Maybe you rent a small apartment in the city. Or maybe your forever home features smaller rooms. Instead of spending more money on a larger space or knocking down a wall, you can make a room feel larger with a mix of design and creativity. Maximize every inch of your space with these beginner and budget-friendly decorating tips.

HANG CURTAINS HIGH

Instead of mounting your curtain rods just above the top of your windows, move up about five to six inches higher. This will create length to the wall, giving off the impression that the ceiling is higher than it actually is. Be sure to use curtains that reach the floor to highlight this illusion.

BRING IN THE LIGHT

Darkness can be univiting and create the sense of a small space. Letting in a lot of natural light is a great way to make a room feel larger. Use sheer panels instead of opaque or light blocking curtains Choosing warming LED light bulbs for lamps and use overhead lighting to create the look of natural and comfortable light without being too bright or too dark.

PUT UP MIRRORS

Similar to windows, mirrors give the illusion of a larger space. Hanging a few, or even one, on your wall essentially doubles the space of the room in the reflection, adding dimension and depth. If your room has limited light, hang the mirror across from the window, projecting more natural light throughout the space from a new angle.

PAINT WITH LIGHT COLOURS

The colour of a room plays a large part in the illusion of size. When rooms are painted with darker colours, or even a patterned wallpaper, it can feel overwhelming and give off the feel of a smaller space. To maximize the size, painting with lighter colours, like white, grey, light blue, or beige projects a spacious feel. To bring in some colour, play with an accent wall, or try some throw pillows, blankets, and artwork to liven up the room.

UTILIZE BUILT-IN STORAGE

Built-in bookshelves or cabinets allow for maximum storage space and minimal clutter. If your home doesn’t already have this, you can build it yourself. Or, utilize furniture with hidden storage, such as ottomans, benches and coffee tables to help clear up clutter and add more space.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUG

Rugs provide not only comfort, but design and style, to a room. Size your rugs to each respective room to optimize the space. To create depth in a room, go for one large rug, leaving about 6 to 12 inches of space from the wall. For a room heavy in furniture, such as a bedroom or living room, use smaller rugs to break up the space, creating separate sections and areas.

Outdoor kitchens are on the rise in luxury real estate. As homeowners increasingly look to create their own private oasis in the backyard, a cooking space has become just as coveted as a sparkling swimming pool and spacious terrace where the whole family can spend time together. If you want an outdoor kitchen that leaves nothing to be desired, here are a few exciting features to include.

DELUXE GRILL

The grilling station is often the centrepiece of the outdoor kitchen and essential for any warm-weather gathering in the backyard, which is why many homeowners choose to invest in a high-end option. If you want the versatility to prepare everyone’s favourite dishes, a deluxe grill that’s equipped with multiple burners, a rotisserie and a smoker box will ensure successful barbecues all season long.

REFRIGERATION

When it comes to convenience, you simply can’t beat having your outdoor cooking area equipped with a refrigerator. This allows you to keep beverages, side dishes and any perishable ingredients nearby, avoiding the need to run back inside to the kitchen every time you need something. A sleek, stainless steel design is always a popular option to endure outdoor conditions without compromising on style.

PIZZA OVEN

If you want to mix up your menu and take a break from the grill, there’s nothing like a wood-burning pizza oven. With a wide variety of materials to choose from—such as natural stone, brick and clay, to name a few—you can get just the right aesthetic and elevate your outdoor kitchen to enjoy family pizza night on the patio.

BAR AREA

For those who like to sip a cocktail or craft beer while lounging in the backyard, a well-designed bar area is in order. In addition to a bar counter and stools, you may want to include a prep area for mixing drinks, as well as a built-in kegerator that allows you to keep your favourite beer on tap.

Many Canadians who are not in the market to sell are opting to renovate their homes instead. If you are thinking about a renovation this year, consider these suggestions from two of our local real estate experts to help you get the most bang for your buck while increasing your home’s value. 

Reisha Dass from RE/MAX Real Estate Centre described many of today’s homeowners as focused on comfort and maximizing space. This shift is not surprising considering the amount of time we are now spending at home. “We try to do it all from home now,” Reisha explains. “Work, schooling, exercise and relaxation are all done in our homes.” Under normal circumstances, the ongoing favourite renovations have been kitchens and bathrooms. But as Lynn Fee  of The Lynn Fee Team at Keller Williams Complete Realty Inc. explains, these days, it’s about creating space, indoors and outdoors. Lynn also points out the current supply problem for materials, like lumber. “Some contractors are also booked into next year, so this might be the year for DIY projects. A YouTube video and a little imagination can help you create a big impact.”

Fix the Simple Things

On the small-scale end of the spectrum, you can do inexpensive renovations to update your home to enjoy now or if you are planning to list soon. “The big theme is space,” says Lynn. “Start by purging the clutter and removing furniture that does not serve a clear purpose.” A fresh coat of paint is always a great way to freshen a room and remove any scuff marks or holes in the drywall. New fixtures, window coverings and replacing outdated hardware is another easy way to update your space.

Flooring

Consistently laid flooring throughout the home with smooth transitions is the way to go. Engineered hardwood is a popular choice, and many people can install it themselves by watching a video created by a professional. “Big, bold tiles are in this year,” says Reisha. “Plus, adding some punches of colour in the right places throughout the house is a great way to make your home fun and exciting.”

Kitchens & Bathrooms

“There’s nothing like gleaming new countertops and updated cabinetry and sinks,” says Lynn. “But, if a big project isn’t in the budget this year, consider repainting existing cabinets.” You can quickly obtain the appropriate paint and primer at a knowledgeable paint store to do this yourself or hire a handyperson who has experience.

Outdoor Living

As we continue to search for additional living space, moving outside in summer is a natural choice. With a covered area or gazebo, you can add a TV, built-in fireplace and even a bar. Hardscape features such as a stone wall, lawn ornaments, or a water feature give your outdoor living space a spectacular upgrade. Consider extending your patio to add seating space and look at ways to add shade. With so many of us spending time at home, the ability to spread out, even in a small backyard, is a bonus. “Outdoor lighting also adds a dramatic change to your home and creates a space you can use well into the evening,” adds Lynn. While inground pools have been a popular option since the onset of the pandemic, pool companies now have a waiting list of one to two years.

Basement Renovations and Rental Apartments

As always, basement renovations continue to be a popular home renovation. They not only increase your living space but can also be used as an office, rec room, classroom or basement apartment. “You may have elderly parents or adult children moving in with you or need the additional income,” explains Reisha. “Many homeowners are getting more creative about where to create this extra living space such as a loft over the garage.”