The freedom of thought, ideology, emotions - absolute freedom - this is the only way to express this style of interior design… or rather, this lifestyle. Being a rather difficult style of arrangement, there are very few who dare to choose it.

The term "loft" is of American origin and comes from the arrangement of industrial spaces in airy apartments of generous dimensions. The idea was born in Manhattan (then the industrial area of New York City) due to the development of the urban area that led to the reuse of abandoned industrial spaces (halls, warehouses, factories, workshops) and their transformation, if necessary, into functional housing.

The Loft style appeared in the ’70s, as an initiative of students and artists (sculptors, painters, photographers) eager for economic spaces that would serve both as a home and as a place to carry out their activities. Motivated by the extremely affordable rental prices, they prefer warehouses or obsolete factories, the totally unarranged industrial spaces.

This style, very close to the minimalist one, is a fresh, modern, refined, natural, intimate and original one, which has gradually been adapted for smaller spaces, by combining elements from other styles. Everything that is considered a disadvantage in other styles - exposed brick, rough concrete walls, industrial flooring, minimal decor - for the loft style is the point of interest!

Loft style features

The pronounced industrial design, open spaces, high ceilings, oversized windows, brick and concrete walls, wood or cement floors, exposed pipes and beams, used as decorative elements - all make up the image of an authentic Loft interior. The division between spaces in this type of arrangement is extremely fluid and barely perceptible, being made with the help of colors, carpets or arranged furniture. Empty space is, in fact, the most important element of the Loft style.

The brick, concrete and exposed pipes are also an integral part of the Loft style. If you can not keep the walls’ structure in sight, opt for a decorative paint that mimics the apparent concrete or a wallpaper with a similar pattern or decorative panels made of polyurethane.

The chromatic range includes cool colors, balanced with a few warm accents or even vivid ones. For example: the concrete wall can be accessorized with a poster with warm colors. If you keep the brick in its natural color, you can complete the space with light white-gray walls, with a graphic decoration created from copper pipes.

Everything we specified in the previous points must be in full harmony with modern trends - state-of-the-art appliances, chromed or oxidized metal surfaces and glass partitions.

Loft-style furniture plays an important role. The furniture can be of any style, however, it would be good to mix something old with something modern and minimalist (for example, a chest of drawers with retro wooden drawers with a chrome wardrobe). Unusual accessories - Graffiti, posters, abstract illustrations, motivational messages, or even road signs will be very suitable in the general concept of the Loft style.
To find such furniture pieces you can go to New York Furniture Outlets, that provides a wide specter of the loft styled qualitative models.

Materials

Cement, brick, metal, plastic and rubber are the most commonly used materials. In using them, however, keep in mind that by combining them, you must end up with that specific industrial look. A good idea would be to keep the original structural elements of the building, such as pillars, walls, beams, etc. The loft style allows the combination of most modern gadgets and appliances with outdated brick walls, worn boards, classic chandeliers and industrial lanterns.

Decorative elements

The main feeling you have to convey through your loft-style home is the feeling of an old factory, which you can get through colors, decorative objects, designs and materials, most borrowed from the minimalist style. The loft-style interior is not loaded with small decorative objects. For example, instead of displaying a collection of cars, you can use the details of a real car to decorate your home. There are no limits, only rules of proportion. Black and white photographs or framed posters, abstract paintings or a chalk board for everyday notes will all be suitable, as long as they emphasize your individuality.

This style is also very suitable for plants. Indoor hanging ones look nice as partitions between areas, and those in concrete or cement pots will add more loft details to your home. Be careful, however, not to exaggerate, one of the main features of the Loft style is simplicity! Think about what you are passionate about and try to introduce this into the decor. Be creative, and dare!

Choose elements that look unfinished, raw, but old. They will stand out mainly through strong contrasts and unique associations of shapes and materials. The recommended specific decorations to the Loft design are purely minimalist and with very simple lines.

Light

Loft-style spaces should have large windows and high ceilings, allowing light to enter the home. That is why a good artificial lighting is just as important, which you can get, among other things, in stores with models of suspended ceiling lamps.

Like the rest of the elements, the light must be as simple as possible. Lamps without lampshades, classic or with a special design, lamps made of natural materials, such as recycled cardboard. You can use a light fixture as an accent piece, such as a chandelier. Loft-style lighting objects are very close to what can be found in a factory: stainless metal as a base, with metallic accent elements.

Finishes

Finishes in walls, floors and ceilings in loft-style interiors are often a combination of materials and textures: unfinished concrete walls and exposed brick. For the floor, it would be suitable to have tiles that mimic the boards of raw wood, concrete or metal. Choose large plates 30 × 30 inches or larger - in a spacious room, they will look more appropriate.

The Loft-style ceiling retains all the building elements: the beams and floors are not hidden, as are the ventilation pipes and electrical cables. In addition, you can paint the ceiling white, in order to give the room an airy atmosphere and visually increase the height of the walls.

Eco-Loft

This is a new term that recently appeared in the language of architects and designers. It defines Loft-style homes (high ceilings, large windows and generous surfaces), in rural and unpolluted areas, away from industrial cities. Eco-loft showcases the successful simbiosis of two styles of interior design - rural and industrial.

Now how about you? Would you dare set up a loft interior, or are you more of a classic style lover?