Few things are as satisfying as living in a home that truly reflects your personal style.
Yet when it comes to interior design, many of us are still striving to create our ideal living spaces. "People know what they like and don't like, but they often don't know how to go about the process," says Margarida Oliveira of Chic Décor.
Whether you work with a designer or do it yourself, the first step is to consider your lifestyle and how you will use the space whether for entertaining, relaxing or working.
"Don't be tied to the names on the floor plan," advises Bryon Patton of Patton and Associates. "Do you really need a separate dining area?" he asks, describing how he helped one client in a downtown condo turn a second bedroom into a "wine cellar," outfitted with stainless steel racks.
Many interior decorators say the way to make your personal statement is with art and accessories, such as vases, sculptures, books and lamps. Mr. Patton and his team recommend working with a neutral palette such as cream, ivory, grey or taupe for the walls and large pieces of furniture. This can provide the backdrop for your eye-catching art pieces, which will shine a light on your individuality.
"Scale is also very important – bigger is always better in art and accessories," says Mr. Patton. In other words, ditch the little pillows and knick-knacks. Add seasonal fresh flowers instead.
There's nothing like personalizing your décor. In the case of Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, host designers of Cabin Pressure on the Cottage Life network, 99 per cent of the art in their Toronto condo is something they've painted or photographed themselves.
Alexandra Asada – Chic Décor, www.chicdecordesign.com
"It's all about creating a space relevant to you," the duo emphasize, describing how they went against the advice of a realtor and knocked out two of their three bedrooms to create more open space for dinner parties and client meetings. They refer to the renovation as quality over quantity.
If you're aiming for a comfortable, welcoming vibe, layer up with throw blankets on a comfy sofa, and add controllable mood lighting. Then ramp up the cozy quotient by adding a fireplace – gas or electric works well in a condo – and, in the bathroom, heated floors and towel racks will replicate a luxe five-star hotel experience in your own home. On the whole, "fewer items and softer colours" will offer a restful scheme, says Ms. Oliveira.
At the other end of the spectrum is the "minimalist" look, which may be appealing but Mr. Patton finds "too severe" for most people. He recommends a modern classic design (think white, bright and airy) with clean lines, teamed with overtones of vintage and retro that appeal to all ages.
Alexandra Asada – Chic Décor, www.chicdecordesign.com
Ms. Oliveira helped one client create an edgy look with a high-contrast geometric rug, graphic art work, ebony-coloured floors, grey walls and, in the kitchen, long wavy back splash tiles, to spectacular effect.
Height is another consideration. For a modern look, Mr. McAllister would opt for a low-slung sectional sofa (in canary yellow perhaps) and coffee table, punctuated with a few taller pieces of furniture. You can adjust the look with bold coloured cushions, which can be changed seasonally. "Think of pieces with continuity between spaces," he says. "Pick up on touches of yellow in the dining room that would work well with the sofa."
Ever thought of painting your interior window frames? If your condo board allows it, you may be pleasantly surprised by the result. "We painted our window frames from dull silver to black and the difference is outstanding," says Mr. Ryan. "It's like a Bauhausian fantasy."
These days, there's a freedom to mix and match styles. "Your home should be a curated observation of the life you live and every piece should tell a story," says Mr. McAllister. "Items should have an emotional value," he adds, singling out, as an example, his treasured memory bowl, which contains a Polaroid camera and some pictures, signed on the back by the subjects in the images.
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.