Look into sliding panel blinds. They are much cooler than curtains for a loft. I'd look at the brick and pull a gray-beige from it to paint the walls.

Thank you! And Beverly — thank you SO much for the wonderful mockup of how you envisioned changes in my space. Some more info (I should've provided before)...my Chicago apartment can get beyond freezing given the really inefficient windows that have been here for decades. Given that replacing the windows isn't an option (I rent), and I already have a drapery rod installed very high in the space, I was wondering what color/style of heavier curtains I can install to keep things insulated. I've already applied the plastic window film that everyone around here puts on their windows when the winter comes, but it's still no match for the 2 to 10 degree temperatures that are so common here around the lake. Also, I am very much wanting to move away from the (what I think is) pretty ugly sage green trim. I painted the trim in the bedroom a semigloss gray and it now looks quite clean by comparison. Anyway, hope this back story helps a bit more! Below is a picture of the rod I installed yesterday.

Light gray

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C4XSP12?psc=1

Turn any curtain into a thermal curtain...in case you find curtains you love but they are not thermal curtains....

amzn.to/1SIYI8x

What a great space!! I'd love to see the window trim painted charcoal to give the windows a real industrial feeling. I'd also add an area rug and full length lined drapes. Either the area rug or the drapes could have a pattern.. or colour and texture, and a large painting over the sofa..not sure what your taste is.

Thank you, Shaila! I would love to see that too. I was thinking of a charcoal-y color for the trim as I think it would feel really industrial as you said. Good call, I think :) Any idea what kind of colors or patterns would work for the drapes? That's what I'm struggling with most.

Hi Parker,

Since I don't know your taste or colour preferences, I'll include some pics of fabrics. Remember they look different when folded. You can go with a bold pattern with colour and repeat the colour in toss cushions, the area rug or in art. Or it can be a stand alone with everything else being muted. For an area rug, if you can't find a great one that's your size, purchase broadloom and have it cut to size. Since you mentioned that it's cold in your loft, get a cozy rug...no sisal, unless it's wool. Here come the pics...some are bolder and some are tamer.

Parker, Having lived in a ChiTown loft I understand your situation. Thermal drapery may help, maybe in a linen color to keep things bright.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Curtains/Thermal,/product-features,/6420/subcat.html

However, I suspect the cold is due to the brick walls. Exposed brick transfers the cold and there is no insulation. That's a problem in a rental that cannot be overcome, but the more thermal drapery, the better chance you have of trapping the cold at the wall.