Transforming a Loft into a Living Space

Loft living is envied in the big city, but it comes with its design challenges. First, lofts usually aren’t built with the intention of becoming a private residence. Also, a loft can be too nondescript and industrial-looking to feel like a living space. But a loft can feel more like a home and less like a cavernous warehouse with the right home furnishings. View it as a blank canvas, and anything is possible.

Conquer and divide space

First things first: separate the space into individual areas depending on how they will be used (eating, socializing, working, sleeping). Once that’s figured out, determine where the furniture will go. By compartmentalizing the space with the furniture pieces, each area can be visually distinguished.

Not any furniture choice will do — keep in mind what each piece can do for the interior. A fully curtained canopy bed could be all that’s needed to demarcate a bedroom. A pierced bookcase holds books and belongings and functions as a portable wall. Being able to see through it also prevents a small space from feeling closed in. A low-back sofa like the UrbanityCollection Roxbury Sofa can indicate a conversation area, but its shorter height can make the ceiling seem higher and the loft roomier.

Let the light in

Lighting is another subtle way to define areas. It also brightens up the dark corners in a living space — a common problem in lofts that may not have many windows or natural light. Shine light strategically on separate areas in the interior to further appropriate each section and highlight key furniture pieces.

Think about textures that can be showcased. Living room seating furniture could be accented with modern track lighting above, directed at a chic, leather Urbanity Collection Apollo Club Chair and glass-top Alta Table with metal details.

A touch of fabric

Fabric is important in making any interior feel comfortable and livable. From furniture to wall art, fabric provides warmth. Its texture is especially welcome in a cold, bare loft and is a nice break from flat, white walls. 

One way to accomplish this is through inviting, warm tones. A robust red Trace Sofa or Jester Club Chair with rust colored dots, both from Urbanity Collection, have just the right amount of warmth and style for metropolitan living.

Decorate with texture

Varying textures enlivens a space and infuses sensual appeal. Texture is how an object feels by touch or how one’s eye read its surface. Keeping this in mind, choose furniture, finishes, art and accessories that are smooth, rough, woven, soft, fuzzy, silky, hard, bumpy and prickly. The more textures the more interesting the decor.

 

Mix up textures for personality. The tufted chenille Urbanity Collection Trace Sofa and Trace Chair juxtaposed to the hard appearance of the Urbanity Collection Decca Coffee Table is an unexpected combination. The natural wood and metal accents of the Urbanity Collection Obliq dining tables, which come in various sizes, are a study in beautiful contrasts. With so many textures to indulge the senses, a loft space will easily feel like home.

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