Loft apartments are a unique type of living originating from formerly industrial, commercial, or warehouse buildings converted into multifamily residential use. Lofts often have high ceilings, exposed structural elements, and large open spaces.
I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in NYC and owner of Manhattan-based architecture and interior design firm Fontan Architecture. In this post, I will discuss some loft design ideas using examples from our projects renovating lofts in Manhattan.
Open Plan Loft Design
Open-plan spaces can incorporate the living room, dining room, and kitchen in one open area. Lofts are usually quite large and have quite a bit of open space. If you are going to renovate a loft, I would suggest keeping it as open as possible, especially if you have very high ceilings. An open plan or open concept will make the loft have much more of a luxury feel. Do not build unnecessary walls making small disproportionate rooms.
Tribeca Loft
Large and Luxurious Primary Bathroom
Lofts are often on the larger side as far as New York City apartments go. Therefore, if you have the space in your loft, you should make a large and luxurious bathroom.
The photo below shows the primary bathroom in a four thousand square foot loft we designed. We made this bathroom quite large to keep its scale in proportion with the rest of the apartment. The bathroom is made entirely of travertine, a natural stone with a rich vibrance.
We have another article you can read with additional examples from our projects if you would like to see more on Luxury Bathroom Designs.
Luxury Bathroom Design in Manhattan Loft
Elegant Powder Room
The powder room is one area where people often like to have fun with the interior design. Your guests will be using it, so it is important to make it elegant while having the freedom to make it a feature.
The powder room below is in a loft where the client wanted a darker feel but still luxurious elegance. We added a slight color (dark green) to this bathroom and used Tadelakt, a Moroccan waterproof plaster, for the walls. The sink is custom-made of the same green marble as the floor. This combination makes for a stunning, dimly lit, dark, and moody powder room.
Bespoke Powder Room Design in a Luxury NYC Loft Apartment
Accentuate Classic Loft Features
One of the first steps to renovating is assessing the existing conditions. All lofts are different, but here are some common features we often see in NYC Lofts that may be worth incorporating into the design.
Common Architectural Characteristics of Lofts
- Exposed Brick Walls
- Large Windows
- Steel or Cast Iron Columns
- Iron or Steel Beams
- Heavy Timber Beams and Wood Joists
- High Ceilings
- Mezzanine Levels
- Wide Open Spaces
Design comes down to personal taste. When we design someone’s home, we start by trying to understand their needs and aspirations so we can create a home that is unique to them. Some people will want to expose all the typical structural details of the loft, and others will not. The picture below shows a cast iron column with a slightly decorative capital and a (heavy timber) wood beam.
We have another post if you would like to read more about the Architectural Characteristics of NY Lofts.
Loft Columns and Beam
Exposed Brick Wall Loft Design
Some people love exposed brick, and some do not. It comes down to personal taste, but either way, it will shape the entire feel and design of the loft.
The picture below shows an exposed brick wall in a Soho Loft Maisonette with a door that leads directly outside. The brick gives the loft a contextual feel with a classic rustic touch.
Exposed Brick Loft NYC
Loft With Open Kitchen Design
Modern apartments and lofts often have open kitchens, which are more modern in aesthetics and function.
The picture below is of a large open kitchen in a 4,000-square-foot loft we designed.
Loft with Open Kitchen
Artwork
You should consider artwork for your loft for many reasons, but I will mention three. First, artwork adds character to any space. Second, lofts often have high ceilings and long blank walls, so why not put them to good use by hanging artwork? Third, NYC lofts have their history rooted in artists’ live-work spaces. Placing artwork is a great homage to the rich history that made lofts such a sought-after form of NYC living while enhancing your home’s beauty and creating points of intrigue.
Loft With Artwork
Large Doors
Lofts usually have high ceilings, so a tall door is appropriate. The large doors play off the scale of the space and provide balance where a small door could look out of proportion.
Tall Modern Loft Door Design
Keep It Simple
Keep the overall design simple; don’t overdo it. People sometimes try too hard when renovating their lofts, making them feel thrown together and cheap. Lofts can have a very luxurious feel with a simple yet thought-out design.
SoHo Loft Bedroom
Industrial Materials
New York City lofts have a rich history of being gritty, and original lofts have a lot of texture. They have bricks, cast iron columns, hardwood floors, and steel or wood beams. Although this is not for everyone, you can complement it by incorporating industrial materials and aesthetics into the design.
The picture below is of steel door Hardware in a Loft. This industrial steel accentuates the loft and is a great throwback to the industrial history of loft design.
industrial door hardware
Alternative Finishes
There are many types of alternative materials that you can use for the interior design of a home.
In the picture below, you will see a wall with a concrete texture in a FiDi Loft we renovated. Alternative materials can be a great look for lofts, but they are not for everyone.
Concrete Loft Apartment in NYC
Make It Your Home
One thing I always tell my clients is that it’s their home, so they can do anything they want. You need to make your home personal, and for everyone, that means something different. As an architect and designer, my job is to determine the best design for you. Our goal is to design and decorate your loft to make you happy, not to make other people happy or to fulfill some perceived standard.
In the picture below, you will see a Loft in Chelsea where my clients had a giant Alvin Chipmunk statue in their apartment. So why am I showing you this? This home is personalized for them with art, paintings, sculpture, and a very kitsch giant cartoon character because it makes them happy.
Unique Loft Decor
New York Loft Design Ideas and Tips
When renovating a home, all aspects of the design must be considered together to create a cohesive feel. Make sure to select a good team to work with you when designing and renovating your loft. At Fontan Architecture, we seek to provide you with a unique custom home that reflects your individual needs and aesthetics.
Architect Jorge Fontan sitting in a luxury loft apartment designed by Fontan Architecture
Thank you for reading our blog post on New York City Loft Design Ideas.
If you are looking to renovate a loft or any other type of project you can contact Fontan Architecture directly 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.
