Loft style interior

Loft is one of the most paradoxical styles that combines bohemian and underground. Loft-style interiors embody a conceptual approach to space that arose at the intersection of poverty and luxury. They demonstrate how the most unfriendly, uninhabitable industrial facilities are transformed under the influence of art, turning into luxurious and outrageous apartments.

In English, loft (loft) means non-residential premises, usually attics or unfurnished attics. In a broader sense, these are abandoned industrial buildings, usually one-story, under a high roof. Later, it was the latter meaning that was assigned to this term, denoting the main feature of the new urban style.

The adaptation of warehouse and industrial premises for housing formed the basis of loft-style interiors. Free layout and space, contrast of rough finishes and exquisite, emphatically cozy accessories - the mystery of the attractiveness of this bold, shocking style haunts the imagination.

Before embarking on such an interesting project as a loft in your own apartment, it is useful to get acquainted not only with the principles and techniques of such an original interior design, but also with the history of its occurrence, to understand the logic of an extraordinary approach to organizing living space.

Style history

Loft, as an interior design style, arose in the middle of the last century. By the 1950s, prices for land in the center of large cities in the United States rose sharply in the center of large cities: Chicago, New York, as a result of which factories began to move beyond the city limits. However, construction companies did not have time to build up the vacant territories, and few could afford to buy a new apartment in the center of the industrial capital. Therefore, empty industrial facilities began to be hastily converted into cheap housing and rented out for next to nothing.

It was housing for the poor. There were not always any partitions, even a ceiling overhead - more often beams and roof slopes. The minimum improvement was limited to the presence of a kitchen and a bathroom.

Plumbing pipes and ventilation systems and other technological communications inherited from the factory past completed the harsh Spartan look of the new industrial American style.

These were the first living quarters in the loft style. And they would have remained a forgotten stage in the history of architecture, if the spacious and cheap square meters of the former factory premises had not been chosen by artists who began to equip their studios in them.

First of all, they were attracted by the opportunity to rent huge areas for nothing, where they began to organize exhibitions of paintings. Often the canvases were placed directly on the floor, leaning against the walls. Huge windows let in plenty of light, high ceilings and the absence of partitions created a feeling of incredible spaciousness, and heaps of beams and metal structures became a magnificent backdrop for a new style of painting that resists stereotypes.

The contact with art could not but be reflected in the interior: against the background of the rough texture of the walls, not only works of modern painting, but also bohemian elements of the furnishings acquired special expressiveness - and this was already the loft that is now experiencing a rise in popularity. In the artistic studio, located within the walls of an old factory, one could see a velvet or leather sofa, an antique bathtub with gilded legs, and an expensive carpet.At the same time, an attitude was formed towards the decor and accessories as something secondary: the desire to do small things, not to clutter up the space with knick-knacks, to use a minimum of functional furniture became a special chic.

Young artists who opened their galleries in industrial areas gained world fame. The atmosphere of an uninhibited chic loft acquired a touch of elitism, the emerging style of the interior began to be perceived as elite. Once cheap, converted in the loft style, warehouses, shipyards and factories became expensive and prestigious apartments, which in America and Europe by the 60s of the XX century were at the peak of popularity.

Loft in the interior of a modern apartment

What is the reason for the rise in interest in the loft? First of all, this is a protest against the established bourgeois standards that make dwellings similar to each other. Finishing techniques, zoning principles and furniture selection remain too predictable, no matter which of the popular styles you choose.

The loft is another matter - it is always unexpected solutions, a revolutionary approach to space and scope for the artist's imagination.

Is it possible to recreate the loft style in the interior of a modern apartment, far from the appearance of colorful factory buildings of the last century?

Style characteristic

To answer this question, let's try, for starters, to highlight the main features of a classic loft:

1. Large, partition-free rooms ranging from a few hundred to thousands of square meters.
2. High ceilings.
3. Huge windows.
4. Rough wall, floor and ceiling finishes.
5. Open large metal structures - pipelines, ventilation, load-bearing beams.
6. Furniture in a small amount, but emphasized 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 mainly aimed at creating a special atmosphere of outrageous 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.

Free planning and zoning

The principles of free zoning are the basis of the loft. Ideally, the room should be viewed completely. Per partitions there is a bathroom-WC and utility rooms, rarely - a bedroom.

Space and light are the main value, so the furniture in the interior, designed in the loft style, should be at a minimum, and it should not be placed as usual - close to the walls and in the corners, but so that the space along the walls remains free.

All things and most of the household equipment are “hidden” in spacious utility rooms, leaving in the living area only what is necessary for relaxation and creativity. Utility rooms should be given special attention. There may be several of them - they should accommodate a wardrobe, a laundry room, and a pantry. Their function is extremely important - to free the living area from everything extraneous, which distracts from creativity and violates the aesthetics of space.

In the presence of very high ceilings, vertical zoning is sometimes used, an “open floor” is created, which in the loft style is used, as a rule, for private areas. For example, a bathtub can be installed on it, from which a view of the first floor will open. You can also move the bedroom to the top floor.

Finishing

Necessary elements of interior decoration in loft style:

• pipes,
• beams,
• brick.

The 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 tiles imitating bricks and special decorative plaster are used. For walls and their sections, you can use different finishes, which, by the way, plays an important role in the zoning of the room. For example, three walls are cleaned 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 the dining area or relaxation area. When painting the walls, cold shades are used.

Deliberately rough, "unfinished" decoration creates the effect of negligence, democracy, unpretentiousness. However, against such an ascetic background, even a leather sofa of the simplest form or a grandmother's bookcase is 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 “flaunted” as a necessary entourage of style. Often, standard pipes are replaced with more massive ones. Metal elements are not painted, or painted "under the metal".

The decoration of the walls is very extraordinary. They can be painted with graffiti, decorated with posters, advertising posters, 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.

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

The ceiling is painted in light or silver color. Sometimes large, “industrial” pipes made of shiny metal are laid under the ceiling, by analogy with factory communications, as well as “bearing” metal beams.

For lighting, you can use rare factory fixtures 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) - do not curtain. If they are small, or the landscape behind them is too different from the urban one, blinds are used.

Furniture and accessories

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

• it should be small
• she must be stylish
• wide aisles should be left between furniture and walls.

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

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

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

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

Of all the existing styles of furniture, country, ethnic style and cheap cabinet furniture, which will only belittle the status of the interior, are 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 the walls. It is necessary to achieve the feeling of a large, open, empty space, in which inhabited zones are present as islands.

Kitchen and dining equipment

The kitchen area features either rare (or stylized) 1950s-style kitchen equipment or a well-equipped but small high-tech kitchen. Chrome-plated metal surfaces, as well as technological innovations, are welcome. It is good if it resembles a small kitchen of a restaurant or a cafe with professional equipment - stainless steel countertops, a rack and a screen, a coffee machine, a bar counter and wine glasses. At the same time, the kitchen should be very compact and not concentrate on itself.

Any design delights are acceptable in the dining area, but let the table be in a minimalist or hi-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.

Living room furniture

A sofa with soft upholstery, a cozy armchair, a fluffy carpet will create an oasis of peace and relaxation in the chilly space of an industrial environment. The atmosphere of luxury in this area can be emphasized by the paintings of 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 outrageous against the backdrop of an old factory interior.

Bedroom furnishing

The bedroom can be isolated with partitions, moved to the second floor, or the sleeping area can be allocated in the studio. Lighting and flooring play an important role in zoning. It is possible that the role of conditional partitions will perform a low cabinet or chest of drawers, which will emphasize the privacy of this territory.

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

Bathroom and toilet equipment

The bathroom can be equipped in fundamentally different styles:

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

The difference is due, first of all, to the choice of sanitary equipment.

If a lucky opportunity has turned up to purchase an old cast-iron bathtub on “golden” legs, it makes sense to place it in the center of the plumbing block, pick up congenial plumbing, 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, vintage showers, an old-fashioned bidet and exposed metal - steel or brass - pipes complete the interior. loft-style bathroom.

If there is no old equipment, then it makes sense to focus on the latest in plumbing. The gleam of chrome, enamel and mirrors, the most modern shapes, halogen spotlights, hot tub and multifunctional shower will effectively contrast with old-fashioned drainpipes and uneven brickwork of the walls.

Decor

Industrial style does not tolerate small decor 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 pop art, the same age as the loft.

Historically, the loft style suggests a fireplace (or stove). If it is possible to arrange a vintage wood-burning fireplace or a modern, high-tech style, but equipped with an old chimney, this will give the interior a special charm.

If a second floor is arranged in a high room for a bathroom or a 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 stylize it as a spiral attic staircase made of cast iron, forged metal or cast-in-place concrete. And you can create an imitation of a folding "aged" design.

Destinations in loft style

Designers distinguish three directions in the loft style:

1. Hipster.
2. Glamorous.
3. Industrial.

In a hipster loft (also called a “boho loft”), the interior decor is formed from different styles, as if bought at a flea market. New bright objects side by side with aged, shabby ones, and avant-garde art pieces side by side with cheap kitsch.

The glamorous loft is filled with luxurious antiques, refurbished to a shine. The mirrors reflect the glare of dozens of lamps. Along with baroque furniture, ultra-fashionable design items made of glass and metal easily coexist. Everything glitters. But the main thing is that the cold gray scale in the glamorous loft is replaced by warm pastel shades, including serene pink and lilac. Against the background of rough brick and concrete fragments of the walls, all this looks especially naive and ... glamorous.

An industrial loft is possible where the area allows you to recreate an industrial design that is close to the cold factory antiquity. To contrast with outdated metal communications and building structures, they use defiantly stylish furniture in the spirit of minimalism and hi-tech, the latest kitchen and sanitary equipment, full-wall plasma screens and advanced acoustic technologies.

Loft style in the interior of an ordinary apartment - an easy start

Based on various trends in the loft style, which do not have to be used “in its purest form”, even in the conditions of reconstruction of a relatively small (less than 100 square meters) apartment, you can recreate the look of the original semi-industrial-semi-residential premises and fill them with the spirit of freedom, ease and luxury. Even more opportunities are provided by a large detached house, which practically does not limit the designer's imagination.

Many typical features of the loft are actively and successfully used in modern interior design - free planning, textured brick walls, a combination of high technology and antiquity. Fashionable furniture in the style of Scandinavian minimalism continues its traditions - metal, leather, plastic, glass, bright colors, laconic forms. The eclectic elements that appear in the Art Deco style have also been loved for a long time. In essence, all the features of the loft style have become familiar.

Maybe this is the reason for the new wave of interest in the seemingly defiantly irrational style. When all the rather familiar elements are combined, an absolutely fresh, revolutionary image appears that pleases with novelty, originality and invigorating outrageousness of the updated loft-style interior.

Conclusions

The loft style is surprisingly versatile in terms of decorating rooms for various purposes and for various categories of people. It is used to decorate restaurants, clubs and offices. In the interiors of cottages and small apartments. Wealthy people and those who intend to save on repairs. It is appropriate both in a teenager's room and in an artist's studio.

Of course, not everyone will decide to decorate the interior in such an original way. As a rule, a loft is a dream of creative people, for whom such a project is a holiday in itself, and subsequent life in a vintage-style interior pushes for new bold achievements.

Photo gallery - loft-style interior:

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