New York City Lofts are a unique type of home originating from commercial and manufacturing buildings converted to residences. Loft renovations in NYC require understanding their history and architectural characteristics, but to create a truly unique home, we must incorporate our client’s individuality into the design.
I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in New York and the owner of Manhattan-based architecture and design firm Fontan Architecture. At our office, we work on various types of projects, including loft renovations. We produce custom-made bespoke designs for our clients to create a space that fits their lives and preferences while providing them a home they are proud of.
4,000 Square Foot Loft Gut Renovation
Our client purchased two adjacent lofts, which meant he now owned the entire floor, as there were only two apartments per floor. We combined and fully gut renovated the lofts creating one cohesive modern and luxurious apartment.
We provided full-service architecture and interior design services for this project. We fully gut-renovated the loft, removing everything but the exterior walls and structural elements. We completely changed the layout, opening up the living space at the front entrance. We framed the entire apartment around the rows of columns, using them to delineate the space.
Below is a brief before and after video of this Manhattan loft renovation. We wanted this apartment to feel like a loft but still make it particularly detailed for our client. The openness emphasizes why people are so often enamored with lofts.
Modern Loft Design
We designed this loft to have a large living space of forty feet by forty feet with an open kitchen running the entire length of one wall. The kitchen has a long island with multiple heights and materials to create different zones for prep, sitting, and a bar.
We accentuate the existing structure by applying specialty finishes to add texture and accents to the columns and beams. We incorporate steel, dark stones, and wood to make the kitchen elegant and contextual. All millwork and cabinets are custom-made with high-quality standards. The appliances are top-of-the-line, and the home has an overall high-end sophistication with a strong New York loft feel.
Loft Renovation with Open Kitchen
Making the Loft Have a Sense of Luxury
The owner wanted a luxury home that still felt like a loft. We used various natural materials to achieve the luxurious feel and made the spaces vast and open to maintain the magnitude of New York City lofts.
We used Travertine in the primary bath to add elegance and a classic touch. The large stone slabs balance the bathroom’s modern geometry, creating an elevated design that feels new yet has a sense of traditional respect for craft and quality.
Loft Bathroom Renovation
Setting a Mood Through Interior Design
We mixed bronze panels, dark materials, and dim lighting in the following bathroom to create a moody yet sophisticated feel. We played with material combinations to achieve a unique and heightened sense of individual character in the design.
Dark Modern Bathroom Design
Making this Loft Renovation Unique
The powder room is another area with a bit of a dark vibe, but here, we used green marble and added green walls to create a unique experience. We aimed to balance character and function with mood and quality throughout this loft.
Bespoke Powder Room Design in a Luxury NYC Apartment
A Loft to Be Proud of
When the client first moved into their newly renovated loft, they said, “It’s wonderful.”
We are very happy to design a custom home that fits their needs, reflects their aesthetics, and brings them joy. That is always our goal when designing and renovating people’s homes.
We are very proud to add this to our portfolio, but we have to say that we cannot make a great home without a great client.
NYC Loft Renovation
Renovating a New York Loft
Lofts are a unique type of home in NYC. Renovating a loft can result in an amazing space that is perfect for you if we design it with an understanding of how to make a customized home just for you.
If you want to learn more about lofts, we have another article on the Architectural Characteristics of Lofts in NYC.
Fontan Architecture Loft Renovations in New York City
Whether you are planning to renovate a loft or other type of residence, you can begin your home renovation with Fontan Architecture, a full-service architecture and design firm that will renovate or build a home made just for you. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your upcoming project.
This post was written by Jorge Fontan AIA a Registered Architect and owner of New York City architecture firm Fontan Architecture. Jorge Fontan has earned 3 degrees in the study of architecture including two degrees from the City University of New York and a Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Jorge has a background in construction and has been practicing architecture for 20 years where he has designed renovations and new developments of various building types.
