Loft: from old factories to stylish city apartments - Ottoman

Loft is a modern industrial-urban interior style, characterized by an abundance of open space and the presence of industrial elements (very high ceilings, unfinished brick walls, exposed beams and pipes, cement floors, etc.).

This style came into fashion and became extremely popular both in the USA, where it originated, and in Europe. It is preferred by creative, freedom-loving people who value practicality, creativity and minimalism. Despite the fact that interior design according to all loft canons seems quite budget-friendly, it is rightfully considered one of the most expensive styles in the world.

The roots of the loft originate from the factory districts of Manhattan in the 1940s. Due to the rapid increase in prices for renting land in the city center, industrial enterprises were forced to move production to the suburbs. Empty buildings were sold for pennies, which was taken advantage of by representatives of New York bohemians.

In such premises, young artists and musicians held exhibitions, created and inhabited the vast open spaces with their inherent creativity. Already by the 50s, these apartments became very popular and rose significantly in price due to their convenient and elite location, spaciousness and special urban charm. Thus, abandoned factory and warehouse areas have been transformed into luxury loft-style homes.

Following the United States, the crisis shook most European cities. Plants and factories vacated the central streets. Empty premises began to be converted into residential apartments, guided by fashionable American trends.

Loft style in the interior: general characteristics

Translated from English, “loft” literally means attic, attic, gallery, top floor of a warehouse or factory building. Indeed, the interior in the loft style initially resembles a workshop or workshop. But if you look closely, you will notice the original style of the home and appreciate the bold taste of its owners.

A loft is a huge open space. As is right, it has more than one hundred square meters and is abundantly filled with natural sunlight breaking through the wide windows. Its main and distinctive features are high ceilings and the absence of any partitions.

Once in the loft interior, you can easily see the opposite corner of the room. In such an industrial space, only the bathroom, bedroom and utility rooms are isolated from prying eyes. The toilet is always hidden, while the bath can be located directly in the sleeping area.

The harmonious combination of various architectural solutions is the main concept of the style. In such a space, elements of antiquity (worn brick walls, peeling frames, metal stairs and ventilation systems in plain sight) look quite natural next to modern appliances, practical lighting systems, chrome parts and mirrors.

The main features of the loft style:

Free and open plan. Minimal use of internal walls and partitions is the main motto of the style.
High ceilings. Industrial loft is recognizable primarily due to its light, unattainable ceilings in tandem with load-bearing beams, exposed ventilation structures or communication pipes.
Rough wall finishing. An abundance of concrete, careless plastering and brickwork are an integral element that emphasizes the pristine nature of the warehouse.
Bright hues. Despite some roughness and negligence, a modern loft does not tolerate details that are too dark and absorb natural light. To ensure maximum sun penetration into the room, curtains are usually not used.
Fireplaces and stoves. Traditionally, they served to heat cold factory premises. Over time, these elements of the loft style became its undoubted highlight and were firmly entrenched in the interior.
Stairs. The height of the ceiling and the width of the space allow you to easily equip the second level. For example, for a bedroom or work area. The most popular materials for stairs are wood and metal.
Multifunctional furniture. For this style, it is appropriate to combine modern, designer furniture with details “from the last century.” The tones are predominantly neutral, with only a small splash of bright accents.

A traditional loft-style interior is a large open space with brick walls, floors made of concrete or natural materials, a minimal amount of furniture, bright accessories and modern appliances. Modern designers divide loft into several areas:

Bohemian. The features of a classic factory building have been completely preserved. However, furniture and accessories are selected with the inherent creativity of creative individuals. Here, new design solutions are combined with old, shabby, as if accidentally found in a landfill, interior items. When creating a bohemian loft, you should give preference to objects of art as decor. In such a playful and free atmosphere, they may absolutely not combine with each other. Mostly these are avant-garde paintings, sculptures, ikebana and musical instruments.
Glamorous. The so-called glamorous loft is distinguished by its unique color palette. Supporters of such an interior choose a non-traditional combination of pastel shades of spectral colors. For example, it could be gray-brown or gray-lilac. Particular attention is paid to decor - lamps, chandeliers, shades, LED lighting, floor lamps. The highlight of such a space can also be baroque mirrors, large plants in concrete pots and skins on the floor.
Industrial (industrial). This is the most popular loft style in interior design. To implement it in a residential space, like an apartment or a country house, it is worth creating the atmosphere of an industrial building or factory floor. For this purpose, metal structures, ventilation pipes, wooden trusses, and wires are used. The furniture is as functional as possible, with regular geometric shapes.

The loft is ideal for lovers of space, air and natural light. Of course, not everyone has access to a completely open-plan home. But adding the basic elements of this attic style to almost any space is possible.

Classification

A loft in the classical sense is a rather rare type of housing. This name is often given to studio apartments that have sufficient square footage and a distinctive design. The main difference between a loft and a studio apartment is the impressive ceiling height and the complete absence of partitions. There are several varieties of modern style:

Commercial loft. It is located in a former industrial space, therefore, as a rule, it is characterized by high (at least 5 m) ceilings and good footage. Used for commercial purposes.
Hard loft. It is created in industrial buildings and old housing stock (often in the attic) with their excellent ceilings and spacious rooms.
Soft loft. The house is specially designed, built and decorated in an industrial style.
Vital. The design is being developed for an existing living space.

Loft in the attic Source whimsicalhomeandgarden
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment

Distinctive elements of a loft in the interior

To create an interior in this unique style, a large room without partitions (or with minimal use), with huge windows and concrete or brick walls typical of a loft, is ideal. The entire space should be built on a combination of modern and old (deliberately aged) materials, textures and surfaces. By skillfully combining distinctive style elements, even in a small apartment with low ceilings you can add a little urban charm.

Walls. The open plan eliminates the presence of massive interior walls. They are left only for insulating bathrooms, utility rooms or bedrooms. To zone the space, walls can be replaced with interior partitions. Glass blocks, through shelving, and screens are perfect for such partitions. You can also use furniture (bar counter in the kitchen) or boundaries for dividing the flooring by type of material to create different zones.

As for painting walls in a loft style, they should correspond to the pristine industrial style. For example, all load-bearing walls are brick or concrete, without plaster. They can also be roughly plastered or roughly coated with water-based paint in white or gray shades.

In an ordinary small apartment, the walls are lined with decorative brickwork or wooden boards. Wallpaper covering in such an interior is taboo. In rare cases, the exception is wallpaper imitating brick or an ancient stone wall.

Loft style floor. Concrete is a classic floor covering for a production workshop. The downside is that by its nature it is quite cold and not practical. In this case, it can be replaced with:

Mosaic concrete;
Plank floor (or laminate imitating it);
Parquet;
Ceramic tiles (in the kitchen and bathroom areas);
Artificial stone or marble.

Thanks to the use of various flooring materials, the kitchen or bedroom area can be separated from the general area of the living space. Carpets and runners will also help achieve zoning.

Ceiling. If you have high ceilings, you should use rooted industrial elements: wood paneling, beams or trusses, ventilation pipes. To embody a loft in the interior of a small apartment with low ceilings, it will be enough to plaster them and paint them white.

Window. In order for a sufficiently large amount of bright sunlight to penetrate into the room, the windows should be as large as possible. The ideal combination for an American loft – floor-to-ceiling windows with a bewitching urban landscape.

Window frames are predominantly wooden or coated with wood-imitating paint. Under no circumstances should you overload the windows with curtains, tulle or drapes. White cotton roller blinds will look great in this laconic interior. The best option is vertical or horizontal blinds.

Zoning. The basis for creating a loft is the principle of free zoning. Freedom, light and space are the main values of style, which are extremely important to preserve when planning your home and arranging furniture.

You can designate functional areas using glass block partitions, double-sided shelving, flooring, or different wall colors. Furniture is also an important element in creating the illusion of zoning. For example, a sofa will help separate the dining area from the living room.

To relieve living space from foreign objects, special attention should be paid to utility rooms (pantry, dressing room, laundry room, etc.), which are isolated from prying eyes behind the walls.

Decor and accessories in loft style. Advertising posters, graffiti, photographs, paintings, directional signs, decorative pillows, sculptures, original figurines and vases - any decorative elements to your taste will help emphasize the uniqueness and originality of the interior. The presence of a variety of designer items will make the space as complete and alive as possible.

Finishing materials and color

For decoration, choose any materials typical of industrial facilities. It is impossible to imagine a loft without high-quality finishing:

Stan. In addition to unplastered brick, rough concrete and wood siding are suitable.
Paula. Concrete or plain wood floors are welcome; Parquet or parquet boards with an aging effect are suitable.

Classic color scheme Source f.hdjmall

Partitions. They try to make them original, for example, from glass blocks.
Ceiling. Plastering or painting is usually used.
Interior details. A variety of metal and glass parts and surfaces.

The predominant colors of the interior are white, black, and gray shades; they are complemented with brown, beige sand color. The strict color scheme inherits the appearance of classic industrial buildings from the middle of the last century. Those who find this combination boring can dilute it with accents of red, blue, and yellow.

Metal in loft interior Source slemanzan1a

Loft style lighting

Lofts are characterized by the use of diverse lighting sources. With the help of a large number of lamps, you can not only perfectly illuminate the space in the dark, but also zone it, emphasizing each living area separately. To illuminate such a large room, they often use:

Chandeliers. A massive chandelier is a rather unusual element for an urban interior. And yet, even among rough plaster, cold concrete and untreated brickwork, a chandelier with a metal frame and a glass lampshade will look completely appropriate. Such a detail will emphasize the charm of the style and become the central accent of the living or dining area.
Hanging lamps. This type of lighting is popular not only because of its uniqueness, but also because of its functionality. Thanks to freely hanging wires - often used in combination with chains - such lamps can easily be lowered and raised to the desired height, creating a kind of garland.

Floor lamps. A floor lamp will create a genuine atmosphere of comfort even in such a brutal style as a loft. Oversized devices with large lampshades and an unusual silhouette are welcome (studio light, railway spotlight).
LED lights. This lighting method will look especially advantageous in a small apartment. Such “magic” light will visually make the space lighter and add volume to it.

In such a spacious room, the main light may not be enough when working at a desk. In this case, you should opt for an original table lamp with a flexible leg.

Matching grunge

These trends have many similarities, but at the same time they differ in the nature of their origin as independent styles. Both loft and grunge can become a standard to follow, since the design of premises in these styles is distinguished by its originality.

This video shows interiors in grunge style.

Common features of these directions:

rough finishing of wall, ceiling and floor surfaces;
interior items from different eras and styles;
variety of textures and shapes;
combination of simplicity and luxury;
plenty of light and space.

Thanks to this, combining these two styles is very easy.

Elegance and convenience

Space and light

Leather furniture and brick walls

Comfortable ottomans and wooden floors

Loft style furniture

Loft is a style with minimal use of furniture. Depending on the style direction (bohemian, glamorous, industrial), it can be ultra-modern or antique. In such an underground atmosphere, the combination of the old and new eras will look harmonious. So a stylish leather sofa in the living room can become the central point of the space, along with a luxurious table and chairs with expensive upholstery in the dining area.

The main requirements for furniture in this style are functionality and conciseness. For example, small objects (chairs, poufs, armchairs, tables, hangers) can be on wheels for easy movement around the room. Using such items, you can easily free up additional space at any time. As for materials, traditionally preference is given to leather, plastic, high-quality wood, powerful steel and aluminum with chrome inlays.

It is important to avoid placing equipment and furniture close to walls. This will help achieve the feeling of an “empty” home, in which the living areas are located as islands. A tall cabinet breaks the visual unity of the loft style. It can be replaced with a hanger or placed in utility rooms, niches or pull-out cabinets under the stairs.

For the bedroom, choose a low loft-style bed in light colors. For example, a platform bed with fabric upholstery. An original bed made of metal or rough wood will help to emphasize the industrial line of style.

Kitchen furniture in the loft style combines different textures and materials. Rough wooden shelves here harmoniously combine with a glass apron and a glossy set. Quite often, the kitchen is combined with the living room, separating the zones with an island, bar counter or sofa.

Minimalism

Minimalism is a complete rejection of interior decor and decorations ; the direction implies a minimum number of necessary modern household items with clear lines. These two styles complement each other. What they have in common is that both directions are based on large spaces with a minimum number of partitions.

Minimum amount of furniture

Loft style in the interior of an apartment

Housing arranged on the basis of a workshop space is quite unpretentious. As a rule, it does not need to be completely redesigned. But decorating a one or two-room apartment in the loft style is quite difficult. First of all, special attention should be paid to redevelopment: partially or completely demolish non-load-bearing walls.

It is possible to combine several living areas (for example, a kitchen with a living room) by significantly expanding the doorways. Wide floor-to-ceiling windows will help let more sunlight into the space. Thus, it will seem wider and more spacious.

When choosing facing materials, you should adhere to simplicity and conciseness. Laminate flooring that imitates wood will fit perfectly into the interior of a loft-style living room. To separate this area from the kitchen, use large tiles. Some walls should be left untouched, others should be casually tiled with white paint or laid out with brick-like tiles. There is no need to hide the ventilation system, communication pipes and wires from prying eyes - they are what create the aesthetics of a real brutal loft.

Features of a modern loft

An industrial loft has many characteristic features. The most important thing is the brickwork of the walls. Of course, ideally it should be real, so if it is possible to implement this, it is better to clean the walls down to the bricks. But imitation is also accepted, but it is important that it be of high quality.

Wires, pipes and other communication elements give the loft a special ambiance and atmosphere of industrial enterprises. What is hidden in other styles at the renovation stage is proudly displayed in the loft. Rough finishing and slight sloppiness are welcome.

If possible, all partitions should be removed. A loft-style room should be as free and spacious as possible. To zone the space, you can use properly placed lighting, different wall decorations, or even divide the space using furniture. The windows should be large, and the lighting, as a result, should be as natural as possible.

Loft style in the kitchen interior

Often, a little space is allocated for a loft-style kitchen. As a rule, it is located in one of the corners of the living room. The kitchen interior combines a large amount of glass and chrome.

The central place in this area is occupied by modern appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, coffee machine. Particular attention should be paid to the harmonious combination of appliance doors and furniture facades.

It is better to choose furniture for the dining room in the spirit of minimalism. As a bright highlight, you can use a low antique buffer or wooden carved chairs.

Kitchen

Sometimes you want the kitchen to become more spacious and comply with the basic principles of the loft style. To do this it will be enough to do:

a kitchen area with a slate board, which will be an excellent decor;
multi-level table as a functional and stylistic solution for eating;
large posters in the dining area;
floor mirror in the hallway bordering the kitchen;
brickwork on one of the walls;
black and white monochrome against brickwork.

And remember that the amount of furniture should be minimized, but large posters, paintings and mirrors are all welcome in abundance.

Living room in loft style

The main accents in the living room interior are large windows, wooden floors, rough walls and a massive stylish sofa made of high-quality leather or thick textiles. The space near the sofa is filled with armchairs, ottomans and a coffee table. The basic rule in furniture placement is to avoid any clutter. Books and decor can be placed in open shelving or niches in the walls.

Windows and lighting

Large windows, sometimes half the wall, are a source of natural light in the living room. In some rooms there are tiny basement-type windows under the ceiling, but in any case, they are not closed behind curtains or curtains, but make the most of natural light.

Install natural wood frames on your windows and paint them white or the color of the wall for maximum concealment. For shading on sunny days, use thick cotton, wooden or metal blinds , which, if necessary, can be easily assembled or lowered.

Often, to give more volume to the room and natural light in the living room, the windows are not covered with anything at all.

Bedroom in loft style

The bedroom is the most secluded place in the loft atmosphere. It is customary to enclose it with walls or separate it from the main space with opaque partitions. If the ceiling height allows, the bedroom area can be moved to the second tier.

Painting the walls in plain, soothing colors will help make the room more comfortable. In this case, one of the walls can be left untreated (concrete or brick). A small fireplace will dilute the harshness of the urban style. A small bedroom will be visually expanded by a panoramic window or a wardrobe with a large mirror or glossy doors.

If desired, the bedroom can be decorated with flowers and decorative pillows. It is important to ensure that these elements do not stand out from the overall style of the loft. If the bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom, they can be separated by a glass partition or the space can be zoned using only flooring.

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.

Bathroom in loft style

The bathroom can be designed in fundamentally different directions: from seasoned eclecticism to ultra-modern high-tech. Thus, it is worth starting from this when choosing plumbing equipment.

In this interior, both an antique claw-foot bathtub and a multifunctional shower will look absolutely natural. Complete the room with weightless glass shelves and a stand-out, original design sink.

Furniture and accessories

The center of the living room is the sofa, the size of which does not matter, but the bigger the better. Place a coffee table, armchairs and ottomans next to the sofa for guests. In general, the loft style implies a large number of seats.

Choose them that are not only roomy and large enough, but also mobile. In a loft living room, furniture can change its arrangement as soon as the owners of the house have such an idea.

The upholstery of upholstered furniture can be either textile or leather. The effect of aging and scuffs on various furniture parts is often used.

A huge TV and speaker system are another important detail in arranging this type of living room.

A fireplace or hearth, a swing or a hammock attached to the ceiling will diversify the interior and look great. Antiques and antiques will help complement the atmosphere, for example, a free-standing ancient chest, an old lamp, bronze candlesticks, a rocking chair.

Children's room in loft style

A children's room is a unique space in any home, because it is here that you can show the maximum flight of imagination. Of course, every parent wants their child to be comfortable and safe. Since the loft is quite brutal, a child’s or teenager’s room in this style should be diluted with bright contrasting shades.

The main accent can be an extraordinary rug, bean bag chairs or a glass chair suspended from the ceiling. At the same time, the sleeping and working places should be as neutral as possible. They can be separated by a screen or the bed can be placed on the second tier.

Who is a modern loft suitable for?

As already noted, loft is characteristic of creative people who value large space and freedom. The room is perfect for housing all the works of art and can even turn into an artist's studio.

Loft can be used to decorate studios and offices, art studios and restaurants. For example, a lot of space is simply necessary for conducting dance classes, and the atmospheric atmosphere in public places will make the room a favorite place for visitors. In addition, the original loft will become an excellent photo zone for clients. People will want to come to your cafe, if only because they can take beautiful pictures there! And, of course, the loft is suitable for lovers of everything unusual, new and creative.

Style subtypes

A modern loft includes several directions. With full acceptance of the basic concepts of room design, each of the subspecies has its own special charm, demonstrating involvement in a certain social group or social movement.

Industrial loft

Involves maximum love for industrial aesthetics, clearly showing visual traces of a working-class past. This interior is dominated by metal and concrete surfaces, muted monochrome colors, as well as factory paraphernalia in the form of beams, massive pipes, ventilation shafts and wiring fragments.

Boho loft / hipster loft

Combining the incompatible, it demonstrates the play of contrasts. Denying the usual rules, this option for decorating a room is replete with paintings and posters, displaying musical instruments or related equipment. A luxurious Persian carpet can be found next to shabby furniture, and exposed concrete or brick with a delicate floral print.

Glamorous loft

Created by extraordinary creative people, such an interior fills production premises with bohemian luxury. It is distinguished by the use of indoor plants, expensive paintings, crystal chandeliers, mirrors in exquisite frames and antique furniture in the Baroque style.

Stylepedia: a short guide to all interior styles

Palette and light

The color palette of the loft interior style is traditionally dominated by cool shades, reminiscent of the industrial past.

Where appropriate

The loft style manifests itself most effectively in spacious rooms with high ceilings, huge windows and a minimum number of separate rooms. As a rule, these are former industrial buildings.

If you are planning to decorate a new apartment in a loft style, you should take care of a free layout like a studio, without cluttering with walls and partitions. When remodeling old housing, you should give preference to brick structures, since in panel buildings it will be almost impossible to resolve the issues of removing excess walls.

A private home can also be a good option for implementing modern interior design ideas in the loft style. In this case, it becomes possible to organize panoramic glazing, and the presence of additional floors will allow you to create a personal space that is maximally protected from prying eyes.