Why live in a Loft?How lofts differ from condos. Generally lofts offer open floor plans, tall, large windows and walls as well as a flood of light during daytime and perhaps a spectacular city view by night. Staying with the modern, industrial feel, many lofts have exposed plumbing and heating and air conditioning ducts as well as concrete floors and/or walls. Originally coveted by artists, more and more condo buyers in recent years have embraced loft living. A common challenge confronting many new owners is how to decorate the space. Without many dividing walls, one task area or 'room' flows into another and the boxy shape can be visually overwhelming. Lofts require a far different style to decorating than would be used for the average house or condominium.
The first thing you need to do is determine what you need from your space. Do you need an office? Do you wish to have a separate dining area or will you use stools around a breakfast bar or a table in the living area? If there is to be more than one person living in the loft, is privacy important? If you have a loft bedroom with a half wall, will you want to block out the morning light or noise from the living space below?
If you want to create a sense of separate rooms in the open living space, create clusters of different but complimentary furniture and accessories. You can delineate the 'dining room' by using the same type of wood or metal for the table, chairs, and other furniture items.
Furniture placement is another way to delineate different livingareas. Using 4 basic layouts: square, rectangular, oval and circular, you can create imaginary walls. For example, position your living area furniture to create a circular cluster to exclude another area of the home such as the dining area. Sofas, tables and other large pieces of furniture can become tools to mark off one area from another.
The flooring can also be used to create visual breaks in large open spaces. Maybe you've decided to use some tile in the kitchen area, hardwood in the dining area, and carpeting in the living area. Area rugs in different shades and textures can also work well. A raised platform is another solution.
The height of most loft spaces makes standard ceiling lighting obsolete. A globe light hung 2 stories above you wont provide much in the way of usable light. Table lamps are more practical for reading and desk work. Wall sconces will provide diffuse light.
If you need a sectioned off area for working but your loft does not have a separate office, it can be challenging. Consider whether there is room for a desk in the loft bedroom area. If like many lofts, the upper floor has a partial wall you may be able to use shutters or drapery to fill in the wall in order to block out sound. A more permanent solution would be to install glass blocks or drywall to complete the wall although you should consult your strata/building rules before doing so.
The age and style of a loft is also a very important thing to consider when decorating. There are 2 types of lofts: older buildings such as warehouses which have been converted to housing, and new construction. Lofts in old buildings often have exposed brick walls, thick, solid timbers, and wood plank flooring that may be decades old. These elements add character, warmth, and a sense of history. In new lofts, which are built solely for the purpose of loft living (or live/work studios), the building materials are often concrete, metal and glass with accents of wood. If you like a completely modern look, a new loft may be your best choice. If you fell in love with the amenities of a new loft space but wish to add some warmth, you have many options.
For those who enjoy loft living, the open spaces are not deterrents; they are part of what makes the space so attractive. With some small adjustments you can create a roomy, modern space that still feels like home.