Condo living comes with perks—convenience, location, and less maintenance. But space? Not so much. Whether you’re in a high-rise in Richmond Hill or a stacked townhouse in Cornell, making the most of your square footage takes strategy.
At Nova Decor, we’ve helped dozens of clients rethink their layouts with smart, efficient storage upgrades that don’t sacrifice style. Here are our top space-saving solutions that make a small living feel big.
Built-In Storage That Disappears into the Design
The best storage doesn’t just hold stuff—it blends in. Custom-built-ins can be designed to match your walls, ceilings, or flooring, giving the illusion of more space while reducing clutter.
Examples we’ve installed locally:
- Entryway bench with shoe cubbies and coat hooks (Greensborough condo)
- Living room TV wall with hidden drawers and bookcase surround (Langstaff high-rise)
- Narrow hallway storage tower with mirror-facing doors (Markham Village)
Homeowner Quote: “We didn’t think our hallway could be useful—but Nova Decor turned it into a sleek storage wall that holds everything from umbrellas to dog treats.” — David & Miriam, Richmond Hill
Multifunctional Furniture: The Condo Essential
When space is limited, every piece of furniture should work harder. Choose beds with drawers, ottomans with lids, and expandable dining tables that serve dual purposes.
Our favourite go-tos:
- Murphy beds with shelving and lighting
- Lift-top coffee tables with hidden storage
- Modular seating that doubles as guest beds or toy bins
Client Tip: A family in Thornhill had us retrofit a media unit with folding workstations. Now two people can work from home during the day and enjoy movie nights in the evening.
Case Example: In a Newmarket condo, we designed a bench-seat banquette with under-cushion storage that doubled as both dining and work-from-home space. “It looks built-in and saves us from having to squeeze in a separate desk,” said homeowner Leanne M.
Go Vertical—To the Ceiling
You may not have a large footprint, but you are likely to have untapped vertical space. Think above doors, under windows, or over kitchen cabinetry.
Ideas to consider:
- Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes in bedrooms or dens
- Open shelving above windows for decor and books
- Over-the-door organizers in closets and pantries
Local Note: In compact condos in Aurora and Newmarket, we often install floating shelves and vertical pantry towers that boost storage without crowding the room.
Client Highlight: “We added storage cubes over our front closet and cabinets around the bed. It’s amazing how much more open the floor feels when everything has a home,” said Joseph K., owner of a 600 sq. ft. condo in Aurora.
Built-In Niches and Recessed Storage
Don’t overlook the space between the studs. Recessed shelving can be added during renovation in bathrooms, kitchens, or even hallways.
Popular niche placements:
- Shower walls for toiletries
- Kitchen backsplashes for spice racks
- Beside beds for built-in nightstands
Design Bonus: These storage zones create depth and interest, perfect for adding style and space at once.
Pro Tip: One couple in Vaughan wanted a cleaner bathroom to look. We installed double shower niches with matching tile trim, freeing up space and making the bathroom feel twice as big.
Customize Closets (and Not Just Bedroom Ones)
Every inch of a closet should earn its keep. Custom organizers let you double or even triple usable space with better shelf spacing, drawers, and rods.
Closet ideas for small-space living:
- Entry closets with pull-out baskets and vertical dividers
- Reach-in-bedroom closets with built-in hampers
- Linen closets with adjustable shelves for towels and cleaning supplies
Client Highlight: In a Richmond Hill penthouse, we turned a shallow linen closet into a dual-purpose cleaning station with vertical storage for mops, vacuums, and folding supplies.
Homeowner Feedback: “The difference is unbelievable. We can finally store our vacuum, ironing board, and all our supplies without stacking things on top of each other. The space actually works now.” — Nina & Kevin, Markham
Final Thoughts
Living small doesn’t mean sacrificing function or style. With thoughtful planning and a few custom touches, your condo or compact home can feel bigger, brighter, and beautifully organized.Ready to transform your small space? Contact Nova Decor Construction Ltd. for a free consultation. We help homeowners across Markham and York Region make every square inch count.
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