Smart House

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We see you there, techie, tweeting in line at the coffee shop, reading your mobile phone on the subway, checking restaurant reviews on the latest foodie app. That’s why we created our very own app for Smart House. We know it won’t be long before you consider it indispensable to your everyday life.

Built for tablets and smartphones, it’s like your personal 24/7 concierge, always at your fingertips. Here are just SOME of the things you’ll be able to do:

- Order in supper or reserve a table at that “in” restaurant

- Reserve a car share or limo, call a cab

- Book a maid, personal trainer or dog walker

- Get your dry cleaning picked up and delivered

- Monitor your home temperature, switch on your lights, control your sound system from wherever you are

- Check the availability of the party room

- Organize an in-house party

With the holidays around the corner, condo dwellers appreciate the importance of a quality space-saving table, especially when it does double duty. Daniel Liss’ Table for Two does just that, as it transforms from a handy nook for dinner to a workspace.

The dinner table seats six people comfortably, but with a quick switch you can pull a divider up from the middle and turn it into a two-person desk. That way, you and your special someone can pore over your work (or, ahem, our Facebook page) in privacy. The table even has drawers at either end where you can store your computer, cutlery or really, anything that’ll fit. [Source]

Smart Kitchens: Our kitchens are small by design but functional too. Design lovers and space-savers, II BY IV, implemented a whole bunch of clever ideas that’ll make your friends says WOW. The smart standouts: extra-deep counter space with an additional fully-retractable countertop: a slick kitchen island/dining table combo, more storage space than usual, and integrated space saving appliances. To learn more about our space saving kitchen, read here.

Smart Bathrooms: At Smart House, the bathrooms are seamlessly integrated so no space is wasted. Think of cleanly designed spaces with features such as an integrated vanity cabinet and sink, a specialty mirror/medicine cabinet with integrated lighting, and a custom designed shower with a seamlessly installed frameless glass door.

Smart Technology: Haven’t heard about our Smart House Technology Package? You’re missing out. We just know it’ll be indispensable to your daily life. Whether you’re running errands or planning a party, our app is for you. Learn more about it here. [LINK TO PREVIOUS ARTICLE]

Smart Opportunity: Queen and University is the hub of the city but it’s tough to find a decently priced space. Because of the 4-storey zoning restriction along Queen to the east and west, Smart House is a unique opportunity in this part of town. You won’t get a chance to live in a building like this ever again! Take advantage now.

Smart Urban Size: Compact but stylish, this building complements one of Toronto’s buzziest areas with its smart exterior.

Smart Furniture: If you want to move in and get going right away, take advantage of our Smart Furniture Package. It maximizes and transforms the space through smart and multi-functional features. Think of a sofa that turns into a bed at night and European hardware that makes the transformation effortless. The beds will also have built-in storage and living/dining furniture will fit perfectly.

Smart Storage: We consider ourselves storage experts. No really, we put a lot of thought into making every previous inch count. The result? Closets that use all available cubic footage with shelving to the ceiling, built-in drawers and efficient hanging areas.

Smart and Green: Let’s not be wasteful! Reduce your carbon footprint without reducing the function of your space. For one thing, this location has a walk score of 98! That means it’s a walker’s paradise. In your suite, you’ll have features that significantly conserve energy, including energy efficient windows, lighting, appliances and ventilation.

At Smart House, we're obsessed with small spaces and smart design and we knew exactly who to go to for creative, space-saving solutions. II BY IV's Dan Menchions and Vivian Wong delve into Smart House's design philosophy, sharing 10 ways to maximize your space. Read their take below. 

As micro-living becomes more popular, condo dwellers are considering creative ways to maximize their space through interior design. Smart House’s smallest condos are just under 300 sq. ft. and while reflecting your personal design aesthetic is most important, there are a few design tricks to consider. 

Add art to the walls. Selecting a few large pieces will complement the aesthetic of your home and add interest without taking up valuable floor space. There are certain colours (like blue) that will recede to help make the room appear bigger.

Build extra storage into everything. If you have limited space try to find storage units that can be closed or tucked away. Tall built-in cabinetry will help to create an integrated look and will utilize every extra inch of space effectively.

Learn about new technologies: Flat screen TVs, stereos and laptop computers are all requiring less and less space; wall mounts for TVs allow you to eliminate the once required footprint. Technology has also helped to make kitchen appliances more compact and often dual purpose.

Use colour. Once you have selected a colour try and stick to a consistent pallet throughout, choose finishes that vary intone and blend nicely with each other. This will give the entire home a unified appearance and create a seamless appearance throughout the different spaces. Painting your ceilings a bright white will also help accentuate the height of the room and elevate sightlines.

Integrate your lighting. When you are planning a room keep in mind, there are many different types of lighting available. Hidden lighting under shelves and within niches will eliminate the appearance of clutter and provide a good source for tasks. Also try implementing perimeter lighting which can help to expand the walls and create the illusion of a larger space.

Make the most of furniture. Purchase items that serve dual purpose or transform to give you additional surfaces.  Expandable dining tables, ottomans with build in storage and murphy beds have all been designed with small spaces in mind. Look for furniture stores that target condo dwelling consumers, they have started popping up in most major cities and are likely to carry lines that suit your lifestyle.

Think outside of the box. Every room has under-utilized wall space -- the area that is just above the doors and windows, it can act as a shelf that circles the room and provide storage that you never knew you had.

Interior designers' tip: Draw out a floor plan, it will help you organize and develop a strategy for your small space.

If you’re heading out for a day of gallery hopping, browsing boutiques or just enjoying a sunny day, make sure to reenergize with a brunch or lunch. Here are our faves around Queen and University.

You want… Something fresh, nutritious and vegan (you health nut).

Go too… Karine’s is all about variety. Options are homemade, 100 percent free of dairy, gluten and animal products, and offers vegan selections. Try the vegan pancakes with chocolate syrup.

Karine's, 109 McCaul St., eight minute walk from Queen and University.

You want… Tried and true favourites in a historic setting.

Go to… Queen Mother Café has been operating since 1978, in a building that’s over 150 years old. Affectionately called The Queen Mom by regulars, head here for the standard fare brunches, like French toast and BLTs.

Queen Mother Cafe, 208 Queen St. W., three minute walk from Queen and University.

You want… Contemporary Canadian cuisine among well-heeled diners. Preferably lunch after shopping.

Go to… Nota Bene. It doesn’t matter what you try — the lobster salad, brisket burger or toffee pudding — it’s all delicious. Chef David Lee uses the best ingredients, including locally sourced and seasonal foods.

This Tanya Shukstelinsky-designed Cocoon home makes a case for micro living. The home is essentially a giant pillowcase made from two sheets of fabric, yet it includes a sleeping space, steps, a table and even a bathtub.

The prototype is being used in dense urban areas as an affordable real estate option. Shukstelinsky is a student from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and we think she has a bright future ahead of her.