Condos are unique design creatures. Unlike houses, there’s little chance to add space, there may be fewer windows and at least one wall is shared with a neighbor.
Homeowner’s associations have rules about remodels and other changes, and typically a tight timeline for starting and finishing work that impacts other complex occupants.
Still, well-chosen finishes and fixtures and natural light can transform an easy-to-ignore place into an attention getter, says interior designer Taniya Nayak, who updated the interior of her newly purchased Florida condo to fit her taste and lifestyle.
Nayak’s revitalized condo reflects the tranquil Rest Easy approach she developed as a 2021 design trend in partnership with FrogTape. Her goal is to create a sanctuary from daily stresses by integrating cozy layers and soothing colors.
Here are Nayak’s condo makeover tips. Some are easy fixes you might be able to do quickly to launch the new year.
Maximize natural light
Big fix: Nayak says windows breathe life into stale spaces. She enhanced her condo by removing the divisions on the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows and further opening up the connected living area with the addition of a new window.
The Home Depot sells windows, sliding glass doors and French doors. Request a free home consultation or virtual consultation.
Light fixtures, lamps
One of the easiest ways to instantly create a new vibe in your space is to switch up the lighting. Nayak updated her condo with an eclectic mix of lamps and ceiling fixtures to achieve her desired aesthetic.
Unique lamps and light fixtures such as pendants, chandeliers, flush mounted and other styles and shapes are available at AllModern, Overstock, Wayfair and World Market.
Mix patterns
Nayak adds dimension by combining textures and tile patterns. In her condo’s bathroom, she contrasted a ledger stone accent wall with smoother finishes on the two adjacent sides. On the floors, she used gray hexagon tiling in the shower against a warmer, stone-inspired glazed porcelain in the remaining area.
Find tile styles at All Modern, Lowe’s, Overstock, The Home Depot and Wayfair.
Decide on a theme
Many shy away from incorporating themes into home decor for fear of overdoing it. Unique Western touches sprinkled throughout Nayak’s condo demonstrate how to tastefully embrace a theme without it becoming obvious or overbearing.
Find design books at Amazon, Design Within Reach, Finnish Design Shop, Papier, Target, Taschen and Thriftbooks.
Create a focal point
In her condo’s dining room, Nayak employed contrast to create a focal point.
She brightened up the space with white paint and natural light. Then, she used soothing dark woods and leathers to create a contrasting focal point with her dining set.
Paint sources include Ace Hardware, Farrow & Ball, Lowe’s and The Home Depot.
