Space, or the lack of it, is one of the biggest concerns most condo owners have. But here’s the good news: small spaces don’t have to mean cramped and cluttered. There are ways you can maximize even a shoebox studio-type condominium, and you won’t even have to consider costly home improvements.
Here are some space and budget savvy tricks you can use to make a condominium look bigger:
Colors matter
While dark colors make a room look more relaxing and cozy, it can also make it look stuffy and small. Lighter colors, on the other hand, bounce off light, making a space look bigger and airier. If white walls and ceilings look a little too bright for you, go with pale pastels or light neutral colors such as beige or cream.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
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Another way you can create the illusion of space is by placing a mirror behind an end table. This not only reflects light, but also makes it look like there’s another room concealed behind the table.
Space it out
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Pushing your furniture up against the wall won’t make your condominium look bigger. In fact, you’ll only achieve the opposite by doing this. Allow some breathing space around pieces of furniture to lend an appearance of more space in your condominium.
Invest on multi-purpose pieces
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Hit two birds with one stone by investing on furniture that serves more than one purpose. A coffee table with a built-in desk not only makes an interesting centerpiece for your living room, but also lets you stash away photo albums, books, or magazines for a cleaner look.
Maximize vertical space
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Hang shelves near the ceiling, or use command hooks to hang things on walls and doors. This not only helps you save floor space, but also draws the attention upwards instead of across the room.
Bigger is better
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Contrary to popular notion, small spaces don’t necessarily need smaller decors or pieces. Sets of smaller items only make a small room look more cluttered. Opt for bigger but fewer decors, furniture, or accents instead to give the illusion of wider spaces.
Let the sunlight in
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Windows not only let light in, but also give an otherwise small room or condominium unit more depth by revealing the natural landscape outside. If you’re worried about the privacy of your pad, opt for sheer white drapes for a cool and airy feel while keeping prying eyes out.
Ditch the ceiling light
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Single overhead lights that concentrate in a single space make a room look dark, dreary, and confined. Opt for smaller lamps spread across the room to draw eyes around the area.
Color coding
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If you have a massive collection of books, shoes, or decors, try arranging them by color and height. This gives a group of smaller items look less cluttered and more streamlined.
With a dash of creativity and some keen attention to details, you can make a small condominium unit or bachelor pad look bigger and better sans the expensive renovation.