Creating a comfortable living space as a condo owner can be a daunting task. But if you’re eager enough to transform your space, it’s something that’s worth investing in. Let’s take a look at some simple tips and tricks you can use to make decorating your luxury condo a breeze.
1. Understand Basic Interior Design Principles
You don’t need to be a professional interior designer to decorate your luxury condo. You do, however, need to understand some of the basic principles so that you make smart choices.
Every interior designer with professional education knows that there are several key principles of interior design. These include balance, rhythm, harmony, proportion, and scale. Take some time to familiarize yourself with each of these. For example, once you understand the basics of rhythm and how repetition and contrast are used to spark visual interest, you’ll think differently about design choices.
2. Understand Your Space
The next step is to understand the space you’re working with. Your condo has unique attributes, architectural features, opportunities, and limitations. Take inventory of the overall layout and look. Think through how different areas flow into one another, as well as any integral features like exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, unique ceilings or windows, etc.
It’s also necessary to carefully measure your space. Precise measurements will ensure you make wise choices when it comes to selecting furniture and other design elements. (The last thing you want is to have your proportions wrong, which can lead to an awkward or cramped flow.)
Good interior design begins at the intersection of interior design principles and the individual characteristics of your space. Once you identify both, you’re able to really lean into a creative design.
For example, if you own a Bristol Palm Beach condo, you’ll want to lean into the sleek, modern, minimalistic feel that the condo architects and designers intended for the space. This means luxurious finishes, clean lines, and neutral color palettes. On the contrary, if you’re in an urban condo in Indianapolis that’s built in a renovated warehouse, your design might have more earthy and industrial elements.
3. Identify Your Color Palette
Color is one of the most powerful tools you have in your design toolbox. The colors you select for furniture, walls, and other accessories will dramatically impact the mood and perception of the spaces. Think carefully about color before moving too far along.
When choosing a color palette, consider the overall style and atmosphere you want to create. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look with stark whites and cool grays? Or a warm, inviting space with earth tones and soft neutrals? Maybe you’re drawn to the bold and glamorous appeal of jewel tones? Each of these factors is significant.
In addition to color, things like textures, materials, and patterns are significant. Even within the same neutral color palette, having different textures can break up the visual appearance and prevent your condo from feeling monotonous or repetitive.
4. Select the Right Furniture
Having the right furniture in your condo can really set the overall design apart and give it a luxurious feel (rather than a cookie-cutter, IKEA vibe).
When shopping for furniture, think through the details. Luxury furniture is clearly distinguishable by the superior craftsmanship, feel, and details. Buy pieces that will last – not something that’s cheap and accessible.
If you really want to take things to another level, consult with local craftsmen and furniture builders who can create unique pieces to fit your space.
5. Get the Lighting Right
Lighting is one of the most important (and overlooked) elements in luxury design. Ignore it at your own risk. Use it to amplify the look and feel of your condo.
There are three types of lighting to consider: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting provides general illumination for a room, task lighting is used for specific activities like reading or cooking, and accent lighting is used to highlight specific features or decor items. Your luxury condo should ideally incorporate a blend of all three.
Avoid harsh, white lighting that makes your condo look like a science lab or surgical ward. Opt for warm, soft lighting that creates a cozy and welcoming vibe. Put lights on dimmer switches to give yourself the flexibility to adjust lighting based on the needs of the moment.
Design Your Dream Condo
It’s your condo – make sure you get a design that makes you feel at home. Using these tips, you can rethink your approach to luxury condo design and develop a space where you want to spend more time. Ready, set, go!
