Designing Your Palm Beach Condo

Not all condos in Palm Beach are smaller than traditional single-family homes, but many are. Living in smaller spaces means you need to rethink your decorating strategies. Here are some tried and true ways to maximize your space.

Create the illusion of more space

When shopping for sofas and other upholstered pieces, consider the silhouette. Armless furniture helps create an open, airy feeling. Low profile pieces are another way to trick the eye into the perception of a larger space.

Don't give up on ornate antiques.

Even though some antiques may feel heavy or dark, you can still use them in condos in Palm Beach. Just use them sparingly, and mix old and new to create a balance.

Look for furniture that does double-duty

Consider ottomans that offer seating and storage, or a trio of stackable end tables that can be tucked away until you need them. Dining tables with foldaway leaves make it easy to accommodate extra guests.

Hide unattractive storage

Especially if you have a home office, there's the inevitable clutter than comes with paper, files and office equipment. For condos in Palm Beach without a dedicated office, there are clever ways to hide the storage that you'd rather not see. Hang drapes over bookcases. For added height, hang the drapes at ceiling height, rather than at the top of the bookcase. Transform that ugly steel filing cabinet by skirting it with fabric or covering it with Contac paper. For open shelves, contemporary white boxes, from Container Store or Ikea, are a great storage option that's not unappealing to look at.

Make the most of the view

If you've got a spectacular view, show it off. That means be sure that seating is arranged to face the sliding glass doors; don't have your sofa facing into the room. And don't forget to make the most of your outdoor space as well. A small bistro table and some carefully selected accessories will create a welcoming space for breakfast or evening cocktails.