MODERN CONDO LIVING
Toronto condo original floor plan
by KALLI GEORGE
Embracing the journey of homeownership for the first time is exciting and daunting. In a bustling city like Toronto, space comes at a premium and can get expensive. A small condo unit is perfect for a minimalist like you. There is more to life than mowing grass and shovelling snow. Deep down, you cannot help but worry about the space. It is small.
The prospect of a small condo can be daunting for a minimalist. A hybrid work structure involving both office and remote work means an office set up at home. The challenge will lie in optimizing the limited space. Ensuring a clear separation between work and life while maintaining an uncluttered environment. You will need a meticulous plan and innovative design solutions to execute this plan.
TORONTO SMALL CONDO – ORIGINAL FLOOR PLAN
Let us consider a real-life example—a small one-bedroom condo in Toronto. Living, working, and dining all coexist within the same space. The absence of a den means the office is part of the main living area. A strategic approach will be essential to address these space constraints.
So, what could fit in this unit? Quite a lot - actually! We got a masculine, dark, and moody design board together. While the cabinetry is custom, everything else is retail.
Here is a quick outline of the design process and thinking behind this design board.
SMALL CONDO INTERIOR DESIGN – OPTIMIZING THE SPACE
The key to maximizing a small condo is thoughtful planning. The first step is creating a detailed floor plan. It allows for the arrangement of furniture in a way that optimizes every square inch. Contrary to popular belief, small furniture is not always the answer. A little online shopping proves invaluable here. You are not buying anything. It is an exercise in jotting down dimensions and prices. It is a two-fold exercise. One, is you are making sure everything fits. The other is a running total of what everything will cost you. This type of planning will help you pull together a cohesive look.
In this specific layout, the island transforms into a multifunctional space. While it functions as a prep and dining area, it also doubles as an office. The challenge will lie in making it seamlessly blend into the living areas.
CONDO INTERIOR DESIGN – MAKING IT WORK
Small condos often suffer from a lack of storage, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. In this scenario, custom built-in cabinetry becomes a game-changer. It keeps clutter at bay, ensuring a tidy and organized living space. It can also be an architectural feature in an otherwise bland unit. Why opt for custom? It will use every inch of available space.
This bespoke storage solution addresses the distinction between work and life. It hides the office supplies, printers and paperwork behind the cabinet doors. It preserves the minimalist and uncluttered ambiance of the condo.
Meticulous planning optimizes the available space in a small space. It also ensures that the condo remains a testament to minimalist living. It's a home where functionality, comfort, and elegance coexist.
If you’re moving into a small space and this includes a house, let’s hop on a call and talk about it. Small spaces don’t need to be a frustrating experience. After all, home is where you go to recharge.
Kalli George is the founder and lead designer with Kalli George Interiors’ award-winning interior design team. For more than a decade they have managed the design, build and décor of residential projects across the GTA including, Mississauga, Etobicoke and Brampton.
