People usually picture loft-style living spaces when they think of urban or city living, particularly in the heart of a city. Lofts are industrial spaces like warehouses or office buildings remodeled into apartments or condos. Leftover features from these industrial spaces include high ceilings, large windows, exposed ventilation, brick walls, and concrete floors. Some homes, apartments, and condos are built new to mimic these features; these are also lofts but are commonly referred to as ‘soft lofts.’ ‘Hard lofts’ refer to actual renovated industrial architecture. Many lofts are open-concept spaces without partition walls, but this is not a hard requirement.
When people picture lofts, they tend to imagine an elevated or attic space overlooking a living room. This type of loft space is usually a different concept from hard or soft lofts. However, loft apartments can also have a dedicated loft space; in these cases, loft spaces overlook a usually open-concept floor plan.
Maximalism
Lofts traditionally make loud industrial statements in a living space. For this reason, maximalism and lofts go hand in hand. Maximalism involves renovating and decorating a space to emulate excess, eccentricity, and complexity. Bright colors and loud patterns can add life to all the metal and brick commonly associated with a loft. Hanging up wall art of many different styles and sizes can show off tastes, imagery, and feelings; open shelving with knickknacks, decorations, books, and other media can show off your tastes and preferences while adding to the noise of a room. There’s no wrong way to renovate for maximalism.
Space Flexibility
Lofts are typically open-concept spaces, allowing for a lot of flexibility. One can cook, entertain, and enjoy media all in one space. However, some may feel that open-concept spaces lack privacy and quiet, especially when one needs to work from home. Renovating a loft space to include partition walls can add even more flexibility to a living area. Small living space areas can be sectioned off to create a private, quiet, remote work office; you can even use retractable walls for maximum flexibility. Fold-out desks, beds, and other furniture can be put away when not in use, adding floor space when not needed. Not all lofts need to be open-concept; if you’d like to partition off your space, that’s also an option.
Touches of Luxury
Exposed beams, ventilation, brick walls, and concrete floors show off a loft's modern, industrial look. However, you can combine the industrial look with many others, such as rustic or luxury. Adding some luxury touches to a loft is a unique way to reclaim the space while keeping the industrial charm. Gold accents, intricate chandeliers, and spa bathrooms can add some unique luxurious twists to the industrial feel. City lofts are finding this integration quite popular; many Philadelphia lofts incorporate the industrial charm of a loft living space combined with high-end details like marble countertops or ballroom chandeliers.
Nature Retreat
A traditional loft's heavy use of concrete, bricks, and metal can feel sterile and out of touch with the outside world. Adding plants and other natural elements can liven a loft elegantly without losing its original feel. Living walls can create a unique and charming look for any home. Large potted plants or plant stands can draw the eye if you’re not short on floor space. You can even renovate the space to include a miniature greenhouse or zen garden if you have the space. A loft’s expansive windows offer a great way to grow many indoor plants; if you don’t have a green thumb, you can always go with artificial ones.
Dramatic Accent Walls
Lofts typically have a set color palette involving grey, black, white, and brick colors. A dramatic accent wall, like black, can make a room feel more intimate and contained, especially in a loft with high ceilings and large windows. A vibrantly colored accent wall can also add a touch of liveliness and fun.
Industry Dreamy
Industrial architecture can feel impersonal and cold. To make a space dreamier, you can add string lights or light dimmers, sheer drapes, warm colors, and round shapes. These interior design renovations can help the space feel homier, dreamier, and more romantic.
Home Office Loft Space
If your loft includes a second-level loft space, this is the perfect way to incorporate a home office for privacy and quiet. If desired, you can install a door or partition wall to add even more seclusion. With the second level as a home office, you can still use the main floor plan for relaxing or entertaining.
Dream Bathroom Space
A loft space can be the backdrop for a vast, luxury-sized bathroom. The open second-level loft can feature a doorless shower for ultimate space, and you can include a spa bathtub in a corner to accommodate relaxing bath time.
Split Levels
If you have ample open floor space in a loft, consider split levels to add subtle separation. For example, a split-level bedroom can add some small steps to dictate the change in function. Subtle split levels can also create a fun room for additional decorations and furniture, such as floor garlands or string lights.
Conclusion
Lofts are unique, commonly urban spaces that utilize industrial architecture and features to create an open-concept living area. Tall ceilings, expansive windows, brick walls, and exposed ventilation are typical in loft apartments or condos. While every loft is different in layout and design, renovations like accent walls, luxury touches, and plant life can really make a space unique and personal.