The free spirited character of the fashionable loft juxtaposed with antiques and exposed brick; highlighted with huge windows and tall ceilings, has made this one of the most trendy lifestyle movements in the twenty something bunch across America.
Once preferred by artists and other inspired people, loft living has taken on a life of its own, and is considered to be a pretty prestigious way to live. Numerous lofts are situated within a transformed warehouse or old revamped factory. However, in some cities, new condo or apartment developments are being built that are dedicated to loft spaces or which have the penthouse floor units as desirable lofts. New condo buyers and renters alike fancy each of these.
What a beginning loft resident doesn’t appreciate are the abundant challenges that come with beautifying and furnishing a wide, generous loft home. It can be quite a ordeal to fashion areas without squeezing out or boxing in the natural flow of space. You want all areas to be visible to the high ceilings and massive windows to get a lot out of the natural light.
A few ideas for emphasizing your high ceiling space…
1. Use hefty, extra-large ceiling fans made from rich woods and glossy metals, to channel the eye up and circulate the air. At once it is practical and marvelous.
2. Leave all the substantial natural wood beams, antique corbels, oak newels and heating pipes exposed. If you are going to obscure the most distinctive parts of your loft space, you might as well move into a condo.
3. Think on a GRAND scale when you are choosing lighting for your ceiling in the grand living space. You would like the lighting to be functional and impressive. Large drum shades and large chandeliers can be outstanding choices.
Many lofts have a stairway that rises to the master bedroom area that is not a bedroom – but simply an elegant sleeping space that has spectacular views to the living space below. This design layout can also present challenges but offers the perfect chance to bring out the high ceilings. For your hand railings, choose either hardwood that is stained to play off the relaxing exposed brick, or use custom cast iron which is in keeping with the tradition of the building. For the balusters, definitely consider specially made wrought iron that come in straight or curved, decorative or basic, large or graceful balustrades.
If you are lucky enough to live in a loft, you already see that you have somewhere very distinctive to live. Now be brave in your decor decisions and make it the most stunning space it can be. You decided on an contemporary home style – why settle for run of the mill in interior design?