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Latest in Condo Trends

May 29, 2012

For the past 20 years, condos in Vancouver have been ever changing. So when it comes to condos, staying on the cutting edge of style and décor is important as the perception of what’s hot and what’s not can change quickly. Therefore selecting trendy yet timeless styles, finishes and furniture pieces is the true challenge for all condos residents.

Usually condo owners don’t have plans on living in the home forever so when they sell, they have to keep the place looking attractive, up to date and ensure that it appeals to as many people as possible.

So what’s hot in condos today? What do people look for and appreciate more than the condo on the next block?

Up to Date Finishes and Appliances

These features create the ultimate first impression. Dramatic wood flooring, tasteful stainless steel or integrated paneled appliances, overheight ceilings and stone finishes are all trends that have now become pretty standard. So if these items can be found in most homes, what sets one apart from the other? Well, it comes down to the quality of construction and finishing details and custom built-ins for storage and organization always make a home feel special. These days, condo buyers have a keen eye for detail and it has become an increasingly important factor in their buying process.

A Functional Floorplan

There is nothing worse than walking into a home that has a bad floorplan - one that does not have a natural path, cannot be furnished or has bedrooms that are too small just to name a few. These factors all have to be taken into consideration when walking through the home. As mentioned above, features and finishes can make a lasting first impression however you must ensure that the floorplan meets your needs.

Less is More

The choice to live in a smaller space generally means one must commit to living clutter-free. Although most condos have a storage locker, the space for storage is often limited. Whether you are “moving up” into more space or downsizing, ensuring your furniture is the right scale for the home is important. Oversized furniture can really take away from the space in the home and as a result feel really cluttered and smaller than it is. Alternatively, a two person table in a large dining area will feel awkward also. Regardless, purging your items to ensure your home is well organized and clutter free will likely not only improve your love affair with your home but also help you sell it when it’s time. If you’re nervous about doing this, rent a storage unit for items you may not need to access often and store it away. You may realize that you actually don’t have a need for these items after all.

It’s in the Details

A well-designed condo may have all of the items mentioned above. But it’s the small details that are integrated throughout the home that usually have the biggest emotional impression. Take for example, Cressey Development Groups latest condo Meccanica. It has the famous Cressey Kitchen that includes a walk through style kitchen with ample storage and workspace, a recycle centre and overheight interior doors throughout. Features like these help the home stand apart especially when you’re looking at multiple homes over a short period of time.

Other meaningful details can include walk in closets with custom shelves, built in utensil organizers in drawers and built in shelving in either the living area or bathroom.

Condo trends are ever changing. Whether you are living in one now or looking to purchase on in the near future, it’s important to stay parallel with the curve not only for ease of mind, but also for resale value.

Irshaad Ahmad