Houzz TV: Art and Industry Make Magic in a Pittsburgh Loft

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Houzz TV: Art and Industry Make Magic in a Pittsburgh Loft

Artists Atticus Adams and Garry Pyles’ two-story live-work loft in the formerly industrial Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh was once a defunct, boarded-up light-metal manufacturing facility. It’s part of two buildings, one built in 1868 and the other in 1950. When Adams and Pyles bought the buildings, both were filled with five decades’ worth of stuff, everything from repurposed furniture to metal presses. It took 18 months — and many, many dumpsters — for the homeowners to empty it all. Here’s what they did next.

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Comments (81)
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gill4774
27 Likes    
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Lauren H

I really love everything about this. All the artwork is beautiful.

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barncatz

Thanks for the tour! What a fabulous space. I think it's all gorgeous and the parrot's not bad, either. :))

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tooky58

Wish that fireplace was mine!

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skurland

Wonderful artist house. Really a big fan of the Atticus' art.

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mandynewshoes
Yes the space is exceptional with a masterful design. But the magnificent artwork trumps all.
18 Likes    
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alexandra bogdanovic
Fan-friggin-tastic!
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stardin
Beautiful open space, the Art resembles sea creatures and coral from the deep sea! I hope the parrot gets to fly in this vast space. Very nicely furnished too.
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judygilpin

Very cool, but the "spine-like" staircase scares the heck out of me. I would fall off for sure.

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roxieks

Very interesting space, love the art work! Where did you purchase the modern dining chairs?

7 Likes    
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silviakunst
I love the art work !!!!!! Where can one buy a piece ?????
Thank you for sharing this great space ...and your work !!!!!!!
fun and Impressive ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11 Likes    
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devlor2

I would like to see his metal mesh sculptures in person! They did a wonderful job on the building.

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Adriana Contreras
Stunning space.
5 Likes    
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ctransit
Fantastic! No interpretation needed.
6 Likes    
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jwisewoman1980

Unbelievable!!!! The entire space is a work of art. It must be amazing to live life in such an exciting, eclectic environment. Thank you for inviting us in!

14 Likes    
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qofmiwok

I am fascinated by the art, will check out their websites!

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marmarmish

Crazy cool!

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manonvc

I love the mesh sculpture above the master bed.

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Garry Pyles

Thank you! It's a great place to come home too. For more info on Atticus' artwork, please visit www.atticus-adams.com or friend on Facebook to see a monthly peek of what he is currently working on.

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sirpeabody

Not only is the mesh sculpture above the bed in the master BR amazing, the paint color on the wall is very unique. It is a perfect complement to the wood finish of the bed, and it makes the sculpture pop and sing!!

What a super cool eclectic home. Even the old school TV looks good :)

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paddlerchick

@Miranda Rose--our dining room table is made from maple boards taken from the floors of railroad box cars. I've eaten many a meal on this beautiful table and never once considered that there was something weird about the source of the wood.

3 Likes    
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babbs50

Oozing with personality, love the art pieces!

1 Like    
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Mariola
6000 square feet is more like 550 square meeters...
1 Like    
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S Bailey

I loved how Garry described that repurposed objects bring with them their own stories, their own pasts. I never watch videos on Houzz, but this one just compelled me to sit there and watch every second. It is amazing and wonderful and I want Atticus' art!

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Pamela Fisk

Love everything I saw, especially the artwork, which is so original. Thanks for showing it.

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User

Thanks so much. Atticus' artwork can be seen at his website. Atticusadams.com.

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kendie26

WOW, my mind is blown away.....this is so incredible!!! I LOVE their re-use of so many various items & materials. Truly magnificent!!! BRAVO gentlemen!

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NEWLook Finishes by Crystal

Oh..That Studio!! and your loft. I absolutely love everything about this!! If I wasn't already and artist, I would be inspired to Be one! I actually had goosebumps and chills when I saw not only your studio space, but your work! Isn't it funny how a space that you create in can make a huge impact on your work? Your work has come alive in this space, and it was an blessing and a gift to see this video of reclaimed pieces, and Garry your design work is breathtaking. So many details, and so much history in this space. Thank you Atticus, and Garry for sharing your work space, your home, and your heart with us. It was truly and inspiration!

8 Likes    
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silviakunst
What a great space , love the artwork !
3 Likes    
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Prescott Window and Door

More of this kind of video HOUZZ! Loft with Soul. Sublime Art. Who could ask for more? Kudos to you two!

3 Likes    
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loniluna

WOW for sure!! Any way to obtain a Website for the artist...I might be interested in purchasing a piece of his work. I too have a larger open home and can envisage it here.....

3 Likes    
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mkchernow
My favorite Houzz space so far! Loved that everything was reused and repurposed. Gorgeous artwork. Such a talented, innovative couple!
3 Likes    
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Susan Weber

Just amazing. Warm and interesting and full of character. These guys are so neat. Thanks for this! Love it!

4 Likes    
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Toni Antonetti

A home filled with personality! I see beautiful homes often on Houzz, but they sometimes seem soulless. This loft shows the owners' creativity and love for repurposed materials. Love Atticus' artwork too. Overall, a breath of fresh air.

5 Likes    
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rosemarywinn

Beyond marvelous. These fellas are an inspiration to all us would-be-artiste bureaucrats.

3 Likes    
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Camille Cunningham

This really appeals to me because, while it's open and modern, it also has a coziness to it. My favorite quote: "I like to give new life to old things." There is definitely a memory and an energy to old things that you can't replicate with new versions, plus it's a great way to recycle! I hope houzz publishes still pictures of this property--I kept having to stop the video!

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Scarlets Mom S
Love Atticus' artwork! What gallery in the Burg does he show it?
2 Likes    
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gwynster

Love it all! I also want to say that I love these Houzz videos where the story and the process of individuals homes is told. Thank you!

3 Likes    
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leighagrossman

Great job guys! Everything is unique, artistic, warm, and comfortable. I love the Atticus' artwork. Does he have a website for his work?


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vvsing

PURE JOY!!!

3 Likes    
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Pavilack Design

Garry, this is fantastic!! Congratulations on an amazing project that is also your home. I have admired Adams' work for some time and hope to have a client purchase some day.

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Mimi Mekonnen
Amazing design.thank you!!!
3 Likes    
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danandjody

Just wonderful. Creative, workable, beautiful, and personal.

4 Likes    
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prushnitzprincess

I want to live in that loft too! It is fascinating, whimsical, creative - I love it!

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Sheila Schmitz

For those looking for still photos and more info, here is the Houzz article about this space: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52975161

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pjcalifornia
Fantastic!
2 Likes    
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Michele Houtchens

Is there a place where we can see still pictures? I'd love to save a few to my idea book!

2 Likes    
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fringedweller

FANTASTIC!!! Perfect balance between open, light, clean....and funky. I LOVE how they reused. Too many people when they do that, sort of 'show off the quirkiness' but everything they did was imaginative, not trite, but lent a stable, homy, sense if security. You guys ROCK! ("Rock the Loftspace, Rock the Loftspace")

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maryellencolon60

Fabulous! Bravo!


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whitedogheidi

I love the teal wall in the master bedroom. Can we get the paint color??

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Jess McBride

After watching the video, I was inspired to learn more about Atticus' beautiful art. Here's his website for anyone else interested: http://www.atticusadams.com/


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caroline adams

I'm from Pittsburgh and want to thank you both for letting everyone into your fantastic home!! I drive thru Lawrenceville and love what there doing down there. It takes special people to tackle that kind of project with a blend of insight and passion. The fact that you did it with reclaimed materials and recycled furniture and appliances is just great! LOVE LOVE LOVE your home!!!!!!!

4 Likes    
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jbcl0768662

I love everything,the guys did a sweet job.I really love Adams art work.I want to hang out and pick their brains.Thanks for your ideas,I am Cheryl


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fatsiclecat

Brilliant! Absolutely lovely. Definitely the right way to do renovation. Also love the art pieces. Lisa

5 Likes    
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fatsiclecat

Lisa again. I am from Johannesburg South Africa by the way. Also a gritty city where lots of this kind off work happening.

1 Like    
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nitpicker

As a former Pittsburgher I think I remember that location. Decades ago I used to purchase brass there. Kudos for the space and the talent, vision, and means to pull it off. Lawrenceville (parts of which remain hostile} is becoming gentrified as more and more people abandon the commute over one or more of a dozen main bridges to get into town. If you can safely park a car there, you're golden. Money generated by the world class universities and health facilities assist. I know that it took time but I would give a lot to have the opportunity to weed through your "warehouse" (and dumpsters of discards). With the price of teak and stainless steel already in the space the purchase had to approach a bargain. They have a good eye too. If you have the space, $45 for a womb chair -- unbelievable! Nice design, well executed, and happy. Good on you both.

2 Likes    
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j_holiday_quinn

Inspiring! Wonderful work! The dialogue resonates with me regarding the resurrection of life in old things and the warmth that their stories tell us. The adventures of treasure hunting in second hand stores and Craigslist have been the only way for me to find what I'm looking for and at the right price. Appreciating the quality of well made unique items from the past and recycling for the environment is a win-win. The work you both have created is amazing...the space and the sculptures? Living art. Well done gentlemen.

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jensenrachela

Spectacular!!! Utterly inspired.

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cabernard

I am bowled over by this place -- totally devoid of cliches, and the homeowners' sculptures are so beautifully interwoven into the larger scheme. Really a testament to their talent and vision. This New Yorker is definitely rethinking Pittsburgh!

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MT

Brilliant job, well done!

Aside from that (!) I would love to see floor plans (before and after) whenever major renovations are involved. I think you can learn more from floor plans than without about the work involved.

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jensenrachela

I so much admire the sense of respect and appreciation for items that others have enjoyed, the economy of these decisions, and the imagination these choices required. But before all that, there was the immense physical effort of the clean-up. And then came all the labors of creating this beautiful place. Atticus Adams' carefully placed artworks offer luminous movement, a kind of hoarding of light, as well as psychic release alongside the gorgeous sturdy weightiness of many of the pieces. Congratulations! It must feel deeply satisfying to live in a place you have made and will inevitably continue to create.

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valshannon

Best thing I've ever seen on Houzz! I lived in Lawrenceville on Fisk. It must have been a blast to figure out how to make the most of everything you found in that space. I loved your interview. Atticus, your work is just amazing!

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krebspenny7
You are the designer I aspire to be!
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Mary Thomas

The artists loft home was one of the most original, creative spaces I have ever seen. The design of the home, the art work and lighting and the collected furniture were amazing. Good job.

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cacka
Fantastic
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Pamela Shmamela

What an awesome home; what an awesome couple; what awesome art!

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Marl Manrique
What a beautiful home. I wish mine is like that.
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elizzzi

My daughter and son-in-law have a house in Highland Park. When my husband (Lawrence) and I came down from NY to help with the babies, we would drive through Lawrenceville and joke that we should live there. I love the guys' home, the design, the artwork, Congo...everything. I'm know I'll be trying to purchase something for our NY apartment. (Not NYC...but a funky river town 90 miles up the Hudson.)

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Garry Pyles

Please send us an e mail the next time you are visiting Pittsburgh, we d love to host a studio visit.

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elizzzi

Thank you very much, Garry. Hold that thought.

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mjkjrobinson

I love your loft. you both have done a great job in making it a home. love it.

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Debi

Absolutely FABULOUS!!!! Great job guys!!

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Finstads Carpet One

I LOVE that so many materials were repurposed from the building rather than it all going into the landfill, as well as the great finds in the furniture. It proves that you don't have to purchase brand new materials to make a space aesthetically pleasing. All the textures and surfaces compliment each other. And the textile sculptures-----WOW!

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Revitalize Construction & Restoration, Inc

This is exactly the type of project that I would love to work on. The re-purposed materials give the space so much visual interest, every surface and piece demand closer inspection and attention. Even better, is the fact that saw the potential in a derelict building in an established neighborhood. Their hard work built a beautiful home that will benefit their community for decades to come. This type of investment in older neighborhoods is sorely needed in my city.

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Rita Bar
very nice
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Rasha Olama

Great job. Very artistic. Bravo.

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Lori Pas

FAB in every way! Very inspiring!!! Thank you!!!


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N SANDERSON

I clicked on this story not thinking that I would like it very much. I was so wrong! I absolutely love what Atticus and Gary have been able to accomplish with their space. They are so right about using recycled materials. They really have maintained the soul of the old building. Well done and very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your home.

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Margaret Catherine McQuarrie
I love this story about a home that is full of interesting features, reused and refurbished items and amazing design.....it's good to see that people live in these urban spaces and appreciate the unique qualities. The art pieces are simply stunning! Kudos to these two artists who have created a home that reflects who they are.
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Shernett Williams
beautiful
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Sofia Volosatova
nice style .That house is super awesome.
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