This snug condo packs a wallop of style and function thanks to clever choices and bold moves.

Nobody likes a bland space, especially if it’s inescapable. That was this couple’s bugbear. Both young professionals live and work in their 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom condo. “The narrow hallways, a choppy layout and dated decor were cramping their style,” says designer Iman Lalji, who the couple enlisted to help beautify their east-end Toronto digs, located in an old brick building. The ask? “Elevated and luxurious but still fun and functional,” says Iman. The designer introduced chic furnishings and strategic doses of wallpaper and creative millwork that have transformed this space into a livable yet sophisticated home that’s anything but boring.

French Accent

A lively melange of furnishings always trumps a matchy-matchy set. “The pastoral wallpaper and herringbone flooring is old-school Parisian and feels extra cool mixed with a modern sofa and coffee table,” says designer Iman Lalji. She treated the wallpaper like artwork by framing it in moulding; a coordinating toile pillow ties into the focal wall.

Shape Shifters

“In a small space, every piece counts – it’s so important for creating dimension,” says Iman. An example is the alluring nesting coffee table, which has varying heights and a slick, eye-catching surface. The bouclé fabric on the chair is in kicky contrast to it.

Open Kitchen

Two doors previously led to the kitchen, but now, the newly open layout lets traffic flow smoothly. Visually, the room has feisty impact thanks to a mix of marble-look porcelain and wood-like cabinetry. “I even wallpapered the base of the island to add dimension,” says Iman. The panelled fridge is visually pleasing, as is the induction cooktop (to the right of the sink), which seamlessly blends into the black granite countertop.

The Great Divide

Removing too many walls in the small condo would have been problematic – there would be no room to hang art or put up a TV. Iman’s solution? A wall that divides the kitchen and living areas but doesn’t close off the kitchen entirely, which would have destroyed the spa- cious quality everyone wanted. On the living room side is an organized media area with TV, cubbies for display, and closed storage. 

Dishy Dining

The double-domed chandelier evokes a quiet sense of drama over the dining table. “It has a micro-cement look and a wabi-sabi vibe,” says Iman of the organic fixture, which contrasts the glam vignette below it. The table base and chairs sport gold details, while “white shears bring softness,” notes the designer.

Clever Planning

Iman carved out a spectacular shared home office in a corner of the living room. She made sure it was stylish enough so it doesn’t feel utilitarian in the open space. “Because they work from home, they wanted a designated area, so we created this little nook with custom cabinetry,” says Iman. Though the space fits two, one owner likes to move around while he works, surfing from sofa to dining table to shared desk. The walls are painted a greyish violet colour here to visually separate it from the rest of the space, says Iman.

Zoom Room

“We created a Zoom backdrop with the tree wallpaper,” says Iman. The print’s lilac and grey tones are a cohesive choice next to the 3D geometric-tile backsplash. A playful mix of cabinetry gives the home office a stylish presence.

Stow Away

“They have guests occasionally, but they wanted to have more space when there are no visitors,” says Iman, explaining why she opted for a wall bed in the snug guest room. “We did wallpaper and wood slats to give the room interest,” she says, adding that the slats also tie in with the wood-look tile in the guest bathroom. 

Hint of Print

Strategic doses of pattern lend sophisticated punch in the primary bedroom. “I found the pillows first and I really loved them,” says Iman. Next, she scored the similar graphic wallpaper. “The wallpaper would have looked overwhelming across the wall, so I framed out the nightstands,” she says. “With a smaller space, you don’t need as much pattern.”