The loft apartment has become an increasingly popular trend in real estate. A
couple of decades ago, areas away from downtown became favored as residential
areas. Today, more effort is being put into moving people back into the busy
downtown areas, and loft apartments are an important part of that effort.
The loft apartment floor plans are typically wide open. Beams may be dotted
across the area, but there are often few or no interior walls. So you may think
that space planning for a loft apartment is going to be a breeze. After all,
you’re not going to be confined by the walls of a traditional house. But you may
find that making your loft apartment into a home is more of a challenge than you
expected.
The first key is in the selection of your loft apartment furniture. Having
few walls to constrict size and layout is going to help you here. Depending on
the overall size of your loft apartment and the amount of furniture and
possessions you’re going to put in the loft, you’re probably going to be looking
for furniture on a larger scale. Soft lines and curves are going to fit in well
here.
Loft apartments typically have high ceilings, and this should also affect
what kind of furniture you choose. If all your loft apartment furnishings are
short and squat, you’re probably going to be left with a feeling of “vacancy”
instead of the look of open space typical of a loft apartment. Look for at least
a few taller pieces of furniture, and consider lighting fixtures that make the
most of those open spaces.
No walls may sound like an incredible opportunity, but you’re still likely
going to find the need for areas dedicated as rooms. You can create the feel of
rooms without enclosing by several means. Use your furniture groupings. Corner
sectional sofas make excellent boundaries for a “living room.” Screens can
provide a bit of privacy without totally enclosing a particular area. A tall
bookshelf can also give the impression of a wall for a particular room.
The beams throughout the loft may become natural room boundaries. Cabinets
that stretch from beam to beam may mark the edge of the kitchen, or you may
decide that stretching cabinets along the wall is a better use of the space.
Whether you fill the open space or leave it as open as possible becomes a matter
of personal choice.
The outer walls are often bare brick and you’re likely to have exposed pipes
and ductwork in the ceilings. Make the most of these features by either
following that theme throughout the loft apartment or creating some contrast.
Soft curtains behind a bed will make the room more appealing. An iron bedstead
may very well be just the item to carry over the “industrial” look.
Whether you’re moving into a loft apartment yourself or you’re getting it
ready for rent, making the most of the features inherent in the loft apartment
is important. Those who rent loft apartments are typically looking for those
wide open floor plans and a chance to express themselves.
