Introduction
Condos and apartments in urban areas like Boston face a unique challenge – how to maximize function and livability in a compact space. This room of the day showcases a cleverly designed Boston condo that packs functionality into a small footprint. With thoughtful layout and multi-purpose furnishings, this condo makes the most of its square footage to feel expansive and accommodate the needs of the resident.
Overview of the Condo’s Layout and Design Elements
This Boston condo employs several key design elements to optimize the use of space:
- Open concept layout – By eliminating walls between the living room, dining area, and kitchen, the main living space feels airy and spacious. There is room for entertaining while also allowing overlapping activities like cooking, eating, and lounging.
- Multipurpose furnishings – Items like the sizable sectional couch with ottomans allow flexibility in configuring the seating. The extendable dining table expands for dinner parties.
- Hidden storage – Built-in shelving, cabinetry, and closets keep clutter out of sight while providing ample storage. High shelves and vertical space are utilized.
- Light colors and finishes – The soft white and wood tones keep the condo feeling bright and fresh instead of dark and cramped. Mirrored surfaces also help reflect light.
- Large windows – Natural light streams in through floor-to-ceiling windows, making the interior feel more expansive.
Detailed Look at the Functional Areas
Let’s take a closer look at how each area of this Boston condo is designed for maximum functionality.
Living Room
The living room stands out for its versatility in both seating arrangements and purposes.
- Sectional couch – The L-shaped sectional can be configured in different ways to suit the occasion. For large gatherings, it can seat numerous people by itself. The plush ottomans can act as additional seating, coffee tables, or footrests.
- Media center – The built-in entertainment center provides open and concealed storage for items like games, books, and media.
- Workspace – One side of the sectional doubles as a workspace, with the ottoman pulled up to create a surface for using a laptop.
Dining Area
Despite its small square footage, the dining area comfortably accommodates dinner parties and holiday gatherings thanks to a few simple solutions.
- Expandable table – A rectangular wood table expands with leaves to seat up to 8 comfortably. When not hosting guests, the table shrinks down to save space.
- Bar counter seating – Extra seating and surface area is provided by incorporating the breakfast bar adjoining the kitchen. Bar stools tucked underneath can pull up for additional diners.
- Mirrored wall – The mirror above the bar reflects light and gives the illusion of more room. It also makes the space feel brighter and airier.
Kitchen
The well-appointed kitchen maximizes every inch to offer full meal prep functionality.
- Peninsula countertops – The peninsula counter provides ample prep and serving space without requiring more floor area. Barstools underneath create casual seating.
- Vertical storage – Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and shelving units give tons of storage volume without consuming more floor space. High shelves display items attractively.
- Hidden appliances – Appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher recess into the surrounding cabinetry, keeping the surfaces streamlined.
- Dual sink – Splitting the sink into two smaller basins saves room over one large sink. The additional basin also allows for multitasking.
- Pull-out shelves – Cabinets contain pull-out drawers and drop-down shelves for easy access to stored items, even in back corners.
Bedroom
The bedroom may be compact, but it manages to fit in plenty of sleeping and storage space.
- Murphy bed – The queen Murphy bed folds up vertically into the wall, freeing up floor space when not in use.
- Wall bedside tables – Built-in shelving cubbies on both sides of the bed replace bulky nightstands. Top shelves act as bedside tables.
- Storage staircase – Hidden storage drawers are built into the stairs leading to the lofted bed, keeping belongings out of the way.
- Walk-in closet – Sliding mirrored doors conceal the walk-in closet, which offers hanging rods and shelves for clothes and accessories.
- Under-bed drawers – Storage drawers slide out from underneath the Murphy bed to hold extra linens and clothing.
Loft
The loft area above the kitchen maximizes the vertical real estate for additional living and working space.
- Desk nook – A compact desk and chair create a quiet workspace for working from home or paying bills.
- Reading nook – The comfy chair and ottoman provide a cozy spot for reading or just relaxing.
- Display shelves – Open ledges allow for display of decorative items without cluttering main living areas.
- Skylight – Angled skylights overhead keep the loft bright and eliminate the need for a ceiling light fixture.
- Safety railing – The railing prevents falls from the loft and can double as towel storage in the bathroom area.
Decor Styling to Maximize Perceived Space
Several decor choices help make this condo feel more expansive:
- Neutral color scheme – Light wood tones, ivory, and soft greys keep the palette soft and airy. Dark colors would feel confining.
- Sparse furnished look – Limiting furnishings to only essential pieces prevents clutter. Too many furnishings would overwhelm.
- Upholstered textures – Pillows, rugs, and soft fabrics add comfort without bulk.
- Mirrored accents – Strategically placed mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more room.
- Multi-purpose decor – Items like ottomans and room dividers serve both decorative and functional purposes.
Conclusion
This Boston condo makes the most of its compact square footage thanks to an open concept layout, multi-functional furnishings, abundant storage, and space-optimizing decor. Clever solutions allow the condo to accommodate comfortable daily living and entertaining. The resident enjoys functionality and livability despite the condo’s small size. This room of the day offers inspiration for designing an efficient urban dwelling. With similar thoughtful layout and features, even a tiny city condo can feel expansive and meet its owner’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key design elements that help maximize space in small urban condos?
Some effective strategies include an open concept floorplan, furniture that serves multiple purposes, built-in and vertical storage solutions, light colors, large windows, mirrors, and multi-functional decor items. Eliminating physical barriers and clutter visually expands the space.
How can you create flexible seating in a small living room?
Use a sectional couch, especially one with ottomans that can act as coffee tables or extra seating. Nesting tables also allow flexibility in surface areas needed. Avoid bulky, fixed furniture arrangements.
What are some examples of multi-purpose furnishings seen in this condo?
The ottomans act as coffee tables, footrests, or extra seating. The breakfast bar doubles as extra counter space and casual seating. The lofted area works as a home office or reading nook. Shelves display decor while storing items.
How does lighting help make a small space feel bigger?
Strategically using lighting, such as floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, helps spaces feel bright, airy, and expansive. Mirrors also help reflect and distribute natural light. Avoid dark colors and opt for soft neutrals.
What storage solutions can help keep clutter at bay in a compact condo?
Built-in shelving, cabinetry, and closets keep items out of sight. Use vertical space for storage whenever possible. Furniture like Murphy beds and bench seating often allow for hidden storage inside.
