Unusual elements of the loft style (photo): a combination of incongruous things

2019-06-17

Author: Belfan

From this article you will learn:

• How did the loft style come about?
• What elements does a loft-style interior consist of?
• How to create an interior with loft style elements?
• What furniture to choose for a loft-style interior?
• What are decorative elements in the loft style?

Among the various interior design styles, loft has remained the most popular for several years. This amazing combination of incongruous elements allows you to create a truly comfortable space in an industrial style. In our article we will take a detailed look at the individual elements of the loft style and how to use them in the interior.

History of the loft style

The appearance of the loft is associated with America in the forties of the last century. It was there that the idea of ​​transforming abandoned factory buildings, warehouses and workshops into comfortable and modern housing was born. Initially, the large number of empty factory buildings in the center of Manhattan attracted the attention of artists who found it interesting to live and work in such a spacious space with high ceilings and good lighting. And the rent for it was lower than for ordinary housing.

As a result, by the 1950s, the loft was at the height of fashion, going from a workshop to a stylish space. The entire creative and artistic life of New York was concentrated in the factory spaces. Every artist dreamed of having a gallery and studio filled with an industrial atmosphere. One of the most popular workshops was called “Factory” by Andy Warhol. Gradually, such original housing began to be considered elite, and not every artist could afford it. Many buildings in the historical center of the city began to be classified as architectural monuments, and accordingly their rental prices increased. Then successful lawyers and financiers took the place of artists.

The loft style entered Europe in the 1960s, becoming widespread there. Now housing in former factory buildings is the most expensive and prestigious in all major cities of Western Europe, such as London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Helsinki and others.

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Kitchen

[ads2] In the loft style, the kitchen is most often located in the same room as the living room. The space is divided by a glass partition and a bar counter. Color contrasts are also used to differentiate zones.

The main element is the kitchen corner, which has straight shapes and houses household appliances. Transformable furniture, which performs several functions, is perfect here.

The stove and sink are combined: this saves space and increases convenience.

Loft style in the kitchen interior, photo

The stove may be modern, but the refrigerator may be old.

The table is compact; the tabletop is made of plastic, glass or metal. It has a laconic design and may look non-standard. The color of the furniture is not of fundamental importance.

In the kitchen in the loft interior, an abundance of steel and chrome surfaces is welcome.

Loft in the interior, photo

Basic interior elements in loft style

The English word “loft” usually means an attic, attic, gallery or the top floor of a warehouse or factory. The combination of several industrial style elements in one interior creates the feeling of a workshop or workshop. Such a home is particularly original, emphasizing the bold taste of its owners.

The main feature of the loft style is large open spaces. An industrial space usually has a huge area and good natural light provided by wide windows and high ceilings. Here you will not find unnecessary partitions.

In a loft interior, the eye can easily reach any corner of the room. Only certain parts of the room will be isolated: bathroom, toilet, bedroom and utility rooms. Although sometimes the bathroom is combined with the sleeping area.

The loft style is based on a harmonious combination of various architectural solutions. Here, elements of antiquity can be combined with ultra-modern technology and original lighting systems. Mirror surfaces and chrome details look great against the background of worn brick walls and peeling frames.

Main features of the loft style:

• Free and open plan. It is advisable to abandon partitions and internal walls in the interior.
• High ceilings. The industrial style is characterized by high, light ceilings, which can be emphasized by wooden beams, open ventilation structures or metal communication pipes.
• Rough wall finishing. Important elements of the loft style are bare concrete walls, exposed brickwork or casually applied plaster.

• Bright hues. When decorating a room in an industrial style, do not use too dark details that absorb natural light. Panoramic windows provide good natural light. In order not to disturb it, it is advisable to abandon curtains.
• Fireplaces and stoves. Factory premises were usually heated in this way, so this element of the heating system fits very harmoniously into the industrial interior, emphasizing its originality.
• Stairs. Large areas and high ceilings allow you to organize a second level. So, a bedroom or office can be located on the second floor. The staircase in such an interior is usually made of wood and metal.
• Multifunctional furniture. Modern designer furniture can be complemented with elements from the last century. Furniture colors can be in neutral tones or with the addition of small splashes of bright accents.

Style characteristics

To answer this question, let’s try, first, to highlight the main features of a classic loft:

1. Large, partition-free rooms ranging from several hundred to thousands of square meters.
2. High ceilings.
3. Huge windows.
4. Rough finishing of walls, floors and ceilings.
5. Open large metal structures - pipelines, ventilation, load-bearing beams.
6. The furniture is small in quantity, but emphatically stylish.

If we are not talking about the reconstruction of industrial facilities and the creation of residential premises on their premises, then it is obvious that modern loft projects are aimed mainly at creating a special atmosphere of shocking chic of this style in the interior. Fashion designers successfully cope with this task. By what means? They play with the ideas of large free space, “factory” texture in decoration, elements of industrial surroundings and original furnishings.

Industrial style in loft design

Elements of various loft style trends

The loft interior is a harmonious combination of brick walls, concrete floors, a minimum of furniture and modern appliances in one spacious room. There are several trends in modern loft style:

• Bohemian. Despite maintaining the factory features of the premises, the interior is filled with furniture and accessories suitable for creative people. So, in a bohemian loft, old shabby things and ultra-modern equipment located nearby feel cozy. Art objects are often used for decoration. Moreover, they can be completely different and not compatible with each other. For example, musical instruments, avant-garde paintings, ikebana or sculptures are suitable here.

• Glamorous. It is characterized, first of all, by its original color palette. Here you will not find the usual combination of pastel shades of the primary colors of the spectrum. The interior looks much more interesting in gray-lilac or gray-brown tones. Properly selected lighting plays an important role; various elements such as floor lamps, lamps, shades, chandeliers, and LED lighting are often used. An animal skin on the floor, a baroque mirror, or a large flower in a concrete pot can add color to the space.
• Industrial (industrial). It is the most popular loft style. It is used to decorate apartments, country houses, offices and even restaurants. In this case, it is very important to maintain the atmosphere of a factory floor or production room, which is helped by elements such as open ventilation pipes, wires, metal structures, and wooden beams. Furniture should have the correct geometric shape and be as functional as possible.

If you prefer space, good lighting and a feeling of freedom, then this style is for you. If it is difficult to create a completely open plan, you can limit yourself to individual loft style elements in the apartment that fit well into almost any space.

Scandinavian comfort

Scandinavian style - space, minimalism, plenty of daylight and bright colorful accents throughout the apartment , lack of clutter with interior items. Despite the apparent simplicity, Scandinavian interiors look very stylish. Thanks to white walls and large windows, the room looks spacious and light. You can see what a loft style should look like in white in our separate article.

For examples of a combination of loft and Scandinavian style, see the video.

The advantage of combining it with a loft is that unfinished concrete and valuable wood coexist perfectly in the interior, and the ceiling with industrial patterns sets off the white walls. This design features simplicity of interior architecture and decoration. Just look at the photo with examples of such synthesis:

Plenty of daylight, carpet on the floor, ottomans

Wooden floors and comfortable furniture

Brick wall and minimalism

Colorful accents in the interior of the apartment

Who will suit the loft style in the interior?

If you want to decorate your interior in a loft style, then carefully consider your decision. Not every person can feel comfortable in such an urban environment. Usually loft is preferred:

• creative people for whom an apartment is not only a living space, but also an office, workshop or exhibition hall;
• residents who are unable or unwilling to spend a lot of money on furnishing the premises: brick walls, concrete floors and ceilings are left in their original form, which allows them to save on finishing;
• fans of the minimalist style: laconic furnishings in the spirit of this trend are an integral feature of the loft space;
• lovers of large rooms without internal partitions and walls, who highly value space and freedom;
• single people or married couples without children who do not need personal, isolated space;
• connoisseurs of extravagant combinations who prefer modern and unusual interiors.

SILK PLASTER design solutions for dark interiors

The project is an example of the fact that an interior in dark colors can be not only aesthetically attractive, but also cozy and comfortable to live in. The dark color of walls and furniture brings a special aesthetics to the living space, noble and calm, and combines favorably with other shades.

SILK PLASTER finishing materials are the best choice for creating a stylish interior: a variety of dark tones of silk decorative plaster (liquid wallpaper) will allow you to choose the ideal solutions for your home. You can view the assortment and place an order in the catalog of the official SILK PLASTER online store or in branded showrooms in your city.

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How to create an interior with loft style elements

The ideal option for creating a loft interior is a spacious room without any partitions. It is desirable that it be equipped with panoramic windows, and the walls be built of brick or concrete. In this case, it will be possible to skillfully combine the features of surface textures and other finishing materials, combining aged and modern textures. Even a classic style with loft style elements allows you to create a special industrial atmosphere in a small apartment.

• Walls.

Preference should be given to an open plan, leaving internal walls only to separate from the total area of ​​the bathroom, bedroom or utility room. You can zone the space using a screen, glass blocks or through shelving. In addition, well-placed furniture or a combination of several types of flooring in one room helps to divide the space.

The wall covering should correspond to the industrial style. If the walls are made of brick or concrete, then you can leave them in their original form. Another option is to use plaster, which is casually applied to the wall surface. Also, sometimes walls are painted white or gray with water-based paint.

If the apartment is small, then you can lay out the walls with decorative brick tiles or use wooden boards for cladding the walls. The use of wallpaper is not allowed, as it very rarely matches the industrial style. As a last resort, you can use wallpaper with imitation brick or stone.

• Loft style floor.

The classic flooring for industrial premises is concrete. If a simple concrete floor seems too cold and impractical to you, you can replace it with:

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

Materials of different structure and appearance make it easy to separate the kitchen area from the rest of the area. Also, for zoning purposes, you can use textile elements such as paths and carpets.

• Ceiling.

If your apartment is small and the ceilings are low, you can simply paint them white or plaster them. But if the space and ceiling height allow you to be creative, then you can create an interesting apartment design with elements of the loft style (with metal pipes, wooden beams, etc.).

• Window.

In order to achieve maximum levels of natural light, you will need very large windows. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows allow you to unobstructed views of the urban landscape.

• Zoning.

The main principle of the loft is free zoning. The layout of the home and the arrangement of furniture should maintain an atmosphere of space, freedom and air.

If there is a need to highlight separate zones, then you can create partitions from airy glass blocks, light shelving, or generally focus on different floor coverings in each zone. In addition, you can separate a certain area of ​​space using furniture. So, a well-placed sofa will help to separate the relaxation and dining areas.

An isolated utility room will help get rid of the abundance of foreign objects, because a loft is characterized by a minimum number of things in the room.

Furniture and accessories

In a loft interior, the following requirements are imposed on furniture:

• it should not be enough
• she must be stylish
• Wide passages should be left between furniture and walls.

With a deliberately simple decoration of the room, any large, bright thing will catch the eye - it is important that it is not a primitive product from an assembly line. Preference is given to vintage or ultra-modern designer furniture.

Industrial style kitchen

By the way, the materials that are actively used today - plastic, leather, aluminum - were first used in the production of loft-style furniture. You can safely purchase chairs on wheels, long sofas, plastic folding chairs, metal shelving and metal floor hangers instead of cabinets - all these, which have become traditional, pieces of furniture arose along with the loft style, they will organically complement such an interior.

Furniture sets are inappropriate in a loft. There is no place for wooden shelves and racks even in utility rooms - light metal racks are installed instead. Tall cabinets disrupt the visual unity of the space; in addition, everything stored in them can be placed in the utility room.

Loft with large windows

The furniture can be antique or modern, the main thing is that it is an expressive, eye-catching thing: a luxurious banquette with expensive upholstery or a stylish leather sofa from IKEA - both of them can become the center of attraction in a loft interior.

Of all the existing styles of furniture, country, ethnic style and cheap cabinet furniture, which will only degrade the status of the interior, are probably not suitable for a loft. Absolute preference is given to metal, plastic and leather furniture.

A very important point: you should avoid placing furniture and equipment near walls. It is necessary to achieve the feeling of a large, open, empty space in which habitable areas are present as islands.

Brickwork in a former factory

Kitchen and dining room equipment

The kitchen area contains either vintage kitchen equipment in the style of the 1950s (or stylized after it), or a well-equipped, but small, high-tech kitchen. Chromed metal surfaces, as well as technological innovations, are welcome. It would be good if it resembled a small restaurant or cafe kitchen with professional equipment - stainless steel countertops, shelving and screen, coffee machine, bar counter and wine glasses. At the same time, the kitchen should be very compact and not concentrate attention on itself.

Small kitchen in the loft

In the dining area, any design delights are acceptable, but let the table be in a minimalist or high-tech style - made of metal, plastic and glass. As a contrasting addition in the spirit of eclecticism, you can use a collection of antique chairs or a low handmade sideboard.

Fireplace in the living room

Living room furniture

A sofa with soft upholstery, a cozy armchair, and a fluffy carpet will create an oasis of peace and relaxation in the cold space of an industrial environment. The atmosphere of luxury in this area can be emphasized with paintings by artists.

And one more important point - the loft welcomes any new technology, in any case, it is difficult to imagine it without high-quality audio and video equipment. A home theater and a powerful audio center will look bold and shocking against the backdrop of an old factory interior.

Small second floor for an office

Bedroom decor

The bedroom can be isolated by partitions, placed on the second floor, or the sleeping area can be separated into a studio. Lighting and flooring play a big role in zoning. It is possible that the role of a conventional partition will be played by a low closet or chest of drawers, which will emphasize the privacy of this area.

A high metal bed is an absolute favorite in a loft-style bedroom. Bedside tables also bear the stamp of antiquity. Don't forget about fashionable pop art style lamps. The built-in wardrobe is made as inconspicuous as possible, but spacious - impeccable order should reign in the sleeping area.

Bedroom in a classic loft

Bathroom and toilet equipment

The bathroom can be equipped in fundamentally different styles:

1. Eclectic, with vintage elements.
2. Ultra-modern technogenic high-tech

The difference is due primarily to the choice of plumbing equipment.

If you have the fortunate opportunity to purchase an antique cast-iron bathtub with “golden” claw-foot legs, it makes sense to place it in the center of the plumbing unit, select similar sanitary ware, use aged (patinated) metal shelving and create a unique vintage atmosphere. A dull mirror in an old frame will support the illusion of time travel. Small, matte mosaic tiles, a vintage shower, an old-fashioned bidet and exposed metal - steel or brass - pipes will complete the interior design of a loft-style bathroom.

If there is no antique equipment, then it makes sense to focus on new plumbing products. The shine of chrome, enamel and mirrors, the most modern forms, halogen soffits, a Jacuzzi and a multifunctional shower will contrast effectively with old-fashioned drainpipes and uneven brick walls.

Podium for delimiting space

Decor

Industrial style does not tolerate small decorative items and trinkets. It is better to decorate the interior with one or two large, expressive objects: an expensive vase, an exquisite figurine, a designer chair or a couple of paintings by young artists - abstract or in the pop art style, the same age as the loft.

Historically, the loft style assumes the presence of a fireplace (or stove). If it is possible to install a vintage wood-burning fireplace or a modern one in the high-tech style, but equipped with an antique chimney, this will give the interior a special charm.

If in a high room there is a second floor for a bathroom or bedroom, and more often for both, then the construction of the stairs should be approached responsibly. It can not only connect two floors, but also become a memorable decor. You can style it as a spiral attic staircase made of cast iron, forged metal or monolithic concrete. Or you can create an imitation of a folding “aged” structure.

Two-story loft

Furniture for interior in loft style

Furniture in the interior can not only perform its direct function of storing things and ensuring ease of use of the room, but also divide the entire space into functional zones. Thus, a sofa with a high back, standing on the border of the dining area, helps to separate it from the reception area. Accordingly, such functions can be performed by any furniture that is not located close to the wall. Therefore, in a loft interior you will rarely see furnishings placed along the wall.

Unique elements of the loft style can be pieces of furniture that have laconic shapes and a modern appearance. At the same time, different styles can be combined in one interior. For example, an elegant designer item can successfully coexist with a metal element in a high-tech spirit.

The use of plastic furniture is allowed, but in this case it must be very expressive and original. There is also a classic approach to decorating a loft-style space, when a laconic leather sofa is considered an integral element.

It is better to hide all storage systems and spacious cabinets from the eyes of visitors. You can place loft elements such as metal shelving or a floor hanger in plain sight. Most industrial interior items are made from aluminum, steel, brass, copper, wood or plastic. Cabinet furniture sets are practically not used, and adding elements of ethnic and country style is generally unacceptable, as they completely destroy the loft atmosphere.

Loft and scandi

Scandinavian style will add coziness and warmth to the loft, but will not overload the interior with unnecessary decor. The characteristic features of these two styles are free space, minimalism, white walls and natural materials. In such an interior there should be no unnecessary objects and a feeling of clutter.

To decorate the walls, you can use decorative plaster with a light concrete texture or white brick. For the floor, it is best to choose natural wood. Furniture should be simple, without pretentiousness, in dark, rich colors. An interesting solution would be to use black furniture. A wooden set reminiscent of a rustic style is suitable for the kitchen. The interior may also contain forged elements and living plants.

Scandinavian style and loft - simple and functional

Decor elements in loft style

Organizing space in a loft style involves minimal use of decor. You won't see any figurines or cute trinkets here. Characteristic decorative elements of the loft style can be large vases, a designer chair or a three-dimensional photo on the wall. You can use posters and abstract paintings.

Sometimes the traditional way of placing paintings and photographs is abandoned. And then you can see the original framed painting standing near the wall.

Any elements of urban culture can act as decor. Road signs, signboards, posters, and graffiti will also be suitable.

We list the most interesting accessories for home decoration:

• hammocks and swings;
• barrels;
• wooden boxes;
• black and white photographs;
• paintings;
• rocking chair;
• plants;
• punching bag;
• motorbike.

Loft and grunge decor

Grunge decor and loft are very similar to each other. Both of them are characterized by a lot of light, high ceilings, and the use of natural materials in the interior: wood, brick, forging, stone. Grunge decor, just like loft, loves raw or artificially aged textures. But at the same time, the interior looks cozy and noble.

When combining these two styles, a play on contrasts and a combination of different eras is used. Rough wall decoration and untreated wooden floors are diluted with an abundance of textiles and elaborate furniture. These are curtains, knitted blankets, fur capes, vintage carpets, and a large number of decorative pillows. Furniture for such an interior can be chosen in a classic style. Souvenirs, forged accessories, and paintings are suitable as decorative elements.

Grunge decor is a cozy and noble loft

Interior lighting in loft style

Properly selected lighting can transform any environment. It is necessary to place light sources in such a way as to support the designer’s idea and give it greater depth. And lamps that do not fit into the interior must be removed.

If the room is spacious, then a large central light source, for example, a spider chandelier with several lamps directed in different directions, is most suitable.

You can choose lamps made from different materials. The atmosphere of an industrial building is well supported by glass, plastic, and wooden appliances. An interesting design solution would be to use wire shades or lamps made from tires. Such elements of the loft style look very organic in an urban setting.

One lighting fixture is not enough to illuminate the entire space. You can enhance the lighting by using wall lights to highlight the overall design. These can be multi-point or string lighting systems.

Designer's advice

For a bedroom made in dark or black colors, as well as for a bedroom with black furniture, it is important to choose curtains and textiles that can emphasize the depth of the dark interior and give it an elitist look. In this project, to solve the problem, the designer selected curtains of an exquisite burgundy color, a dark turquoise carpet, and textiles in a rich gray shade.

Materials used:

Art Design 283

Possible options:

East 960
Victoria Du Monde Versailles V110

Victoria Du Monde Versailles V160

Elements of loft style in a modern living room interior

A fluffy long-pile carpet, velvet upholstery or genuine leather can become a real decoration for a loft-style living room. One of the most important elements of an industrial living room can be a home theater or a powerful stereo system.

To comfortably accommodate guests, it is advisable to install a large sofa with sufficient capacity. The coffee table will successfully complement the living room decor. Moreover, it can be either antique or made from pallets (it all depends on the style of the living room).

In the living room you can place a real fireplace or its imitation, which will create a more homely atmosphere in a brutal loft setting. As decoration, you can use designer figurines, original candlesticks, photos or posters in large frames, standing on the floor.

It is better to leave the covering of walls, floors and ceilings in their original form. Another option is to use this approach on just one thing - just the walls or just the ceiling. You can simply stick photo wallpaper depicting brickwork or concrete on the walls. It is better to leave such room features as communication pipes and beams in plain sight.

Designer's advice

A living room in dark colors is a solution typical of the loft style, allowing you to create an atmospheric and at the same time cozy living space.
In the interior of the living room of this apartment, the designer used medium and dark shades of gray in combination with rich red (burgundy, bright red) and black. Shades of gold and bronze are used as accents. In addition to gray and red, when creating a dark interior for a living room or bedroom, it would be appropriate to choose deep chocolate, blue or purple colors. For a successful combination of dark colors in the interior of a living room or bedroom, it is recommended to use tones of the same range of different saturations for finishing surfaces and in furniture - this way all elements will complement and emphasize each other, and not merge into one dark spot. So, to implement this living room project, the designer selected various shades of gray, with a lighter tone used for finishing the walls (liquid wallpaper Art Design 211, plain, rich gray), and a darker one for painting the ceiling (anthracite shade, two tones darker than the walls). A large corner sofa was also chosen to match the ceiling. Curtains and textiles are made in an even darker shade of gray - graphite, and finally, the darkest elements of the interior are bookcases and a black chest of drawers.

In large living rooms, as well as to create a chamber bedroom in black tones, it is justified to use dark shades in the reverse order - black wallpaper on the walls in combination with a lighter color of the floor, ceiling, furniture, textiles.

Using a chair as a bright accent in the living room is appropriate not only in a dark interior, and not only in a loft style - but to perform the function of an accent, the chair must be in a single copy.

The room has all types of lighting:

• a group of spotlights along the perimeter of the room;
• ceiling chandelier in black and gold;
• floor lamp with bronze-colored shade.

This set of lighting fixtures allows you to change the lighting scenario at the request of the apartment owners: from bright to dark, evening.

Materials used:

Art design 211

Possible options:

Provence 037
Miracle 1039

Miracle 1040

Art design 210

Bedroom with loft style elements

The bedroom is an intimate place even in a loft interior, so it is separated from the main space by opaque partitions or walls. If the ceiling height allows, the bedroom area can be moved to the second tier.

Walls in a monochromatic, calm color scheme will add coziness to the room. One of the walls can be left untreated (concrete or brick). A small fireplace will eliminate the excessive rigidity of the urban style. If the bedroom is small, you can visually enlarge it with a panoramic window or a wardrobe with a mirror or glossy surface.

Flowers and decorative pillows are suitable for decorating the bedroom. The main thing is not to overdo it with them, so as not to lose the loft atmosphere. If the bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom, they can be separated by a glass partition or even zoned the space using flooring.

Loft in a country house

A country house can easily become the embodiment of industrial aesthetics if you approach the interior design wisely.

First of all, houses in which the floors are not completely separated from each other, but only partially, so that you can see from floor to floor, are suitable for implementing the idea. This will enhance the overall industrial feel of the interior.

If the ceiling in a country house is high - 5 meters or more - the second floor can be created artificially by placing a bedroom or office there.

A country house is an ideal place to use the loft style. Unlike city apartments, the house may have large windows along the entire wall, which is typical for the attic style and is undoubtedly an advantage.

There is often a staircase inside the mezzanine; it has a design that allows you to save space and make good use of space. A metal frame in a minimalist style will not overload the room, and shelving under the stairs can be used to store books and useful things.

An integral part of a country house in the loft style is the fireplace. The design can be either in a classic form, in stone and red brick, or in an elegant metal fireplace in the center of the room.

The photo shows the interior of a living room in a country house with a hanging fireplace.

The attic will become a place of privacy in the house. Wood paneling creates a backstage atmosphere.

Kitchen with loft style elements

The kitchen is not of primary importance in a loft interior and usually does not take up much space. There are a large number of ideas for its design. So, you can make this space look antique by filling it with wooden furniture, vintage photographs and retro-style kitchen appliances.

If high-tech is closer to your spirit, then use the maximum number of glass, metal, chrome surfaces and built-in household appliances. An ultra-modern loft kitchen requires high-tech equipment.

The kitchen can be stylized as a street cafe, the peak of popularity of which occurred in the middle of the last century. In this case, it is equipped with a bar counter and chairs with a high back. For those who do not like the presence of a bar counter in the kitchen, we can recommend using an island table, which also looks very original.

In addition, you can use stylish dishes and a professional coffee machine. To make the room cozier, you can place some photos or posters on the theme of food or hang flower pots with beautiful flowers.

The material from which kitchen furniture is made can vary (from wood to plastic). At the same time, several pieces of furniture with similar functionality, made in different style directions, look original. So, next to it there can be an ultra-fashionable chair made of glass and metal and a worn, antique leather chair.

The kitchen wall can be decorated with bare brick or concrete, and the floor can be covered with rough-textured floorboards or laminate that imitates wide, untreated wood boards. A simple concrete ceiling without finishing fits the overall concept quite well. Modern plasma, abstract panels or graphite boards will contrast well with a brick wall, creating the desired effect.

The colors used for decoration are mainly black, white, grey, terracotta and pale brown. Sometimes they focus on some rich shade, but then it must be repeated in some piece of furniture. So, a table of the same bright shade can harmonize well with a red wall.

Chrome fittings will add a high-tech shine. It is advisable to use a plain kitchen apron. For example, this could be a stainless steel sheet in a natural metallic shade. Warm and soft accents can be made using several light-colored textiles.

Warm Loft or Modern Classic

What is “Modern classics”, “modern style with LOFT elements and other hybrids unknown to architecture?

The gap between theory and practice It is no secret that the world of interior design is no less inclined to invent new words and meanings than the Cubo-Futurist poets. And many of the terms in the lexicon of designers and their clients (and what is meant by them) would be extremely puzzling to the art historians who wrote the volumes for the library. Why is this happening? There are objective reasons, including time and people. The environment of historical, social and other circumstances that contributed to the emergence of great European styles is long gone. And today the majority perceives them exclusively as decorative samples and sources of inspiration, of which there may be several. Hence numerous hybrids like “American classics with elements of Provence”, “chalets with elements of Russian style”, “loft with Gothic elements” and other “fusion”. There is a style that I call “mini-deco” - This is when furniture and style The entire interior is clearly inclined towards “minimalism”, but the accents (mainly lamps) are taken from Art Deco and there are a huge number of such complex combinations.

Agree among themselves In the Russian market, the concept of “style” exists for the most part more for customers than for designers - so that the former can roughly describe in words what they want. In practice, the concept of interior styles is very vague, which cannot be said about architectural styles. In Russia there is a basic set of concepts: classic, modern / minimalism, country / Provence, kitsch / loft. I would also include “modern classics” separately. Further specification of the style is determined not by the name, but by analogues that are discussed by the designer and the customer.

The customer doesn’t care what kind of baroque it is. If for historians of decorative and applied arts and culture the question of how, for example, original styles differ from their repeated comings (the same baroque or rococo came back into fashion several times) is important, then for interior design customers it is often No. In addition, the perception of a particular historical period is often influenced by films, fiction and other elements of pop culture, for which historical accuracy is not as important as a convincing artistic impression.

For the sake of a beautiful word Unfortunately, people often have poor terminology and identification of a picture with a title

Russian customers, for example, love the word “Provence,” although they often hardly identify it at all. They just like the term, but many rush to perform it as they understand it. Although, it would seem, what kind of Provence could there be in a modern multi-apartment high-rise? In addition to rethinking existing terms, the industry is constantly inventing new ones. And they are capable of confounding any architectural historian. Such insidious definitions include, for example, “glamour”, “modern classics” and even “eclecticism”, as well as other concepts into which everyone can put their own content.

For greater persuasiveness In order to sell something well, you need to show something new all the time. The task of surprising (in the good sense of the word) the customer is one of the main ones for a designer. After all, if he is not capable of this, it turns out that a person can make a project and repair for himself without him. Therefore, a large number of terms are used in everyday life that are in no way consistent with the history of art and architecture, but have a magical effect on people who have nothing to do with design.

Art historians are confused In classical art history, “eclecticism” traditionally refers to a specific period in the mid-to-second half of the 19th century, when obvious borrowings from various historical styles were practiced in applied art and architecture: Baroque, Rococo, Gothic, Renaissance and others. Different trends could coexist within one area, one house (where there could be a room in the Russian style, a Gothic dining room, and a couple of interiors in the style of different Louis), one room and even one item (furniture set or service). Fact: Historically the term “eclecticism” was often used as a pejorative. And the disdainful attitude towards him was never completely overcome. Practice shows that we usually call eclecticism something that, from the point of view of style, did not quite work out. But it was from the period of eclecticism, as many researchers of the issue believe, that the formation of the very concept of “modern interior” began.

What is eclecticism today? Over time, “eclecticism” began to be called everything that did not fit into the framework of a single stylistic concept. In modern interiors, this term is also interpreted very broadly. Many experts are unanimous: by and large, the vast majority of modern projects are eclectic.

If you look closely at the style of modern projects, professionals will easily notice the presence of two, three or more styles. It is often possible to give a precise definition of a particular style only by the presence of characteristic elements in forms, decor and materials, for example, ethnic ones. In most cases, the canons are erased.

What is modern style today? I call it “just a good functional renovation.” What is now popular in both economy and business class. You can call the resulting result a modern style with an element of art deco, with an element of eco-style, with an element of classics, and so on, depending on which accent elements predominate in the interior.

The elusive “classics” It just so happens that in our world “classics” are often perceived as synonymous with eternal values ​​and a win-win option. This is the key to her popularity. What is meant by “classic” in the interior?

Russian customers, as a rule, distinguish between two styles: classic and modern. At the same time, he calls the classic “modern”. Often people say they love Art Deco, but when you show it in a book, it turns out that this is not what they meant. It takes a long time to understand the options for classic styles in order to understand which the customer prefers.

Beige style Very often you can hear from customers the definition of “light classic”, although such a style does not exist. By “light classic” we always imagine something beige with slightly classic shapes. But when we start to understand the customer, we understand, of course, that everyone means something different here.

The advantages and disadvantages of the “beige style” are a separate topic. It has both its supporters and opponents, who associate such interiors with a lack of imagination and an unjustified fear of trying something less “safe.”

The most common style that customers ask for is: “Everything is in beige tones for us.” And every time we try to dispel their ideas about a beautiful interior, offering something that is not beige at all.

Wealth and luxury Do not forget that classics in Russia sometimes mean variations on the theme of large palace styles. Russian customers have a “kitsch” style, which they call differently: classic or something else. “Everything that glitters” is collected there: more gold and expensive furniture, paintings and sculptures. The designer’s task in this case is to stop the client in time.

All our styles are Russian. Another powerful engine of progress and imagination that cannot be underestimated. The Russian customer, as professionals note, tends to perceive many things in his own way. Some explain this by a mentality at the intersection of European and Asian. Others - the specifics of life in the country in the 20th century and the Soviet legacy. Hence a whole bunch of “national trends”, and our own interpretations of famous European styles.

All our styles are “Russian”. For a long time, designers have not maintained a clearly defined style, because they want to please clients. This is where we get Russian Provence and Art Deco.” Some trends make you smile, others are mostly perceived with sympathy. There are certain established, very Russian images. Firstly, “traditional dacha style” - the style of old dacha villages of the early and mid-20th century: with white glazed verandas, Viennese wicker chairs. A little bit of antiquity and a lot of comfort and summer. Secondly, this is the image of the “intelligent Moscow style”: all the best that was in the interiors of Stalinist apartments, old apartment buildings, with an atmosphere of calm classics, without pretentious luxury and always with books.

Russian customers sometimes develop an irresistible love for everything “their own”, “natural” in the construction and decoration of a room - a symbiosis of Russian folk art in crafts made of wood and other materials and the Scandinavian style. If a competent designer works on a project, the result can be an extremely unusual, cozy and uncluttered space.

Among other things, designers also highlight the “terem” style: a richly decorated house with pronounced Russian attributes,

Eurorepair as the Russian style of the 90s Another legacy of the 90s is the unforgettable “European renovation”: a style that many designers would prefer to “reinvent.”

Some things are very sad to talk about. For example, the style of the “dashing 90s”: a wave on the ceiling, a wave sofa with armrests, a corner bathtub, a dolphin in the self-leveling floor, alive))) There is the hated, but so far completely ineradicable “European-quality renovation” - This is such a phenomenon of ours. Everything is predominantly in the same beige tones, with multi-tiered suspended illuminated ceilings, with furniture and accessories that are quite difficult to attribute to any style in principle, but this is usually done by the customers’ favorite designers: Foreman. Even very serious people with whom I talked and asked ;who made THIS “design” for you, they answered me; they couldn’t come to an agreement with any designer, but OUR FOREIGNER did everything magically!”))) Such foreman-designers approached “European-quality renovation” with imagination. For example, among the advertisements for apartments for rent there were “European-quality renovations in antique style” and other unforgettable options))

When habits decide We still have a special business style that prevails, which differs significantly from Western models. For example, business style is associated with solid wood shelving and a chair with a capito back. It is conceptually far from ultra-modern Western offices in light colors with glass and metal inserts. Hobby is another inexhaustible source of interior inspiration..

Russians have a “traveler style.” They love to bring items from different countries, which designers then have to assemble into a single interior.

There is nothing wrong with this, quite the opposite: things that are close to the owners add “life” to the space. Moreover, in the Russian soul there has always been a craving, firstly, for the exotic, and secondly, for collecting. It’s just that thematic hobbies do not always coincide with interior preferences, which sometimes makes the design task more difficult. But the result is often very impressive. So once the task was set to create a loft in the Pub style, and there should have been a favorite English telephone booth in bright red color and classic furniture). Now we would like to show photos of very successful combinations of Classic and Loft styles, what makes the Loft WARM and the Classic NOT LOADED.

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Children's room with loft style elements

The children's room is traditionally the child's favorite place for creativity. Every parent tries to create the most interesting and comfortable interior for their child. Since the loft is a rather brutal direction, the room of a child or teenager in this style should be diluted with bright contrasting shades.

You can focus on an unusual carpet or an original piece of furniture. It is advisable to design the work area and sleeping area in a more neutral manner and, if possible, separate it from the rest of the space.

Bedroom

The loft style in the bedroom involves the use of an imitation of the complete absence of decorative wall decoration. Brick, concrete or their imitation are suitable for wall decoration, but only one wall is decorated in this way, the others are plastered or painted, and in one light color: this allows you to soften the interior a little.

The emphasis is on a low-height bed; it can be metal or wood. It is complemented by bedside tables in the same design, on which modern lamp models are installed.

A large wardrobe with a discreet design is used to store things. The cabinet should not stand out.

Mirror inserts look beautiful: this design “pushes the walls apart,” visually expanding the room.

In order to separate the bedroom from other rooms, it is allowed to use partitions that do not allow prying eyes to pass through.

Loft style room, photo

Hallway with loft style elements

The loft space is usually visible directly from the hallway. It is easy to create a unique interior if the apartment has not yet been renovated.

Then you can immediately provide a minimum of finishing on a concrete or brick wall. Ideally, such walls can be left in their original form. As a last resort, you can plaster them.

Concrete ceilings can also be painted white. Lay laminate, boards or tiles on the floor.

The hallway furniture should match the overall atmosphere, supporting the industrial feel of the interior. You might want to place some antique furniture pieces and a coat rack here. If you prefer a wardrobe, then do not use models with glass doors. Such modern furniture will require additional elements in the loft style so that the whole design looks harmonious. For example, you can install a floor lamp or an antique table in the hallway area.

Style color scheme

The color palette is often filled with strict shades. Bright colors are rarely used in decoration; this function is performed by decorative details. Beige, terracotta and brown colors are suitable for decorating the loft interior. But the classic colors are grey, white and black.

Grey

A modern shade often used in decoration. The color of cold concrete looks harmonious in the interior. One of the surfaces or the entire area can be decorated in gray. Also, shades of gray are used in interior items such as furniture, textiles or decorations.

Black

Black color can be present in partial decoration, such as one of the walls, ceiling elements, fireplace, window frames or doors. Most often, black color is used to fill the interior of a room, in furniture, lighting and decorative elements.

White

With white color the room will be even more spacious and brighter. Ceilings made of white sand and colored bricks can echo the light interior or contrast with dark floors and furniture.

The photo shows a loft-style living room with white walls.

Bathroom with loft style elements

Elements for decorating a loft-style bathroom can be completely different, from adding ultra-modern high-tech to eclecticism. Depending on the chosen direction, the appropriate plumbing equipment is selected.

The following elements of the loft style can add elegance to a bathroom decorated in an antique style: open communications, taps and gilded furniture legs. You can paint some parts yourself, allowing for careless touches. A mirror in a beautiful gold or silver frame will help complete the look, while being a very functional detail.

An interesting addition could be mosaic tiles placed on the floor and walls. Partial brickwork on the walls is welcome, but in this case it must be treated with a moisture-proofing compound so that it does not collapse under the influence of moisture. Another option is to use ceramic tiles that imitate brick.

You can install a jacuzzi, the most modern shower cabin, interesting lamps that change the color of the lighting. Rough finishing textures will go well with shiny chrome elements of sanitary equipment. Even stands for toothbrushes and soap dishes can be of unusual design.

In a spacious bathroom you can install spectacular furniture that will attract attention. And you don’t have to choose only modern models: vintage and antique items will fit well into such a room. For example, an ordinary wooden bench from a Russian bathhouse or an antique chest can become a bold statement and a practical piece of furniture.

Finishing

Necessary elements of interior decoration in the loft style:

• pipes,
• beams,
• brick.

A loft is characterized by an expressive texture of walls and ceilings - brickwork, concrete or rough plaster that does not mask the material of the wall blocks. If the walls in the room are smooth, then use tiles that imitate brick and special decorative plaster. You can use different finishes for walls and their sections, which, by the way, plays an important role in zoning the room. For example, three walls are stripped down to the old brickwork, and the fourth is plastered. Another option is to apply textured putty to the central part of a long wall, thereby highlighting a dining or sitting area. When painting walls, use cool shades.

Classic industrial loft style

A deliberately rough, “unfinished” finish creates the effect of carelessness, democracy, and unpretentiousness. However, against such an ascetic background, even a leather sofa of the simplest shape or a grandmother’s bookcase are perceived as a luxury item, which gives the loft-style interior a special chic.

Heating systems, water and gas pipes are not hidden behind screens or false walls, but are “displayed” as a necessary ambiance of the style. Often standard pipes are replaced with more massive ones. Metal elements are not painted, or are painted to look like metal.

The decoration of the walls is very extraordinary. They can be painted with graffiti, decorated with posters, advertising posters, and metal road signs. An element of sophistication is large paintings by contemporary artists, which are often casually placed directly on the floor, leaning against the wall.

Kitchen design in a loft apartment

The floor, as a rule, is covered with stone-like tiles or wooden “aged” slats.

The ceiling is painted light or silver. Sometimes large, “industrial” pipes made of shiny metal are laid under the ceiling, similar to factory communications, as well as “load-bearing” metal beams.

For lighting, you can use rare factory lamps hanging from the ceiling. But a truly powerful stream of light, creating the atmosphere of an industrial workshop, will be provided by LED lamps on busbar systems.

Windows, if they are large (ideally from the floor) are not covered. If they are small, or the landscape behind them is too different from the urban landscape, use blinds.

Loft style elements in small apartments

Decorating a small apartment with style can be quite difficult. First of all, they resort to remodeling the room and getting rid of unnecessary partitions in order to give the space maximum freedom and spaciousness. After all, the main components of a modern style with loft elements are a large amount of air and light.

After redevelopment, it is important to think over a storage system, which is very important for small apartments. In addition, well-placed small storage systems allow you to visually zone the space.

Much attention is paid to lighting. It is necessary to clear the windows as much as possible from any curtains so that as much light as possible penetrates into the room. Also, various sconces, floor lamps and lamps, evenly distributed throughout the area, contribute to proper lighting.

Comfortable, functional furniture, pleasant colors and a competent combination of colors allow you to create a unique loft-style interior that will be not only beautiful, but also comfortable.

General rules for combining styles

To ensure that the industrial style and neoclassicism do not contradict each other, it is necessary:

1. Make one style dominant. The walls should be decorated in this direction or the furniture should be selected. The second style is presented in detail. When combining loft and classic, loft prevails, since it provides the designer with greater freedom.
2. Combine no more than two directions. This applies not only to the combination of loft and neoclassical, but also to the combination of industrial style with other trends.

Elements of loft style in the interior: photo gallery

Loft with an intelligent character

The author of the project is the architect Lev Lugovskoy
The author of the project is the architect Lev Lugovskoy

The owner of this space is a big fan of music, a versatile, witty person, so the interior of the loft is associated with his character and habits. Initially, there were concrete walls and modern windows, but I wanted to create an interior filled with daring objects and textures, with its own history and an industrial leitmotif. To achieve the appropriate atmosphere, the walls were decorated with brick and old barn boards. And professional artists additionally aged the racks, beams, metal structures and pieces of furniture.

Brutal loft

The author of the project is architect Karen Man

The author of the project is architect Karen Man

This Brutalist style project is a tribute to the great architects of the 1950s–70s, who valued the beauty and “honesty” of building structures and materials (concrete and metal). This apartment was originally planned so that concrete partitions became the dominant feature. The dimensions of the formwork sheets harmoniously correlate with the dimensions of the wall edges, and the divisions of fastening elements set their own rhythm to the interior. Thus, the graphic effect of a drawing in reality appeared. A special concrete was used to decorate the interior - dense, smooth, plastic, tactile. It creates a feeling of mass, inspires reliability and monumentality.