Whether you plan to live in your Edmonton condo for a shorter or longer period doesn’t mean you can’t bring in designer style! There are lots of ways to make the most of your home and maximize the form and function of your space without compromising on your needs. Here are some tips to make your apartment feel even more like home!

Tip #1: Invest in Versatile Pieces

If you are purchasing new furniture pieces, think long-term. What pieces of furniture can you bring in now that will also serve you in your future home(s) as well? Think of smaller pieces that have flexibility in their utility such as small storage cabinets or console tables. These are pieces that can be used in many different rooms and areas so no matter where you go, you can take them with you. 

We love this console table as seen as an ‘entry drop spot’ with a dish for keys, a light for ambiance, and a mirror to give yourself one last check-over before heading out the door! The small scale and neutral finishes of the piece mean that it’s easy to incorporate into future areas, and it’s easy to change up the accessories to suit your evolving needs and style preferences.

This storage cabinet is used as a media unit but could also function in an office for overflow supplies or filing storage, in a bedroom for clothing or bins, or even in a dining room as a small cabinet as well.

Tip #2: Keep Things ‘Light’

Oftentimes, Edmonton condos can be on the slightly smaller side so, it’s best to trick your eye whenever you can by selecting items that are visually lighter. So with that in mind, think of lighter colors, brighter finishes, and using elements such as glass and mirrors throughout your space. 

In this space, you’ll see that our sofa, although the largest piece of furniture in the room, is a light grey color to contrast the darker floors.

We also specifically chose a glass coffee table to keep the space from being ‘bottom heavy’ which can easily happen when you have dark floors, dark furniture and pieces that are too large or visually weighted.

Even in the bedroom, we chose a light grey headboard to draw your eye up and add contrast to the light walls, but the lighter fabric stops the headboard from feeling too intrusive in the space. 

Light warm-grey fabrics are very complimentary to most spaces and universally flattering, so try to purchase your largest investment pieces in those tones for pieces that you’ll be able to take with you no matter where you go! Then you can contrast with smaller accents and accessories that bring in bold colour and pattern!

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Your Walls

Storage can sometimes be a pain point in rentals and so as such, we suggest taking advantage of your wall space wherever you can, to add increased functionality and storage. 

Wall hooks in entryways or bedrooms are great for overflow hanging and storage of everyday items.

If you are in need of a workspace, consider using tall shelving surrounding the desk to increase storage and to use it as an opportunity to showcase some of your favourite pieces. Even in a living room, a tall bookcase is a great way to take advantage of your wall space without encroaching more than you need to into your floor space to add more storage.

Even something as seemingly small as hanging wall sconces instead of using floor or table lamps is a great way to utilize your wall space, freeing up more floor space and space on the top of your furniture pieces for your everyday items. Just remember, you’ll need to patch/fill those holes when you leave but if storage and space is at a premium, it’s worth doing!

Tip #4: Add Your Personality

Our final design tip when decorating your condo is to add your personality! Even if your space may not be your “forever home”, it’s important to add elements that bring you joy so that you love your home, no matter how long you plan on staying. 

Don’t be afraid to add artwork, bring in accessories, and use color to liven your space! Keep your walls neutral, so they act as the perfect backdrop for your favourite colors, textures, and artwork. 

And remember, have fun making your condo your home! 

Featured Guest Blogger: Diana Tidswell, CID. Partner and Interior Designer at Kresswell Interiors.Diana has dedicated over 12 years to the design industry. With a passion for creating uniquely personalized spaces, she approaches each project with a perfect blend of creativity and focus. Diana’s goal is to enhance homeowners’ lives through thoughtful and innovative design solutions. If you’d like to learn more about Diana or the services of Kresswell Interiors please visit KresswellInteriors.com or the Kresswell Interiors Instagram page.

The playoff season is here, and the excitement among hockey fans across the globe is growing as we are in the midst of round 2 of the playoffs. For fans of the Edmonton Oilers (which we are), this time of year is particularly special, as the team gears up for the chance to compete for the coveted Stanley Cup.

This year, the Oilers are poised to make a deep playoff run and we are all excited to see how it plays out. In the spirit of this, we wanted to share some fun tidbits of Oiler’s trivia about some of our players:

1. Connor McDavid, the captain of the Oilers, is the youngest player in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer. He achieved this feat in the 2016-17 season at the age of 20.
2. Leon Draisaitl, who plays center for the Oilers, was born in Germany and is the highest-scoring German player in NHL history.
3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who plays center for the Oilers, is left-handed, but he shoots right-handed.
4. Darnell Nurse, a defenseman for the Oilers, is the nephew of former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.
5. Stuart Skinner, during his junior hockey career, Skinner played for the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He is thee youngest in his family. He is one of nine siblings. All of them have first names that begin with the letter “S”.
6. Zach Hyman is also an author. He has written a book titled “The Bambino and Me” in 2014, among others. The book tells the story of a young boy who forms a special bond with baseball legend Babe Ruth.
7. Evander Kane, a left winger for the Oilers, has played in over 700 NHL games in his career and has also represented Canada in international play. He was acquired by the Oilers in 2022 and has previously played for several other NHL teams.
8. Kailer Yamamoto, a right winger for the Oilers, is of Japanese and Hawaiian descent and grew up in Spokane, Washington.
9. Cody Ceci is an avid golfer and has participated in various charity golf tournaments. He is also known to be a big fan of the sport and has said that he enjoys golfing in his free time during the off-season.
10. Evan Bouchard became the youngest Oiler defenceman in history to record a goal on October 25, 2018, when he scored in a 4–1 win over the Washington Capitals.

It is always fascinating to gain some more insight into these talented players beyond the ice. We are eagerly watching each game in anticipation and hope that this will be “our year” here in YEG.

Edmonton, Alberta is a vibrant city that offers exceptional post-secondary education options for life after high school. Whether you’re looking to start your post-secondary journey or continue it, Edmonton has a variety of options to suit your needs. Here are some of the top post-secondary schools you could consider attending in Edmonton:

University of Alberta: The University of Alberta is a leading research university located in the south-central region of Edmonton, situated along the river bank. With over 40,000 students from around the world, it offers over 400 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including highly-regarded programs in engineering, business, law, medicine, and more. The University of Alberta also has a French campus located in the trendy Bonnie Doon neighbourhood, offering additional programs and services in French.

MacEwan University: MacEwan University is a comprehensive undergraduate university that offers a variety of programs including business, arts, sciences, nursing, and more. With small class sizes and a focus on practical experience, MacEwan is focused on preparing students for real-world learning. Situated near downtown Edmonton and the Brewery District, it is a convenient location to call home.

NAIT: NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) is a leading polytechnic institution that offers hands-on training in a variety of fields, including technology, trades, engineering, and health sciences. With over 140 programs, NAIT provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. NAIT is located just north of downtown and near Kingsway Garden Mall.

NorQuest College: NorQuest College is a public community college that offers a range of certificate, diploma, and degree programs in fields such as business, health care, community studies, and more. With a focus on career preparation and practical skills, NorQuest prepares students for success in the workforce. Norquest has been expanding its footprint in the heart of the warehouse district of downtown Edmonton. If you have young children, you will appreciate the daycare located onsite: 1000 Women Child Care Centre.

Concordia University: Concordia University of Edmonton is a small, faith-based university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, education, science, and more. With a focus on personalized learning and community involvement, Concordia provides a unique learning experience for students.

Edmonton’s post-secondary institutions offer a wealth of opportunities for students, but that’s not all that makes Edmonton a great place to live. Here are a few more reasons why Edmonton is a great place to call home:

Beautiful scenery: Edmonton is home to the stunning River Valley, North America’s largest urban park, and a range of parks, gardens, and trails. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, Edmonton’s natural beauty won’t disappoint.

Vibrant arts and culture: Edmonton is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with festivals, performances, and exhibits happening year-round. From the world-renowned Fringe Festival to the Art Gallery of Alberta, there’s always something to see and do in Edmonton.

Strong economy: Edmonton has a diverse economy and is home to a range of industries, including oil and gas, healthcare, education, and technology. With a low unemployment rate and a strong job market, Edmonton provides great opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Whether you’re looking to pursue post-secondary education, start a new career, or just enjoy a great quality of life, Edmonton has something for everyone.