As living costs continue to skyrocket, particularly in urban centres like Vancouver and Toronto, the way people think about their living spaces is undergoing major changes. With the average home in these cities costing well above $1 million, the value of each square foot has reached unprecedented levels.
At the forefront of this shift is a focus on small space design—an area where innovative thinking and smart solutions are not just desirable but essential as designers and homeowners look for ways to justify the growing price tags on modestly-sized properties.
Emerging trends in condominium design
Many of the design trends that have long been popular in Europe are making their way across the Atlantic and into North American cities, particularly in the context of condominium design. The move towards minimalism, driven in part by the high cost of living and the desire for more sustainable lifestyles, is reflected in the trend towards smaller, more efficient living spaces.
One of the most significant trends is the partitioning of spaces for both aesthetic and functional purposes. This includes features like hidden kitchens and coffee centres that can be concealed behind panels, where you can create what has become known as the ‘appliance garage.’ These innovations allow for a clean, uncluttered look.
Another trend gaining traction is the shift from traditional cabinets with swing doors to base cabinets that primarily feature drawers for versatility. In upper cabinets, European-inspired flap stay hardware is being integrated more frequently. This hardware allows upper doors to swing, fold, or accordion, providing easier access to traditionally inaccessible areas. From an aesthetic standpoint, cabinets that extend to the ceiling are becoming the norm, contributing to a sleek, modern look.
The use of different types of wood, particularly in natural and darker tones, add depth and warmth to spaces, aligning with a broader movement towards designs that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Furniture selection and orientation
Understanding how a space is used on a day-to-day basis and how needs evolve will help maximize functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Every detail matters, from the placement of furniture to the choice of materials and finishes.
Innovative storage solutions and multi-purpose furniture are playing a critical role in this regard. For instance, wall beds, also known as the murphy bed, have seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in rooms that serve as both a bedroom and an office or entertainment space.
Drawer organizers for utensils, pots, and pans, as well as spice rack pull outs positioned near cooking worktops, are becoming standard rather than an upgrade in kitchen design. Similarly, waste management solutions that fit into lower cabinet pull-out drawers are now commonplace, reflecting a European influence that North American design has embraced.
Lighting: enhancing space perception
Good lighting can make a small space feel larger and more inviting. Task lighting, functional lighting, and atmospheric lighting each have their role to play in small space design. Solutions that combine light within furniture—in shelving, under cabinetry, surrounding bed frames—create an integrated, fully-connected experience that enhances the material and texture within a room and various living spaces, whether for relaxing, entertaining, working, etc.
The importance of thoughtful furniture selection and orientation is increasingly apparent while navigating the challenges of multi-residential living. By choosing pieces that serve multiple purposes and arranging them to enhance flow and functionality, condo dwellers can create spaces that are efficient and inviting.
Earl Ducharme is the managing director at Häfele Canada Inc.
