Software
Houzz Logo Print
chris_johnson6615

Small Condo Remodel

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

Hi, all -

I just purchased a small condo (~350-380sqft) and was hoping to get ideas on how I can remodel the space to make it more livable. I'm an engineer by trade, so I'm great when it comes to building or completing electrical/plumbing projects. The flip side to that, however, is that I'm lacking in the creativity department. For a better idea on how the space will be used, it's a condo in a ski resort town and the resort becomes a mountain bike park in the summer. I both ski and mountain bike, and my primary residence is about 1.5 hours from the resort so this space will probably be occupied around 3-4 months of the year in total. There is a laundromat a 2 minute walk out the front door, so I won't need to fit laundry in anywhere. I would like to be able to store my outdoor gear and work remotely, so I was thinking I would need to build a loft bed. Other than that, My wife and I would have our pets with us (2 medium sized dogs and 2 cats). What do you think would help this space? Any ideas or products you know of that improve tiny/small space living? Just to be clear, I'm comfortable with total gut jobs. Here is the basic current floor plan and some rendered images of the space:











Thanks for any ideas!

Comments (9)

  • 3 years ago

    Congratulations!

    I recommend a murphy bed with an integrated desk in the bedroom. I would not want to climb into a loft bed after a solid day of skiing.

    What limits has the association placed on your rearranging the kitchen (if any)? Im thinking expanding the work areas into an L is your best kitchen improvement, but i know condos can with neighbors above/below sometimes come with extra constraints.

  • 3 years ago

    Thanks! It's a self-managed association and they seem pretty relaxed as long as you aren't disturbing people in quiet hours. I think I would be able to do whatever as long as I was thoughtful of the people around me (if they are there). By "L" do you mean extend where the hallway closet is? Or extend it along the other wall? I like the Murphy idea. I see they make them with integrated sofas also...

  • 3 years ago

    Forget about a remodel. I'd find the best Murphy Bed arrangement you can find, get it delivered and start enjoying the space.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I took a closer look at your layout. There isn't an obvious, simple improvement for your kitchen, so I think @Lyn Nielson has the right idea to just move in and enjoy the space for a while. See what works for you guys, note the pain points, and then develop solutions. As an engineer, you're no doubt an excellent problem solver. Just need to give it some time to learn what exactly the problems are.

  • 3 years ago

    We'll definitely start enjoying it immediately! Just trying to get ideas to think about while there. Here is a mock-up of an "L" kitchen (would have a corner sink and open shelving on the empty wall, and I saw a counter height fridge/freezer at home depot so I resized an example of that to fit):




    Here's another idea we had (ignore the dog kennel, just wanted to see what it looked like). Has a flip up table:




  • PRO
    3 years ago

    This is awesome! I designed a tiny house and definitely the murphy bed *(or even an elevator bed) is the go to in the bedroom. I would suggest the L shape kitchen you've got mocked up, but you can also continue some tall storage cabinets along the wall to use as a pantry and for snowboards or skis.

    Alternatively, maybe you can find a cool way to decorate behind a sofa with your gear, rather than storing it.


    Then use every possible thing you can for storage. Storage sofa, storage ottomans, etc.



  • 3 years ago

    Think through your furniture space plan for the living room. Id want to prioritze space for a sleeper sofa for guests. I think they average around 84” long long. And if you add in an armchair so four adults can hang out, plus space for gear, room for pets … I think there must be at least 12 feet of clear sitting room space along the wall from the front of the condo to the nearest obstacle/kitchen cabinet.


    i would not build in counter seating. Keep it flexible. A 36” high, ~30” square ”pub table” with stools that tuck under can be a worktop, a dining area, and move around the space.

  • 3 years ago

    I would not box in the kitchen. If you need more counter space run it along the wall... the space will be more flexible.

  • 3 years ago

    Instead of a loft bed, consider a loft storage. doesnt look like there is outside storage for ski equipment. the other idea is the bedroom closet. there is a closet sized niche there that can be custom outfitted to store ski stuff.

Sponsored
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Average rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars35 Reviews
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations