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3 Small Space Solutions for Every Apartment

More and more of us live in smaller spaces. This could be a retirement condo, an urban apartment, or even a popular “tiny home”. Being able to maximize space with wall bed plans, innovative storage ideas, and custom cabinets helps plays an important role in keeping clutter to a minimum. What are some of the top trending space saver ideas for 2019?

Maximize Sleeping Space

Our beds take up a large part of our home area, yet we only spend a third of our day sleeping in them. One ingenious way to save space designing wall bed plans. Whether you choose this design for a spare guest room, for your master bedroom, or for the kids’ room, you will enjoy the benefits of creating multi-functional room and readily open space. For example, the chidlren’s room can double as a play room. Just hide the bed during the day and use at night. It is that simple!

Custom Shelving and Cabinets

Have a professional designer review your home’s floor plan with you. Discover new ways to maximize space with unique custom cabinets and shelving that works around your available space. This year natural and unique design is in. Ask our professionals today about creating an aesthetically pleasing storage solution for your home. You might be able to find extra room with mounted shelves, bookcases, and hidden storage systems.

End Tables and More

Besides custom designs, you can add extra space with small end tables, bookcases, and ottomans that have hidden storage inside. Lightweight end tables can be paired together for a coffee table or a small bookcase can be hidden in a small nook. Take a moment and look at your home. Write down every place that you find wasted space. Then innovate with a design professional. You will love your home’s new cleaner look.

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Top Kitchen Renovation Trends for 2019

This year homeowners are opting for new refreshing natural looks for their spaces. Read more about the latest 2019 design trends from unique kitchen designs for small kitchens to top of the line professional luxurious looks. Every home has a style that will truly maximize space and add beauty to every home.

Storage, Storage, Storage

No matter the size of the home – small urban apartment to spacious mansion – every home needs good storage. In fact, one of the top trending kitchen designs for small kitchens involves the beauty of carefully concealed storage. With customized kitchen cabinetry you can hide pots and pans, spices, cutlery, and more in a tasteful efficient way. Hide spices in narrow drawers on an island, or find clever ways to install drawers for your collection of wrought iron pans. Instead of displaying a mess of dishes and cups, hide them behind beautiful woodworking and natural finishes. Install a custom-made pantry or closet to further maximize your space.

Open Shelving

For those items that you are not trying to hide, use open shelving and custom cabinetry. Display unique pieces, natural cutting boards, and live plants for an overall peaceful beautiful look. Inspired by looks from luxury hotels, these little nooks of unique style truly stand out in your space.

Go Vintage

Accessorize your space with unique vintage items. For example, buy retro chairs from estate sales or thrift shops and stain them in natural hues. Find unique knick-knacks from your travels and display for guests to see. Use soft lighting, natural materials, and antique fixtures to finish the look.

Greenery

No matter how you decide to design your kitchen, don’t forget to add greenery. Beautiful houseplants and an organic mini-herb garden all add an extra touch of elegance to your simple design. Enjoy your beautiful space for years to come.

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The Best Closet Systems of 2018

As the year rolls to an end, finding room for all of our new gadgets, clothing, and stuff from the holiday season can be difficult. Want to make the most of out of your space? Check out these amazing closet organization tips using the latest and trendiest closet systems this year.

Customized Closet Organizers

No matter how much or little space you have, a customized closet organizer is the most popular option for maximizing space and minimizing clutter in your home. One of the top closet organization tips is making the most of your closet by designing around your current space and furniture with a professional.

Whether you have a small studio apartment or a luxurious mansion, an interior designer can help you see where you can store your belongings in a stylish and efficient manner. Save money by using unused spaces. Open up room in your home by storing away rarely used items. A professional will help you accomplish this and more affordably.

Hanging Solutions

While less attractive than a customized closet space, many homeowners still opt for traditional hanging solutions. These usually require a little do-it-yourself savvy and include a combination of rails, rods, and various add-ons. This is especially ideal if you want a more functional and not necessarily aesthetically pleasing, space.

An Attractive Walk-In Closet

Why be satisfied simply with a closet space? Why not design a walk-in closet? Create a luxurious space in your home where you can choose your wardrobe, dress, and enjoy taking care of you. Included with this amazing organization solution are options like attractive custom lighting, beautiful wood finishes, an impressive array of custom drawers, and almost limitless layout choices. Store everything from evening dresses to winter boots to jewelry.

Lighting

Whether you opt for a customized closet space, a walk-in closet, or decide to go DIY, be sure to include attractive lighting in your design. Lighting can make the difference between a space feeling like a private haven to a monstrous nightmare. Choose options like glass shelving and attractive wood finishes to make your closet space even more attractive and functional for years to come.

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Top 4 Home Office Ideas

workspace-designWorking from home can sometimes be a harrowing experience. Clutter builds up and it seems like there are distractions and noises everywhere. Utilize good workspace design to organize your office, focus on your work, and create an aesthetically pleasing space with these simple ideas.

Organization

Before you can start working in your office again, address the need for organization. Do you have tons of clutter, papers, and trash surrounding you? Does it look like a computer cable jungle? Then install closet organizers and custom cabinetry in your workspace design. Besides being functional, having extra storage hides away the unnecessary mess and allows you to focus clutter-free on your task at hand. There are many closet organizer systems that you can use. Custom cabinets designs can accommodate computer gear, office equipment, unsightly files, and more. Speak with an experienced design professional about your unique organizational needs.

Personal Taste

While you want to keep your overall home office space clean and professional, don’t forget to add in a little fun. Personalized photographs and special keepsakes can add a little bit of personality to a space without adding clutter and distraction. Keep the room functional, but add in a little bit of humor.

Lighting

Never underestimate the power of good custom lighting. If you are the computer for hours on end or have to read hundreds of papers as part of your work, have warm white lighting to help avoid eye strain. Electronics emit harmful blue light. Be sure that you allow your eyes to rest and have enough lighting to do your work without harming your eyes. Setting up your desk by a window, to give yourself a view and provide natural lighting, is an excellent way to use lighting to your advantage. Talk with a professional designer about how you can use office organizers and lighting to enhance your work experience.

Add a Little Green

Nothing breathes life into a room like adding beautiful lush greenery. Besides enhancing the overall aesthetics of your office, plants also clean the air and trigger feelings of joy in your brain. Add several plants to your home office space.
Reorganize and rethink your home office to increase overall productivity. Enjoy the space. Make your office uniquely you.

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3 Ways to Make Your Closet Work for You

closet-systemsYour closet give you a headache with the crazy amount of clutter? No fear! Check out some of these great closet lifehacks to help you get some space and some sanity! From trendy space-saving tips to incredible closet systems, let’s explore how you can make your closet work for you.

Time to Toss

Before you worry about complicated closet systems, buying fifty bins for your socks, or stacking shelves from floor to ceiling for your shoes, take a moment and truly assess what you own. Most of us can easily toss about a quarter of everything that we own. This includes anything that you haven’t worn in twelve months, clothes that don’t fit, broken knick-knacks, and probably about half of your accessories. Need some help getting rid of your extra stuff? Check out the KonMari method of organization book by Marie Kondo or hire a professional organizer.

Make Some Space

Now that you have tossed and donated bags of unused items, you can truly assess how to make more space for what you do use. There are many professional closet saving systems available, or you can speak with a professional designer about creating a customized system for you. The benefits of a customized system mean that you can have all the luxurious added bells and whistles designed by an expert who truly knows how to create a closet space that matches your unique personal taste.
For the do-it-yourself organizer, assess where you can add extra rods for hanging clothes, shelving, and drawers. Don’t forget to look at the space behind your door for extra hanging space.

Lighting and Mirrors

Believe it or not, you can create the illusion of more space and add functionality to your closet by adding the right lighting and mirrors. A long mirror can be useful for changing or find space for smaller staggered mirrors for an eclectic look. A professional designer can help place ambient lighting that opens up space and makes a closet more of a sanctuary. The additional lighting adds a little practicality and even safety for reaching those items a little out of reach at night.
Follow these great closet lifehacks to make the most of your closet space. Enjoy the freedom that less clutter brings!

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3 Finishing Touches for Your Kitchen Design

pantry-shelvingYou are almost done with your kitchen renovation. Finally, you will have the beautiful kitchen of your dreams, with modern kitchen cabinets and efficient pantry shelving. But don’t forget the little finishing touches for your perfect home kitchen design.

Storage

When designing a new kitchen or renovating an older kitchen, it is easy to overlook storage. After all, storage areas are often unseen – pantry shelving and little nooks and crannies for our favorite kitchen gadgets and silverware. But don’t forget to consider your workflow and storage needs when designing. Be sure that you have plenty of room to store pantry items, kitchenware, pots and pans, and even your blender. Speak with your contractor about how you can maximize your space.

Creative Backsplash

Many times homeowners will forget about the backsplash. This tiny detail is an easy way to imprint your taste and unique style in your home. There are so many incredibly trendy and popular options for backsplashes today. Choose from a contemporary tiled look to a fun and crazy pattern. Use recycled materials for a truly unique look or opt for something more traditional.

Knick Knacks

Does your kitchen say anything about YOU? If not, add a few special knick-knacks and pictures that say a little something about your style and your personality. For example, maybe you love Paris? Then head to a thrift shop and purchase a few little items to remind you of Paris. Or maybe you have a penchant for Latin American cooking, your family history, or even just love flowers. Add photos, porcelain figures, unique kitchen items, and trendy colorful napkins and floral arrangements to make your kitchen uniquely you.
These are just a few ways to add some personal last finishing touches to your kitchen design. They are simple and fun, letting you share your taste and personal style with friends and family.

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Solve Apartment Space Problems with Custom Closets

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Apartment and condo dwellers are constantly looking for ways to maximize space in their homes. Our complex tight communities require a little bit of ingenuity. Custom closets provide the right solution for every need.

Kitchen and Pantry

For many urban dwellers, the kitchen and pantry are messy and full of cans, boxes, bags, pots, and pans. It may seem impossible to find a way to truly organize this space. Thankfully, you can customize your pantry and kitchen space. A custom closet that meets your cooking and storage needs will make your kitchen an oasis instead of a dreaded room of doom. Select unique shelving and custom cabinets in attractive finishes.

The Living Room

Love to watch the game with family and friends? A customized wall unit can provide an attractive setting for your television, video game system, and sound system. Hidden cabinet space will hide unwanted items. Display your DVD and Books prominently and hide cords.

The Home Office

Many of us work from home, even if we go to the office every day. However, having a nice little nook in your apartment customized ergonomically will increase production and minimize stress. Clutter can distract from work. Speak with your contractor about installing a customized unit specifically for your work needs.

Storage

Many apartments include a storage unit or garage for each tenant. Boxes, trinkets, old photos, and more often gather dust for years on end. And when it’s time to find something, it is like searching for lost treasure on a very cobwebby and dusty island! Instead of simply packing your stuff into a storage space, work with a professional to design a storage space. You can find an efficient and affordable way to save your belongings.
There are many ways to use professionally designed closet spaces to make the most of your home. From increasing pantry space to make your living area a place that is both clutter-free and fun, enjoy the benefits of additional room and organization.

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5 Space-Saving Benefits of a Large Entertainment Center

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Looking for a way to expand the space in your home in a stylish way? A beautiful large entertainment center can provide you with considerable space-saving benefits while providing you with a focal point for your living space. Whether the unit fills an entire wall or is just a treasured nook, enjoy these five key benefits.

Organization

Whether you have a spacious home or a charming urban apartment, a large entertainment center will provide you with an attractive option for practical storage. Expansive shelving will provide a welcome place for your television, picture frames, Knick knacks, DVDs, and more. Media devices like speakers, video game consoles, your smart home devices, or Blue-Ray player are easily stored in an attractive fashion. Collectors will enjoy the many creative ways that they can showcase their items.

Minimize Clutter and Cords

While open shelving options can showcase your prized photos, collectibles, and DVDs, closed shelving options allow you to hide unwanted items. Carefully tuck away cords and clutter. Hide miscellaneous items. For families, the option to store away electronics from young children can provide additional child-safety value. For homeowners that manage a business, the ability to hide away your laptop in a locked shelf provides extra security.

Design Options

There are a variety of unique style options to suit your individual tastes. Finishes like ivory or dark wood can provide a unique touch to your living space. Discuss different shelving options. Speak with an interior design professional about open and closed shelving, or the value of adding custom lighting. Other practical options like mounting the unit on wheels can add extra functionality to your residence. Find the design that perfectly fits your needs.

Custom Design

Your entertainment center can become a welcome focal point for your home. Family and friends can gather around to enjoy a favorite film, chat about current events, or play video games. Speak with an experienced interior designer about designing a custom center that perfectly meets your home’s needs. They can provide you with excellent options that match your taste and practical needs. Choose which finishes matching your décor, or what shelving and lighting options provide the most functionality and style.

Make Long-lasting Memories

Enjoy years of memory-making in one central location in your home. Not only will the entertainment center declutter your home, it will provide a one-stop option for entertainment and enjoyment in your home. Your children can enjoy countless hours together. Display family photos. Streamline electronics and chords. There are countless benefits. Call your interior design professional and find out how you can enjoy the space-saving benefits of an entertainment center.

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Should I Get a Wall Bed for My Apartment?

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Apartment living is becoming the norm. Our world grows increasingly smaller and compact. More individuals are moving towards the urban lifestyle and away from big spacious homes in the suburbs. Add to that the increasing number of multigenerational family units, where grown children or elderly relatives may choose to stay with other family members both for financial reason and for support. This means that increasingly we are embracing apartment living as a culture. As an apartment dweller, you need to maximize space, and one way to do this is through a wall bed.

What is a Wall Bed?

While the name may have you envision sleeping vertically against a wall-papered surface, the reality is that wall beds are an ingenious invention. Also known as Murphy beds, wall beds instantly transform any living space into a comfortable bedroom with the push of a button. This option allows you to be creative and stylish with your space. Using it as a fun entertainment center during the day and a place for restful slumber at night.

Space savers

The biggest benefit of having a Murphy bed is the space that it saves. And saving space means that you can do more with your small urban dwelling. Be creative in your floorplan, integrating bookshelves and drawers with your bed unit. This allows you to truly transform the space for a variety of uses. Pull the bed up and pull out some folding chairs and a table. Then pack these away and sleep in your bed. Make the most of your apartment without sacrificing space.

Money Saver

By saving space you will also save money. Why? By allowing your home multifunctionality you will be renting a smaller space. This will save you money in rent. When you add up all the other costs of having an extra bedroom to maintain like energy costs, extra furniture, or even cleaning the room, you will find that having a wall bed will save you hundreds, maybe even thousands, over the years. Additionally, these beds are very easy to assemble and maintain. Their ease of functionality adds to their comfort.

Not Just for Apartments

If you own a condo or even a house that needs an extra bedroom, opt for the Murphy bed instead. Instead of costly constriction for an extra bedroom or wing to your home, you can simply customize a wall unit that incorporates a comfortable bed, drawers, and beautiful shelving. You don’t have to ask visiting friends and family to sleep on your couch or air mattress or pay for the cost of an extra hotel room. Just have them use your convenient Murphy bed.

Be Stylish

Being green is the wave of the future. Less is more. You can be stylish and urban with your creative living space. There are a variety of design options to showcase your individual taste. Speak with a specialist about what your needs are. Customize your space, minimize your costs, and maximize the comfort of your urban home.

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5 Common Questions About Wall Units

wall units torontoWith people having more money to spend on the things they want but no space in the home, it can be tricky trying to find a place to put it all. That’s where storage comes in, and some of the best kinds of storage available on the market are wall units. Here are some things to know about wall units in Toronto.

Wall units in Toronto – 5 Common Questions

1. “Do they take up a lot of space?”
That’s one we hear a lot, and we understand where you’re coming from – having a wall unit that’s a few feet deep may create the impression that you’ll lose precious space from your room. The answer, however, is no, they don’t take up space – they create it.
Having wall units in your home is one of the best ways of utilizing empty space and solving that storage problem you’re having. By neatly storing items in a wall unit, you’re removing clutter from your home, making it look even bigger.
2. “Are they safe?”
Everybody wants their home to be as safe as possible, so we understand concerns about safety when it comes to wall units in Toronto. However, we can answer with an emphatic yes, they are safe.
Wall units are hung from the wall from a rail that’s attached to your house’s framing, which means they can easily hold a significant amount of weight, freeing you from worry.
3. “Are they custom made?”
People love to have a one of a kind piece of furniture in their home, so we’re often asked if they’re custom made. The answer? Yes and no.
If you want a completely custom piece of furniture then you can certainly find that, but you’ll be paying top dollar for it. Many wall units, however, come with a range of customizable options, from colors and finish to drawer sizes and extras like mirrors, allowing you to retain some control over the design and giving you a product that’s not just off the shelf.
4. “Are they expensive?”
This question really comes down to quality. As you read above, a fully custom job will cost you, but you can get a semi-custom job of good quality at an affordable price, and you may even find some bargains out there if you’re not overly fussed about quality.
5. “Will they improve the value of my home?”
Absolutely, yes they will. Wall units are a beautiful piece of furniture that are highly desired, and so by choosing to put one in your home will increase the value, potential paying for itself over time. They’ll also help prospective buyers to picture themselves in your home, further attracting bids on your home.
Wall units in Toronto – A Practical, Affordable Product
There are plenty of solutions to the storage question but wall units are a true all rounder. A great way to utilize space and buy an affordable piece of furniture with your signature style, there’s a reason they’re so popular.

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Different Types of Storage Solutions: Which Suits You

Storage Solutions in TorontoAs we grow and get older, it’s only natural that we accumulate more things, and almost every household has that drawer to put things in – but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a seemingly endless list of different storage solution available today, here is our lowdown on which types are the best for your needs.

Storage Solutions in Toronto – What Works and Why?

1. Open Storage (shelves, bookcases, glass-door cabinets etc)
• Open storage units are great if you want an attractive way to display your possessions that either look good or you want to be easy to reach. By having aesthetically pleasing items like books and jewellery on display, it provides a quirky, cool vibe and will work as a great conversational starter. It also provides the opportunity to rotate what you’re showing off – great if you’re the type of person who gets bored of their décor quite quickly. Easily one of the most fashion-conscious storage solutions in Toronto.
• However, this type of storage is only fine if you can make it work and depends on what you’re putting in plain sight – books and trinkets look good yes, but power tools? Not so much.
2. Hidden Storage
• A growing storage solution in Toronto, hidden storage looks to take advantage of any spare space you have. Particularly effective in rooms such as the kitchen where appliances can take up a lot of shelf space and make the place look cluttered, hidden storage is a great way to work with what you’ve already got and turn potential wasted space into futuristic storage compartments. Examples include folding-out storage, pull out racks and even spaces for chairs and tables to seamlessly slide inside.
• This kind of storage will require a lot of thought and perhaps the help of an expert to plan. It’s expensive, too – but worth it.
3. Overhead Storage
• Overhead storage is great because it utilizes space that otherwise will be wasted. By installing units such as cupboards on top of existing storage solutions, you can take advantage of that previously unoccupied space and find a home for those large items that have been taking up space elsewhere.
• Yet overhead storage isn’t for everyone – especially those who can’t reach it! For some people it simply isn’t practical, and dangerous if you’re reaching or climbing to get to it, so keep that in mind.
4. Furniture Storage
• If you’re looking to blend style with storage, then furniture with storage built in is a great choice. From buffets and ottomans to divan beds, there’s a wide range of products that come with ample storage space.
• Keep in mind that the prices can be high, especially if you’re going custom made.
There’s No Shortage of Storage Solutions in Toronto
Whether it’s hidden or in plain sight, stylish or practical, there’s definitely something out there for everyone when it comes to storage options. Don’t be afraid to look around and experiment – quite often, the best storage solutions are ones that utilize a mixture of different styles.

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Why Closet Organizers Offer Outstanding ROI

Closet Organizers in Toronto Every year there seems to be a new furniture trend, and this year it’s definitely closet organizers in Toronto. Not only do they look good, they’re practical too, making them a much-desired product. With more and more people looking to finally organize their closets, here’s a look at how buying one can actually save you money in the long run.

How Closet Organizers in Toronto can Save You Money

1. They’re Customizable
The beauty of closet organizers really lays in their customizability. From overhead storage options to draws and rails, closet organizers seek to utilize all possibilities in order to give you exactly what you want to suit your storage needs. By taking the time to assess your needs accurately, you can cater for them in one fell swoop, reducing the risk of going out to buy more storage options in the future.
Having everything under one roof in one unit is much cheaper that having to go out and individually buy, for example, a set of drawers, another cupboard and a clothes rail. They’re made to last too, so you don’t have to worry about buying another one if it falls down – like your flat pack DIY choices inevitably will.
2. You Won’t Lose Anything
The beauty of a closet organizer is that you can design it with your needs in mind, meaning you’ll know exactly where you’re putting everything. This means it will be harder to lose something; no more rushing about trying to think where you put your gym shoes – you’ll know exactly where they are because they have their own section.
Not many things are worse than thinking you’ve lost something only for it to turn up once you come home with its replacement, and with a closet organizer, you can say goodbye to the chances of that happening again.
3. Increased Productivity
The Chinese concept of feng shui relates a clean, tidy environment to how you feel. By having everything so neat and organized, you’ll start the day on a brighter note for not having to rush around and throw together an outfit. This calm feeling and lack of stress can help you to be more productive, whether it’s at work or in the home, and shouldn’t be sniffed at.
4. Your Home’s Value Will Rise
Because of how trendy closet organizers in Toronto are, by having one you can expect your home’s value to rise. A sought after feature like this will not only increase the value, it will attract more bids too, meaning that they will more than pay for themselves should you ever wish to sell your home. Not bad for something you bought to try and keep yourself sane in the mornings!
Closet Organizers in Toronto – A Product for Both Now and the Future
There’s no denying that closet organizers are a wonderful product to have in the home – space saving, mood raising and easy to use. But their true value lays in the fact that they can save you money in the future – which makes them almost priceless.