The condominium is a modern solution that offers turnkey, easy living for those who prefer a worry-free existence with great skyline views over garbage disposal, yard work, and snow removal. Amenities and conveniences aside, the big challenge I’ve always faced with condo living is the pervasive element of sameness. As someone who strives to be an individual, I have a tough time swallowing the cookie-cutter approach to homes. I can’t fault the compelling argument for the ease factor of condo life, so I decided to try my hand at lending style and substance to a brand-new blank-canvas box in the heart of the downtown core.
Since many homeowners find that their dining table only gets occasional use for sit-down dinners, a round table offers a flexible solution. At the entrance to a large room, a round table can act as a presentation piece that makes a welcoming statement each time you walk in and also helps facilitate flow through the space instead of creating a blockade with sharp edges.
I was imagining floor-to-ceiling photography to build on my vision of a gallery aesthetic, but fitting a wall of gallery-priced purchases wasn’t in the budget. Ever a believer in the power of a little DIY, I headed out into the neighbourhood on a glorious day with digital camera in hand, searching for inspiration and architectural interest. I’m no pro and would never undermine the true value of art, but if you’ve got a tight budget and are feeling creative, I say load up your digital with a memory card, learn how to master your camera’s settings (most new models allow you to actually shoot in black and white instead of colour), and snap away. Thanks to inexpensive printing and ready-to-go frames, you can create a gallery installation in your own home!