Top 10 condo upgrade options that pay off

Trends come and go, but some things are timeless. Knowing where to make a little extra investment in your condo will help not just with resale value down the road, but also with creating that warm and inviting space that makes it “home.” To kick-start the metamorphosis from cookie-cutter to one-of-a-kind, here are my top 10 upgrade options to consider:

In the kitchen

1. Cabinetry: In an open plan, upgrading the cabinetry means improving the view from every angle. Wood is both a hot trend and an ageless classic, so consider skipping the safe white or near-black espresso and going with the grain, so to speak, such as a gorgeous, textural walnut stained in a medium grey hue.

2.Hardware: Why invest in new cabinets and settle for standard hardware? Even existing cupboards will benefit from the facelift provided by this relatively inexpensive upgrade. Try pairing sleek pulls for the bottom cabinets, with a contrasting knob for the uppers. Also consider upgrading doorknobs and other oft-forgotten hardware details to achieve true bespoke appeal.

3. Backsplash: A mirrored backsplash dramatically opens the visual space, making 800 sq. ft. feel like 1,600! Plus, there will be no trendy tile patterns that will grow dated in a few years. One of my favourites is a grey glass that gives a warm, smoky character to the reflection for sophisticated elegance, with minimal cuts for a seamless look.

4. Countertop: I love mixing different materials to get a sense of contrast between the island top and the main counters. There’s nothing wrong with pairing clean quartz and rich marble. To save costs, invest in a beautiful material for the island where it will be shown off, and save the standard finish for the back counters where they draw less attention.

In the bathroom

5. Tiling: Taking the tile from floor to ceiling creates a polished look essential to a feeling of spa-like luxury – a key to both market value and for your own day-to-day feeling of relaxation. Try a 1/3 offset pattern for subtle movement.

6. Shower: Once you have beautiful tiling in place, show it off with a glass shower panel rather than a curtain. If your space doesn’t already have one, you’ll find it almost essential for resale down the road. Allow for at least a 22-inch opening, or use a glass door for access.

7. Vanity: Storage is important, but so is feeling like you have room to move and breathe. A vanity with legs and plenty of open space will expand your bathroom without knocking down any walls. This custom unit gave my client functional shelving without eating up more of the room than necessary.

In the living room

8. Lighting: I have worked on many condo renovations that involved concrete ceilings where no extra lighting could be added – or so you thought! A dropped ceiling panel added over your island will reduce the perception of lofty ceiling height, while allowing for the installation of pot lights or pendants. Adding this extra layer of light avoids harsh shadows and dim spots.

9. Floor: In a small space, avoiding breaks between flooring provides the illusion of greater square footage. Let one hardwood run throughout as much area as possible (even through the kitchen) for a harmonious look that seems to go on forever.

10.Focal point: Last, but not least, create a focal wall to balance the visual weight of built-in features like cabinetry. This may seem like a superficial upgrade, but even just one large mirror will open the space while providing the visual anchor, enhancing the way you and your guests psychologically perceive the rest of your material investments.