Today we're taking a peek into the loft of Andrew Gregory, who lives in a loft in Atlanta's Castleberry Hill neighborhood. Andrew also writes a blog called
living2design . Andrew is also a great photographer, especially when it comes to interiors, so you'll see a range of colors and techniques in these shots. In fact, since Andrew goes on every good neighborhood home tour in Atlanta, I am going to stop taking pictures myself and just swipe his from now on. They are way better than mine are anyway!
What's fun about looking through Andrew's pictures of his loft is that he has documented his place as he's gone along, so with some of these shots, you can play "what's different in this picture?"! It's been fun to sit here and organize them and see how his design aesthetic has evolved over time and how he's added to his collection piece by piece.
Tell us about your first meeting with your house
The first time I saw my home I was on a tour with a real estate agent. I was specifically looking for the "hard loft" look. I had been to the Castleberry Hill neighborhood before and seen a lot of amazing spaces during an Art Stroll. The agent showed me several properties and the first time I saw the loft I liked it, but was not overcome with joy. Later, when I went back I took note of the bare bones and saw the potential. The high ceilings, the size of the spaces, and the 100 year old walls that were in excellent condition helped sway my decision.
What was the very first step of your remodeling/decorating process?
The remodeling/decorating process and has been gradual. The first thing I updated was the lighting and I did some painting.
What is the biggest renovation/decoration challenge you have faced
The Storehouse Lofts all have a similar design element. We all have the same gas fireplace. It's an actual structure with gas fire place at the bottom and then it has a mantle like shelf with a large rectangular nook above that. The whole thing is drywall I think. I'm not sure who designed this thing, but it has never been easy to decorate. I have tried a lot of things. One year I had a Christmas tree cut down to size and placed in the nook. That worked well for the season. The rest of the year I usually have some form of artwork in it.
What are your favorite style and colors
My favorite style is kind of a mix of eclectic mid-century and contemporary pieces for furniture. I tend to enjoy the neutrals for colors.
Where is a favorite spot in your house that makes you very happy?
My favorite spot might be the dining room. One day I was walking down the street and someone had put out for the trash a large door that had a painting on it. I took the door home and added my own spin to the door by using newspaper headlines. It hangs over the large dining room table and helps to spur conversation when I have people gathered around the table.
What is your most precious piece (accessory/furniture/art)?
That painting is definitely one of the most precious pieces. If not that, I really love this Knoll Pfister chair that I picked up for an incredibly low price from Victory Vintage's going-out-of-business sale. It has a lovely square profile and sturdy oatmeal-colored fabric.
I miss the old Victory Vintage so much but am glad that they have the space at Kudzu! What is your next house project?
My next house project will be to redo the kitchen. I would like to install countertops. I've been trying to do some research on different surfaces that would look good for the space.
Please give us your best tip for the remodeling/decorating beginner.
Lose the clutter. Less really is more. Try to keep all the little things that really are not necessary out.
What is your favorite source for home decor (etsy? flea market? grandma's attic? Fyndes?)
I don't like homes where everything is from one place or even one style. I have gotten a lot of things from places like City Issue, a mid-century furniture store in Inman Park. When you see something and you think it works, go for it, it does not matter where it is from.
What is your biggest design pet peeve?
Uncomfortable overstuffed furniture. Not a fan.
I have to ask you about that wall of windows. It's ingenius! Did you build it yourself?
The wall of windows... It is ingenious, I've never seen it anywhere else. I can't take credit for it, because it was already here. I never got the story on it either, but it is indeed another part of the uniqueness of this loft. The previous owners left several extra windows in various places for design purposes like in the nook above the fireplace and on top of the closet. I've left most of them where they are as "fixtures" in the loft.
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