Decorations come in so many styles these days, I particularly like the ones with crystals as the candle light (I’m sure you will use them!) will reflect so beautifully and create a truly magical feel in your space, even better crystals and pearls! looks like you can use your jewellery too...ladies! J

Not sure how to make your house plants look festive? here’s a great idea! love how this live east Indian holly ferns have been dressed up for the holiday or these faux potted pine trees also from Pottery Barn.

If you thought about where to hand your stocking over the fireplace mantle which is completely missing from your tiny condo living room? Not to worry! You can use any of the wall shelves you probably used to create a more intricate design for any wall.

Here’s a great mini tree idea- wire card holder tree! or this tea tealight holder from Blomus for a more contemporary look. Another great find are these lit antique mercury glass trees from Pottery Barn.

Branches & decoration are by far the easiest way to dress up your condo space for the Holidays.

Be creative and use any arrangements you may already have, this image is a great example of how you can turn a window seating area into a focal point, this could literally be the place where you put all your gifts waiting to be unwrapped on Christmas day.

For the eco design lovers, there are plenty of options! The cardboard tree idea is a great one! It comes in different shapes and allows you to be as creative as you wish.

David Starck has few amazing ideas for holiday decor like this one, you can have so much fun painting the wall and adding just a touch of decorations for a more simple/minimalistic approach.

And even corners like this one, with just a reclaimed wood stool, painted in white with few accessories and evergreen can become a great little detail in the corner of any room.

Ikea has a small tree made of felt which can be used either on its own or as a grouping.

Are you looking for a serious punch of colour? Here are some inspiration images- think of your favourite color for the season, it doesn’t have to be the exact color as in these images.

Colored artificial Christmas trees have been popular for a few years now and as you can see they work really well with designs based on a dark color scheme.

They also work great in lighter rooms where color becomes the main visual attraction. Even small details like presents ribbons color coordinated with the red berries and small ornaments could really create interesting details in any room especially in the living space.

When getting ready for a festive dinner, why not think of color coordinating the main decor pieces .

Did you design your space with white floating shelves in the den or perhaps living space or even bedroom?
Here’s how you can transform the look from a neutral color approach into not just colourful but adding a touch of sparkle, color and light. Blue decorations mixed with silver and white accents look amazing during winter time especially if you have a white decor inside and outsid

White Chritmas decorations have always been one of my favourites! Especially when it snows and everything is white, it almost feels like you bring the snow in.

A simple wreath can work above the windows, or a silver one works great above a white buffet already accessorized with white bowls and table lamps.

Anything as simple as this arrangement can work really well on floating shelves, ledges or an actual fireplace mantle.

Working towards a white Christmas decor throughout? don’t forget to add in a couple of white pillows like these jewelled snowflake embroidered pillows from Pottery Barn.

And you can always mix ever green with flowers that are more like “spring” flowers like white tulips, as they have full green leaves they blend in really well when paired with candle holders also decorated for the festive season.

For a minimalistic and more abstract look you can play with another great decor accessories designed by David Stark.

Vintage look lovers! there are so many accessories for you, I almost changed my mind with my own decor when I saw these wonderful candles with musical notes at Pottery Barn.

The truth is that going vintage requires quite a bit of work as one corner or one ledge decorated with this style is not enough, especially if you have an overall contemporary looking space.

But the warmth surrounding groupings of items like the wood candle holders, the old books, the decorative mirror, the branches simply wrapped and the reclaimed wood ledge is not comparable to any other look.

If you like detailed accessories like these star mirrors or these vintage wall mounted skis or these ornate wall mounted hurricane candle holders...then go for a vintage look!

Christmas ornaments look really precious when they come in finishes that makes them look old, as old as Christmas tradition is! Afterall, it’s all about the essence of the values we live our lives by every day especially around Christmas when we all sing...Joy to the World.

That’s what we all want, don’t we? Enjoy the holidays :)

Images provided as courtesy by House and Home, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware

HOLIDAY CONDO DECORATING FOR EVERYONE-part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:54:00 +0000

If you are here, you must love winter holidays decorating!

Regardless where exactly do you live in the world and if you actually have a white winter, how can you not love the festive season? :) Everyone is in the festive mood (yes already!!) and it literally looks like the world is brighter inside every city, every house, every condo. As I have received many, many emails from you regarding decorating small condo spaces for holidays, I thought I’d give you some ideas.

Small space? Don’t panic! Christmas trees come in various shapes and sizes, but it is not always about having a big tree in your home to feel like your space is decorated for the holidays.

For small spaces like this 590sq.ft condo you have to think about what would you like to see when you enter the space. That first look is more important than you think!

In this particular case, the Den wall which is the first large wall surface that jumps at you when you open the door is a great opportunity for your holiday decor.

If you think of wall decor elements, you will not miss the space to actually fit in a Christmas tree or some large decor elements. Look at the green lines in the floor plan from above, these are the best areas to focus on when decorating for holidays. Try and figure out your best walls for decor in your home.

Believe it or not, smaller spaces may look better if you decorate them right, because the feeling of coziness is already there J

Consider the long walls as the best spot for creating a Holiday feature. Many condos have the dining/living wall as the largest wall in the open space.

What a great place for shelving placed either horizontally or vertically or both! these shelves work as a wall feature year round and...where else would you put your best decor items like candles, garlands, vases with evergreen branches etc.

It works like a charm. And if you have place for a tall but narrow tree in front of the window even better! If not, an oversized vase/planter with a tall arrangement of a mix of branches in your favorite colors/textures) works really great and catches your eye once you’re in that space.

Let’s start with Hanukkah, the first holiday coming up. What I love about it is that silver and blue colors are predominant in the decor accessories for Hanukkah.

All tones of blue are a great addition to a space designed in neutral colors, regardless the majority of the tones are warm or cool. If your space has more of a transitional or traditional feel, these wood carved menorah and napkins from Pottery Barn would help you create a great festive table.

Also Pottery Barn kids has some great garlands which can be used as a wall decor element or for a console table.

I also found these great throw pillows matching the color tones of the table napkins, great if you have a small space where it is easier to decorate using similar colors and patterns.

If you have a dining table made of reclaimed wood, the wood carved menorahs work perfectly! while the silver metal menorahs are interesting for they have a vintage look that looks great in an eclectic design.

Westelm has also a great selection of accessories for Hanukkah!

I Personally, I love, love, love to create a more contemporary look with these great serving plates or the Manzanita candelabra .

Crate and Barrel has very interestingly decorated plates, napkins, cutlery, small gifts for setting the table, all created with the design intent of having a well coordinated interior.

Hanukkah decorations are all about the details and how well you balance the blue tones throughout your place.

I find that Hanukkah colors revolve around color combinations with a cool hue, from green to acqua to 'baby' blue OR from blue to indigo blue and navy.

These are two different color combinations, both work amazingly well with silver and of course lots of lighting decorations.

Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history. It is a time of celebration, community gathering, and reflection. A time of endings and beginnings.

Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and continues until New Years Day, January 1st. The foundation of Kwanzaa are the Seven Principles, or Nguzo Saba: unity, Self-Determination, Collective work and responsibility, Collective economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith.

You can decorate your home in the Kwanzaa traditional colors that are black, red and green – black for the people, red for their struggle and green for their hope in the future.

These mini vases work great for any dining table or console table arrangement. Mix them with candles and decorative dried fruits  while you keep the background fairly simple (a neutral color table cloth or light wood furniture.

Another way of decorating using these vibrant colors is by using an intricate pattern for your main surface and wood plates and glass coasters.

Lit lanterns can literally do wonders in a space decorated with rich woods and colourful patterns.  Think of placing the lanterns around your house or condo so that each corner receives layers of light and each color is perceived as more intense and becomes an eye catching feature.

Keep the focus on comfort, but never compromise on style. A celebratory, festive look can easily be created by adding individual touches to an otherwise neutral and clean colour palette.

Stay tuned...Christmas decor ideas for condos coming up.

2011 FALL COLORS- SENSIBLE AND SPIRITED

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Fall is already here! Where did the summer go?? I’m sure many of you miss the hot sunny days and warm evenings with late sunsets. The good news is that this fall has great colors trends to enjoy!

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the most directional colors. Pantone fashion color report fall 2011 comes in handy when looking for latest color trends to inspire you when decorating your condo. Interestingly put together, the report is divided into women’s colors and men’s colors.

I’ve been saying this all along... “you don’t know what colors to choose for your space? take a look in your closet!”

I noticed that this fall colors are somewhat very similar with last year's trends ( with few tones variations). To me, it’s not so much about the trends as it is about using your favourite colors and creating a timeless design for your space, however being current in how your dress and how you live is one of my interests :)

So ladies, the image to the right has your colors...and gentlemen, the image to the left has more colors than you expect :)

...it looks like honeysuckle and orchid hush are not for you :) but I can certainly see ‘raspberry wine and cadet’ being used in both feminine and masculine spaces. It all depends where does the color go and how much of it are you using?

Just so you have an idea of how fashion designers came up with the color trends. ‘Taking cues from the great masters, sepia tones of old Hollywood, Chinese opera, cityscapes and countryside, designers are paying close attention to texture, contrast and color for fall 2011 – pairing menswear with feminine twists, warm prints with cool metals, incorporating both old and new influences, and creating an intriguing balance between colors.

Much like a painter's masterpiece, there is a certain romance to this season's palette.

Each color has been described by different designers. I want to talk about some of my favorite designs and show you different ways you could translate a ‘fashion look’ into an ‘interior décor look’.

1. Bamboo- ‘a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season. Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of fall, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone.’ I personally never go wrong when choosing something designed by Kenneth Cole. As described by him: ‘prominent colors: Layers of spicy colors including Terracotta, Red Apple, Fire Orange and Saffron signature color. Saffron Yellow — it is our standout color of the season”.

This is one of my favorite colors and after all...it is our buzzbuzz color! :) How would I design with this color? With bright yellow tones you can either have a very bold approach or you sprinkle the color in form of accents throughout the room/space like in the Andels Hotel in Berlin.

Color Yellow is meant to be bold and powerful, to add zest to a mix of neutral color tones. Think of using this color either in accent furniture, accessories and depending on how strong the color tone is, you can make yellow stand out in every small or large condo space.

Haymarket Hotel in London is a great example of how yellow tones are so easy to incorporate in a monochromatic space.

And if you're up for a bold approach, Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica is a superb example of a true infusion of color yellow.

2. Emberglow. Peter Som’s inspiration was “Menswear fabrics with a feminine twist — this collection is about everyday elegance”. I have to say that this is a color tone I underestimated in the past. The coral tone works well with dark rich tones of brown, dark charcoal grays and even with white when the two are paired in the right proportion.

This color’s softness allow you to use it as much or as little as you like. If you have a small space designed with mostly neutral colors (especially deep tones), even a splash of coral like throw pillows and artwork, could make a big difference.

3. Honeysuckle- the color of 2011! It has been used quite a bit lately with tones variations from lighter to richer, almost close to fuchsia and purples. Again, as it could be quite a strong color on the eye, perhaps it is best to be kept as visual accents like having an oversized upholstered headboard.

If you think of many condo spaces which are long and narrow, bringing this color throughout the length of the space would be for sure an easy way to make a statement.

As you can see in the image of May Fair Hotel in London, this color is not necessarily just for ultra modern spaces, in fact in works wonderful when creating more of an eclectic space. As it pairs really well with tones of taupe and even stone & wood textures, I would recommend to look at the space and think of accent chairs and accessories that could bring life into a neutral space.

4. Phlox. When working with tones of purple, not only you have the opportunity to create a “small space big drama” or a “large space with intense hues”, but you can also create strong focal points in key areas of your condo space. I love how the rooms of Hotel Stein in Salzburg have been decorated with matching bed throw and window coverings, very impactful!

When paired with rich, dark neutrals you can make a big statement, however this color tones can become quite interesting when paired with other colors within the same area, like in the Spicers Hotel (left image) or in this great penthouse at The Joule Hotel in Dallas.

5. Cedar. This is one of those colors you either love or you kind of avoid. For some reason this color never made it to one of my condo designs, but if I would have to use it I would mix it with a lot of white and contrasting dark greys/browns.

I find that green looks very fresh when paired with white, the level of the contrast depends on the exact tone of green. One of my favourite designs incorporating green in a very successful way is (again) Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. It’s eclectic design approach was thought through and the level of detailing is impressive. The big design lesson here is that when using a bold color tone, create a playful and interesting background for it.

How do you do that? You combine neutral color tones and mix them in different patterns and textures. Try it with a corner in an area of your condo and create a grouping of few accessories, once you learn how to do it you can venture into large furniture items.

6. Deep teal. Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney’s inspiration (left image): "Being in the country recently got me thinking about more exotic forms of nature — so for fall, solid colors are juxtaposed with unexpected animal skins, microscopic skin prints and distorted takes on classic animal prints while Nanette Lepore inspiration (right image) is:" Celestial heights twinkling in soft focus from our view on terra firma — we are reacting to the effects of global warming with softer colors and lighter fabrics."

Interesting to see how the same color could take on two completely different looks. The first one is definitely very deep and very dramatic, dark tones of teal could be quite powerful. From the same Viceroy hotel, this image of an outdoor seating area shows how deep the teal color especially when contrasting with white.

7. Coffee liqueur. Elie Tahari’s inspiration: “We are having a cinematic moment inspired by the old Hollywood cinema and Black and White films. This is also close to one of the colors he would add to the Pantone Fashion + Home Color System- A rich Dark Brown with cool undertones that I would name Vanilla Bean”.

We’ve seen a lot of brown in design- not sure how brown is a trend as to me it is a timeless and neutral color. However, I see interior spaces taking on an interesting approach of mixing different tones of brown with textures of polished metal surfaces or distressed wood.

Both The Brown Hotel in Tel Aviv (right image) and Templar Hotel in Toronto (left image) are good examples of how brown can be timeless and yet look trendy every year.

Color brown works really well with yellow as you can see in the lobby of The Brown Hotel as well as with white and blue (remember few years ago when this color combination was almost obsessive for many designers? :) like in the W hotel in Montreal.

8. Nougat Designers. MACKAGE talk about prominent colors- “All-time classics like Midnight Black and Bloody Merlot give adramatic effect; we also use earth tones such as Dusty Camel,Cognac and Neutral Taupe with Creamy White for a hint of brightness; Cool Spruce adds a strong accent to our collection.”

This color tone is a classic! Do you agree? While many designs tend to become “beige on beige with beige accents” and be too monotone, I have designed monochromatic & vibrant spaces by adding different textures especially by using wallpaper mixed with contemporary lights fixtures and/or contrasting furniture.

Large scale patterns will help in stepping away from visual monotony.

9. Quarry. Victor de Souza inspiration comes from “ mixing of couture with men’s tailored fashion, the contrast of strength and softness”.

This color tone could also be used for either more masculine and feminine designs.

When paired with white as the majority of ‘color’ in any room, it brings a very fresh appeal to the space and tends to look more feminine. This was one of the most requested color over the past two years by my private clients.

However if you bring dark tones of charcoal & black and dramatic patterns, the design would go towards more of a masculine look like in one of the rooms of the Hotel Bassamo in Paris.

10. Orchide hush. This is again another color that didn’t make it yet in my condo design portfolio. It is a very soft color hue and it would definitely be a perfect color for a young girl’s room or a nursery. Used in different tones variations, it could be an easy to use color especially for spaces with a lot of black & white contrasting textures and patterns.

Crosby Hotel in New York is a great example of how just a bit of this color used in the pattern of ther upholstered headboard, bed throw pillows and the upholstered bench could literally change the look of the room. Think of replacing this color with any of the vibrant colors from above and you have a different look and feel of the space.

If you want to be constantly in tune with the latest color trends, look at your space right now and think of small changes you can make today to incorporate your favorite color of the year. It is not that difficult, and if you use the right approach you could end up with a space you will love so much that you won’t care if this year’s color will stay trendy or not. It’s all about how that color makes you feel in that space.

ARE MASCULINE CONDO INTERIORS FOR YOU?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:43:00 +0000

Condo design is for everyone. From young to not so young anymore, from singles to couples to families. Singles seem to have always been a strong market for condos. How can you now love to be in the heart of the city, surrounded by the best restaurants, lounges, boutiques, coffee shops, parks and also be so close to work.

When it comes to choosing a style for your condo, I find that many times a specific design look is catalogued into “ a feminine or masculine look”. With so many different types of finishes to choose from, designers often go towards one of the two looks on purpose. Masculine looks are not just for guys but also for ladies who feel attracted to darker tones or more geometric shapes, to bold contrasts and minimalistic spaces. They can always add vibrant colors with flowers, art or other accessories to tone down the very bold & perhaps masculine look.

Some of the great inspirations for creating masculine interiors come from brands like Ralph Lauren, Armani Casa, Calvin Klein home to name just a few.

There is a strong connection between the fashion style showcased by one brand name, their jewellery, watches and their furniture and design/decor elements. What is important when creating a masculine look for a condo interior is to be very clear about the most important elements for your space.

Are you trying to create a comfortable space, relaxing, vibrant and energizing, spacious and how would you describe the mood you are trying to create?

Believe it or not it is very important to be able to define that space in your own words and write them down! it will be a fun exercise for anyone :) and no, you don’t have to run to the book store to buy a book about interior design. Just write down how would you like to feel in the space.

Also write down what would you like to see more of in your space? is it your hobby, nature, geometric shapes, color (which color?), stripes, dark bold prints, contrasts or tone-on-tone, metal or wood, leather or fabric (which texture?), natural stone or a man-made stone mix, cool or warm tones, sharps edges or curves, green plants or woodsy branches or bamboo poles, do you lean towards traditional or contemporary lines.

These are all elements so easy for each of you to identify as ‘yes this is for me’ or ‘not for me’. There is a story in every person, in every space and an even bigger story is the one you create in your own space.

Many times, I have seen spaces so well done that I could instantly describe the person living in that space. I could tell how much he loved everything he surrounded himself with, from colors, to textures, shapes and even fragrances.

Here is the latest scoop in home design using Armani Casa flavour. The latest issue of Veranda showcases Armani Casa. “Bold geometric patterns, shimmering black pleats and refined textures define the latest collection from legendary designer Giorgio Armani. But don't think these seasonal trends are exclusive to the fashion runway. Armani was one of the first high-profile fashion figures to enter the world of home furnishings, translating a design aesthetic into a range of home products from furniture and textiles to accessories and tabletop. Launched in 2000 as a separate division within the Giorgio Armani Group, Armani/Casa embodies the Italian icon's inimitable style, bringing...”

Most gentlemen I help designing the space go for one main element: a huge tv :) and accent color: Red. While I know the benefits of a large tv screen I also know that not all large screen fit well in a small condo, so make your buying decisions wisely from the start. If you have a living room where sitting on your sofa will only give you about 10’ viewing space between your eyes and your tv, it may not be enough for such a large tv screen.

Red has always been used as a color accent and perhaps it will never go out of style. Choose the right tone of red and make sure the color accents are spread out uniformly within one area/space, otherwise it could be either 'lost' or 'overwhelming'.

Aside from the tv, there are many other elements important to be determined right from the start. And the best thing to do when you’re not sure about the style you’re trying to create is to find the images that look somewhat similar to your desired look.

Identify the elements that you like and why not...the ones you don’t like. So before you purchase anything you will have to spend the time and figure out if that item is on your list or not. Be very clear about how you would like your space to be planned, ask for exactly what you need & want to see and a good designer will be able to create your space exactly as you would like it or better!

The good news (and there is no bad news :) is that once you know the big items you would like to see in your space (like furniture, color, texture, lighting etc) there are unlimited design options you can create.

If you’re not able to tell if item A goes with item B, find a design professional who can help you, however most of the time you may know exactly what you like.

Many furniture retail stores have now design consultants on staff, so do not hesitate to ask all of your design questions before you place the order for that $3,000 chair! Too many times I have clients coming in for a last minute rescue, it would be so much better if you do your homework before you click on the ‘purchase’ button.

The most successful masculine designs I have seen are the ones that exhudes confidence, clarity and most importantly it shows your personality. Falper bathroom fixtures design shows some very good examples of masculine looks, a great source of inspiration for anyone renovating a large bathroom.

PROVEN FORMULA FOR SELECTING COLORS IN A SMALL CONDO SPACE

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:01:00 +0000

While going through all the questions sent by you (thank you!) and all I can say is that one particular question comes up all the time. “How do I choose the right colors and the right amount of color in a small condo?”

So many people shy away from using bold colors in their condo (small or large) for fear of getting it wrong.

In their quest for a “designer look”, they take the route of avoidance using mostly pale hues and not searching for that color that will make their condo a happy home.

I have to admit, selecting colors and mixing them all together may not be as simple as you think, however they are not as complicated as math formulas- remember math? :)

On my way to find the easiest way to help you solve the 'color dilemma' I found an easy way to show you how you could take 'beginner designer steps' and I can finally share with you my foolproof formula for selecting colors in a small space. This is by far the easiest way to do it, yet not the only way. I have developed this formula while searching for an easy systematic way of using color in condos (especially in the ones with small spaces) by anyone who wants to achieve a cohesive yet personal look.

The trick is to start layering the space. You know...it’s almost the same as putting together an outfit- Ladies- think of how you put together a work suit, shirt, purse, shoes and perhaps a chic scarf? Gentlemen- think of choosing your trousers, shirt, jacket, tie and shoes.

Let’s divide the space into 3 major areas:

1. Large size areas/elements: walls + floors, kitchen cabinets (think of an open kitchen space).

2. Medium size areas/elements: furniture

3. Small size areas/elements: accessories, vases, candle holders, artwork, flowers, throw pillows, books etc).

While designers have almost infinite possibilities for mixing colors, sometimes you can just see a way of layering all the elements in a space that could be translated in a plain language for everyone to understand.

First step though is to find your color! Your home should reflect who you are, so pick a color palette that’s close to your heart and run with it. Not sure how to find your color? Read more here and here

Once you found the perfect color tones, decide if you can live with them for a longer period of time or if you would like to be able to change them easily. I can’t tell you how many times condo owners decide to change their colors and try to add few new color accents just to realize the space looks ummmm somewhat confused :)

The color is not the only factor but the right tones, intensity, brightness, saturation etc.

This foolproof formula takes into consideration that you will only work with one color and few neutral tones (gray tones for coolers looks, beige tones for warmer looks). You could become quite versatile in the process, feel free to step out of the formula and experiment :)

Let’s decide first if you’re an A, a B or a C.

you like color on the large surfaces- painted or wallpapered walls & floors (area rugs)
easier to change if you get easily tired of a strong color or pattern

you love colourful sofas and other upholstered pieces of furniture
may be more expensive to change but you know you will love them for a long time.

you prefer neutral tones and patterns throughout and just accents of colors in accessories
the easiest and least expensive way to redecorate every season
you would love to have only one color (in different tones throughout) with metal accents- nothing wrong with that, a monochrome space is not meant for disaster or unhappiness, it could actually make your space very happy if you know how to play with the natural and artificial light.

If you’re an A, here are the steps of using color in a small condo space:

1. Decide if your favourite color will go on all walls or just a few feature walls/columns.

If all walls will receive a strong color, the color that you can select is a deep tone of a ‘colored neutral’ which is one of the trends of 2011. As you can see the colors are not overwhelming and can be paired with with furniture in shades of neutrals from warm to cool tones.

The reason for choosing deeper color tones is that large color surfaces tend to create the mood of the space and because this is your living space, you have to make sure the mood will be suitable morning, day and night, Monday to Sunday, when you’re relaxing and spending some quality personal time at home or while entertaining at home.

Your walls will all be the same color and ideally (especially when going for a contemporary look) is to paint the entire vertical surface in the same color (baseboard, wall surface,door frames, doors, vents- Caution! not all condominiums allow tenants to paint the vents and grilles, make sure you check your condo docs before you have to repaint them back to the factory color).

If only featured walls/columns will receive color you could be brave and step into new territories of bold colors with more intense hues than the colors above.

2. Furniture (medium size areas/elements) would be best to receive neutral colors- light or dark? up to you if you prefer a tone on tone or contrasting look.

3. Selecting accessories- you could play with both neutrals and few color accents to match your main color. The trick is to keep the your walls as the main punch of color and accessories as secondary.

If you are a B- here are the steps of using color in a small condo space:

1. Select your favourite color as the upholstery of the large pieces of furniture and feel free to play with few patterns, for eg a solid fabric color for the couch and a blue fabric with a pattern for the chairs or ottomans.

2. Choose your neutral colors for the walls- could be cool or warm. You could even venture into the world of patterns and choose neutral wallpaper for the wall behind the sofa.

3. Select accessories that are a blend of neutrals and some of your accent color.

If you are a C- here are the steps of using color in a small condo space:

choose your main neutral color (the one to be used for the largest surface of the open space).
select furniture and accessories as a mix of hues close to your main color
play with different textures like: silk, velvet, leather, linen, faux fur etc
insert accents of your favourite metal- when you’re not sure how to do a mix of different metals stick to only one- for e.g. chrome, nickel, pewter, antique brass etc.
lighting will play a huge role in creating drama- small space big drama! use artificial lighting to accentuate certain features your space may have (higher ceilings, polished surfaces, decorative mirrors/ frames etc).

I’m sure by now you are probably still deciding which group are you part of? A is not better than B or C, they are all different but all have equal potential of creating a WOW space.

Once you master the process of choosing colors, I can almost assure you that choosing patterns and textures will be the next best game for you to play.

And...don’t forget to have fun while playing with colors! :)

PS all images courtesy of Crown Wallpaper +Fabrics.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CONDO LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER :)

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:40:00 +0000

There are few condos in every city with some of the best locations! It could be waterfront, mountain view or lake view, they are always better than 'facing another condo view’. Moving is an expense that many people don’t consider when contemplating their runaway from an old condo to a new one.

So one dilemma is (and the only one that I can solve): will my condo ever look as good as a new condo? of course the answer is YES! the interior of your condo can look as good as a new one and I have great news for you- you don’t have to spend a fortune!

You see... many people think that going through a big reno will be a huge task and the cost out of their range. Maybe that was true a decade ago when all the good things were ‘custom designed & custom made’. With so many resources all around us, I can say that if you plan in advance your renovation could be one of those really Big dreams come true.

Even if your condo is not so old, maybe just like ‘middle age’ :) you can always do few things to keep it up to date.

I am a designer and yet I am no advocate of hiring a designer for every little reno. I have met with few couples over the past few weeks who are anxious to do a condo renovation and love to see how much they would like to actually be involved in the process. I always get so excited to meet with them and give them as many tips for a successful reno as I can. The part that I love to be involved in the most is the design concept & planning. While we, as designers, have learned this partially in school and definitely with years and years of experience (by far the most important part), it doesn’t always come easy to others to envision the outcome and how to get there step by step.

If you read some of my previous blog posts, I discussed the 2 areas that deserve most of your attention when renovating an old condo (assuming that you already installed laminate or engineered flooring) kitchen and bathroom. Take a look at these images- don’t they just cry out for help???

When dealing with really old tiles and plumbing fixtures in a bathroom reno, not to mention the white melamine countertops it must be better to just change everything! Not just because how tedious it would be to re-grout the old tiles, but the look needs to be updated.

The good thing is that you and a few good tools & classes you can attend at your local HomeDepot could be the answer to ‘how to successfully handle a renovation' . Talking about Homedepot, did you know that many renovations have been done using their materials, ideas and experts like designers and contractors?

When your kitchen still has the old style white white mdf cabinets and oak trim, you know it’s time to make a change :) The change could be ‘cosmetics’, meaning you can change the cabinet doors only if the actual cabinets are in good shape, or you could change the cabinets completely along with the countertop, backsplash and appliances!

Whether you prefer design that is more traditional or contemporary, Ikea and Homedepot have many ideas for you.

Go for dark sleek slab cabinet doors and more importantly be open to new kitchen design trends- like wall oven & microwave, different style cabinetry. The old formula ‘lower cabinets, upper cabinets, counter and backsplash in between’ is long gone!

Think of maximizing your storage space if full depth counter space is not vital for you like in this white kitchen.

Think of using new cool looking appliances like this angled vent hood.

Think incorporating a wine storage where it could make your cabinetry look quite attractive, not just at close reach.

Think of mixing different types of wood veneers and glass & aluminum frame door.

Use every inch of side gable panels and toe kick by using shallow storage space like this utility closet concealed in a side gable and this amazing toe- kick drawer!

Where else could you save some space?

The garbage bin is not to be ignored- usually you just have a cabinet under the sink where it is expected of you to fit your garbage cans as well as all cleaning products, and you start buying all kind of wire shelves that may do the job.

In fact, it is so much better to have one full retractable garbage ‘drawer’ where all garbage & recycling bins are in one spot easy to access.

What I like about some of Ikea kitchen cabinets is that they come in similar wood finishes as living/dining furniture currently on the market, so when you consider an open concept condo, it will make the space look and feel as one.

Backsplashes come in various types from glass tiles to ceramic tiles to thermoplastic panels! take a quick look at these backsplashes.

‘These backsplash panels create an instant designer look. 18 inch by 24 inch backsplash panels are available in 13 styles and 21 finishes to provide numerous combinations. Unlike traditional tin panels that require decades to acquire an antique look, these backsplash panels have that turn-of-the-century authenticity right out of the box. Finishes range from Paintable White or Brushed Aluminum to Bermuda Bronze or Cracked Copper.

Adding an artistic element to your kitchen or bathroom has never been easier. The backsplash panels can be cut with a snip, scissors or utility knife for quick and easy installation.

Installs with two-sided tape or polyurethane construction adhesive.’ Additional installation details can be found here

The great thing is that you can also paint them and if you need a bold color to make a statement in your kitchen, this is the right product for you!

I also found some great wallpaper, with bold colors and patterns.

Whether you prefer a monochromatic black & white design with a splash of color in artwork and accessories OR you are absolutely in love with a bold colorful wallpaper that could become your feature wall for the master bedroom or living/dining area, all you have to do is consider all readily available resources first!

To create a focal wall in your living/dining space or bedroom, all you have to do is choose the right wallpaper and perhaps create a frame around it using an mdf or wood casing profile, rent a nail-gun and a circular saw for the day then have fun staining or painting the profile.

You can use the same technique if you choose to create your own custom built in mirror anywhere in your condo space!

Really- is that easy! Before you panic and start wondering how much longer do you have to wait until your dream reno comes true, go on a short trip to some of the great stores in your area and you will be surprised what you find!

Oh, one more thing...while you renovate your condo, don’t forget to document the process and have fun :)

PS all images courtesy of Homedepot and Ikea

WONDERING ABOUT MILAN’S LATEST DESIGN TRENDS?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:23:00 +0000

I’m always super excited to attend the furniture & lighting show in Milan for several reasons including the fact that I feel home whenever I go to Europe :) Milan has long been regarded as the creative soul of the world in all design- fashion, lighting, furniture and every year this hub of creativity proves that style & function are top priority of any space.

While at the show I could not help but wonder, what are the best design lessons from this year’s furniture fair, lessons that I can share with you and inspire you to discover new ideas for your condos space.

This year it seems that most manufacturers are stepping away from the ordinary shapes and ‘same old same old’ contemporary ‘square lined’ furniture style. And the design trends predictions from the beginning of the year seem to be pretty accurate!

To select just a few images from the hundreds of pictures I took was no easy task :)lots of design ideas! I’ll give you a quick tour of the most interesting pieces of furniture and room ideas.

Shelving & bookcases are vibrant in colors and mix of textures- notice lots of color combinations within the same bookcase, a mix of wood grain and solid color, a tendency towards angled gables or even curved shelving.

Lots of ideas for loft spaces, highlighting the height or the width of any space with shelving seems to be an easy task. Think of using any of these ideas in a condo den where the need of a home office mixed with a guest area function could be solved by using see thru or fully solid shelving.

Tables- from coffee tables to end tables and dining, they seem to have shapes that are more organic. Twisted base tables work extremely well with glass top tables especially when highlighting the area rug in the seating or dining area. Also note the use of nesting end tables or clustered end tables used as coffee tables, what an easy way to provide a small space with layout flexibility!

Tv units- take a look at this sleek sliding tv unit! why try to centre the sofa on the tv wall unit (hard to achieve in some intricate small condo space layouts) when you can actually slide the tv to be exactly where you need it- closer to the living seating area or to the dining area.

Sustainable furniture- as one of the 2011 trends, I’m sure many of you will go for this style, especially when mixed with sleek white high gloss furniture pieces- a very interesting urban-nature inspired design style.

One very interesting design was the stackable Hemp chair by german designer Werner Aisslinger. He is using a new technology in which natural fibers like hemp are molded under heat with an ecological glue creating a sustainable composite material.

Color coordinated furniture and accessories- if you’re a fan of color coordinated accessories, these displays show how not only furniture but accessories are fully coordinated right from the start. I have to confess- this is how I like to design condo spaces as it makes the space more cohesive when one common element is found throughout- it could be the color, the texture, or the type of material used.

Color- big impact when used on a piece of furniture or room design. Milan this year showcased a lot more color in both fashion, furniture design as well as lighting. Notice how color, texture and lighting are mixed together to create features and focal points OR color is present simply as an accent, sure to change the look of any room!

Interesting concept!

The Designjuction event was a hit! as British furniture brand Modus, amongst others, launched few new products. One of these is part of a collaboration between Studio KG and Velcro (still under development). It is a modular partition system with shape and size flexibility- a kit of different length tubes wrapped in strips of Velcro makes quick room dividers custom designed by... You!

Lighting- was one of my favourite part of the show this year. Jewellery and lighting design went hand in hand for the past few years, but this year chandeliers were simply exquisite. I also loved the Mandala light fixtures!!

Foscarini offered a visual & auditoria feast of their products at Superstudio through a theatrical display of light fixtures, which created an impressive atmosphere of colour and light.

In an extremely theatrical setting vibrant light sculptures stand out in space like gigantic monuments. The lamps in the collection -- repeated, rotated and repositioned -- will be multiplied to present the nature of every model in a crescendo of emotions. This is Metamorphosis, the Foscarini installation at Fuorisalone 2011, in the Superstudio Più spaces. Watch this video!

Concept: Vicente Garcia Jimenez
Lighting Design: A.J. Weissbard
Music Design: Francesco Morosini

NO SMALL SPACE SHOULD BE INTIMIDATED! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:14:00 +0000

I know it could be even smaller, but the condo showcased today has a very tiny and awkward shaped living/dining area.

When you see the space on paper as a marketing drawing with no furniture, you could say “yeah, I can figure out how to furnish it later” and then you move in and find yourself in the middle of the space not knowing what to do.

Well... there is always a solution. Once you accept that your small condo space can have only few pieces of furniture and definitely be uncluttered, you can think of MANY options.

Katy has been dealing also with some surprises, like a balcony door shown as a sliding door on the marketing plans to actually be a swinging door. Yes, that can be a big problem! however there are always solutions for that too :)

Let’s take a look at the floor plan. A 2 bedroom condo with a small living/dining. I think I mentioned this before quite a few times- choose the layout that suits your lifestyle...here are few questions to answer before you make a purchase:

- do I need a second bedroom as a guest room, home office, den-TV area to hang out with friends, walk-in closet (extra storage) or is it an actual bedroom used by a parent or child?

- do I dine at home every day or do I go out most of the week?

- do I entertain at home a lot?

- is TV area an important area to be configured in the living space or do I just need a conversation area and comfy seating?

I could go on and on with questions like this, but this is actually how we start our conversation with our private clients. Your lifestyle will dictate your space configuration and priorities for certain furniture items vs others.

Option 1 furniture plan shows the answer to one question- dining for 2, a young couple who loves the city views and intimate dinners under a sparkling chandelier.

Option 2 furniture plan showcases a dining table for 4, often entertaining from home, a family who appreciates minimalistic design, great open space and lots of accessories like a mix of textures and plants in the planters placed behind the sofa.

Katy is really lucky! yes she has a small space AND she almost gave up the dining table thinking ‘there is no way I can fit one in’, but the good news is: there are plenty of options including a dining table. The question is: dining for 2 or dining for 4? Each answer can trigger a different response and a different furniture layout.

Here are 5 factors to take into consideration when you deal with SMALL spaces like this one:

1. The most important factor to consider is that most likely the sofa will be a 6’ sofa (called also a 2 seater or a loveseat). This is not the case when you choose a low profile sofa-chaise like this one. A great accent chair will spice up the overall look and make it look really interesting- think of a boutique shop vs a department store, size doesn't even matter but what you find in a boutique store and most importantly how is presented :)

2. The second most important factor to consider is to choose a low profile sofa (for this exercise I considered a very contemporary, casual yet sophisticated and natured inspired look). The idea is to have a sofa with a low backrest so it doesn’t visually cut the room into two. Even better- I chose a chaise sofa- one that gives you the most comfort when watching tv or relaxing with a good book. Keep in mind that not all sofas look good from behind and need a sofa table to help achieve a well defined seating area.

3. The colors of your furnishings and the overall space are soooooo important- in a small space like this one where the sofa is placed floating in the room, it is extremely important to stay within 1-2 color tones in the living/dining space. Think of playing with textures of similar colors rather than mixing too many colors.

4. Use the space height fully- for example, your tv unit could be light (in color and design) and be as high as your living space. Accesorize it so the tv doesn’t become the focus but the entire unit which plays a significant role in how the space will be perceived in the end. Also think of a dramatic dining chandelier which will keep your eye focused on the accents (color, light etc) and not on the shape and size of the room.

5. Keep all furnishings light- what do I mean by this? Choose a side chair with a light base that allows you to see the floor under. Same for the coffee table- go with a glass coffee table or a wood slats top which again will allow you to see a gorgeous area rug under or (hopefully) a great looking wood flooring.

6. Well, I couldn’t keep it to 5 so here is the 6th factor!

Always think if all your furniture will be used in the same time, for e.g. are you using the dining table and the bar stools in the same time? If yes, then 2 bar stools will fit in and can be used comfortably while the dining chairs are tucked under the table. Make sure the space around the dining table (not to mention that the dining table should also be visually light- let’s say glass table top and chrome base) is and feels open. That’s why I chose a sofa chaise as the end close to the dining table has no arm rest and will look fairly open so you can see the view and the gigantic balcony right when you come in.

No small space should be challenging, instead choose your furniture items as per your main priorities & life style and have fun in the process.

PS: all images courtesy of 18Karat and Poliform. Do you live in Toronto? Visit http://www.casalife.com/ to find out details about furnishings used in this blog post for not just small spaces but also for really tiny spaces :)

DESIGN YOUR CONDO- ARMANI STYLE

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:09:00 +0000

You have probably read few of my blog posts where I emphasize how your personal fashion style can be congruent with your interior decor style. Why? Because most likely what you are wearing brings you comfort, works with your body type and showcases your own personal style. At least this is what fashion is all about. It is not much different from spaces. Each condo space comes with its own shape, size and features to be showcased.

If you take a close look at how Armani created his furniture, lighting and accessories lines you will notice that it perfectly resembles his fashion style- not only his personal fashion style but all clothing lines he creates. “His vision of the living space: an intimate and very special place, at one and the same time both comfortable and sophisticated.”

One of his latest designs was so perfectly and beautifully showcased in the Armani Hotel in Dubai where he mastered and created a ‘world of sophisticated beauty’. So much to learn and be inspired by his world-class design style. So many of the design features can be so easily incorporated in your condo design!

For someone who has a personal fashion choice that resemble an elegant and understated style, it should be pretty easy to be able to create an interior focused on compatibility and consistency of materials and finishes, textures and color tones, and add lighting that accentuates the best features of the space.

Here are the steps you can take to get closer to the Armani design style.

1. The number of colors used in the overall space- If you notice there are probably two or maximum three colors combined throughout the space. One of the colors can be close to your floor color (laminate, engineered or carpet- whichever the case). Off whites, warm grays and taupes plus black and the metal finish of your choice (chrome or nickel would go well with a mix of warm and cool tones) can be present in your space as accents. Here are three Benjamin Moore paint colors that could make a wonderful music together.

2. How to select furnishings- Select your overall furnishings colors to be fairly close and consistent throughout the space. Wood frames and light fixtures create a visual punch by contrast. Lighting can actually add a lot to a neutral space, it adds a visual detail (in addition to bringing warmth into the room) that can become the feature of that space (regardless how large or small that space is!)

3. How to select accessories- Select the throw pillows, bed throws, artwork frames, light fixture shades etc by using different textures of the same color. Take a look at how the bedding is all coordinated but what you see first is the accent small throw pillows in metallic silver tones and notice how there are different pillow sizes in the same color placed so they get noticed right when you walk in. Want some contrasting tones or a visual punch of color? Accessories are your easiest tool- easy to change with seasons and to update when new trends come along.

Armani is known for sophisticated elegance and yet comfortable clothing and interiors- a style that I’m sure resonates to many of you.

Watch this video to see how the small details of interior spaces play a great role in ‘bringing it all together’ in one cohesive look.

CONDO FLOOR PLANS- Q&A SUNDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Many questions received from ‘early birds’ condo buyers! That time of year approaches again- nope, I’m not talking about Christmas or Valentine’s Day (although a condo would be a great gift!). I’m talking about spring approaching and with spring many new condo developments will come to the market, in fact Canada already has few great projects that already started!

As many of you may want to do your homework before you ‘jump in’, I have put together a list of questions and answers related to condos design when looking at floor plans.
First, have you already read the blog post about pre construction condos- what to look for when buying? you can read it again here .
Q: 2 bedroom condo layout- is it better to have the bedrooms side by side or not?

A: Most people prefer the layout when bedrooms are not side by side, regardless if you use the 2nd bedroom for kids or guests it is better to have them separated.

Q: Are bedrooms with natural light better than the ones without?

A: There is no definite answer here, it all depends on your lifestyle. No natural light in the bedroom doesn’t take away from the design options within the suite.

Q: Kitchens- how important are the appliances and the amount of storage especially when reselling the unit?

A: The answer is easy: make sure your kitchen is not just for display! (unless it is a very tiny studio where a kitchen may not be the most important factor to consider when buying that unit)

Q: Are narrow & long units better than wide units?

A: Each suite has a different layout- with a wide unit you will definitely have more natural light, otherwise both units could have a great space.

Q: Are walk-in closets important?

A: Yes, they definitely are a great feature with a lot more storage to offer than a regular closet. Storage is one of the most important factors to consider so look at all storage opportunities within the suite. Especially for small units, have you read this post?

Q: Should I choose a layout with a large bedroom vs one with a small master bedroom?

A: It all depends on your lifestyle. While some people only for sleep literarily use the bedroom, (hence they prefer to have more space in the living/dining area vs the bedroom), others prefer to watch tv in the bedroom and have more furniture other than just the bed and night stands. So it all comes down to your lifestyle.

Q: Is an 8’ ceiling OK?

A: Considering how many new developments have 9’ ceilings as standard I suggest considering 9’ as a current requirements. Old condos already struggle with the 8’ ceilings especially for open concept condo spaces.

Q: Shower or bathtub?

A: With only 1 bathroom, bathtub is the answer. If the space has 2 bathrooms, one could have a shower which is a great feature!

Q: How do I know if I can fit some of the existing furniture I own?

A: I strongly recommend have a furniture layout done. Many people look at floor plans and envision the space as being much larger than in reality. If you have never done in a drawing in your life ask someone to help you sketch out few options. Always take a reference element- for eg the suite entry door is 3’ wide and that is (more or less) the depth of a sofa or chair. When looking at the furniture layout always consider double checking the measurements of your own furniture items- not all chairs, beds, sofas have the same size and if you're not experienced on how to identify a two seater vs a three seater sofa (for e.g.) you may have unpleasant surprises when you move in.

Q: How important is a 2nd bathroom even for a 1 bedroom unit?

A: If the ensuite door opens only from the master bedroom side, it is a benefit to have a 2nd bathroom- for when you have guests or if you have a den which is actually used as a second bedroom.

These are just a few of the most asked questions when it comes to looking at a furniture plan.

Remember that a sales agent know all the questions that most people ask when looking for a condo, and those questions turn into features that make certain spaces sell much better than others. So always consult with a real estate professional when buying, even when buying from a builder.

And never forget to buy a condo (if you plan to move in) first for the current use and second for the resale value.

Have more questions? Send us an email to condo@esqapedesign.com and you’ll read the answers posted here soon!

INTERIOR DESIGN SHOWS- WHAT’S NEW AND HOT THIS YEAR?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:09:00 +0000

The first month of 2011 is almost behind us but many design trends are shaping the look of our interior spaces.

Two large design shows have presented great ideas for interiors most of them suited for condominiums, I am talking about Imm Cologne show in Germany and the IDS show in Toronto, Canada.

Both shows have many elements in common, here are just a few:

1. Recycled materials, especially reclaimed wood mixed with stainless steel, glass and stone- represented a large part of both shows.

Few examples are: this table lamp from Om , this great reclaimed wood table top from Cherrywood Studio and this amazing kitchen island from Draenert made out of 100% recycled materials.

For condos with no kitchen island, it would be a great idea to mix (for example) a white or black high gloss kitchen with a custom island/dining table made out of reclaimed wood.

2. Natural fibres and felt have been highlighted in home accessories from area rugs to upholstery and small fashion items at both shows. I love the felt pebbles- ottomans!

One of this year trends presented at Imm Cologne was Emotional Austerity-Emotional Austerity. It is one of four trends identified in IMM's Trend Book, an annual trend forecast put together by a Trendboard made up of selected influential designers.

'This trend is characterized by simply constructed, light and filigree forms as well as natural materials and colors. The elegant ambiance is defined by clear and unostentatious aesthetics. '

3. Natural wood combined with colourful and/or high gloss surfaces. These materials and textures in various combinations dominate both furniture design and kitchen cabinets design.

One company specialized in condo furniture, Casalife showcased this year at IDS a very attractive and compact extendable dining table for six as well as a matching credenza for a condo dining area.

For a super stylish condo, the black chair and matching foot stool is one of the most comfortable chairs I have sat in and notice the natural finish wood detailing to the back and the underside of the seat. I often recommend using oversized planters for accents especially for condos with a 9’ ceiling, an oversized planter emphasizes the height of the room even more!

4. Kitchen design- kitchen has become a showcase element in an open space.

Shelving is not just for function but it creates an interesting backdrop for any living/dining or den area.

Lots of ideas for open spaces- like a visual separation between the kitchen and the living space by using a one or two sided bookcase.

Starck for Warendorf kitchen vignettes presented by Philip Starck at Imm Cologne, are the recipe for most condos- compact kitchens, designed for any open space with the dual function island designed to be used either as a work surface or as a dining table.

5. A fun collection of lamp shades from Arbutus Denman from Vancouver!

6. For all our readers interested in adding a faux brick feature to their condo interior, Century Architexture has a great selection of thin faux bricks that could create a focal point in any interior space.

I particularly like the Distillery Collingwood's unrefined look especially for the mix of tones of light taupes and browns. With a very dark taupe paint color surrounding the brick, this could add charm to any interior space- whether it is a fireplace feature or just a large feature wall in a living area or perhaps a bedroom headboard wall finish.

7. A great selection of fireplaces at this year’s IDS. For the lucky ones who live in a condo with a gas line in their interior space, there is an Xtreme option- watch this video.

Xtreme Fire Sculptures from Travis Industries on Vimeo.

2011 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS- WHICH ONE SUITS YOUR STYLE?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:47:00 +0000

Would you like to know which is the MFADQ in January?

You may have guessed, the most frequently asked design question is “what are the color trends for this year?”. If you’re not new to my blog, you probably read about 2010 color trends, european design trends, fashion trends. Trends are not accidental, in fact, they are very much connected to how we live and transform our lives every day. Think of how much technology has influenced furniture design, automobile design, and fashion design.

Every year there are new trends in all areas of design, and while most people want to know which colors are trendier in 2011, there is more than color to explore.

If you search online for design trends you will find so many opinions and trendsetters that you may not quite understand how to use each trend. In fact, many trends vary from one company to another, which could be very confusing! I will try to translate some of the design trends and show you an easy way of recognizing if any of 2011 trends is for you.

Among all 2011 design trends, there are few that caught my eye especially as they are more oriented towards working around a personality as a trend instead of just a color or a pattern.

I think this year will be more about comfortable spaces and when you know how to combine "comfortable with stylish" you've got a pretty great space!

Here are some of my favourite trends from around the world :

1. COLOR- when it comes to color, each paint company has its own colors as defining for this year’s trend. Some chose what I call “happy colors” as a response to the global economy in much need for some happy news! and others chose “relaxing colors” in response to our society emotional stress.

According to Pantone Color Institute, 2011 color of the year is Honeysuckle- 'A Color for All Seasons Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.' I would recommend to use this color wisely as it is a stimulant color.

As Pantone describes it 'Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic when used on large areas like the entry area of a house or an apartment. It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on the dining room walls. In the kitchen, it adds a fun touch on the table in placemats and other linens (patterned or solid), colored glassware, candles and small appliances.'

Here are two examples showing one of the best way to use this color so it doesn’t become overwhelming in any space. Use a background of a neutral color, ideally a cool light neutral color and play with monochromatic textures- then insert this color as an accent just for an eye catching effect.

Looking for more colors for 2011? Benjamin Moore has put together a wonderful collection filled with colors for every age, every gender, every location. Here are the 3 style movements:

- Soulful… 'On the style front, this is visible in"ethnic glam" designs, pattern-on-pattern, map motifs and hand-worked decoration such as beading and embroidery.'

- Spirited…”The antidote to stress is anything that makes you feel happy, joyful, playful. Striking that emotional balance can be a challenge. In fashion and furnishings it's reflected in spirited designs featuring geometrics, stripes and cubes, dots and curlicues, studded or stitched outlines of shapes and silhouettes.”

- Dreamy…”Reality can be harsh and is best countered by a dreamy odyssey where wishes are nurtured. Translated into a design perspective, that means transparent and sheer materials, blurred decorative details and softened textures.”

2. Trends by Heimtextil -the biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles held in January every year. They came up with 4 interesting trends, all four concepts are very easy to implement in any home design.

SOBRIETY– ‘a return to the essential and traditional- The new consumer landscape is characterised by quality, longevity, sustainability and significance. The Sobriety trend theme shows where short-lived, seasonal trends end and consistent value begins.‘ If you ever thought of creating a timeless design for your home that would not be affected by any trends, this is for you. Here is an image of a seating area you could create in your living room. The classic, simple and elegant style of the sofa and armchair will never lose their charm. You could play with the area rug and accessories that will add a tone of “trendy” to your overall furnishings.

MIX MASH- 'combines the high-tech with craftsmanship, new with old and it clearly shows how tradition is being turned on its head and stylized ethnic influences from all over the world meet with novel patterns, prints and fabrics.' Think for example of how you could create a clean contemporary design for your condo and still have some key pieces of your own cultural heritage or great findings from your travels.

UTILITY- 'consumer society has changed – utility invites you use it. Utility stands for simplicity, accessibility and an invitation to use. Nowadays, a decisive factor in purchasing decisions is the consideration about what is really important.' Is it more important to look good or to feel good? This relates to you as a person and to your space! you can find more details here...

WILDERNESS STYLE- which means being at one with nature. A new interest in crafts from the past, including milling and wicker-weaving are evolving. People are looking for distinctive individualistic features marked by imperfection not perfection. A new organic look is being created.

While many of the new trends will make you wonder if... "should I change my current design to be more trendy?" or "how much should I tweak to create a trendy space?", I can assure you that any space made to look and feel comfortable will be a great start! But if you would have to choose one of the trends from above, which one would be your fav and why?

YOUR TOP 5 QUESTIONS ABOUT CONDO FLOOR PLANS ANSWERED!

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:00:00 +0000

As soon as the New Year started (Happy New Year!), buying a new condo is already on many people’s goal list for 2011.

While travelling for the past couple of weeks I could not help but notice how many people talk about their condo. I love finding great design inspirations from hotels and resorts where people go to relax and enjoy all the services and amenities some cannot enjoy at home.

Living in a condo gives many of us the benefits of enjoying a hotel lifestyle and while floor plans vary drastically in size and shape, no one can deny that condo lifestyle has its own tremendous advantages.

As I was planning to do a comparison of condo floor plans from around the world, I’m happy to share with you some layouts sent in for discussion by our readers! It seems that everyone has the same space dilemmas regardless where in the world their condo is located. Here are your top 5 questions and answers related to condo layouts.

1. Very small condos- “how to figure out the best layout when looking at marketing plans unfurnished? “Let’s take a look at 2 layouts of very small spaces from Toronto one from Australia and one from Dubai.

- layout A- 1 bedroom- 477 sq.ft.-Toronto- no wasted space, corridors are embedded in the actual kitchen space, large bedroom closet and wide living/dining area.

This layout has a very small kitchen with minimal lower cabinet storage- so assume cooking small meals :) This space will appear very open and bright once built due to the wide living/area wall-to-wall glazing.

- layout B- 1 bedroom- 523 sq.ft.- Toronto- long entrance corridor- if you read my previous blog posts, this is one feature that puzzles many condo owners as there is no practical use to a long and narrow corridor except for building a custom wall unit for small storage or simply accessorizing it with wall art.

An integrated kitchen with the open living/dining area gives you the opportunity to create a custom kitchen island/dining table which will provide more storage!

Living area- very small space, hence you can consider a 2- seat instead of a 3- seat sofa. Bedroom-very similar to layout A but if you love natural light in your sleep area this appears to be the bedroom of your choice.

- layout C- 1 bedroom-433 sq.ft- Australia- you walk right in the kitchen area, no foyer, small storage space and shower only- however for such a tiny space you basically have a separate bedroom and a dining area!

- layout D- 1 bedroom- 546sq.ft.- Dubai- really tiny kitchen, no foyer- you walk right in the kitchen area, large bedroom, however the sharp angle of the living area becomes wasted space whether you furnish the space as shown by the builder or as shown in the alternate furniture layout below.

2. Small condo spaces for baby boomers- “how to find a layout that incorporates my lifestyle: I want to be able to entertain at home and dine often with my friends and kids who come visit when on holidays.”

This 2 bedroom + dinette-1100 sq.ft. layout of one of the condos located in Vaughan, Ontario seems to be a perfect fit! While the dinette area allows you to create a more formal dining area (very suitable especially for a traditional or classic design), the rest of the space seems to have all elements of a comfortable life style for a couple downsizing from a house to a condo.

In addition, the corner unit comes with views of two sides of the building and an oversized balcony. This layout allows you to use the dinette also as a den area and have a less formal dining table in the open living/dining space.

3. “Are open kitchens better than enclosed kitchens?” This actually is simply a personal preference. It is hard to say if one type of kitchen would sell more or give more value to a condominium.

At the end of the day, it is all about your lifestyle.

Visually, open kitchens help the overall living/dining/kitchen space to appear larger and support a different lifestyle- one where kitchen is simply not just a place to prepare meals but entertain friends and family.

This 1 bedroom-700 sq.ft. from Miami has an enclosed kitchen running parallel to the main long foyer. You can always consider opening up the kitchen on the corner (assuming the condo board allows you to make that change after you move in).

It seems that the living area has more issues than the kitchen layout as it features just a 2-seat sofa?! In addition, the walk-in closet has no extra wall space other than the back wall, thus it looks like wasted floor space.

4. “Are long layouts better than wide layouts?” Again- there is no rule that one layout is better perceived than the other is. However, long and narrow layouts seem to appear like a tunnel for some people used to live in large spaces.

The best part of this 2 bedroom-789sq.ft condo townhouse located in Florida is the storage space as well as the size of each room or open area.

It is great to have walk-in closets in both bedrooms, which are also larger than many bedrooms I have seen. The double vanity is also a great feature for the ensuite and the kitchen looks great. This is a very nice layout!

5. “Are curved buildings compromising the floor plans just for the sake of exterior architectural design?” Great question and long debated over the past few years since more and more buildings appear to have a unique presence in the city. My answer is “No”!

If the building is designed to capture the best of exterior appearance and interior spaces, one should not diminish the other. Here is in interesting layout from Abu Dhabi- 1bedroom 814sq.ft.

It appears that corners do not necessarily create wasted space, all corridors spaces have been minimized so the actual space is inside each room and while the kitchen has an unusual shape and location compared to North American condos, it sure comes with a great view!

Lots to talk about when it comes to such a variety of floor plans, do you have a floor plans you are not quite sure if it works for you? Send us your layout and your questions and we will help you decide! :)

CONDO SPACES- WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING PRE CONSTRUCTION

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:09:00 +0000

Buying a pre-construction condo may be the most exciting investment anyone can make. Like any investment, you have to do the math with all professionals involved (mortgage, real estate etc) before you make the jump!

In addition, yes! you should research the developer and the builder in the same way you research about your carmaker before you go buy one! Investing in a condo should be dealt with like with any other long term investment, look for sound advice if you’re not sure how to assess the value of your condo.

My focus is on the interior space you are buying for your own enjoyment and what I can help you with is to find out if you are actually buying the lifestyle you deserve. Creating an interior space just for the sake of “looking cool” does not interest me much and I have a feeling it does not excite you that much either :) unless we’re just playing with decorating ideas.

When potential buyers come to me with a bunch of floors plans and ask me which one to buy, I actually look at each floor plan AFTER we talk about their lifestyle. Most of the time what they need is not on that floor plan, but they just want that condo unit for various other reasons! So here are my top 7 interior interior architectural & design elements to look for when searching for preconstruction condos:

1. When interested in a small space, look for most of the space being utilized properly- you have heard the term “wasted space”- this image shows how a long corridor can be utilized, you can use narrow bookcases or built in units (like one of my designs in the image on the right side- used primarily for decor and small storage items) however the area marked in purple on the floor plan shows how much space is actually used only for traffic. This is why I recommend to look for layouts where the main foyer is shortened in favour of other areas.

2. Ceiling height- one important factor to consider. Whether you’re looking at a small or large space, a 9’ ceiling height is ideal as it will give you many space design opportunities- full height features increase the visual perception of the overall space.

3. Kitchen and Bathroom- how current is the design and how much cabinets storage is provided. This unit for example- it is definitely for people who do not cook! Because there are no lower cabinets for pots and pans, (upper cabinets are only 14” deep max). Also, keep in mind the advantage of having brand new appliances and plumbing fixtures! Most developments offer current selections, so I wouldn’t worry about buying something ‘not so trendy’.

4. Features List and Finishes- Too many times people are intrigued when they move in their first condo to find out there is no ceiling fixture in the bedroom- and we’re not talking about a capped fixture (in which case you can buy and install a fixture), we’re talking about no junction box whatsoever. As you can imagine, adding one in a concrete ceiling is virtually impossible so you have to live with track lights (not a winning design!) or floor lamps, but the light beam is not the same as with a ceiling fixture. So my advice is to read every single document you obtain from the sales centre before it’s too late.

When it comes to Finishes- pay attention to what is included in the Standard list and what are your options for Upgrades. The more choices the better, of course! See if the upgrade finishes boards looks good to you, so you avoid spending money later on ripping out tiles and installing yours- it’s more costly for sure. Decide now if you want a bathtub or a shower, the expense of replacing it after you move in may be much higher than you think (unless you are a contractor).

5. Orientation- are views important for you? then always consider what is in front of your building AND the size of your windows. You should consider if natural light is important to you. Everything changes when you have smaller windows- the paint colors don’t look the same, the overall open feeling is not as strong as with full height and wall to wall windows, however it gives you more wall space and it is easier to incorporate a traditional design, eclectic or a mix- therefore you should consider the type of furniture and furnishings you like.

6. Overall storage space- this one is always tricky. You always have the option of buying a storage unit, if you are very selective on what you store inside your codno unit. You may consider storing off-season clothing in a storage unit OR look for a condo with at least one walk- in closet OR consider converting a small den into a walk in.

7. Furniture Layout- when you go to a sales centre where marketing plans don’t have the furniture shown, I highly advice you to do a simple exercise and try to lay out the furniture you already have or intend to buy. You may have few surprises- and better now than later. Not sure how to do it? Send us the plan and we'll do it for you right here on this blog!

Would you like to know specific questions to ask when pre-viewing pre- construction condos? Stay tuned, I am about to reveal many detailed design questions that should help you be an educated buyer before you step into a sales centre!

Make sure to enter your email address in the yellow bee box on the right side to be notified before this information is posted. It could save you a lot of money, just because you will know what to look for!

Bottom line- it is all about your lifestyle! Always ask what your options are when choosing upgrades. Can you only upgrade finishes or can you also add more lighting? Some developments allow for different types of customizing your unit so ask for all the details.

Know all your options before you it is too late. Too many times people call designers and ask for pot lights when there is a 8’ concrete ceiling!?

Buying a condominium should be very rewarding, that is IF you analyze carefully your needs and what the interior space has to offer. The interior elements are only one small part of the equation- discuss all your options with your lawyer, mortgage consultant and of course the real estate agent who should be able to put together many pieces of the puzzle.

After winter always comes Spring and that’s when new and really good pre construction condo opportunities come to market so do your homework- get ready! :)

DISCOVER THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR CONDO SPACE

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Small spaces have it, large spaces have it, rectangular, square or even round spaces have it- an area or element that could be featured better than another.

You've probably heard before the term “feature wall”.

Whenever I help a condo owner design their space, they are asking the question “how to create a feature wall”.

There are no rules when it comes to feature walls or other feature elements in your condo space. You can have monochromatic spaces where one element stands out as a feature (it doesn’t have to be a wall) and you can have high contrastic finishes and create featured areas.

When you try to create a feature, think of what you see first when you walk in that space, think of creating something distinctive.

Keep in mind that even a small open space living/dining can have more than one features, it all depends on how you direct the attention from one feature to another without overwhelming the design of that space.

Today I want to show you one example of a condo floor plan of an average size of 796 sq.ft. 1 bedroom and den.

With one typical layout like this one, you could consider to feature the walls highlighted in red. Why? Think of what you see when you open the door. There are many possibilities when it comes to creating a feature in any space, here are some examples.

Den areas are many times open spaces located close to the entrance and in best cases featuring 9’ ceilings. This is a great feature many times underutilized. If you are using your den as a library or home office, you have a great opportunity of using full height bookcases.

The design of the bookcases alone can create an interesting backdrop for a small den, hence keep the books monochromatic so the actual bookcase design does not get “lost”.

If you opt for a more uniform look for your bookcases with no intricate design, you can then play with the color and size of books and accessories placed on the shelves, however I would still try to keep a limited number of colors used in the book covers as it will create a more cohesive look.

Custom wall art plays a huge role in creating feature walls. The image on the left is a small example of how you could create just a touch of wall art by using wall decals available at Home Depot! just type in the search box the word "blik" or go straight to Blik's website.
Another way of creating interest on a long wall is by adding artwork with similar motifs, same size and same frame style.

You can place the frames right above the sofa in your living room and use the entire length of the wall. I would suggest this approach especially for low ceiling spaces where the length of the room can be emphasized instead of the height. Each space has some great features and these are the ones with high potential for being featured!

Here's another great example of how art can inspire your design. Many times I actually start designing an entire condo space from an idea I have about art.

The image on the left shows how large scale photography can become a focal point or the feature wall in any area- you could use this idea in your seating area, den, bedroom or even in the dining area! One oversized image is split into several frames of different sizes and shapes.

I like the flexibility you have with this idea- think of relocating to a larger condo- you can always plau with each frame and stretch the overall size of the artwork to what suits the new space. This is the beauty of abstract compositions!

For a more classic look, you can create a feature wall with framed art- the trick is to use as many frames as possible, of the same size and shape. The image on the left shows how just a small punch of color can tie in with the colors used for the sofa & accent pillows and yet keep the wall and art frames in a "tone on tone" design language. The image on the right is another great example of using black and white framed sketches. It's the color of the frame that makes all images stand out when you look at this wall from far. The white background works really great with the abundance of white tones used in the furniture and furnishings around.

Bedrooms are great for feature walls. Most condo bedrooms have one large wall without any visual interruptions (created by mechanical vents or closet doors) and this is the best wall for creating a feature.

There are unlimited choices, from using the headboard as the main feature and playing around it with artwork, mirrors, wall trim, paint colors etc.

The image on the left shows a unique feature where few pieces of thin wood trim were wall mounted to create a unique design. You can come up with your own pattern and when using a dark paint color for the wall, you can consider painting the trim in very light color or using a metallic paint.

The image on the right is a great example of a more subtle feature- it's not the color or the contrasts, in fact I would love this feature in a "all white space"! Upholstering the entire wall is a fantastic way of adding texture and interest without introducing a new color. Also it is a great way to better sound proof any room.

From living area to dining area to den to bedroom, a feature wall can be easily created! In the image on the left you can see how a seating area with a long wall right accross can become a feature. This is a great example of playing with bookcases and a tv unit, of different finishes and shapes, while creating one feature. When living/dining is an open space, by connecting them visually you make the space look larger and the design appears more consistent.

Would love to answer your questions about condo feature walls! Post your comments and questions below.

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR CONDO FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, it’s all about the light! Light fills the season with holiday spirit. Holiday decorations and celebrations have already started in many parts of the world and lighting creates a spectacle of its own.

Living in a condo has some limitations to how you can decorate your space. Each condominium has its own restrictions related to what you are allowed to do or not to do when decorating for holiday. If you just moved in a condo and don’t know which are those limitations, best advice is to go talk to the property management (that’s if they didn’t already posted a Holiday Decor Guidelines). There are 2 main rules to keep in mind:

1st- real trees and wreaths represent a fire hazard therefore they cannot be used for any of the common areas of your condo and in most cases they are not allowed in your unit either.

2nd- your suite entry door is not really your door, well it is :) but you can’t use nails or screws to affix anything to your door. Your condo by laws (every condo owner has this book!) says exactly what you can and can’t do with your suite entry door. Best is to ask your property management as they may allow you to use double sided tape or Velcro.

And yet, all these rules should not stop anyone from having a great holiday decor, EVEN in a small condo space.

For few years now, I change the way I decorate for Christmas every year- mostly the accent color. It’s really fun to use a different color every year! there are so many choices in the retail stores, sky is the limit!

What I would suggest to anyone wondering how to decorate a really really tiny condo space is to follow the power of 3!

1. the power of color. Yes, in some small condo spaces you can actually see the entire space right from the suite entry door. Using the same accent color from the foyer to the farthest corner of your space will actually create a consistent look and will amplify the effect of that color.

I have experimented using consistency in color throughout the space and noticed most people say “wow” right after they walk in a space easy to read. In love with white faux Chritmas trees? For those of you who opted for dark paint colors in your living area, I have to say that a white tree is THE BEST look! very sharp looking and if you think ahead how the color of your ornaments will work with your wall paint color, you've got a winner!

2. the power of grouping- some small condo spaces don’t even have a corner for a Christmas tree- no space? no problem! try to add a small detail starting with the foyer (perhaps a faux wreath) or candle lights on a shelf, then add something in every room including small accents in your bathroom, bath towels, bath mat, then living space and bedroom.

And maybe you can’t fit in a full height tree, but I’m sure you can use one of those large vases filled with white branches or white and coloured branches (use again your decor accent color).

Think of ways to easy change the look of your accessories ( how about using different color & texture throw pillow cases, throws, window coverings and lights and even artwork!) nicely coordinated with your decorations- all this for a much more powerful visual impact.

Is Hanukkah a great time for entertaining at home over the holidays? Think of creating your decor theme ahead of time and don't forget about the cookies! :)

3. the power of lighting- you have seen it! I have seen so many wonderful Menorahs and love to drive by houses where you see them lit in the windows.

Windows decorations are really easy to do and you have as many options as in a house: Wreaths aren’t only for the front door, glowing candles are welcome in any corner of your living space, hanging icicles are all part of the holiday decor recipe.

You probably know by now that LED lighting is the best way to go especially when you plan on having the lights on during the night.

Depending on each condo property management, you may be allowed to use the lights on small artificial trees on your balcony. Even if it’s snowy and windy, your balcony is your little garden that could look very pretty after a fresh snow fall.

Wondering what other people are doing for Christmas decorations and gifts? personally I find that before the Holidays it feels like everyone is running a marathon of "buying" frenzy, that sometimes we forget what the holidays are all about. I was really touched to find this wonderful example of just simply sharing the joy of Christmas, called Christmas in a bottle.

"We filled mason jars with many cute little holiday treasures, wrote a sweet note on a star, tied them up and sent them off into the ocean.

We stood with feet in the waves casting out our jars of Christmas joy.

We sent them off with hopes that they would be found by someone in need of a little holiday cheer." Read the full blog article here.

Feeling like making your own decorations? Here's a great example of how to use newspapers and make your own recycled ornaments!

“Reinvent the traditional holiday hearth with a thoroughly modern indoor wonderland. A dramatic sweep of light glows from clean sculptural shapes and a resplendent textural mix of glass and silver. “ West Elm has most of the decor elements anyone can use in a condo space.

And remember to have fun while you decorate! too many people look at what they are not allowed to do when decorating a condo vs how many great fun opportunities they have!

Enjoy...:)

CONDO FLOOR PLANS- WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:20:00 +0000

As many of you wonder if the exterior is more important than the interior of a condo, I can say that good architecture happens when both are considered in the early stages of design. While it may not be obvious how to layout the furniture in a curved space, I personally believe that this type of space has so much more to offer.

Think of the views which in some cases are 180 degrees as well as the natural light coming through. Think of the prestige and the exquisite architecture as a unique feature that will surpass many other features your condo comes with.

I can understand why some potential condo buyers may wonder how to furnish a curved space with all the in and out corners, niches, structural and mechanical elements and the sharp corners! and this is because we have been used to live in rectangular spaces with rectangular furniture (more or less). However, if you keep in mind the size of a bed, night tables and the required space around you will see that bedrooms have actually the required space for a proper furniture layout. There are many rectangular condo spaces which lack in the required square footage and are not attractive by architectural style either.

Let’s take one (perhaps) challenging curved condo space- anyone looking at the unfurnished floor plan may look at all the interior elements as challenging, however there are few things to keep in mind:

- as long as the curved space doesn’t take away from the square footage required for a decent seating area or bedroom set, you should see the curved space as an added interior design feature.

- having a continuous curved exterior glazing wall for the entire condo plan is the No. 1 interior feature anyone should be attracted by! so many options for window treatments to make your space have a cohesive style.

- structural and mechanical elements can be always switched from “challenging to work around” to “vertical elements which can be featured by design”. Here’s what I mean by that:

Let’s look at the mechanical unit in the living room and 2nd bedroom- the space between the unit and the exterior glazing is actually great for hiding the drapes when open and why not consider using motorized window coverings? As long as the space is wide enough to allow for proper installation of the hardware you can look at it as a feature.

Another question someone may pose is related to the living area furniture layout. The structural wall behind the sofa is slightly shorter than a 7’ sofa, however you can always make up for that space by adding a bar unit which will be very handy for the adjacent dining area, or you can add a plant or a large vase with tall bamboo sticks.

As new curved condo spaces emerge in so many cities, furniture manufacturers are moving along and strive to bring new products to these markets. In lieu of the typical furniture shown in the furniture layout from above, think of adding more interest by working with furniture with round shapes. There is nothing better than a marriage between the exterior architectural shape and the interior elements. Consider modular curved sofas which allow you to play with the modules to suit the desired layout.

You can use these slightly curved loveseats together or separate or these coffee tables which seem to work perfectly with a asymmetric curved space and why not even consider the more retro take on some tv units and bedroom sets.

I believe the interior and exterior architecture of the space should work seamlessly with your furniture style and layout. While a traditional style for a cutting edge curved architectural space would be a bit more challenging, I would not exclude an eclectic style design where furniture elements or artwork and accessories or custom design features could help you actually work even better with a curved space than a rectangular one.

No interior space should be challenging to work with when you absolutely love the architecture of the building :)

Would love to see your comments- do you prefer interesting curvy spaces or safe rectangular layouts?

GLASS MOSAIC- JEWELLERY FOR THE WALLS

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:42:00 +0000

It sure looks like it! I was truly impressed by all the possibilities offered by these glass mosaic tiles for 2 reasons:

1. You can install them on any surface (floors, walls, ceilings- steam showers) and create your own unique design patterns- there are no limitations! Bathrooms- shower floors- this is the perfect solution for creating the required slope to the drain while incorporating your own design.

2. The concept is so unique and versatile and can be used by anyone!

If you are handy and love to try new ideas, this is one worth your time. And I wouldn’t limit the application to only bathrooms or kitchens. Think of dressing up a small foyer or even create a focal wall in the bedroom or living/dining area. Take it even further...you can have fun creating your own accent furniture and jewellery! There are unlimited possibilities!

The Italian company Vetrovivo has introduced a new way of using glass mosaic tiles, unique in the world and above all it opens up so many new design possibilities. Some tiles come even plated in gold or platinum.

"Timeless Luxury Mosaics"

How to create unique designs in a standard 5'x8' condo bathroom? Whether you are renovating your bathroom or just want to spice it up a little bit, these tiles are one great solution! think of the wall accross from the vanity mirror, usually painted...or think of the wall behind the toilet where you could add shelving and create an interesting glass tiles pattern around it, or simply just add the glass tiles if enough storage is provided as part of the vanity cabinet.

Countertops! what a great way of upgrading your countertop!

Bathtub wall is definetely a wall that deserves some attention! With most layouts the long bathtub wall is a great place for any tiles details.

Bathrooms don't have to be cold and sterile and function driven. They can be extensions of your bedroom or other rooms in your home. Make your bathroom comfortable and cozy and treat it like you would any other room.

Shower floors-some condos come with a preformed shower pan or with square or rectangular mosaic tile. With Vetrovivo you have so many styles, shapes, colors and patterns you can choose from which allow you to create really interesting designs AND work around the required slope to the drain.

What I like about Vetrovivo is that you don't have to use tiles wall to wall to cover the entire surface with just glass tiles, but you can insert the glass tiles as accent colors after covering the surface with grout and really add just a splash of color exactly where desired.

You can create any patterns you want and use this design solution in lieu of wallpaper, as you can see in the image on the lfet side some glass tiles can even be used as jewellery. Think also fo Christmas tree ornaments, napkin holders or any other decorative idea!

You can actually play online with your creativit and come up with some cool designs, select your own tiles and colors right here.

Interested to find out how to install these amazing glass mosaic tiles? You basically have to skim coat the surface with grout and then insert the glass tiles, however the grout must be of great resistance to water as the exposed grout surface is much larger than in a regular mosaic tile installation. Here are all the installation steps.

LOFTY FURNITURE BROUGHT BACK INTO THE CITY

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

What I love about lofts is that you can truly create an original space where old meets new without having to worry about matching every piece of furniture. With most condo loft conversions, the beauty of the old interior space plays a major role in the design. Sky is the limit when trying to find ways to design a loft and most of the time the space gives you hints of what is needed. It could be the height, or a beautiful stained glass window or perhaps the concrete floors, wood beams and exposed ductwork that inspires you.

Many condo owners, who are avid travelers or spend the summer at the farm or cottage, are returning to their condo as winter holidays are approaching, just to be together with their loves ones and create wonderful moments together.

Returning from the farm or summer cottage empty handed? Think of incorporating some of the old steel and old wood beams from the barn in creating something unique.

How about “recreating new from old” into a hobby?
Ben and Kate Gatski, possess an uncommon vision-to honor agriculture through art. They established Gatski Metal to design and fabricate unique metal works for indoor and outdoor spaces. They collect parts from farms and farm machinery dealers across Pennsylvania.

Take a look at some of the furniture pieces they have created. Each item would look so interesting not just in an old loft converted into a condo but even in new condo spaces where eco friendly elements become part of your life style.

Beam and Steel table:

"It originated from beams that were rescued from a Pennsylvania barn before demolition. The large beam was sawed down to size and sanded to form the top of the table. A recycled metal pipe and flat sheet steel were cut by hand to form the base. A clear coating was applied to the entire table for a shiny finish. It is perfect for a decorative end table." You could also use it as a bar stool and keep in mind that each table will have a different look!

Size: 26.5”h x 13”w x 7.5”d

Barn Beam Console Table

So many condo owners are asking me where to find interesting console tables for their very small foyer, but they want something that is unique and has personality as well as something handmade- well, here it is- a console, entry or sofa table made with reclaimed wood and recycled farm machinery steel.” This table originated from beams that were rescued from a Pennsylvania barn before demolition. The beams were sawed into pieces, sanded, and then joined together with a large bolt. The base is made with two pieces of recycled steel hoops bent into shape.

Recycled Tractor Hood Table

“This bar or entry table is made from the hood of a recycled Allis Chalmers 180 tractor.
Handmade in PA by Ben Gatski, each table features one tractor hood to form the base, with a new piece of US made10 gauge steel top. It can be used indoors or outdoors – perfect as an entry table or great for holding drinks on the patio. The table has adjustable chrome feet – perfect for any surface.”

Size: 34” high by 40” wide by 12.5” deep.

Barn Loft Table

These stools are absolutely gorgeous! And how great that Ben and Kate thought about “multifunctional “ ! “Modern lines blend with a rich agricultural history in this statement end table. Beams were rescued from a Pennsylvania Barn before demolition. They were sawed into pieces and sanded and a piece of recycled steel was cut and shaped into place. A clear coating was applied to the entire table for a shiny finish.

It can be used as side table or end table to keep your reading material beneath or is even great for holding drinks on the patio..."

Size: 22”h x 10.5”w x 10.5”d

Perfect Details for your Holidays Decor!

A simple and elegant lantern for holiday decorating. Each one is handcrafted in Pennsylvania with recycled farm machinery steel. The lantern comes with a votive candle.
The metal is sealed with a water-based enamel. This piece can be hung inside or out. Each one will have subtle variations. They are cut by hand and each piece of metal has slight color differences.

When it comes to unique loft spaces decor items, mixing old with new and some of your best travel findings is the easiest way to go!

OLD CONDO RENOVATION OR NEW CONDO?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Most old condos show their age and when purchasing an old condo there are few advantages- one would be the size of the rooms which in some cases are larger than in newer condos and the location- some of the older condos are in great locations in the city.

However, there are many factors to consider when buying or selling an old condo, and one I came across very often lately is the renovation aspect. There are mostly two categories:

1. People want to move in and renovate their condo so it looks like new or so it sells better in few years, however when they get down to making the list and getting quotes from contractors they end up with five or six digit numbers!

2. People want to move out and renovate it for a better selling price.

Before you buy an old condo make sure you obtain all available documentation from the Condo Board (your real estate agent will know exactly what documents are required). You need to know the history of that condo suite. Many times condo owners take on their own renovation projects without letting the condo board know and this affects you if you move into a unit that’s doesn’t look like on the floor plan. You should also provide the condo board with all paperwork required before you start a renovation so the next owner will know what changes have been made.

Let’s start with the 2nd category: of condo owners renovating for a better selling price. Depending on the timing you may actually consider to drop the price and let the future owner renovate according to their own taste.

At the end of the day it may cost you about the same amount unless your condo is in a really bad shape. Renovations don’t only cost money; it takes time and patience of living in an “under construction” space and it will definitely affect your lifestyle during the renovation.

Bathroom renovations would be the first area to tackle where new plumbing fixtures alone may help. Next in line would be tiles upgrade- you can read more about bathroom renovations in two previous blog posts here and here.

Flooring throughout is the next item I would consider. It is a larger investment but done properly it could create the look of a brand new space! If your current floors are carpet- definitely upgrade to engineered or laminate flooring. If your floors are the old type of 6”x6” parquet, you can just consider re-staining the entire floor in a darker color which will give a more up to date look.

One item that is often forgotten is the baseboard. Most old condos come with a 3” baseboard or even a 2 ½”. Many retail stores carry inexpensive paint grade mdf or wood baseboards and depending on your ceiling height you can consider at least a 4” if not a 5” baseboard.

Next- I would consider renovating the kitchen. Upgrading the appliances would be a must and with all great discounts offered by most retails stores, it may be an easy upgrade to consider.

Most old condos kitchens do not have an open space layout. Is this a reason to knock down walls and reconfigure the space in order to create an open concept? Maybe…maybe not!

If the living/dining area is large enough you don’t necessarily need to change the layout. Having a closed in kitchen offers a different type of lifestyle- it may not be large enough for entertaining guests while you prepare or just organize meals during a party.

The new open concept kitchens are designed for a different lifestyle, one that incorporates meals preparation and spending time with family and friends. However, if you absolutely detest having the smell of cooked food going into the living area (I have met people who never wanted the smell of cooked food in any room!), you may consider keeping kitchen as a separate room.

For the 1st category my advice is: renovate for yourself first and then think of resale. If you just moved in, change the items that you absolutely must! If you haven’t moved in, perhaps talk to a contractor and get an idea of how much you would need to invest to create the condo of your dreams, you may end up knowing exactly how much you will end up spending and you may choose a new condo.

So…is it worth to move in an old condo and renovate? It may be! If you like the location, the neighbours, the common areas look, the monthly condo fees, the size, design and functionality of the amenity spaces, the size of your condo, the ceiling height, the size of the windows (sometimes smaller in older condos vs floor to ceiling, wall to wall in new condos) the view and the price (after you considered how much you would need to invest in renovating it)… then it looks like a great find! If not, there are plenty of new condos to choose from, the number of New Developments are constantly increasing, click here to find out details.

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A SMALL CONDO SPACE

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:15:00 +0000

As requests from readers to review their condo space are pouring in, I’m excited to be able to help another couple who is challenged by the size and the shape of their condo space. Yes, I have to admit, moving in a small space could be challenging and my first advise would be to try and utilize every square inch of that space.

674sq.ft is considered a small space and yet we all want to make the most of it by being able to have the right furniture, lighting, colors and be able to enjoy the space with family and friends.

Let’s get the ball rolling...here are some of the most frequent asked questions:

Q: Some initial concerns I had with the unit were the small sized living room caused by the structural column and pillars. As such I was looking for help in selecting furniture pieces which would be most effective use of space and functionality.

A: This particular unit comes with wonderful views and a very generous balcony and as mentioned before in a previous blog post, best views should be kept as a feature therefore not blocked if possible. There are different layouts to be considered – see the 3 examples below. Window coverings will play a very important role, having wall to wall sheers for example will emphasize the width of the window and of the space.

Q: What paint colours work well in an open unit with lots exterior light. Also what tones work well together if I wanted to add an accent wall. What about gray and burgundy combinations?

A: Having a bright space is definitely a plus! All colors will look very bright during the day so choosing medium tone to dark neutrals is a good option. I like to combine warm grays with deep rich tones of reds- take a look at these 2 combinations from Benjamin Moore- Affinity Colors.

Accent walls- bedroom headboard wall can definitely make a bold statement. Also the long wall of the foyer and living area is interesting and can become a strong feature with the right elements – art for example. The burgundy color tones can be used in accents throughout the space (think throw pillows, vases, flowers, bedding, artwork and perhaps even a bit of a color accent in the backsplash- see the mosaic tiles).

I wouldn’t paint the structural column in a bright color, to me architectural elements stand out on their own and don’t need bright paint colors to make a statement, but it would be interesting to see a darker gray /charcoal paint color on the column, just a shade darker than the overall paint color.

Q: What types of light fixtures look modern and add sufficient lighting.

A:This is a great question and is certainly not easy to answer in just few words because what is considered “modern” is actually very broaden. Best is to actually find few interiors that resonate with you and choose one style that you could see for your space. There are so many different types of contemporary looking light fixtures and most of the time is the material and the look that will help you narrow down your choices- do you prefer glass, acrylic, fabric shades?

The most important factor to consider when choosing your lighting is to think spatially- one ceiling fixture is not going to do the trick and brighten your space in the evening, it has to be a combination of ceiling fixtures, floor lamps, table lamps, indirect lighting (kitchen valance), pot lights (perhaps in the long foyer?).

Some lights will give you direct lighting (for example your dining light fixture that could be swaged over the kitchen island if a dining table is not an option) while table or floor lamps could create more of an ambient lighting for the space and direct lighting for reading.

Q: Would a wall mounted TV be advisable or TV stand?

A: This is personal opinion- I find the wall mounted TVs look good when part of an actual cabinet- like the image on the left side, a stand makes it look more dressed up and gives you the storage space for equipment and all cds, dvds etc.

Q: What could you do with the hallway as it is a little bit of wasted space.

A: Actually the long hallway could be really well used if you consider a built in, or a series of bookcases like Asolo from casalife which gives you flexibility to utilize the entire height of the wall (Asolo comes in few different configurations and sizes) or you could simply use the wall for displaying of art in which case any deep burgundy colors will work really well.

Q: What would be ideal to do with den space? (desk or futon?)

A: It is not easy to have a desk and a sofa bed/futon/any type of seating that converts to a bed because of the door to the washer/dryer area. It may be easier to consider your living room sofa as a sofa bed or you may be able to use this convertible bench and use a very narrow desk that can be moved around when the den becomes a guest room. Without visually being separated from the open space, I must say the Den is one of the first rooms you see when you walk in and the design, colors and how it ties in the rest of the space is very important.

Many small spaces owners are excited to move in their new condos and while the size can be a puzzle especially when columns or dropped ceilings create areas you didn’t envision when you looked at the marketing plan, they can work really well if you keep in mind just few rules of small spaces design: multifunctional furniture, 2 seat vs 3 seat sofas, fully utilize the height and the width of long walls/corridors for built-ins and storage areas and keep the look consistent throughout so when you are in the centre of that small open space you can see the colors flowing naturally from one area to another.

Any small condo space can be a great space!

images courtesy of www.casalife.com , www.eurofase.com , www.benjaminmoore.com , www.suite22.ca

DOWNSIZING-DO YOU HAVE THE SAME DESIGN QUESTIONS?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:35:00 +0000

Condos may be best for couples or singles just starting out or those older than 50 who have lived in a house for 20-plus years and want out of the daily maintenance that houses require. It's about upkeep for most people, the disadvantage to owning a house is upkeep and keeping up with upkeep.

Downsizing isn't just about getting older, retiring or having your kids leave home, but also about making life easier – less space means less stuff, less to clean, and less to worry about.

How about having just as much space as you need? Often large families live in a large house and once kids grow up and go to universities, parents find themselves starting to think again about their life and the quality of their life. Think about how much more you can enjoy life by simply spending quality time with your loved ones. You should all assess how much space you need the same way you assess how much money you need every month.

Today I am answering questions sent by one couple who has made the decision to not only move from a house to a condo but to donate their existing furniture so they can have a fresh start. Now that’s a great example of making the right decisions and helping others!!! They chose a 2b+d condo suite, one of the best condo size and layout for downsizing.

Q: I would like some advice on how to best place furniture in the small den in order for my daughter from time to time come home and sleep over and feel as though the den is her bedroom.

A: The best way is to furnish the Den as a guest room not as a bedroom. Think sofa beds or wall beds, storage, shelving, lamps, area rugs, artwork. The challenge here is to be able to comfortable fit a double bed when open, as the den is only 8’0” x 8’6”.

This example shows how a double wall bed can convert your space from a seating/reading/tv area (possibly) to a sleep area.

If a single bed is an option, I love how the bed is incorporated in this built in and gives you plenty of space around it!

This British company is just one of the many wall beds manufacturers with amazing ideas for virtually any space!

Q: The view walking through the front door is looking straight through to Lake Ontario so I would love your advice on colors throughout the condo in order to bring the outside waterview inside the condo. I don't like trendy colors as we prefer something that will stay in style for a long time.

A: Another great feature- waterfront condos are definitely one of the best ways to downsize, especially if you love water...There are many ways of designing the interior to reflect the exterior, the wall colors or wallpaper patterns and the use of mirrors are just two of them. While using the color blue is an option, it shouldn’t be the only option. Consider using neutrals that will make your space look current for years to come and use accessories that will represent the “water” element like aqua glass tile for kitchen’s backsplash, artwork with vivid blue tones, crystals (chandeliers, lamps etc) which will reflect the light and add a sparkle to the interior- think of all the elements that you will like to see incorporated in your design, find your inspiration first and bring all elements together.

The colors, textures and lighting can, in your case, be found in the "waterfront" theme.

When it comes to selecting paint colors- take a look at Benjamin Moore virtual fan deck- this example shows how aqua colors may be best showcased when combined with other neutrals, it’s all about the actual color tone you prefer (with more gray or more blue or more teal), the intensity of the colors and about all the furnishings- if they are light or dark color. First question to ask yourself is: do I want a tone on tone overall look or a contrasting look? This will open a new design conversation which will lead you in the right direction and help you choose your colors. For a tone on tone look choose your favourite color and select everything around that color. For a contrasting look, decide first if it will be dark or light (simply a preference, one is not better than the other) and choose the floor & wall finishes in opposite colors than your furniture- this is just one way of selecting the colors.

Q: We need advice on furniture placement in the living and dining area to make best use of the space and make it feel larger. Even where we place the sofa, chair and tv. As long as we can fit four people maximum seated comfortably in the living area.

A: this floor plan shows one of the furniture layouts options- Dining Area- think of enjoying large dinner parties where an extendable table is a must, also a round/oval table may work. Living area has a great potential for a TV wall unit due to the length of the wall. You can comfortably use a 7’ sofa and as you can see there is room for a larger one. Why I like 7’ sofas is because most of the time only 2 people will sit on it so I’d rather have more space around for chairs, tables, lamps etc.

Q: Lastly, I would like to know how to use the large terrace in the best possible way to use as outdoor living space from May to October. Any suggestions for furniture type, furniture placement, even where we should put the b-b-q line outside.

A: Before starting to look at furniture, there are few items to be addressed: the bbq line may be dictated by the builder- therefore I recommend looking into this first. This will show you where the outdoor dining area may be setup (I’m guessing the terrace close to the kitchen). Another item to address is the wind factor, if the terrace is covered, the privacy level for each terrace, you can read more about designing your condo balcony/terrace space here. Once these questions are answered, selecting the actual furniture and creating a layout will be much easier.

You are closer than you think to starting your new condo life style...congratulations on making the first steps! :)

KITCHEN ISLAND- VENT HOOD, LIGHTING OR BOTH?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmen) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 22:29:00 +0000

Most open concept condo layouts have a floating kitchen island. There are so many ways to incorporate your kitchen island in the overall design so it doesn’t look like it is part of the kitchen only. Many of the design questions I receive from you are related to kitchen island having a cooktop- how to select a vent hood that doesn’t have the typical rectangular stainless steel shape and becomes part of the overall design of the living space.

Great question I must say! most of the time the kitchen island becomes the focal point of the open space simply because of its shape, size and location.

One of Italy's top kitchen brand for more than twenty years Scavolini Kitchens has many contemporary kitchens where the vent hood looks more like a light fixture and catches your eye for it’s interesting shape and how it is integrated in the actual design of the kitchen.

The ultra modern Boffi kitchens are known for their sleek look and the way they integrate their islands in the overall design. In the Zone kitchen the vent hood disappears behind the design of the bulkhead which accommodates the actual vent and the ductwork required. I love how the different planes intersect and connect the island with the storage unit/seating beside it while making the assembly still look like floating in the open space.

Elica, a british company specialized in vent hoods from traditional to modern to cutting edge has come up with a myriad of solutions from stainless steel to glass to crystals!

Adagio (the left image), in the closed position is flush with the work surface and looks like it's part of the cook top. The advantage of using it is that it can be entirely incorporated in the design of the island and totally dissapear when not in use.

Legend- the left image (I love how the light is incorporated at the bottom of the stainless steel ring) and Bubble (the right image) stand out on their own with their not so typical shapes.

White stream and Pure Wave are dressed to impress... they certainly look like light fixtures and can effortless warm up the space with, White stream with its wonderful glow given by the white shade and Pure Wave by its pink interior color accent.

One of their latest designs, Star is definetely going to brighten up any interior. They mixed the trend of crystal chandeliers with their hood system and lighting and voila!

When trying to step away from the rectangular shapes especially in a small condo space, the vent hood over the kitchen island could be the first element to address and why not design around it? When the furniture and furnishings are well paired with the kitchen finishes, the kitchen island will look like a piece of furniture.

Did you find any cool vent hoods?