Space is a commodity in any home — and Joanne Kavoulakis-Drakos of Royal LePage Terrequity Realty, Brokerage in Toronto, Ontario, has some ideas about how you can maximize the space you have while creating an appealing look, whether you have a larger detached home or have chosen downtown living in a smaller condo.
One of the keys is avoiding clutter by removing unnecessary pieces of furniture, while introducing storage and shelving that look great and keep items off the floor. Not only will reducing clutter help you move around easier, it’s also been proven to reduce stress.
“Open concept” is a term you’ve probably heard thrown around a lot in recent years — and for good reason. This concept allows for one living space but still invites separate spaces using a variety of techniques. For example, if you are blending the kitchen and dining room, you can choose a different (complementary) colour palette for each, while choosing design elements unique to each.
This may involve tearing down a non-support wall to open up a space, which should be done with the help of an experienced and insured contractor. Picture a main floor where you can see the entire space without barriers — this can make your home more beautiful as well as more practical, as you can see your children more easily.
You can even use transparent glass doors for a beautiful design touch if you don’t wish to remove an entire wall. It’s about opening up sightlines to draw the eye in and enhance the feeling of space. Don’t be afraid to think vertically and add elements higher up on the walls to make use of their entire area.
Creating a “flow” will help direct foot traffic while creating the illusion of a bigger space. Taking some time (perhaps with the help of an interior designer) to create an effective floor plan can help you make an average home into a great property.