News > Decorating your Austin Condo? Here are some Tips.

If you're out shopping for a newer Austin condo, you'll be happy to find that modern condos here incorporate several more-or-less standard enlightened design features that add a sense of expansiveness and practicality to maximize the interior space. These typically include high ceilings, flexible open floor plans and open concept kitchens. Here are a few decorating ideas to help you make the most of your new condo, or decorate an existing one.

Blessed with High Ceilings?  Go Big.

As wonderful as they are, just as they are, high ceilings can leave you wondering what to do with all that extra headroom hovering above the sight-line. If left empty, they can produce a stark, cavernous appearance. Placing mirrors high up adds reflective light and creates an airy open feeling that pulls the eyes up and elevates mood. On the sensory level, mirrors also introduce an aspect of boundless infinity.

Consider hanging a chandelier, either of the retro style or some of the modern styles that really catch your eye. A big piece of hanging jewelry in the main room brings weight and balance to any condo space with high ceilings. Add a dimmer switch if one isn’t already installed and you gain the ability to adjust the lighting to suit the time of day and occasion.

A large piece of art or sculpture is another way to bring focus to a room with high ceilings. Sometimes dramatic, cathedral ceilings are matched with tall windows and oversized doorways but if your windows are standard, try hanging draperies from the ceiling to supplement their height.

Tall bookcases were made for high ceilings. Add a sliding ladder and the room takes on the warmth of a personal library.

For some ideas with high ceilings, take a look at what's available at The Austonian.

 

Decorating a large open space

Flexible open floor plans blur the lines between common living areas. The walls that once separated living, dining and kitchen areas are gone. There are almost endless combinations for furniture placement and personal style with an open floor plan. Decorating a flex space is all about creating harmonious environments and allowing energy to flow. Imagine how traffic will move most easily and observe where it’s most natural to create quiet contemplative spots as well as places that lend themselves to conversation.

Area rugs are key to define spaces if you have a hard surface floor. Plants and trees add a sense of vibrancy and life (NASA has even found that having at least ten live plants to home is good for your health because they literally clean the air of toxins). 

Don't feel the need to fill up all your space with furniture.   Structure a big space with big furniture.  Sectionals are popular for the living space.

Check out some of the decorating ideas at Austin City Lofts, which has both high ceilings and flexible open floor plans.

Open Concept Kitchens

Open concept kitchens are the latest in modern condo design. They typically feature a peninsula/breakfast bar or center island, which doubles as a cooking/preparation space and dining area. A long waterfall style island offers the flexibility to tuck some contemporary metal stools under the surface area. Pendant or recessed cone lighting are naturals here.  Also popular now is a tile backsplash to break up the solid surfaces and the cabinets.

Minimalism is key in these types of kitchens.  Stow most of your appliances in cupboards or the pantry to keep the counters clear of clutter.

Check out The Spring Highrise for some nice open-concept kitchens.

Want some other ideas for designing and decorating a condo?  Check out some of these new condos in Austin for some great ideas.

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• AUSTIN CITY LOFTS
• AUSTONIAN
• New Construction Condos in Austin

 

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