the transformation of our showroom / part 2

[making space]

In order to fill our showroom with new products this fall, we need to make space. With this in mind, last week we began a huge floor model sale selling our furniture and accessories at 50% off. Products are moving quickly – and new products are arriving just as quickly!

Domitalia is an Italian made company known for its clear-cut design, high quality, and comfortable products. We carry a number of their products and have selected a few to display in our showroom this fall. Life, for example, is a beautiful walnut veneer dining table designed by Domitalia. It is an extendable dining table which makes it perfect for family gatherings. The walnut finish generates feelings of warmth, bringing us back to feelings of harvest season and thanksgiving dinners.

While at the New York Gift show in August, Joanna saw a number of pieces of artwork that she ordered from Leftbank art. They arrived last week in our showroom and Devon and I were eager to see the work for ourselves.  While it is not original work, the pieces are textured and from a distance they look like soft, multi-layered encaustic paintings.  The horse painting below, reminds me of a still from an old black and white film mixing feelings of nostalgia with romanticism.

the transformation of our showroom / part 1

[a change of season]

Fall and winter are a time for reflection, comfort and warmth. A time where we spend more of our day indoors – cuddled up in cozy blankets, enjoying the heat of a blazing fire, and entertaining loved ones.

Here at Condobox, the change of season also signifies the transformation of our showroom. Twice a year our 600sq foot model suit is remodeled to demonstrate what one of our Condbox Packages could look like, to illustrate current design trends and to showcase some of our best selling pieces.

[the inspiration]

homey / simple / sustainable products / calming / relaxing / back to our roots

Back in August, Joanna Kakkavas, the principal and founder of Condobox, was inspired by the rustic industrial trend with a soft and feminine feel that was featured at the New York Gift show. This fall and winter our showroom will reflect this trend. We want to create a space that evokes and cultivates feelings of calm, warmth and simplicity.

^some of the photos that Joanna took at the New York Gift show

Inspiration can also be found when you least expect it - and as we were discussing the remodeling of our space, the cover of a Benjamin Moore paint catalogue with a peacock feather on it caught our attention. The rich and vibrant indigo's and blues of the feather in combination with earthy olive and taupe tones transposed themselves into our colour palette.

With a colour palette to guide us, our next steps are to choose fabrics, furniture and décor that both relate to this palette as well as cultivate the emotional response we are striving for within our space.

The evolution of our showroom will be documented on our blog.

I invite you

to visit our blog regularly and track the progress of our model suite. To gain an insiders perspective of how a condominium is both designed and furnished and a glimpse into the world of interior design here, at Condobox.

Its time for a [change]

With change always comes a letting go, and on July 7^th we transitioned from Roomy Interiors into Condobox – a new concept to focus more on helping condo owners furnish their space [and build their dream box].

As part of our ‘face-lift’ celebrations, we chose to feature the artwork of 7 local artists, for under $700.00, in our showroom. It was a great way for us to not only celebrate our new concept, but to support and to celebrate the vibrant arts culture in our community.

[evolution] whats new?

Condo owners can now purchase a Condo Box package with their furnishings and design time included. With the expertise of the Box’s interior Designers, clients are guided through making all of the difficult decisions that come along with creating a functional living space.

Investors and realtors who are looking to stage a unit can now find a better solution with our Condo packages. Potential buyers will see beyond the empty shell of a suite, choose and modify the packages to their liking and imagine themselves living life in their new condo fast and easy!

 Stop by our showroom at 232 King Street East for more information about our services and products or check us out online at  www.condobox.ca.

[build your dream box]

Festival Tower

There are plenty of new condos in Toronto but none quite compare to the development by Daniels at 80 John St.  One of the Condobox's most recent listings is this brand new 577 square foot "Monroe" unit with a huge 126 square foot balcony.  

It's located in the heart of the city in a luxurious building with 5 star services and top of the line amenities including a meditation garden, cinema and spa.

Designed by the Condobx, all furnishings were sources from our Canadian suppliers. It was furnished with sleek, modern living in mind.  The design allows you to entertain comfortably both inside and out.   The large sectional seats 5, while additional seating can be found at the desk area, in the kitchen and on the patio.

The bedroom is fully equipped with extra storage solutions.  The tall dresser gives plenty of storage while the bed has 2 large drawers that open on either side.  The closet has also been re-finished for the best potential 

use of space.

ABC's of condo window coverings

Living in a downtown Toronto condo has plenty of advantages.  You can find your own personal refuge right in the thick of things, just steps to your favourite shops, restaurants and favourite activities.  However, in many instances, buildings are so close together that privacy can become an issue.  Making sure that you have the right window treatments is paramount to ensure that you feel comfortable in your own home.

While there are plenty of drapery and blind options on the market, some are more suited to certain applications than others.   Here’s just a quick overview...

Roller blinds are a very popular choice for condominiums.  They have a clean modern design and are available in a variety of opacities which range from complete black at 0%  to 1%, 5% etc. Openness, depending on how much light you would like to allow through.   

Vienna blinds have a honeycomb structure which is a little more transitional in design.  They allow for privacy when both open and closed and can be purchased in light filtering and total black out models.  These tend to be a little higher in price than roller blinds as their manufacturing and final product is a little more complex than a standard roller blind.

Drapery panels are also a very popular choice for many.  They very quickly soften a room visually and can bring lots of colour and character into a space.  I often use drapery panels in conjunction with roller blinds for clients who want the esthetics of the one, and the practicality of the other.   Drapery can be purchased in pre-made panels or custom made from your choice of fabrics.

While roller blinds, vienna blinds and drapery panels are all available in many different colours, it’s important to remember that most condo boards insist that the backings of your window treatments are white!