Forgo Pantry for Counter Space; Turn Den into Storage

Their 1,253 square-foot condo is yet to be built and Ken wonders about laying hardwood flooring throughout the suite.

Interior designer Dolores Pian advises installing pre-engineered wood everywhere including the foyer and kitchen.

"According to condo law, the floor can't be solid, but has to float, so it can be removed easily. Floating also helps reduce noise transfer," says Pian, owner of Spaces Custom Interiors.

Pian suggests punching up the foyer with dramatic artwork on the closet wall, as it will be the first thing seen. There's also room on the left for a tall mirror and a small bench.

Ken is considering the optional kitchen pantry, but Pian urges him to forgo it because he needs counter space more than a pantry.

She suggests building a narrower pantry against the bedroom wall. "This is an open plan so kitchen cabinetry should look like furniture and the pantry should be built to match the other cupboards," she says.

Pian recommends making the breakfast bar wider and crescent shaped, since more people can be fitted around a circle or crescent.

Because the living-dining room only has one short wall, it will be a challenge to furnish. Ken needs the one wall for a handsome wall unit that accommodates a TV, serves as an entertainment centre and has shelves for books and

objets d'art

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Pian recommends a pair of 9-foot by 12-foot carpets to establish separate living and dining spaces. She would place a six-foot sofa and a pair of side (lamp) tables on the carpet and facing the wall unit. (Ken will have to run lamp cords under the rug to an outlet in the entertainment centre.) There's also room for an easy chair, with its back to the kitchen, a small wine table and a solid two-foot by four-foot coffee table.

Pian would position a parson's table, which can act as a server, against the back of the sofa.

A dining table for 10 is a must-have for the couple "We want to continue the tradition of having our family in for Sunday dinners," Ken writes.

Pian would go for a 42-inch by 72-inch oval table and chairs with elegant high backs. Pian advises keeping six chairs at the table and distributing four elsewhere.

Ken has a spot for a low buffet along the left bank of windows and there's room for a six-foot tree – one that makes an impact – in front of the column.

Because this condo is sadly lacking in storage, Pian advises turning the den into a storage room. She strongly urges Ken to hire a designer to customize a series of closets and cupboards.

Ken indicates he is reserving the second bedroom for his two grandchildren. The narrow room will just accommodate twin beds and one chest, according to Pian.

The master bedroom has too much window – in fact, so does the living room. Pian warns that blinds, blackout curtains for the southeast bedrooms and classy living room drapery is bound to be a major expense.

If Ken and his wife want a "wow" factor in the master bedroom, Pian suggests investing in an elaborate headboard and placing it against the kitchen wall.

"I'd put a comfortable swivel chair to the right of the column for reading and so this couple can enjoy different views throughout the day," she says.

Pian describes the balcony as an extension of the living room. Because it is always visible, Pian advises consulting with a landscape architect to design an outdoor "park."

If you have a plan, send it to Best-laid Plans, Condo Living, Toronto Star, 1 Yonge St., Toronto M5E 1E6. No email submissions. Designers wanting to take part can contact

condos@thestar.ca

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