Loft-style flat design

What is the loft style and who is it suitable for?

The word ‘loft’ has several meanings. Translated from English, it means ‘attic’, ‘3D modelling’, ‘a bed on high legs’, ‘a dovecote’, and so on.

All these terms are interconnected in one way or another and relate to construction and architecture. Lofts are large, former industrial buildings with high ceilings that are converted into homes, workshops, exhibition galleries and studios, restaurants or concert venues.

The loft style in interior design most often inspires artists, musicians, performers, businesspeople, as well as all modern, practical people who value open space and comfort.

The loft style is characterised by features such as:

• ample space;
• no partitions;
• plenty of natural light;
• artificial lighting (chandeliers, lamps);
• the presence of mezzanines or exposed beams;
• no curtains or drapes (Roman blinds, drapes or Venetian blinds are acceptable);
• wide floor-to-ceiling windows;
• an open ventilation system, with iron pipes;
• stairs, etc.

Wall and ceiling design

Even in a small flat, you can create a loft-style interior — either partially (walls and ceiling) or completely.

A distinctive feature of loft-style ceiling design is the effect of a non-residential space (such as a warehouse or workshop). Extractor fans or ventilation units, metal pipes or wiring can be positioned near the ceiling. Exposed wooden beams will create an attic-like atmosphere — a classic loft design.

As for the walls, they are the focal point of the entire loft style. One of the four walls in the living room or kitchen should be finished to look like exposed brickwork. This striking design feature is characteristic of a classic loft. The brickwork can be red, white, plastered, or a mix (half-plastered, combined with large stones) whilst still blending harmoniously with the other walls.

The following are used to finish the ceiling and walls:

Loft-style furniture

Loft-style furniture divides an open-plan space into distinct zones. Each zone may feature a different colour scheme.

Loft-style furniture features clean, geometric shapes, vintage elements and subtle signs of wear.

For the hallway, living room, kitchen, children’s room, bathroom or bedroom, either ultra-modern or antique furniture is chosen, or the simplest pieces, depending on the overall interior theme.

Loft-style furniture is usually made to order, found at flea markets or in antique shops.

A loft-style kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most popular places in the flat where this style can be applied. Red or white brick is used for the finish, for example on the kitchen splashback. Instead of lace curtains and tablecloths, the kitchen is decorated with light fittings hanging from the ceiling, a sturdy metal extractor hood, and plenty of open shelves for crockery and spices.

Furniture options for a loft-style kitchen:

• a dining table and sturdy chairs;
• a bar counter or kitchen island;
• a sofa;
• open shelves;
• a kitchen unit made from natural materials.

A great idea for decorating a kitchen like this is to include plants and flowers on windowsills or hanging shelves, graffiti on the walls, vintage items and much more, all of which will help to create a kitchen in true loft style.

Loft-style living room

A loft-style living room is a space for self-expression and for bringing all your bold ideas to life through interior design.

To decorate the living room in your flat, you can use:

• metal and glass;
• brickwork and plaster;
• photo wallpaper imitating brick or stonework;
• concrete walls with chips and cracks;
• concrete flooring;
• white, grey, brick-red, sand, graphite, metallic and burgundy colours;
• wicker, wrought-iron and upholstered furniture (may be in various colours);
• a solid sofa;
• suede pouffes;
• a hammock;
• armchairs of various shapes, etc.

Suitable accessories include cushions with unusual patterns, abstract paintings, posters, ethnic figurines, old trunks and much more.

The loft has become not only a fashionable type of home, but also a fully-fledged design style that plays an important role in the life of the modern person.