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Condo Remodel
Ready to turn your high-rise condo into your own little palace?
Everybody dreams of a bigger home, but as condo owners, we have to work with what we’ve got.
No expanding the lot, no knocking down walls, no building on top of ourselves 20 stories up.
But here’s the thing
According to this latest survey report on home renovation trends for 2024, a whopping 44% of homeowners are spending more on renovations this year than they did last year.
And the majority of these projects revolve around maximizing the space they have, rather than expanding it.
Here’s the deal:
Condo remodeling means playing by a whole new set of rules, because you are literally confined to a set number of square feet.
The average apartment size increased to a whopping 908 square feet in 2024, but here’s what you need to know: it’s not about the size. It’s about how you make it work.
In this guide, you’re going to learn:
- Why Rules for Single-Family Home Remodeling Don’t Work for High-Rise Condos
- Space Multiplication Methods: How to Double or Triple Your Space
- Storage Solutions that Don’t Look Like Storage
- Dealing with Condo Board Rules, Restrictions & Regulations
Why Rules for Single-Family Home Remodeling Don’t Work for High-Rise Condos
First things first. Condo remodeling is a game on its own.
Why?
Unlike stand-alone houses, where you can expand outwards or upwards, condos come with a built-in fixed space. Structural restrictions, HOA guidelines, and the neighbors are all there.
But here’s the bright side…
Working within constraints can often lead to more creative, space-maximizing solutions.
You can’t just go wider or taller, so you need to go smarter instead. And remodeling a condo requires a completely different mindset than traditional home renovation.
Space Multiplication Methods: How to Double or Triple Your Space
Secret’s out, here’s how to do it:
Zones, Not Rooms
Rooms separated by walls are prime space-wasters. Create zones with furniture placement, lighting, and area rugs instead.
Your living room can be a home office by day and an entertainment space by night. All without adding a single dividing wall.
Utilize Vertical Space Like Your Life Depends On It
Here’s a shocker: most condo owners flat-out ignore their vertical space. That’s a big mistake.
Floor-to-ceiling shelving, tall bookcases, and wall-mounted everything. Get the point? Your walls are your best friend. Use them.
Multi-Functional Furniture, Every Single Time
Rule number one for small spaces: every single furniture piece has to do double or triple duty. Here are some examples:
- Ottoman with hidden storage inside
- A dining table that transforms into a workstation
- Bed with built-in drawers underneath
- Coffee table that lifts up and doubles as a desk
If every piece of furniture has more than one function, you’ve effectively doubled (or tripled) the use of your space’s square footage.
Storage Solutions that Don’t Look Like Storage
The problem with storage in tiny spaces…
If it looks like storage, it’s taking up valuable visual space. And visual space is as important as physical space here.
Hidden Storage Hacks
The best storage is the one you can’t see:
- Built-in window seats with storage underneath
- Hollow furniture pieces that open up to reveal hidden storage
- Mirrors with secret compartments behind them
Kitchen Storage that Doubles the Space
Pull-out pantries, magnetic spice racks, and under-cabinet storage. Holy grail of kitchen hacks. Here’s a trick, though: use the inside of cabinet doors for storage too.
Bathroom Storage without Clutter
Over-the-toilet storage units, recessed medicine cabinets, and floating vanities create more storage with no visual clutter.
Dealing with Condo Board Rules, Restrictions & Regulations
Warning alert!
Every condo building has rules and regulations. Lots of them.
Make sure to know your limitations upfront before starting any work. You will not be allowed to:
- Make any structural changes to the building.
- Move plumbing fixtures.
- Do any major electrical work (only basic updating will be allowed).
- Make a ton of noise during renovations (usually only allowed from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays).
And this is what you will most probably be allowed to do:
- Change paint colors and flooring
- Replace cabinets
- Update light fixtures
- Make cosmetic changes
Get It In Writing
Put all your renovation plans on paper and submit them to your condo board for approval before starting work. Include detailed drawings, contractor info, and timeline.
Saves you a ton of headaches in the future. Some buildings even require a security deposit for renovation work. Consider this while budgeting.
Using Color and Light to Make Spaces Appear Larger
The single biggest visual trick to making a space look larger?
Light colors reflect light, dark colors absorb it.
Paint your walls in light, neutral colors. End of story. But wait, there’s more…
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…
Mirrors are your new best friend. Place them opposite windows to bounce natural light throughout the space. A well-placed large mirror can instantly double the perceived size of a room.
Layer Up Your Lighting
Top-down-only lighting makes everything feel flat and small. Add:
- Floor lamps in corners
- Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen
- Wall sconces for ambient lighting
- Table lamps for task lighting
Multiple sources of light create depth and make the space feel more open.
Open Floor Plans: When and When Not to Go Open
Open floor plans are all the rage right now, but they’re not the answer to everything. Here’s the deal:
Open floor plans work great for entertaining and opening up a space. But they suck for privacy and functionality when multiple people live in a space.
You might need to close off areas for work, sleep, or just some peace and quiet. Use temporary solutions like:
- Room dividers on wheels
- Curtains that can be closed
- Furniture arrangements that create natural boundaries
Integrating Technology for the Ultimate Living Experience
Smart home technology is your friend.
Wall-mounted tablets instead of traditional control panels. Smart light switches to replace multiple remotes. Wireless everything means no cords cluttering up your space.
Prioritize Renovation Changes for Best Results
Pick and choose your battles and renovations. Focus on changes that will have the most impact and give you the most bang for your buck:
- Paint (Biggest visual impact, least amount of money)
- Lighting (Transforms how space feels immediately)
- Storage solutions (Dramatically increases functionality)
- Flooring (Makes the entire space flow better together)
Leave the big-ticket kitchen and bathroom remodels for later phases of your project.
Final Thoughts
Maximizing space in high-rise condos isn’t about having a bigger square footage. It’s about using the space you have more intelligently and more efficiently.
Focus on multi-functional furniture, hidden storage solutions, and light colors. Understand and navigate your building’s restrictions and regulations at the start of the project. And remember, the simplest solutions are often the best ones.
Your condo might be small, but it can feel so much bigger than its actual size. The secret is thinking more creatively and working more smartly within your constraints instead of fighting against them.
Every single square foot counts when you’re 20 stories up in the sky.