Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Learning from Lofts
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Ever since I went to my first Rated-R movie, I've drooled over lofts. Oh, I was in 5th grade, and it was Flashdance. Remember that killer warehouse where Jennifer Beals danced like a maniac? Actually, some of the most memorable movie sets have been lofts - Glenn Close in an early Tribeca whitewashed loft in Fatal Attraction, Jennifer Aniston's gorgeous home in She's the One (a key reference to the tipping point when the lofts went from cheap artist digs to full-on yuppie gentrification), Meg Ryan unrolling a rug in When Harry Met Sally, Viggo Mortenson's artist's loft in A Perfect Murder, Diane Lane's love nest loft in Unfaithful, oh, I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton of them but you get the idea. These settings are so open and striking, who wouldn't want to try and import some of the look into their own home?
On the other hand, sometimes large open spaces can present their own set of problems (I know, I know, those of you in small studios are moaning "Yeah, tough life, I'll trade you my Murphy bed for your vast open space!"). Here we'll deconstruct the elements of some beautiful lofts and figure out what we can learn from them. Whether you have a small apartment that needs to feel bigger, or you have a vast warehouse that needs a dash of coziness, these beautiful spaces can help you solve your own spatial issues.
On the other hand, sometimes large open spaces can present their own set of problems (I know, I know, those of you in small studios are moaning "Yeah, tough life, I'll trade you my Murphy bed for your vast open space!"). Here we'll deconstruct the elements of some beautiful lofts and figure out what we can learn from them. Whether you have a small apartment that needs to feel bigger, or you have a vast warehouse that needs a dash of coziness, these beautiful spaces can help you solve your own spatial issues.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Let the light in. These unadorned windows show off their architectural beauty and open the space to the outside world.
This is a perfect example of why you should invest in killer floor lamps. Seriously, throw out that hideous halogen eyesore you bought in college pronto. |
Don't bother hiding your infrastructure. Whether it's pipes, duct work, or floor joists, lofts have made it acceptable to show off structure and function.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Go big. This cityscape serves as an oversized headboard and defines the bedroom zone.
Appreciate furniture pieces for the sculptural elements they are. This room is laid out in a way that shows off every object that's in it.
Celebrate Industry. Stainless steel and unfussy fixtures help achieve this look.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
by Amy Lau Design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Show off your bricks. If you live in an older home, what's underneath that drywall and linoleum? If you can take a peak it might just be something beautiful.
by Busybee Design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Define different "rooms" within a large open space with rugs, light fixtures, art and furniture. By setting up conversation areas and zones, you can make intimate spaces within a large one.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Divide and conquer. A translucent room window or a portable room screen can provide privacy without putting up solid walls.
Oversized sliding doors and pocket doors are great devices for closing off areas temporarily.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This light divider is one of my favorite space-definers on Houzz. Those shelves on the left are great at dividing space as well. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Create rooms out of nooks and crannies. This narrow area is perfect for a home office with a view.
| Don't overstuff the place with furniture. Because this designer edited so carefully, this loft appears much larger than it actually is. Tricks like using clear tables and keeping the doorways clear extend the space visually.
Oh, and this is more proof that you need to throw out that halogen $19.99 piece of junk and buy something super cool... |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Get creative with wall coverings. Because he had such high ceilings, this loft dweller used IKEA birch fabric from floor to ceiling to create a forest on top of concrete walls.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Use a limited color palette if you want to show off materials and surfaces. Color does not compete with the wood wall, stone fireplace, marble counters and wood floors here. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Go even further and go strictly minimal and white. This is the crisp and modern version of Glenn Close's psycho's whitewashed loft. Because almost everything is white, one focuses on the shape and style of the individual pieces. |
Ideabook updated on Dec. 25, 2009.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
Will definitely keep these ideas in mind so that I can start feeling like a movie star at home.