It’s Not Clutter, it’s #Maximalism

Your minimalist friends might have a heart attack when they walk into your apartment- but there’s good news, it’s not clutter, it’s #maximalism! That’s right, if you find pleasure in bold colours, clashing patterns and textures, and lots-o-stuff, you might be a maximalist! Read on as we explain what #maximalism is, why it’s been trending so hard, and the steps you need to take to curate your clutter into a clean maximalist space!

We all know what minimalism is, right? From magazines to movies to iPhones, the minimalist design surrounds us everyday. With that said, it’s no shock that minimalism, with all of its sharp lines and muted colours, has taken over western décor. Ironically, it’s popularity may be the reason it’s on the way out! Turns out, there really can be too much of a good thing. However, it’s natural for trends to be replaced by its opposite. So, say bye-bye to minimalism and hello #maximalism!

Define it, Please (Maximalism)

In terms of aesthetic, maximalism can be defined complete opposite of minimalism. For example, the “more is more” style employs designs that are visually stimulating and emotionally evocative. Whereas minimalism is all about “more is less”. However, #maximalism isn’t 100% different from it’s minimalist sibling. In fact, the awesomeness of maximalism lies in its contradiction.  For instance, on one hand maximalist living involves a lot of ‘stuff’- collections, art work, furniture, objects, etc. And according to maximalist theory, these beloved objects will make your home more inspiring if they are chosen based on functionality and beauty.

On the other hand, maximalism is not an excuse to keep your home in disarray. In fact, an equally essential component of #maximalism is how you organize and present your belongings within your home. At the end of the day, when done correctly a maximalist space can actually be calming. Lastly, it’s important to note that a maximalist home will be ever-changing and evolving. For example, a maximalist would have a wonderful time decorating their condo for fall!

But is it Clean?

It’s easy to assume that calling a home ‘maximalist’ is simply an excuse for clutter and kitschy excess. However, there is a difference between being a maximalist and a slob. On that note, if maximalist decor is not curated with thoughtful precision, you could end up making a big mess! With that said, though home-cleaning in a maximalist space may not necessarily be easier, you probably won’t have to clean as often. For instance, just think about how easy it is to muck up a white shoe vs. a pair with a busy design! Exactly.

However, don’t be fooled – keeping a maximalist home tidy is extremely important. For example, think about all the stuff sitting around collecting dust! At the end of the day, you don’t need a deep clean every month- but you do need to be dusting regularly. In addition, you could add some indoor air-purifying plants to your home to ensure you’re breathing in quality air. But be careful, practising regular home-cleaning can have some serious moral side-effects! However, there are still times when a hiring a home-cleaning service is essential. Check out Maid4Condos’ services to see if anything catches your eye!

Are You a Maximalist?

For most people, maintaining a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t feel natural. Not mention the constant home-cleaning, which only becomes amplified when you have pets or children. However, if you’re still not sure where you stand on the mini-maxi spectrum, check out this article to see if you are truly a maximalist.

However, if you find that you’re neither a hard-core minimalist or maximalist- you’re probably somewhere in-between! And that’s just fine. In fact, it’s healthy. Ultimately, when minimalist values are blended with a maximalist style, you can have the best of both worlds! Who said you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Living between two extremes will not only help you relax, but will make you more comfortable in your home. Plus, you’ll feel more inspired. Because, aren’t you tired of coming home to a boring, empty, minimalist apartment?

Before You Go…

However, we need to give you a heads up. As previously mentioned, the maximalist lifestyle is trending. So much so, that some are connecting it to the lifestyle of Donald Trump, a famous maximalist. However, maximalism is not just about showing off one’s wealth. In fact, for us ‘normies’, it’s a way to express our artistic taste, and be surrounded by things that inspire us.

In any event, after you’ve got you’ve curated your small space, try diffusing some aromatherapy to really get all your senses tingling! Definitely check out tips the web can give you, like ideas for how to make your small space maximalist and the rules of a maximalist home!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

Clean T.O: 4 Reasons Your Condo Neighbours Hate You – Maid4Condos

Do you want to find out why your condo neighbours hate you? While you’re complaining about your neighbor’s being obnoxious, you might also be the culprit of un-neighborly behavior!

Without realizing it, our lifestyles can impact those around us, especially when it comes to condo living. With that said, read on to find out if you’re guilty of living one of these 4 lifestyles that might be driving your condo neighbours up the walls.

You may have been having problems with your condo neighbour for a while, or you may be meeting a fresh face. At the end of the day, it seems that people aren’t dealing with these problems as effectively as they could be. Ultimately, good relationships rest on being able to identify the problem and the ways of resolve it. Who knows, with an open mind, you may end up making a new friend or two along the way!

Because, You Have a Pupper.

It’s hard to believe, but some people don’t love dogs. I know- it’s shocking. However, too many dog owners face the wrath of icy condo neighbours. Okay, so these icy neighbours aren’t all horrible people- they could be allergic or suffer from Cynophobia (fear of dogs). If you are one of these people, check out this article to learn more about how to effectively talk to your neighbour about their dog. Don’t worry, all hope is not lost! There are solutions that will allow the three of you to peacefully co-exist.

For instance, if your neighbour is allergic, make sure your pup doesn’t linger in the hallway or common spaces for too long. And, if you know your neighbour leaves their place the same time you’re go for a walk- wait a minute or take the stairs! However, if you just moved in, barking may be the issue. In that case, you may just need to talk it out. Calmly, explain to your neighbour that your dog is adjusting to the new space. However, if the barking keeps up- you may have to look into more professional solutions. For more information about dogs in condos, check out our other article about the 4 essential tips dog owners in condos should know!

Because, You’re an Introvert

Being an introvert can be great. In fact, most people are a combination of introvert and extrovert– a condition called being an Ambivert. However, if introvert tendencies leak into your neighbourly behaviour, there’s a problem. You may think that leaving a note on the door, under the door, or in their mailbox will solve your neighbourly problems.  However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact, some people see these communications as passive which will frustrate them more. So, for the most effective result, push past the awkwardness and talk to your neighbour face to face about what’s been bothering you.

On the other hand, you may be the extroverted neighbour dealing with an introvert. As you know, introverts don’t mean any harm, they just have a different way of doing things! So, if you find that you see more notes than you do your actual neighbour, don’t get frustrated. Instead, learn to keep your cool and be pleasant when you do end up having an interaction. Maybe one day, you’ll even wind up being friends! Check out this article for more tips on how to get to know your introverted condo neighbour.

Because, You Smoke

Condo living is great, but it doesn’t have all the perks of a free standing home. Unfortunately, when it comes to smells, your hallway is actually an extension of your unit. Ultimately, if you can smell the cooking from 309, they can smell the cigarettes from you. And unlike their cooking, cigarette smoke leaves a lingering smell that could lead to toxic consequences.

If you’ve been smoking in your condo and haven’t checked your building’s rules, you should get on that. It’s only a matter of time before someone makes a formal complaint. Not only is it bad for everyone’s health- it will decrease the value of your condo! Nothing turns buyers off more than third hand smoke. Instead, seek out designated smoking areas in your building and make it habit to smoke there.

Because, You’re Noisy

Unsurprisingly, noise disturbances make up the largest portion of complaints from condo and apartment owners alike. Where are you on this side of the argument? If you have instruments or enjoy loud music, make sure to be respectful of the time. For example, some condos allow loud noise until 11pm, while others don’t have strict enforcements. So, it would be worthwhile to look into your buildings rules. However, you don’t have to throw an EDM festival in your condo to know it’s against the rules.

On the other hand, if you sit at the other side of spectrum, you might be reeling at the casualness of that advice! Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for noise reduction. However, you can become thoroughly informed of your building’s rules so that next time you make a complaint, you have the writing to back it up!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

Clean T.O: A Guide to Indoor Plants in Small Spaces

Whether you grew plants on your balcony this summer or not, you should consider bringing indoor plants into your small space this winter!  Not only can indoor plants liven up the décor of your condo, they have a number of health benefits, including increasing the air quality! However, there are a few things to consider when bringing your plants indoors for the winter, or choosing indoor plants for your condo.

Moving Plants Indoors

If you already have plants growing on your balcony you might not have brought them in because of the usually gorgeous September weather. But, it’s time to start thinking about the transfer. At the end of the day, light is all plants need to photosynthesize and grow. Unfortunately, with that said, plants that have already been struggling in the fresh outdoors may not make it in a small space.

That means that you should only move plants that you deem strong enough to handle the transfer, and say goodbye to the rest. Because, unless you’re sentimentally attached to a weak plant, you don’t need the added stress of failing health when you’re already attempting to garden in your condo!

The Process

Don’t be fooled, the transfer will be process. Just think how different the environment on your balcony is compared to inside your condo! And so, your plant needs a careful transition to the indoors so that it adjusts to the sudden changes. At the end of the day, being mindful during each stage of the transfer is the key to maintaining your plant’s health.

Remember, that sudden change in temperature, light and humidity could traumatize your plants. Ultimately, leading to wilting, yellowing and in worst case- death. However, if you do your research on how to assimilate your specific plant types and act accordingly, everything should be fine!

The Transfer

We recommend to transfer all your plants indoors before night-time temperatures sink below 7 degrees Celsius. This is especially true for tropical plants, so think about bringing them in! However, remember to inspect all pots for bugs, spiders, earthworms, snails, moss or mold if you plant to bring them inside. Unless of course, you’re looking for new roommates!

However, even if you didn’t find any creepy crawlers on your pot, there’s something you need to do before you bring your baby in. As a precaution, you should let the pot sit in a tub of lukewarm water for 15 minutes, forcing any hidden critters out.  Then, scrub the exterior of the pot with a simple DIY household cleaning solution like vinegar until you’re satisfied! Next, just rinse off until clean. For guidance on the actual transferring process, check out this video that will walk you through the transfer process step by step!

Plant Placement

If your plants are moving in for the winter, have you thought about where they’ll live? Consider adding ceilings, wall hooks or shelves to small space to store your plants over the winter. Think about which areas get the most sun, and how easy it will be to water them.

In terms of lighting, supplementary indoor plant lights are a terrific option if you don’t get great sunlight in your condo. It’s been found that many different plants like herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and greens can flourish under a mix of sun and artificial light, so give it a shot!

Welcome, to the Indoors!

To prevent shock when bringing plants indoors, they should be gradually exposed to the reduced lighting. In fact, as the plant adapts to the new setting, it will start to regenerate any wilting or leaves it has lost. So, you may want to consider the LED lights until they adjust.

You need to feed your plant a little differently during the transition, too! Overwatering is the silent killer of many unsuspecting houseplants, so you should let the soil surface dry before watering. When in doubt, don’t water- because your plant isn’t getting enough light to dry out properly. Last but not least, give you brave plant a boost of fertilizer, for strength! After the boost, your plant will be satisfied for the winter months to come.

Choosing an Indoor Plant

There’s a wide variety of indoor plants you could incorporate into your condo that thrive in low light conditions, and also serve to improve air quality! However, if you enjoy indoor gardening and want plants that require a more involved role, check out these practical & edible plant ideas! So, if you play your cards right, you could be munching on avocados, mushrooms, salad greens and lemons this winter!

Air Quality

A Boston Fern

Not only are Boston Ferns great at improving air quality, but they will pre-historic aesthetic to your small space! These ferns are low maintenance, thriving in indirect light- though they do require extra humidity in the winter months. Check out this article to learn more about humidity and growing a Boston Fern in your condo.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are great because they can go for weeks without being cared for. This means, you can go on that business trip and come back to healthy looking plants! In addition to being attractive, Snake plants help purify formaldehyde and benzene toxins from the air. Check out this article to learn more about Snake plants, and how to care of them.

Aesthetic

Succulents

By now you must have heard of the succulent craze sweeping the nation. And for good reason! These cute, low maintenance additions to your condo will give you nature without the work. Plus, you can get creative with them, because they can live anywhere! For instance, you can plant your succulent within a mason jar, in a shell- you name it! Just think, you could have your own succulent garden in your small space this winter!

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily, a classy addition to your condo that will raise your décor level up a few notches. Lucky for you, this gorgeous flower is fairly low maintenance. However, though it doesn’t require direct sunlight or daily watering, it does need to be re-potted semi-often! If you’re up for a wee bit of maintenance, you may have found a match. Still not convinced? Check out this article to see why this couple always have a Peace Lily in their home.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide how much time you want to spend tending to your plant. Remember, many people enjoy maintaining plants indoors and in small spaces. In fact, there’s lots of products being designed to make indoor gardening easier. Check out this list of cool gardening gadgets to help you keep your garden in check this winter!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!

Clean T.O: 10 Essential Tips to Host Thanksgiving in Your Condo!

You may have hosted Thanksgiving before, but have you ever hosted in your condo? It’s true, there are some tips good for any Thanksgiving feast. However, there are some condo-specific tips that will make the whole process a whole lot easier! Needless to say, we’ve compiled 10 essential tips on how to make your condo Thanksgiving run as smoothly as possible, without having to hire a cleaning service!

The Guest List

Ultimately, the number of guests you invite into your condo will determine many other components of the night, so you want to get it out of the way- pronto. Unsurprisingly, the key is to be realistic: how many people can you fit comfortably in your condo? It’s hard to chisel down the number of guests if you’re hosting your family- but friends, you could whittle down as necessary.

The Menu

As you’ve probably anticipated, the ingredients and materials you’ll need for Thanksgiving will most likely overwhelm your small kitchen. So, the more you plan in advance, the better! First, make a list of your ingredients and where you’ll buy them. Remember, put thought into what meals and if you’ll be able to store, prep and execute them in your kitchen under a lot of stress.

For example, what kind of appetizers and wine are you planning to serve? Serving store-bought appetizers like nuts, pickles and olives will satisfy your guests and make your life much easier. When it comes to wine, turkey goes great with red or white! However, red doesn’t need to be refrigerated- saving you valuable space in your fridge. It’s these small-space specific tips that you want to take advantage of!

Oven and Stove Space

If you’re planning on serving Turkey, it’s going to be hogging the stove for hours prior to the big meal. So what does that mean for you? First of all, opt for side dishes that can be made in days advance, or that only require a quick reheat before being served. Furthermore, don’t forget about those key dishes like roasted carrot & parsnip salad or a French onion tart can be served at room temperature! Check out these thanksgiving side-dish recipes from the Cooking Channel to really get those cogs turning!

Packaging & Storage Space

If you haven’t realized already, most food comes in packaging that is way bigger than the product itself. Moving store-bought items into bags or containers will save a ton of space in your fridge, counter tops and cupboards. For example, you’ll be able to fit lettuce into your vegetable drawer instead of letting it take up space on your shelf! It’s simple, just remove the plastic box and transferring it to a bag- easy!

In addition, don’t let your small kitchen stop you from discovering hidden storage spaces in your condo! For example, wine and beer bottles are bulky, taking up valuable storage space in your fridge. Instead, ditch the fridge all together and try this trick people have been using for years! It’s easy, you can create an ice bucket in your bath-tub by pouring loose ice in, and voila! Instant ice bucket.

Food Prep

It’s time to think about which dishes you can make in advance, or at the very least which ingredients can be prepped before turkey day. For instance, potatoes and carrots can be peeled ahead of time, and stored in water.

Furthermore, if you’re planning on stuffing a turkey, you can cube up some bread. And if you’re planning on baking, you can mix and store dry ingredients or simply bake your pie in advance! Lastly, did you know that you can toast nuts ahead of time and store them in the freezer? Trust us, whatever you decide to do- you’ll be forever grateful if you tackle as much as you can a day or two in advance!

The Turkey

To turkey, or not to turkey? A turkey takes up a lot of space, for a long period of time. Furthermore, a frozen turkey can take three days to defrost in a fridge and will require you to clean a spot for it! However, if you have a patio or fire escape, you could also defrost your turkey in a cooler- even brining it simultaneously. Alternatively, you could just ditch the turkey! As we said, they take up a lot of space in the fridge and the oven.

So, if shying away from the turkey tradition doesn’t make you feel guilty, go for it! Plus, you have options- there is no shortage of Thanksgiving alternatives, so check them out and see what makes your stomach grumble! Vegan? No problem! There’s plenty of options for our socially conscious brothers and sisters, just check out these 44 Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving!

A Strategic Floor Plan

When you’re hosting guests in a condo, some temporary furniture adjustments can go a long way. This means, it’s time to bring out the extra folding chairs and place your furniture strategically, in a way conducive to social engagement. Perhaps that means moving a side table between two chairs or place the coffee table by the window to create a small snack station!

Additionally, if you have any stools, buckets, benches or step stools you’ll want to keep them waiting in the wings. You never know when you’ll need an extra seat in a pinch! At the end of the day, seating and socialization is one of the most important aspects of a dinner party, so spend some time coming up with a plan! Read up on how your guests may be judging you to learn about what hosting faux pas to avoid this Thanksgiving.

De-clutter

It’s always nice to have clear surfaces for your guests to put their plate or cup down, and it’s also nice to know your things are safe! De-cluttering not only makes your condo look sleeker and tidier, but offers convenience to your guests and gives you peace of mind none of your belongings will be knocked over or damaged while you’re busy hosting.

Seating & Serving Style

There are a few ways to go about the seating plan and deciding how you will serve the food you have so tirelessly prepared. However, the internet has deemed that regardless of whether your guests are seated around the table, or around your condo- buffet style works best. Just think about it: you’re all sitting at the table, with your drinks and plates and the turkey, there is little space left for the side dishes to fit comfortably.

So, consider leaving the majority of dishes in your kitchen, on the counters and even on the stove top for guests to serve themselves, leaving the table open and spacious. However, traditional table seating is  not the only way to go. For example, for  larger or less traditional crowds, informal seating in the living area (or elsewhere) can work really well! In this case, the buffet could be spread on the table, with chairs and side tables placed conveniently around the condo for dining.

Clean as You Go

Last but not least, clean as you go! Ultimately, the key to keeping your head on Thanksgiving will be cleaning your condo as you move through the night. For example, if you let dishes pile up after prep, the first course, second, third- you’ll be swimming in dishes by dessert! Not to mention, by the end of the night. However, the ‘clean-as-you-go’ method is not for everyone, and that’s okay…

Luckily for you, there’s another condo Thanksgiving hack that will keep your kitchen spacious without having to clean all night. Just stash ‘em in the bath tub! This of course, only works if you’re not already using your tub as an ice-bucket. However, by placing dirty dishes in your bathtub and closing your shower curtain, you’ll be able to enjoy the night and no one will be the wiser. Don’t worry, you can get to the dishes in the morning, unless someone needs to take a shower! But seriously, don’t be shy enlisting a few friends or relatives to help you clean. Plus, check out this article to find out ways to prevent mess throughout the night!

Ok, we said you could do it without a cleaning service. But what if you had a lot of people over? If the mess is just too overwhelming, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a cleaning service. Just imagine, you’ll get to come home to your condo looking better than ever without having to lift a finger! If you’re feeling stressed out after an event, Maid4Condos is only a few clicks away! Our website is open 24/7, so feel free to check out our cleaning services!

Hungry for more?

This post was brought to you by Maid4Condos, a top-rated residential cleaning service dedicated to the people of Toronto. Maid4Condos has been a committed partner to the Toronto cleaning and construction scene for years, and continues to provide exceptional cleaning services to clients. Get a FREE quote & book your cleaning today or follow this link to learn more of what we’re all about!

Visit the Maid4Condos blog and follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram for more industry news, Toronto lifestyle guides and cleaning tips!