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Loft Living - Urban Downtown Loft Design Style, Loft Interior
Published: 08/26/2010 by My Space Designers
Loft Design Style
Look in any urban or downtown area, and you'll find amazing residential loft spaces. Loft apartments are usually located in renovated factories, warehouses, or other commercial structures which appeal to those who love open living spaces and industrial details.
Many people are choosing lofts as they move into urban areas to avoid lengthy commutes and to enjoy rejuvenated downtown neighborhoods. No matter where you live, you can incorporate urban design style into your home. Look at our pictures of modern loft design and follow our simple tips to bring this lofty feel to your living space.
Loft Living Basics
Downtown loft design is characterized by architectural details like exposed brick, vintage wood floors, and support columns. Tall open ceilings often leave ductwork, beams, rafters, or pipes on view for an industrial edge. Most loft spaces also feature sizeable windows with views of sprawling cityscapes. These large panes of glass are often left bare or sometimes dressed with sheer fabric panels, shutters, or blinds.
Because of their industrial vibe, modern loft interiors are frequently decorated in a sleek modern or contemporary style with the occasional rustic touch. Urban design style often combines wood, stone, glass, and stainless steel with natural elements like plants to soften the metropolitan feel.
Color schemes of loft living tend to be neutrals like white, brown, cream, or taupe. Many loft spaces can also benefit from accent walls or furniture in warm hues like red, orange, gold, or sage. Since the modern loft interior is open concept, it is ideal to use a cohesive color palette all through the space. Viewing pictures of modern loft decor and pictures of contemporary loft furniture can help you get a more concrete image of the design style.
Loft ceilings are often painted in a dark color to visually lower the ceiling and camouflage the exposed elements. Crown molding can also be added to create a dropped ceiling line. Some loft dwellers choose to highlight ductwork or pipes by painting them with a bold accent color. The expansive walls of modern loft interiors allow for the display of large artwork, sculptures, or murals.
Lighting needs to be accessible and plentiful in downtown loft designs. For a more intimate setting in a space with high ceilings, hang pendants or chandeliers lower in the rooms.
Loft Space Planning
Modern loft interior design should create a functional and comfortable floor plan with spaces for relaxation, entertaining, storage, and working. These different loft living areas can then be defined with room dividers, rugs, or furniture.
Room division can take the form of sliding or folding screens, frosted glass panels, Japanese shojis, or fabric panels on ceiling tracks. Raised platforms are another way to establish a subtle transition for the loft bedroom or dining area.
Downtown loft design regularly features rustic wood or concrete floors which are both durable and versatile. Area rugs can help delineate living areas while also adding color, texture, and softness.
Furniture groupings are one way to instill comfort and coziness into urban design style. Sofas and chairs are commonly upholstered in natural fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, or leather. Popular fabric choices include tone-on-tone neutral textures and woven designs.
Another nice touch is to integrate double-duty furniture pieces such as an ottoman that is a coffee table and extra seating. The addition of casters to chairs or other furniture pieces will increase their flexibility when entertaining or working.
Open downtown loft designs will require the creation of enclosed storage areas. This is especially crucial in the loft bedroom or kitchen where there is a need for closet, pantry, and cabinet space.
