Make Your Condo in Montreal a Style Haven

With winter on its way, it’s safe to say that you’ll be spending a lot more time indoors over the next few months. That very idea may make some Montreal condo owners groan, but for those who take the time to make their homes comfortable and stylish, the season can actually be exciting.

Yes, making your condo relaxing, warm and sophisticated is actually a lot easier than it sounds, and all it requires is attention to detail, carefully picked furniture and accessories, and a bit of old fashioned elbow grease to get started.

Here are a few of our favourite tips and tricks to make your living space the perfect sanctuary for the upcoming season.

Cut the Clutter

There is no way you’ll ever be able to relax if you’ve got boxes on the floor, books crowding your tables and paper strewn all over the place. The number one step to making your condo look good should always be: clean and de-clutter to the max.

Boxes may serve a purpose when you’re moving, but real storage units, like bookcases, chests, armoires and shelves are what you need to make your space look really good. If you have a lot of stuff, and little space, go for an all in one unit, which can double as a bookshelf, storage unit and TV stand all in one. Likewise, invest in tables or desks that have extra storage spaces added to them. Filing cabinets are a must-have for people who work from home, and shoe rack hangers are lifesavers for those who just can’t throw away their favourite pair of boots.

Simplify with a Basic Colour Scheme

Vibrant colours are great for adding dimension and character to your home. Have too many of them however, and the atmosphere can start to feel chaotic. If you want an easy way to make your home look clean and sophisticated, stick to a colour scheme of no more than three colours, or even better, two. White and a vibrant colour is always a safe bet. White tones tend to make spaces feel larger, while a pop of contrast, say a cool blue, green or warm sienna red, will add personality.

Experts recommend making your contrasting statements few and far between, because they’ll draw the eye towards them. So, pick a few colourful pillows, a throw, and maybe a matching rug. But that should be all you need to make a colour statement in any room.

Pick Only the Furniture Basics

A common error many condo owners make when first decorating their places is buying way too much furniture. It’s better to only choose a few really great essentials, than to have too many loose stools and chairs. “But what about the guests?” you say. Have a few foldable chairs in storage, or invest in a bench that takes up little space. Unless you are hosting parties all the time, you’ll want to keep your space clear of excess furniture. It will make your home feel bigger and your rooms look cleaner. Plus, parties are more fun when there’s standing room only.

Accessorize with Care

Accessories add the finishing touches to any living space, but you need to make sure you don’t overdo it. Too many of them, and you’ll have clutter once again. Some great picks include: coffee table trays (they help keep your magazines and books neatly organized), candles (they add warm light and a romantic touch to any room), and a few (1-3 max) personal mementos that can serve as conversation pieces.

Decorating your condo can be a lot of fun when you see the results first hand. Just remember, you don’t have to do anything fancy. You just have to keep it simple. Follow these rules of thumb and you’ll enjoy months of cozy indoor time in your personal sanctuary.