Small Condo Design Ideas

City living sometimes means forfeiting space. If you want to make the most of your limited square footage, check out these small condo design ideas for each room of the house.

Small Condo Design Ideas for Your Living Room

For many, the living room serves as the primary gathering place. Whether it’s your spot to unwind after a long day or the place to entertain guests, most folks want this room to make a good impression. There are a few tricks to spruce up and open up a living room that naturally feels small:

  • Find multi-functional furniture. Whether you find a nice pull-out couch or an ottoman that provides storage, go for pieces that serve several purposes.
  • Incorporate mirrors. Not only do mirrors add a fun aesthetic touch, but they also make a room feel brighter and bigger by adding light and dimension.
  • Go with a large rug. While a smaller living room doesn’t need large furniture, it does benefit from an expansive rug. This staple piece can help anchor the room, giving it a larger appearance.
  • Take advantage of lights. Lighting is a key design element in any room, especially the living room. Brighten your space with a mix of lights- including floor lamps, end table lamps, a ceiling fixture, or even wall sconces.

Small Condo Dining Room Design Ideas

The dining room is another area that can be great for hosting guests. Even if the room is tight, you can create an inviting and warm space with a few expert design recommendations:

  • Go for a round table. Not only does this table shape often make conversing easier, but in a smaller space, it can feel softer than a square one. If you’re leaning toward a rectangular table, try finding a slim and sleek one.
  • Find tables that extend. This adjustable feature allows you to seat more folks when needed or keep the table smaller when you’re not hosting.
  • Opt for wall lights. Rather than bulky floor lamps, add soft dining room lighting with sconces of your choice. Also, when choosing your ceiling light, consider it a main statement piece in the room. Pendant lights are also elegant options for the dining room.

Design Ideas for a Small Condo Bedroom

The bedroom is where you start and end your day, so it’s worth styling this room to your liking. If you’re working with a small bedroom, try these tips:

  • Look into a storage bed. Finding a bed that can hide your belongings is a great start to maximizing this room. Not only can you find beds with storage below, but some headboards also double as storage.
  • Stick with lighter paint colors. Think off-whites, soft neutrals, and pastels. These colors help give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
  • Utilize shelves. When floor space is limited, shelves are a great practical addition. Beyond traditional floating shelves, you can also get creative and add mounted magazine holders.
  • Install wall lamps. Consider installing wall lamps if you don’t have room for side tables next to your bed (or if they’re tiny) but still need some reading light.
  • Find a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. If you have room for this furniture piece, find one that is sleek and tall. In a small space, it’s strategic to maximize the vertical space when floor space is limited.

Small Condo Bathroom Design Ideas

When discussing condo design, the bathroom isn’t often the priority. However, this room is frequented daily and should be practical and inviting. So, how can you achieve both?

  • Find aesthetically pleasing storage solutions. To keep your bathroom organized, opt for nice organizers that match your home’s overall look and feel. You may opt for something modern, like this freestanding bathroom shelf, or something a bit more elegant, like this corner shelving unit.
  • Consider storage that maximizes floor space. If you don’t have room for free-standing storage, there are other options. Consider floating shelves, over-the-toilet storage, or mirrors that double as a cabinet.
  • Incorporate a houseplant in your bathroom. Plants add a nice touch of life to a bathroom, and particular plants thrive in this humid environment. Check out this list to find which plants work well in this room.
  • Replace the hardware. It’s surprising what a difference updated hardware can have on a room. Ensure you’re happy with your bathroom fixtures, including the doorknobs, faucets, and towel rings.
  • Stick with one color scheme. Sometimes (especially in a small bathroom), less is more. Too many patterns or colors can feel like too much.

Small Condo Design Ideas for Your Kitchen

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. Many memories (and meals) are made in this room. You certainly don’t want to neglect the kitchen when designing your condo. Make the most of the special, but possibly small, space by implementing these expert opinions:

  • Invest in dividers. Adding dividers to your drawers, cabinets, or fridge will instantly help declutter your kitchen and maximize this precious space. You will quickly notice how helpful it is to have a designated spot for all your kitchen items.
  • Hang things up. If you have limited counter or cabinet space, consider adding attractive hooks to your walls and hanging up your favorite mugs or cooking utensils.
  • Keep it simple. Often less is more when it comes to the kitchen. Try and avoid going overboard with the decor or items you keep out.
  • Use light colors. This tip applies to any room, but it especially makes a big difference in the kitchen. Consider combining light colors with reflective surfaces, such as glass or stainless steel, to maximize light reflection and create a spacious feel.

Small Condo Office Design Ideas

If you work from home but have a small office, maximize this room and your productivity with these pointers:

  • Choose small and multifunctional furniture. When working out of a tight space, less is always more. Try to avoid bulky and clunky furniture or decorative items. Also, when space is premium, you can make the most of it by choosing furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, you may opt for a storage ottoman as your seat or a foldable desk that can be easily stored away.
  • Find smart storage solutions. Thoughtful and well-organized storage can make a huge difference, especially in a small shared working space. Try finding desks with built-in drawers, file cabinets that can fit under desks, or overhead shelving that can hold storage containers. 
  • Don’t waste wall space. Don’t forget about vertical space when decorating, especially when the floor space is limited. Consider installing floating shelves or bookcases.

Design Ideas for a Small Condo Patio

If you are fortunate to have outdoor space, there are ways to intentionally enhance and set this area up:

  • Set the tone with the right furniture. Not only is outdoor furniture often the focal point, but it is also where you’ll most likely spend your time if you are outside. Find furniture that fits your style while remaining practical. You can find multi-purpose furniture pieces, like ottoman benches, that provide storage and seating.
  • Outdoor throws are a must. Not only do blankets add a nice decorative touch to a space, but they also come in handy when the temperature cools down. Store the throws in an outdoor ottoman, and bring them out when you spend an evening on the balcony.
  • Consider a fireplace.  Along with blankets, outdoor fireplaces are ideal on cooler nights. They also add a cozy element to the space. There are plenty of smaller firepits intentionally built for patios with limited square footage.
  • Spruce it up with greenery.  Outdoor plants bring a space to life. Spend a day at a local plant shop or farmer’s market and find plants that fit your preference. You can then pot your plant in unique pot stands, hang them from the ceilings, or take advantage of window boxes. 
  • Distinguish zones. If your space allows, consider separating it into different spots to maximize the functionality. Maybe one section is for dining, while the other is for games or grilling.
  • Incorporate mirrors. Instead of traditional wall art, try hanging mirrors on your exterior walls. This move can accentuate a good view and ensure people can capture it, regardless of where they’re seated.

With these small condo design ideas, we hope you are prepped and ready to make the most of your home, no matter the square footage! If you are in the market for a new condo, let our experienced team walk you through the process to secure your dream home. Click the button below to start your search today!

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13 Condo Design Ideas for Small Spaces

Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. There are plenty of condo design ideas and luxury interior design tips to expand your square footage and make the most of your floor plan without sacrificing comfort or style. Here are some helpful condo design tips when working with a smaller space.

Common Design Ideas for Smaller Spaces

No space goes to waste when looking to design your compact condo.

Start Neutral

Lighter shades make rooms appear bigger than they are, so think about painting your walls a creamy white or beige. The neutral palette doesn’t have to stop at the paint color either, it also may be helpful to utilize neutral anchor pieces like cabinets or sofas. Plus, homes with neutral palettes tend to sell a lot quicker too. 

Don’t Shy Away From Patterns

If you’re not into the all-white interiors, good news because your space definitely doesn’t have to be! Show off your personality with accessories like bright throw pillows or a textured print accent chair. Bright patterns typically tend to lighten the space too, so definitely think about incorporating some of those.

Harmonize The Space

No matter which palette you choose to go with, just be sure your space is in harmony. Choosing a color palette with coordinating shades or repeating metals in the hardware and furnishings are just some of the ways you can harmonize your entire condo space.

Increase Your Natural Light

Even if you weren’t blessed with tons of natural light in your condo, you can give the illusion of more light with mirrors. Mirrors really open up the space and also tend to double the light in a room as well.

Layer Lighting

Don’t just stick to one type of lighting. In order to create a cozy and curated interior space, include many levels of lighting like floor lamps, pendants, sconces, chandeliers, task lights, flush mounts, etc.

Draw Your Eyes Up

In the theme of creating the illusion of more room, drawing your eyes up is another key tip! Think floor-to-ceiling draperies, pendants or drop lights, and floor-to-ceiling wall shelving.

Linear Prints Are Your Friend

The best kind of prints for small spaces are ones with geometric shapes or vertical lines. These prints tend to open up the room and give the illusion of more vertical and horizontal space.

Create Zones and Define Rooms

If you’re working with a small condo space, you’re in luck because the traditional days of a separate workspace, dining, or living room are over. Now, buyers are making the most of their space by “zoning” rooms. If you’re living in a 1-bed condo but need a space for work, section off a part of the living room by painting an accent wall where the desk is. You can also play around with defining your zones by using rugs or furniture as well. 

Multifunctional Furniture Is Key

Choosing furniture pieces that have more than one purpose means you can get all the functionality for less. Think foldaway dining tables or desks, a moveable kitchen island, convertible sofa bed, or bedroom dividers full of storage.

Pack In The Storage

Storage is so important when you’re living in a small condo space. Incorporating hidden storage throughout your home is the best way to keep the clutter out of site. For example, consider switching out a pedestal bathroom sink to a vanity sink with storage. You could also make the most of under-bed storage, built-in wall storage, or entryway storage.

Always Have An Entryway

No matter the size of your space, you should always have an entryway zone to drop off your keys or hang your coat. Even if it’s only a foot wide — a mirror, a few hooks, and a thin console table with a key tray makes all the difference. 

Don’t Skimp On The Rug

Nothing says tiny condo like a rug that doesn’t fit your furniture! As a rule of thumb, your rug should be large enough so that most of the furniture in the setting fits on it. 

Maximize Your Negative Space

Negative space is key when giving the illusion of more room in your condo. Floating media consoles, glass coffee tables, floating shelves, or exposed legs on your couch gives both you and the ground some breathing room.

Whether you’re buying or looking to upgrade, our experienced team of leasing professionals is here to help. Connect with Luxury Living today for any home buying questions you may have.

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