A condo can be anything from a thousand square feet to less than a hundred(depending on the price of course) but that does not stop people living in them turning them into a space you can go crazy for. A well designed and maintained condo can indeed be comparable to a single unit home for it can have all the comforts of one(except a front lawn maybe).
Opinions vary and so does styling but whichever way one goes(functional or more decorative) it does give one all the freedom to do whatever you may wish to the interior, as long as it adheres to the building’s set rules and regulations and that you do not bother the neighbors too much.
LED lighting has entered mainstream and is beginning to show their advantages over even the energy saving technology that are CFL lamps. These devices are electronically driven to produce more light per wattage or amount of electricity consumed. They are smaller meaning the space normally consumed by traditional lighting can be used for more important uses and they do not produce as much heat as traditional lighting technologies making them the choice for the lighting technology of the future. Though browsing the home builders depot, you may be surprised at their high initial cost, but not to worry for this is easily made up for with savings on your electricity bill as it does in fact eat less electricity. Greening the many urban areas we live in is a must for these areas are some of the most polluted the world over.
Areas around busy business centers are now filled with condos in all shapes and sizes and for people of all walks of life. These commercial properties thrive due to the need for housing that is near most people’s workplace and also near to most conveniences of modern life. Whether you are a retiree seeking a place close to everything you hold dear, or the office worker who seeks to lessen transportation expenses, these properties are a blessing though they can cost you. Even with today’s ever lower rental rates, such property still entails a huge investment for housing that only active businessmen tend to have and with the economy still deep in the grasp of this recession, time will tell if these luxury properties still manage to keep their occupancy rates high, a major driving force of their price.
As with any home, task lighting is a very important part of your overall lighting solution to bring the condo back to light. Task lighting is the most important of the three types of lighting systems for the home for it focuses on the functionality of the spaces we use frequently, shedding light as we need it to safely and properly complete tasks in and around the home. Task lighting through drop lights that are suspended from the ceiling allows you to vary the amount of light on a working space, or under the shelves and cabinets, counters get light to allow easy kitchen work safely. (more…)
Most condo owners fail to realize that the availability of green products to retrofit condos are available for most homeowners who want to do their small part in the greening of the many major cities we love to live in. From active tints that seemingly by magic, change shades depending on the suns brightness, like those amazing Ray-ban ambermatic sunglasses that turns amber as the sun is bright, lightening as it cools. Window tints are installed professionally with an exception for privacy screens that gives a pane of glass a smoked look giving you privacy if you wish to keep out those prying eyes. (more…)
There are now green furniture that have been produced with technology that has less environment impacting technologies. Most of our loved compressed wood furniture contains a lot of VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds contained within the plastics and glue used to bind these products that enclosed in a small space of say a condo, can pose a grave health risk for they are known to be cancer causing. New products that use recycled wood using better glues and even more traditional methods of woodworking that uses recycled wood as principal raw material. Other new (more…)
1. How long will you staying in the property? The length of your stay indicates the budget you’re willing to spend – smaller, if you see yourself staying there for a year or less, more if more than a year.
2. How much space do I have? . Having an idea of how much space you can utilize dictate the number of furniture you will buy (if the condo isn’t furnished or is just semi-furnished), as well as the other deorations you plan or like to have put up.
3. Are there going to be children and pets in the house? Children and pets are unpredictable elements in a home – if you have kids and / or pets, you might want to avoid displaying breakables. And have your home childproofed.
4. Is there something missing. Something like an extra handrail or an extra cabinet or closet.
Living in a condo, means you have embraced the little space you have for well, everything. One of the best ways to make a small space look so large, less clutter. This doesn’t mean that you don’t buy the stuff you need, you just get stuff that hides easy.
A fold-up bed that turns into a bookshelf during the day is a good idea. Tiered tables which is more tables in less space. What about those walls, fill er’ up with glass shelves that can be used display your collections.
Many options are available and most can be done easily by you with the simplest of tools. Want to give life to those ugly corridors, use indirect lighting for drama and an illusion of more space. Be sure to check your contract for any clauses that may require you to hire contractors such as lighting fixtures and other stuff.
Image Source: paintscape.com
Hip and elegant wall coverings come in many forms and sizes like woven natural hemp, grass, jute, wood, foil, vinyl, polyester and paper. This is a very practical yet decorative way of giving a new look to a room. Using wall coverings doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a an expert to be able to do it – all it takes is a little patience. Finding the right wall covering for you could be a daunting job.
Here are some basic things to know about the kinds of wall coverings. Grasscloth is a hand made product from Korea made of arrowroot (a native Korean vine). It is quite versatile and adds texture and a subtle design to a wall while matching other interior designs. However, this room is not advisable for rooms with a high level of moisture like the kitchen and bathroom.
Condos are becoming more and more popular with young urban professionals. They’re convenient first homes, especially for busy yuppies who need to be near their workplace, and are good invetments in terms of resale or rental value. If you’re looking to buy one, here are some factors to consider in choosing a condo:
Amenities – a major appeal for condos is their amenities, which can vary from the most basic to the most extravagant (small theaters). Most common amenities are swimming pools, day-care centers or playgrounds, gym, courts, jogging trails, etc. Define what you want and what you’ll use, then limit your choices to which condo offers these amenities.
Location – as with any real estate investment, location is key. A good location will mean a high resell value and a good return on your investment. Also, consider what you’re needs are. If you want to be close to work, with shops that are readily accessible, then a city condo is for you. But if you want a location with less noise, traffic, pollution and are planning to raise a family, then a condo nearer a suburb and schools may be what you’re looking for.
