Written for: The Globe & Mail
Honey, I Shrunk the Condo
Buying a condo in Toronto can be tricky. The market is competitive, the prices high, and space limited. These realities aside, as the condo market in the city continues to explode, large numbers of baby boomers are considering downsizing, and bravely dipping their toes in to the waters of condo ownership. But moving from a family home to a condo is about more than just a change of location.
An oft-overlooked consideration is the rather drastic lifestyle change associated with downsizing—the biggest part of which, ironically, is the shrinkage of actual living space. “Try not to take existing furniture,” says Jane Lockhart, principle of Jane Lockhart Interior Design. Pieces that once worked well in a larger family home, like an overstuffed sectional sofa, may not be as functional in the context of 600 square feet. “The most common mistake is overestimating the size of the space, and underestimating the size of the furniture.” Unless an item has sentimental value, she advises to leave it behind. Lockhart also suggests avoiding bulky dining room sets and adds that buffets and hutches are a big no-no. Opt instead for a smaller bistro-style dining area, or a breakfast bar.
Another alternative is investing in multi-use pieces. A sleek couch can double as a guest bed, while a desk can be used as additional shelving and cleared off to use as an office space. Dining tables with hidden leaves can expand to fit larger groups at a moments’ notice. But often, Lockhart says, the best course of action is to live in a more Spartan space for a while before deciding how best to arrange it.
Observing how a particular lifestyle flows around a home can make decisions on décor a whole lot simpler, rather than cramming furniture into a space and hoping it will work. “Figure out what it is you specifically want to do in each space,” says Lockhart. “If you enjoy watching television, make sure you have the appropriate electrical in all the right places. Every inch of space matters! Consider built-in furniture, like bookshelves, to maximize the space...Figure out what’s best for you.”
“The big questions are usually, ‘How will I live? How will this work?’” explains Mimi Ng, Vice President of sales and marketing at Menkes Developments. Particularly for buyers with larger families, the idea of losing precious space for entertainment is especially difficult. “Think about the amenities in a building. They can make or break a space, and you can leverage them to maintain a certain lifestyle. I have clients whose grandchildren can’t wait to come visit them in their condo because of the large swimming pool in their building.”
Amenities can also be an excellent way to lessen any sense of loss that buyers may feel associated with things like green spaces. Most newer condo developments take care to set aside “patio” space, usually on a higher floor, that is accessible to all residents of the building. Here, residents can barbecue, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the outdoors in a bustling city. And while you may be several stories above ground, mowing the lawn is now a struggle of the past.