Loft-style interiors have become extremely popular in recent years. Their characteristic features are simplicity, minimalism and modernity. This style allows you to create a unique interior design, ideal for lovers of original, spacious interiors with unconventional architecture.
How it started...
The history of the loft style dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the Parisian bohemia began to transform the halls of old factories and warehouses, turning them into studios. Real fashion broke out in the 1960s. At that time, in the United States, such post-industrial rooms became a place of living and artistic activities. Light-filled large spaces with low rents transformed into a place for creative work for many artists. The harsh climate, shortage of furniture and a large amount of open space were significant advantages for the creation of many studios and meeting places for local artists. These types of rooms were transformed into comfortable flats, which also served as studios. Over time, this unique atmosphere and unconventional solutions began to gain recognition in the eyes of business owners and wealthy townspeople who also expected comfort. Real estate prices have increased, and this type of interior has become an attractive investment that has become synonymous with prestige. The loft style began to take on many variations. Hard lofts, i.e. real post-industrial buildings, are unfortunately a rarity today - most of them are located in Silesia and the City of Lodz. The second variety of the loft style is the so-called soft loft, i.e. loft-inspired apartments, stylized in a post-industrial style.
Style characteristics
The loft style, like any other, has its own characteristics, thanks to which it can be distinguished. These are:
• Industrial decor elements - visible pipes, cables and ventilation ducts, electrical, structural or hydraulic elements and other installations in the room are left on top, thus giving the interior character. The decorative function after renovation is also performed by the remains of the old equipment, and the accents of old wood, i.e. pillars and ceiling beams that are structural elements of the building. They are an important element of the arrangement.
• Raw materials - interiors decorated in a loft style have walls made of raw brick (discovered in old buildings, imitations in new ones) or concrete. The rooms are also distinguished by a large amount of steel and glass - materials from which, for example, stairs to the mezzanine are built. Natural wood also plays an important role, in the case of which not so much attention is paid to it being the first class. Wood with clear signs of wear, discoloured, knotty and uneven is the most suitable here
• Spacious interiors - characterized by a large area without partition walls. Their characteristic feature is also a significant height of the room, where the ceilings are slightly higher than in standard buildings.
• Subdued colours - in the loft style, neutral shades of grey, white and black are used. Stronger colours are also allowed, but in pure and bright shades.
• No unnecessary decorations – traditional decorations such as curtains, carpets, vases with flowers and other decorative elements, which are usually supposed to give the interior a cosy atmosphere, are not used. The interiors are decorated with modern art, and we can often find paintings or sculptures in them.
• Appropriate lighting - artificial lighting is designed so functionally that the light falls wherever life takes place. Lighting should be varied and ubiquitous, as it creates the right mood. Lights should look as if they were moved from former warehouse halls. Their appearance is very important, it is a must-have element of the decor.
What furniture will work in a loft?
An extremely important element in any style is the right equipment. In the loft style, the impression of spaciousness is very important, which is why the interiors should contain only the necessary furniture that is a combination of design and functionality. They must allow you to store the necessary things, facilitate the organization of space, but also have a decorative function. The interiors decorated in a loft style will be perfect for furniture that is accompanied by an original story. As a rule, slightly exploited designer equipment is used, equipment resembling workshop structures or furniture designed on the basis of the principle of minimalism, which is an example of simple design.
Many companies offer furniture designed with the loft style in mind. One of them is ELTAP – a manufacturer of upholstered furniture, which offers corner sofas, couches, beds, armchairs, sets and accessories that will help you properly arrange a room in this style. The living room must have a table with a wooden top mounted on light metal legs, a comfortable sofa or a couch in a subdued colour as well as delicate accessories.
The loft style continues to enjoy unflagging interest. It is a perfect choice for anyone who appreciates space and original interiors with unconventional architecture. All you need is a dose of creativity and a few accessories to create such an original and functional space.
