Living in a small condo might seem restrictive; you’ve got limited space to move around, and interior design just seems easier for larger spaces. But, before you become negative Nancy about this entire situation, it’s possible to give your condo the illusion of being a lot more spacious than it actually is. 

How, you might ask? Paint! 

Paint can make or break your living space, and we’ve got all the best interior painting tips up our sleeves. 

Read this blog to learn more about interior painting in Vancouver.

Smart Interior Painting Ideas for Small Condos in Vancouver

1. Go Light and Go Bright 

When you’re working with a small space, light colors are your best friend. Dark colors, on the contrary, can make your condo look significantly smaller, almost like it’s closing in on you. 

Soft whites, light grays, and pastels help make a room feel more open and airy by reflecting natural light. The more light you can bring in, the bigger your space will feel.

2. Prep Work Makes the Dream Work 

Sure prep work isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but without it, you’re setting yourself up for some serious failure. It’s the secret to a smooth, flawless finish. A little extra effort in this step will save you tons of time and frustration later on.

Here’s how to prep your walls before painting: 

  • Step 1: Clean! Painting on dirty, grimy walls will make the paint stick unevenly, giving it a weird, bulgy appearance. 
  • Step 2: Cover everything — and we mean quite literally everything. Paint splashes can creep up on you when you least expect it, and getting them off of sofas and other furniture pieces can be a task. Save yourself from the hassle and cover everything with plastic wrap beforehand. 
  • Step 3: Got a few nail holes from artwork? Fill them in with spackle and smooth it out with sandpaper once it’s dry. This helps give you a smooth surface to work on. 
  • Step 4: Tape the edges. Painting in clean straight lines is an art form, and unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with it. Use painter’s tape to protect your trim, baseboards, and any other spots you don’t want to paint. This makes the whole process cleaner and easier.
  • Step 5: If you’re going from dark to light, one coat of primer can go a long way. It’ll help your new color go on smoothly and vibrantly, and you won’t need as many coats.

3. Choosing the Right Paint Finish 

When you’re contemplating which paint to use, the finishing of it might be the last thing you’re worried about. But the right one can make a huge difference in how your walls look and how easy they are to maintain.

  • Eggshell Finish: This is a great all-purpose choice, perfect for living rooms and hallways. It’s easy to clean and gives a soft, subtle shine.
  • Satin Finish: If you want something a little more durable, satin has a bit more sheen and is super easy to wipe down.
  • Matte Finish: Want to hide imperfections in your walls? Matte finishes are your best friend. It’s perfect for bedrooms and living rooms, though keep in mind it’s harder to clean.
  • Semi-Gloss Finish: Use this on trim, doors, and accents. It’s easy to clean and adds a nice shine that can make those details pop.

4. Avoiding Common Mistakes

The thrill and excitement of finally getting your condo up can divert your attention from some very important tips that could make your job a whole lot smoother: 

  • Don’t Skip the Test Patch: Paint a small patch on your wall before you commit. What looks good on the sample chip might look totally different once it’s on the wall.
  • Don’t Forget the Primer: If you’re going lighter or covering up a bold color, primer is your friend. It’ll help the new color pop and stick better.
  • Invest in Good Tools: Cheap brushes and rollers can leave streaks and make your job harder. Good quality tools are totally worth the investment, especially for trim and edges.
  • Don’t Overload the Brush: It’s tempting to slather on a ton of paint, but this can cause drips and uneven coverage. A thin coat is better than one heavy one.

5. Great Creative 

Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with your paint! There are plenty of ways to make a big statement in a little room.

  • Accent Walls: A bold accent wall can add personality without overwhelming the room. Pick a wall that naturally draws attention, like behind your couch or bed and paint it a nice bright color. .
  • Don’t Forget the Ceiling: Lightly painting your ceiling a soft color like pale blue or off-white can give the illusion of more height and a bigger space.

Also Read: Paint Finishes Explained: How to Choose the Right One for Each Room

Your Condo Deserves a Touch of Magic! 

You’re all set to give your Vancouver condo a fresh new look! With a little prep work, the right color choices, and a bit of creativity, interior painting can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and way more stylish. 

Ready to take the plunge but want a helping hand? Ring up the best painters in Vancouver! 

Contact Budget Painters today for a quote, and let’s make your condo look amazing. No more scrolling Pinterest looking at large condos when you can do the same and more for your smaller one!