Story
The loft style, as an architectural design direction, begins its origins in the first half of the last century. Then the cost of land in the center of New York crept up, the owners of industrial enterprises, one after another, were forced to leave their homes and move production to the outskirts of the city. Empty buildings were taken over by people of art, they were attracted by both the functional characteristics (high ceilings, large areas, lots of natural light) and low rental rates compared to ordinary housing. Lofts were at the peak of popularity by the 1950s, prices soared again, and housing began to be considered elite. Gradually, this style spread far beyond America.
Loft style design
Loft - rough background (brick or concrete walls), high ceilings, open communications. A style in which you can find a combination of metal and genuine leather, glass and plastic, posters and oil painting. A loft is the magic of space and natural light, a combination of old and new, as well as a unique opportunity to realize your wildest fantasies.
Accessories
Despite the brutality and restraint, the loft style is difficult to imagine without interesting interior items that become bright accents of the design.
Rough brick or concrete walls of a loft can be decorated with paintings: still lifes and landscapes are definitely not suitable, but abstract watercolors or black and white geometric images will look very cool. You can also hang a photo, for example, a triptych - three paintings united by one theme. It may depict an unusual plot or plant motifs.
Floor mirrors will fit perfectly into the loft interior: depending on the chosen concept, they can be in gilded vintage frames or made in a modern style, for example, dressing room mirrors with light bulbs.
To decorate a loft in a retro style, you can allocate part of the space for shelves with antique car models, and decorate the space on the wall around with decorative license plates and road signs.
Bicycles, motorcycles, vintage watches and unusual designer items will also help make the loft interior creative and memorable. A carpet on the floor can be an interesting accessory, but it needs to be selected very carefully: single-color or two-color models, for example, with a geometric pattern, are suitable.
Live plants are often used to decorate a loft-style room - it is important to choose vases with a minimalist or bright, unusual design.
A hammock or a wicker hanging cocoon chair made of rattan will add style and comfort to the loft, and guests will probably want to relax and take photos in it.
Features of the loft style
- Industrial integral features of a loft-style interior: brick walls, exposed pipes and rough finishes. Even if the walls in the house are not made of brick, you can try to imitate the masonry, for example, using wallpaper with a similar pattern (this is one of the cheapest options). Designers choose a more expensive and beautiful option - decorative stone (this coating looks very natural). How to make a brick wall with your own hands, read this article.
- Lots of air, free space and natural light - almost complete absence of partitions. The loft is divided into functional zones through various types of zoning (using furniture, finishing materials, color, glass partitions). Usually only the bathroom and bedroom are separated from the common space.
- A combination of old and new in the interior. Everything should be harmoniously combined - vintage furniture, modern and digital equipment, metal surfaces, glass partitions, industrial lamps.
- Large windows, high ceilings (mostly white). Massive beams, ventilation pipes, and wires are usually installed under the ceiling.
- Furniture in the interior plays the main role of zoning. The loft can combine items that are completely different in style. One of the main features is the abundance of seating; in the center of the living room there is usually a huge sofa.
- Original decor. Posters, posters, various items from flea markets and antique shops, road signs - all this looks great in a loft-style interior.
Loft design
Lots of light, air and open space - this is how you can describe the main features of the loft style in the interior. Therefore, a room with high ceilings and panoramic windows without curtains or curtains is ideal for it.
First of all, it is important to decide on the concept: it can be a “marshmallow” loft in pastel colors, a brutal dark location, a retro loft with brick walls or a techno space with plasmas and light music.
In the interior of a loft, decorative plaster is often used; monochromatic and deliberately careless is best. Other popular finishing materials are metal, concrete and wood.
When decorating a loft, it is important to preserve the atmosphere of an abandoned factory with concrete walls, massive doors and antique windows.
Wooden interior
Wooden elements will complement and highlight the interior of the loft. These can be wooden beams under the ceiling if it is high enough. Also, wooden cabinets and racks for accessories will fit perfectly into the interior of any loft.
You can make wide wooden window sills along the windows - this will not only become a decorative element, but will also add seating to the room. In addition, if the windows offer a beautiful view, such a window sill will become a cool photo zone. Functionality is one of the hallmarks of the loft style.
Children's loft design
Children's lofts are characterized by a large amount of light and space, and the use of pastel colors in the design of the room. The loft style will be preserved due to the rough finish, while the interior will become more delicate thanks to light colors.
The design of a children's loft should include bright elements: these could be soft ottomans, colorful pillows on comfortable sofas. It is better to avoid sharp corners and choose round tables so that the children do not get hurt during active games.
Set aside part of the space for a children's corner with a dry pool and a photo zone with large plush toys. If space allows, you can install inflatable slides and even small trampolines indoors.
Examples of cute children's loft designs can be seen here.
Toilet and shower
The toilet in the loft is usually decorated in the same style as the main rooms. Water pipes and hoods are left open to emphasize the industrial feel. The space under the sinks can be designed in an original and creative way, for example, stylized as barrels or pallets - roughly knocked together wooden boxes.
If you want to make the design lighter, decorate the space with small potted plants, wooden baskets, and elegant soap dishes.
Shower cabins in a loft are usually simple and discreet - rectangular models look best. Wood and stone are perfect for wall decoration.
Ladder
If the loft is two-level, it is better to choose a simple metal staircase for the design. Vintage stairs without excessive decoration will look beautiful.
You can see design ideas for two-story spaces in this collection.
Color
The main colors used in the loft style are white, gray, brown, black and their shades. You can dilute the cold color palette of the style with the help of bright accessories - paintings, carpets, pillows, and various decorative elements. For example, this could be a gray sofa with orange pillows or a Union Jack throw on a black bed.
Furniture
Loft does not like excessive clutter of furniture. A mixture of old and new eras will look great. So a surprisingly old, shabby leather sofa can take center stage in the living room, along with modern armchairs in expensive upholstery. The main requirements for furniture in a loft are simplicity and functionality. When it comes to materials, preference is usually given to leather, wood, glass, metal and aluminum.
Basic requirements for furniture:
- room zoning
- functional
- simplicity
- convenience
Will fit perfectly into a loft-style interior:
- "grandmother's" chests of drawers
- huge modular sofas
- racks
- handmade furniture
- benches, poufs
Modern types of loft style
Designers distinguish three main types of modern lofts: industrial (classic), glamorous and bohemian.
Industrial
This is the most brutal, “masculine” and at the same time the most popular style in the loft interior. Metal, concrete and wood become the main materials in the design of the room, and vintage elements emphasize the free and creative atmosphere.
There is little furniture in such lofts; it is practical and functional. There are also few accessories and decorations - they all only emphasize the minimalism of the design. The main colors in the design of an industrial loft: gray, brown, burgundy. The prototype of this style is an old factory with brick walls and massive furniture.
Glamorous
A glamorous loft is characterized by a softer and lighter interior. In addition to industrial colors, pastel colors and bright elements are used, which makes it similar to the French style - Provence.
Exquisite decorative details often include floor-length mirrors in vintage frames and live plants in unusual pots. Beautiful watches and forged metal figurines can decorate a glamorous loft. The decor will also be complemented by massive lamps on the ceiling or walls.
Bohemian
Bohemian style is the most comfortable interior option. Its main feature lies in the combination of loft and classic style. Industrial finishes are complemented by sophisticated soft furnishings. Often in such spaces there is a large bed, a comfortable sofa or soft chairs.
Rough walls are decorated with paintings; along one of the walls you can place a rack with figurines and antiques or aged items. The space is illuminated by vintage lamps without lampshades.
The bohemian style is reminiscent of the grunge style, which is characterized by a combination of brutality and luxury in the interior. However, bohemian style still strives for greater simplicity and practicality.
Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in loft style. Traditionally, spaces in this style are large in size, which means it is necessary to select a considerable number of artificial light sources.
Good for loft:
- floor lamps, floor lamps
- wall sconces
- ceiling lamps, chandeliers (there should be no crystal here)
- tire (track)
- multipoint and string systems
- A spider chandelier will look great
First of all, pay special attention to the design features in the loft style, try not to overdo it with lighting sources. Experience suggests that beauty and balance are created where there is a sense of proportion.
Walls, floors, ceilings
Walls are a defining element of style. A loft is characterized by rough wall finishing - raw brickwork or a concrete base. Whether to use a natural brick color or a painted one is, of course, your choice; each color has its own advantages. For example, white brick visually enlarges the space and makes it fresher, while red brick will add coziness to the loft. A provocative and fashionable solution is the use of matte black color when painting brickwork.
Floors in the loft style are most often made of wood, parquet, laminate, and concrete. Much less common is the option with wood-look porcelain stoneware.
Ventilation pipes, wires, various engineering structures, and wooden beams run under the ceiling.
Attic
Decorating the interior of an attic in the loft style is an excellent solution. Attic floors are very reminiscent of attic spaces, and the loft style originated in them. Large windows fill the room with light and air, so you can choose both light and dark styles for your attic design.
Natural wood is perfect for wall decoration. One of the walls can be decorated with brickwork. Decorate it with original paintings and photos, attach a few simple shelves on which you can put books or figurines. Wall lamps are ideal for lighting.
A simple but stylish bed or a large leather sofa looks good in the attic interior. Place a small rug, plain or with a geometric pattern, on the floor next to them. Add some live plants to freshen up the space.
Art space
Former industrial buildings with large areas and high ceilings can be converted not only into residential premises, but also for holding various exhibitions, organizing multifunctional concert venues, cafes, restaurants, and offices. Andy Warhol's studio marked the beginning of a trend that captured the whole of America, and then the whole world.
