Bringing Mid-Century Warmth to a Modern Space
When staging a home—especially a waterfront luxury condo in Toronto—one of the most important goals is highlighting what makes the property special. In this case, the sweeping views of Lake Ontario were the undeniable star. The homeowner asked for a marine-inspired look, but instead of decorating with literal anchors and sailboats, I chose a more elevated approach. I pulled the colours of water—soft aquas and rich turquoise—throughout the space to create a calm, cohesive flow.
Designing With Architecture in Mind
This condo is part of a new construction building, complete with ultra-tall ceilings, builder’s grey walls, and that unmistakable new-paint smell. The architecture leans Art Deco, which immediately signaled that standard chrome-and-glass contemporary staging wouldn’t be the right fit.
To keep the space feeling warm, curated, and welcoming—while still honouring the building’s style—I leaned into the Mid-Century Modern influences that pair beautifully with Art Deco lines. Think high-class “Mad Men” style: refined, stylish, and timeless.
Dining Area: A Subtle Coastal Nod with Mid-Century Influence
The dining area also carries the subtle coastal theme that runs throughout this waterfront luxury condo. The dining table and chair legs feature a light, white-washed wood—often found in beach-inspired design—which quietly reinforces the lakefront setting without slipping into kitsch. The chairs themselves have a white and blue patterned upholstery, allowing the blue tones to tie back to the turquoise accents used across the condo. This helped maintain a cohesive colour story, which is especially important in open-concept condo staging in Toronto.
To elevate the room further, I recommended the client replace the builder-grade “boob light” with a sputnik chandelier. A sputnik fixture not only adds personality and sophistication, but it also aligns beautifully with the Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern influences in the building’s architecture. Lighting plays a huge role in successful home staging, and this simple change instantly gave the dining area a high-end, designer feel—something buyers notice the moment they step into the space.
A Vintage Discovery That Set the Tone
During an auction, I came across a true vintage turquoise lounge set. One owner. Immaculate condition. It felt like fate—and it became the anchor (no pun intended!) for the home office space.
From there, the colour story expanded naturally. Orange was a popular accent in this era, even though it’s not a shade I typically reach for. But then I stumbled upon a vintage orange vase with a donut-shaped opening, along with wonderfully bold retro candleholders. Together, the pieces brought an irresistible sense of character and authenticity to the condo.
Creating Zones in a Large Open-Concept Layout
This condo has a massive open-concept living area, and staging a large space requires thoughtful zoning. I added a love seat to subtly divide the living room from the dining area, ensuring the flow felt intentional without blocking the stunning water views. Seating was arranged to face the lake—because when you’re selling a waterfront condo, that view needs to be front and center.
Staging the Bedroom: Calming Colours and Custom Artwork
For one of the bedrooms, I wanted to continue the soft, water-inspired palette that runs through the rest of the condo. Because the property is a Toronto waterfront condo, buyers are often looking for spaces that feel serene, relaxing, and connected to the lake just outside the windows.
To reinforce that feeling, I used a pair of my own original water paintings. The fluid brushstrokes and cool tones echoed the turquoise accents in the main living area while giving the bedroom its own identity. Incorporating custom artwork adds a curated, boutique-hotel touch—something that resonates incredibly well in luxury condo staging.
The goal in bedroom staging is always the same: create a space where potential buyers can instantly imagine themselves unwinding. By pairing soft bedding textures, warm wood tones, and my artwork, the room felt calm, inviting, and completely aligned with the rest of the home’s design story. It also photographed beautifully, which is essential for online real estate listings and helps ensure the property stands out during a competitive Toronto market.
