Size matters, even in compact condos
Excerpt from an article by Alex Newman - Special to the Toronto Star
When it comes to condos, space is the last frontier, the ultimate luxury. That’s why designer Paul Maggiacomo talks a lot about size when discussing his decor choices at the new Success model suite.
Reality checks about big cities, urban densities and small spaces aside, Maggiacomo says more buyers just want space. So, at the Success model, he expanded space in many ways.
First there’s the physical means — bigger footprints and better layouts — so that six can sit comfortably while dining, and sleeping on queen beds is feasible.
In the kitchen — a highly efficient U-shape — Maggiacomo optimized the vertical space by bringing cabinets full height to the ceilings. That way, cabinetry consumes less of the footprint without compromising storage or workspace.
Visual space was also a consideration. “While the living area is large,” Maggiacomo says, “I tried to incorporate furniture so it didn’t run front to back, in a long narrow way, but across the unit so that the den area also became part of the living space.”
By opening the wall between den and living area, he was able to further increase that sense of openness.
A large bank of windows is draped in simple sheers, but the opaque bottom panels and valance trim create a horizontal sight line that further expands the space along a horizontal plane.
By running the drapes the entire width of the unit’s windows, “a tremendous amount of volume” is added, Maggiacomo notes.
In the kitchen, glass backsplash tiles, glass uppers, under-cabinet lights, and simple white cabinet doors, lend an airy feel. Open to the living and dining areas, the kitchen is distinguished by unobtrusive pendant lights, suspended prettily over the taupe granite-topped island.
Read the rest of the article hereÂ
———————————————————————————