© Copyright Shift Interiors 2023. All rights reserved.
Working with Vancouver condos has taught me something important. Small spaces are not a limitation. They’re an invitation to design with more intention. In our work as one of the interior design firms Vancouver homeowners rely on, we spend a lot of time inside 600 to 900 square foot condos. These homes deserve the same level of care and creativity as any large house. In fact, they often require more.
Vancouver’s condo reality is unique. Many clients are first time homeowners stepping into the market through an 800 square foot unit. Others are downsizing after years in larger homes. And then there are the investors and agents who want a space to feel as open and welcoming as possible during showings. What all of them ask, in different words, is the same thing. How do we make this feel like a real home?
The answer starts with rethinking how each piece functions. Multi functional furniture is essential, but it should never look like it’s trying too hard. A sofa bed shouldn’t give itself away. A dining table that extends shouldn’t feel like a temporary fix. The pieces have to blend in, quietly doing their job while keeping the room visually calm. This is where thoughtful sourcing matters. We look for furniture that supports the space instead of shouting for attention.
Creating zones is another part of the process, especially in open concept layouts. Some condos technically have a bedroom, but the living, dining and work areas are often competing for the same square footage. Instead of walls, we use layout, texture and lighting to define sections of the home. A soft rug under the sofa shifts the energy into “living room”. A warm pendant over a small dining table creates an anchor for meals. A slim console and task lamp can subtly carve out a workspace without overwhelming the room.
Storage is the quiet hero in every condo project. Good storage doesn’t just hide clutter. It keeps the lines of the space clean so the home feels bigger. We build in vertical solutions, concealed cabinetry and pieces that double as storage without feeling bulky. Even small decisions, like choosing drawers over doors or lifting furniture slightly off the floor, help the entire space breathe.
And then there’s the mood. Concrete and glass are everywhere in Vancouver condo design, which can feel cold without the right balance. We layer in warmth through natural fibres, textured fabrics, soft lighting and a tone palette that feels grounded. Small changes make a big difference. A linen throw, a few organic ceramics or a warmer wood tone can shift the whole energy of a room.
Most of my clients start in condos, and here’s what I’ve learned. An 800 square foot home has more potential than people think. With the right strategy, it becomes a place that reflects how you live instead of the limits of the floor plan. As an interior design company Vancouver homeowners are turning to, our goal is to make even the smallest spaces feel deeply personal, welcoming and long lasting.
© Copyright Shift Interiors 2023. All rights reserved.
