Choices that lighten and brighten

Heather and her husband have purchased a 570-square-foot condominium from plans as a pied à terre and a winter residence.

"Our home is in cottage country and it's a blend of antique pine, wicker and a few Victorian pieces," she writes. "For a change we would like to have a clean contemporary look in the condo."

Heather fantasizes about fitting three classic balloon chairs, a swivel chair, fireplace, queen bed, shelves for her "treasures" and a dog into this tiny condo.

Like many buyers, Heather will be in for a major shock when she is confronted with the reality of 570-square-feet, according to interior decorator Tobi Brockway.

"Two adults, a dog and one small window, in a dim, north-facing unit, will be very claustrophobic," says Brockway, owner of Tobi Brockway Interiors Inc.

For starters, Brockway advises hanging colourful artwork on the refrigerator wall and opposite it, a ceiling-high mirror that reflects both the art and light from the kitchen.

She also suggests another mirror left of the front door.

Heather could gain a bit more space in the entrance by replacing the swing doors on the closet and laundry with bi-folds.

The builder offers porcelain tile as an option in the kitchen – a good choice, as it is reflective.

Heather should also consider glass or mirrored tiles for the backsplash and light countertops for the same reason, according to Brockway.

"Heather will have to make choices that lighten, brighten and visually expand this space," Brockway says.

Heather is considering dark cabinets. Brockway endorses this option because the kitchen will be equipped with halogen track lighting and task lighting under the upper cabinets. Also, the dark wood coupled with stainless steel appliances creates a contemporary ambience.

Brockway advises against dark floors. Instead, she urges Heather to select engineered hardwood in a medium tone as a backdrop for a pair of area rugs for the dining and living rooms.

Brockway advises Heather to forget about reupholstering the vintage balloon backs and use that money to buy four small, modern dining chairs and a 44-inch-round glass table. And that's it for the dining area.

Brockway also vetoes the fireplace, unless Heather doesn't mind singeing her toes.

Along the exterior wall (left), there's room for a 70-inch sofa with a rectangular coffee table. If Heather is wedded to her large green suede swivel chair, it could go in the upper left corner along with a floor lamp. Also, Heather could angle in a small easy chair from the right corner.

Brockway advises taking the colour of the swivel chair and using it to coordinate fabrics for drapes, toss cushions and the other seating.

Heather is left with the bedroom wall for her television.

Brockway recommends a visit to The Crate & Barrel at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, where the store carries a selection of units designed for a TV. These wall pieces also incorporate shelving and storage for books, collectables, a stereo and CDs.

Heather has to consider the dog. The only civilized place for a dog bed or crate is out of the way in the small bedroom.

Brockway suggests placing it to the right of the WIC door. (If this dog is a country animal used to the outdoors, a small dog house on the balcony could suffice.)

"For the bedroom floor, I'd have pet-friendly broadloom, cut and bound to size so wood shows all around," Brockway says.

The room has space enough for a double bed with the headboard against the exterior wall and a pair of night stands.

Opposite the bed, Heather could install cantilevered shelves to display her treasures.

The niche left of the big closet is ideal for a small book case. A low, narrow cedar chest for linen or lingerie could go against the exterior wall, next to the dog bed, according to Brockway.

While on holiday in Panama, Heather bought moles and native fabrics in reds, oranges and black, that she wants to frame or make into cushions.

These will be lovely in the bedroom, if Heather sticks to neutral walls and bed linens.

Simple Hunter Douglas Silhouette blinds in ecru (Toujours; Scented Linen) will suffice for the bedroom window and three panels in a luxurious fabric and sheers will dress up the living room.

Because lack of storage will be a major issue in this condo (where do you put the vacuum cleaner?), Brockway strongly advises Heather to contact a professional closet organizer.

If you have a plan, send it to Best-Laid Plans, Condos, Toronto Star, 1 Yonge St., Toronto M5E 1E6. We cannot accept email submissions. Designers wanting to take part can contact Donna.jean@sympatico.ca.