Welcome to Toronto, the most livable city in all the Americas (North America in particular).

That is right, good old T-Dot is not only climbing livability indexes but also ranks among the most diverse cities in the world (more diverse than Miami and New York). Even better, the city is known for combatting excess suburban sprawl by constructing apartments, lofts, and condos.

Each year, there are numerous Toronto condos in all areas of the city. The most popular are those in and around downtown and the entertainment district overlooking Lake Ontario. With the passage of time, housing prices in the city started climbing up.

That’s right. Following the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, economies started rebuilding and when it came to the city of Toronto, the real estate prices were climbing up gradually. With the onset of 2015, there has been a sharp rise, especially in the prices of apartments, condos, and lofts on the shorelines of Lake Ontario, the entertainment district and downtown.

Price and rent controls were implemented but were later scrapped by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Given the situation, Torontonians have been buying condos at inflated prices. The recent amendments to the stress test have also denied many mortgages for buying inner-city properties. This created a buyer exodus to outer suburbs.

Decoration ideas for condos using a minimal budget

Those who have bought condos in the inner-city areas of Toronto find it expensive to decorate their condo. They at times find it hard to buy the items due to low savings they have after purchasing one or due to mortgage payments.

But they do not have to despair. There are a handful of ideas that can help many make their condo look good and stand out this year. These ideas are pocket-friendly and are a great way of sprucing up its appearance.

Here are some ideas that are worth it:

1. Affordable accessories can be used

A lot of people think that what travelers bring back from their trip is either jet lag, an expensive item or something else. In fact, when you return from your vacation, you don’t need to buy something expensive to make the condo look interesting.

In fact, adding a good-looking postcard to a suave frame is chic. In fact, adding a map with details in French or Spanish (say, a map of Havana in Spanish) framed and walled is another good idea. Or even better, hanging an African tribal mask on the wall is exotic and worth considering.

In fact, you don’t need to book an overseas flight. Head out to a flea market on the nearest street and find some inexpensive items which can be used as decoration on the ottoman, the wall or the tables. In fact, an old action figure cleaned and painted again works too.

2. Repainting key areas and moldings

Adding color to key areas by repainting them can bring a major impact. All it needs is the right color and shade of paint. According to interior design experts, choosing a light color of paint for these areas helps make them look more spacious. It also prevents residents from feeling overwhelmed as compared to what heavy hues can do.

Switching the moldings can also do wonders. Changing the baseboard, crown molding and wall casings is also a good idea. In case you cannot afford them, do not hesitate to repaint the molding with lighter colors.

3. Go creative with the lights

Do not hesitate in getting creative with the lighting. Lights create a big impact on a room’s appearance. Using them behind furniture or inside large plants highlight these items and create exciting shadows.

If adding lights in plants becomes expensive, or not interested in putting them behind furniture; go for battery-operated candles to help make dark shelves glow and explore more interesting spaces in the room. And if the lights aren’t making the cut, do not hesitate to go for wall sconces. They are available as both built-in and plug-in types, which can help give your condo a classic charm.

Do not hesitate to opt for chandeliers too, they work well with both minimalist and maximalist setups. In fact, you can find affordable options for them to give your condo a beautiful lighting accessory.

4. Interesting light switch covers

At times, even the most minor of details can matter. In order to make the condo’s space more fascinating, add some interesting switch covers to the electrical switches, particularly the wooden ones or those with ornate details.

5. Adding floating shelves with trendy bookends

Floating shelves are a brand-new way of helping display books in comparison to those bulky stacks on nightstands or heavy shelves. They also help add an attractive and unique look to the walls. Apart from books, you can even store magazines and DVDs with ease.

Don’t forget to add in some stylish bookends to make them look nicer. Go for stylish & lightweight ceramic bookends instead of plain brass ones that are heavy.

6. Adding some beautiful indoor plants

Turning any room into an indoor garden isn’t a bad idea. In fact, the living room can sure make use of some hanging plants. They do make low ceilings look tall, are budget-friendly, boost the mood and the aura of a room.

Hanging planters with a string or either a turtle or pearl plants help add vertical cascading greenery. They do make a room look like an internal jungle and even help clean the room’s air. They should be watered regularly.

7. Avoid the clutter

It would be wise turning all the small accessories in mini collections to make everything look interesting and spacious. In fact, those items when grouped together by similarity create interesting spaces in your beautiful condo.

Though minimalism wouldn’t exactly work for everyone, it is wise to group together objects like grouping potted plants together with a vase that can help create something creative. Also, a considerable amount of empty space helps avoid the congested look and feel.

8. Mirror, Mirror on the wall; who’s condo is the best of all

In order to make a room look bigger and cohesive in an instant, add a large mirror to it. It helps open the room by reflecting the space around it and gives an illusion of depth, even in a room having minimal square feet of space.

9. Gold furniture accents, the best your furniture can get

Brass accents were the thing of the ‘80s. Now is the time of gold. Instead of going for the expensive shiny material, opt for brushed metal and pair it well with rich jewel laden furniture and accent pieces.

10. Think in black for the side tables

Never ever neglect the side table. If you want it to be noticeable, paint it with a few layers of glossy black paint so its flaws can be covered while making it look hip and fashionable.

11. Cushions galore in the living room

Other than sofas & chairs, cushions are another affordable option in adding a cozy seating range to the living room. Floor cushions help create some space in the living room and can also help you sit & relax upon.

12. Embrace colorful and well-accented furniture

Bright shades of red, yellow, orange, green, blue or purple can make the room livelier. It does not necessarily mean painting the whole room in a carnation style. It would be wise to place a fuchsia chair in the right spot of the room in order to bring out its character.

Conclusion

These are the ideas that are friendly on the pocket and bring out the best of your condo in lesser bucks than the usual. Though Toronto can become freezing in winters and blistering hot in the summers, these ideas will keep your condo lively in all seasons, be it spring, summer, autumn or winter.