The interior of a loft-style living room does not look quite familiar and not everyone will like it. However, recently, apartments and houses in the industrial style are becoming more and more common. There are companies specializing in the production of furniture and decor items in the loft style.
What is this: “attic” interior? Born in the middle of the last century in America, the “attic” style denies any decor, everything that is included in the usual concepts of “coziness, comfort.” Therefore, creating stylization will require its adherent to carefully select materials.
Interior features
- Space. There is no division into rooms, instead there is a living room, kitchen, bedroom and workshop area.
- The walls, floor and ceiling are reminiscent of the “former” owners of the building; there was no need to treat them, the brickwork is exposed, the pipes are not hidden, ventilation ducts on the ceiling are adjacent to luxurious chandeliers or studio lamps.
- The height of the ceilings and windows is impressive, and there is often a staircase to the second floor.
- Contrast of decoration and furniture. There is a feeling that the situation has been transferred from somewhere.
- If there is a kitchen and bedroom area, they correspond to the given style.
Functionality and space
Loft style and its features
The main highlight of this direction is that it is easy to combine different architectural forms and options in the interior. For example, modern furniture and lamps will highlight a brick wall and a rough, worn floor. No less interesting are open communication systems, against which ultra-modern household appliances are visible.
Also characteristic features of this style include:
- High ceilings with exposed wood beams or steel pipes.
- Stylish spiral staircases made of wood or metal.
- Lack of decor or minimal use of it. For example, a wall can be decorated with posters or a couple of paintings.
- There are a minimum of internal partitions, which makes the space as large and free as possible.
- Careless finishing of walls and floors, presence of brickwork.
- Textiles in light colors, translucent fabrics.
- An original combination of classics and modern elements.
- Large windows fill the interior space with light and air.
- A stove or fireplace is an essential element of the interior, creating a special atmosphere in the living room of a country house.
Combined with kitchen
It is not typical for a loft to separate rooms by walls or partitions. Quite the contrary. Bohemia, occupying abandoned factories and offices, could not afford to erect ceilings. The kitchen, which was accidentally installed in the same room, performed its usual functions and did not shock anyone. But it is necessary to comply with all style decisions here too.
- If the owner combines the factory idea with modernity, the kitchen can be steel, even professional, have a large number of work surfaces and steel wall cabinets.
- If preference is given to royal elegance and classics, it is necessary to combine raw walls with frankly vintage kitchen furniture. Additional oak cornices, balusters and heavy decorative elements are welcome.
- It should be understood that the refrigerator must be hidden behind a furniture facade of a similar solution.
- The main thing is that the person entering gets the impression that all the furnishings were inherited or found at flea markets, are not a one-piece custom-made set, but were selected by the owner himself, who has exquisite taste.
- With the avant-garde it’s even easier. It fits perfectly into the loft. Mix different color blocks, use bright plastic chairs, transparent dishes in flashy colors.
- Gas and other pipes should not be hidden - they are a symbol of the chosen style.
Comfortable kitchen in an adjoining room with brick walls
Bright kitchen with wooden furniture and stone countertops
Combination of living room and kitchen
Stylish kitchen with plastic chairs
You can read more about kitchens combined with a living room in this article.
Lighting
in a loft style living room
This issue should be approached as thoroughly as possible. The comfort of your living room will depend on the light. There should be a lot of light in it! Consider using several different lighting sources.
Living room lighting
. Minimalist style lamps are used to support the brick wall. All lamps are united by one loft style, although they are from different collections.
Lamps
- are part of the decor and that is why it is very important to skillfully combine them with the overall style of the living room. Today it is important to use several lighting fixtures in the same style in one room. It is desirable that this room have local, intimate and main light. After all, along with the lighting, the atmosphere in the room also changes.
overhead light
- this type of lighting is the main one and includes a chandelier and work light. As for the chandelier, it is not at all necessary that it provide bright light, as much as it supports the overall style of the room.
Toward the local light
include various floor lamps, sconces and table lamps. However, as for sconces, it should be clarified: sconces are not always appropriate for modern trends. It would be best to give preference to stylish lamps.
Intimate light
— this category includes candles and garlands. The garlands used in the interiors shine with an even warm light. With their help you can make the living room atmosphere more comfortable. Garlands will also be a good alternative to a night light.
Candles
. Here we can only talk about the choice of candles. For a modern interior, it is advisable to choose large, plain candles. The best option would be white candles with a matte or rough structure.
Zoning
. Lamps help visually divide the space. This zoning is especially important in combined rooms. For kitchens combined with living rooms, it is necessary to provide task lighting (for the work area), as well as several pendant lamps (above the dining table or above the bar counter). You also cannot do without main and local light in the living area, to which it is best to add cozy lamps and a floor lamp.
Design with classics
This is the option chosen by most fans of industrial style in the interior. In this case, all that will remain of the loft itself is the finishing - walls, ceiling, floor and all the “delights” of a non-residential space: beams, pipes, iron or steel elements. All pieces of furniture and art play on contrast.
In such a room, one gets the impression that the owner is a bankrupt aristocrat or duke who left his castle for a life among artists and performers. Furniture tells of a past life of luxury and good taste, while brick or concrete walls indicate a creative nature.
Fireplace and mirror in a frame with stucco
Luxurious furniture with golden patina
The classic style is famous for carved elements on furniture made of expensive wood. Handles on sofas, chairs, tables - everything must meet the given parameters. The upholstery of the sofa and armchairs can resemble silk or velvet. Patterns of flowers and singing birds are also welcome. Numerous paintings are framed in heavy gold or wooden frames. A floor mirror would be a worthy addition.
Carved furniture
Info If your loft interior is already sufficiently filled with stucco, wood and other classic elements, choose minimalist black frames for photographs or reproductions. In this case, the color of the cladding is preferably monotonous, and decorative items with a slight touch of strict modernity.
You can’t do without the iconic classic gypsum plinths and ornaments - don’t be afraid to install them directly on a brick wall - the whiteness of the gypsum will perfectly contrast with the red brick or cold concrete. Plaster rosettes of flowers and leaves, appearing here and there, will also enliven an uncomfortable finish.
Photos with interesting solutions
Oak furniture and fur
Forged chandeliers
Leather furniture, wood and metal
Original chandelier and paintings
Table with carved legs and fireplace
Elegant furniture and crystal chandelier
Find out what other styles loft can be combined with in our separate article.
Decor in the loft living room
The finishing touch to any interior is decorative elements. You also want to make life in the “attic” comfortable, but the decor here is unique: it can be a chest of drawers, posters placed on the wall, a bright lampshade, wall clocks, black and white photographs - in a word, any item that the owner considers worthy for home decoration.
Furniture
The furniture should correspond to the chosen style, not overload the space and be a little reminiscent of the life of a bohemian. In the classic style, elegant consoles, bookcases and armchairs can be complemented (remember where the famous Sherlock Holmes sat).
Modernity loves a certain emptiness and minimalism. Pay attention to things made of glass and metal. Various shelves, racks, and most importantly a table in the sofa area.
Carpet and table with glass top
Metal table
Comfortable bed
Interesting side table
Thumbs Up Plastic furniture works great for the avant-garde. Complete the idea with reproductions of Andy Warhall, and such an interior is guaranteed success.
The issue of storing clothes is not resolved in favor of closets. The loft creates the impression of a momentary, creative life. There is no place for bulky wardrobes here. The dressing room should be hidden and minimalized. Only in conjunction with the classic style can you add one cabinet; for everyone else it is unacceptable. Use a variety of modern units to store things and shoes. They can consist of sections without external handles, fold to the full height of the wall, or stretch along the floor at the entrance.
Lots of storage shelves
Chest as a table
Bright plastic chairs and cushions
Mirrors expand space
Sofa
In a living room designed in a trendy industrial style, an important place is occupied by a sofa or sofa set. It should contrast with the walls and decoration, it should be bright or unusually large, stand out and attract attention. Classic style, avant-garde, modern or even baroque - there are many options. And since the sofa is the main point of such an interior, it is necessary to choose a coffee table, interesting floor lamps/lamps, and a spectacular small carpet. You can set a point for creating such a complex with laid out books on art.
Large comfortable sofa and glass table
Bright chairs, pillows and painting
Bright paintings and lots of pillows
Rug and sofas
Wall
To combine with the Art Nouveau style, choose modern storage systems. They can have tightly closed doors and resemble another wall; they can consist of steel structures, revealing books, figurines and strange objects of art to everyone.
Metal storage rack
In a loft with classics, lightweight wooden shelving, on which thick volumes by Dostoevsky and Dreiser are located, looks incredibly fresh.
- The walls, beloved in the USSR, with glass doors for crystal and a cavity for a TV are inappropriate.
- Remnants of the tasteless 90s, chipboard walls with mass-produced factory fittings should not be installed in such an interior.
- Walls connected to a closet, TV shelf and other built-in amenities are not suitable.
Open bookcase with books
Combination with other styles
Nowadays, designers have begun to move away from the strict rules of interior design, which presuppose the presence of only one style in the design. Design done in one direction is boring. It is much more interesting to decorate a room in which there is a variety of combining elements. There are several rules by which you can combine several design styles:
- Mandatory predominance of one style over another. Basic - can be expressed in the layout, decoration of walls, interior items (furniture). The secondary one should harmoniously complement the design with individual elements.
- Designers do not advise combining more than two directions in the interior of one apartment, the design of which should be consistent with one concept.
Let's look at how an extravagant and unusual loft combines with other styles.
Convenience and pragmatism
What is the trick of loft-style apartment design and what it is, read in our separate article.
Curtains
Why did artists choose abandoned attics of factories and warehouses in the 50s? Is it just because of the low price - definitely not. They needed daylight to work. Tall and open windows were almost the main advantage of these rooms. There was simply no need for curtains - there are no neighbors around, because this is an attic. Blinds and shutters protected from the sun. There was no talk of steel or plastic ones back then; real wooden models were used.
Plenty of daylight and curtains at night
Open window without curtains
Small light curtains
Give up curtains
If you want to create the most authentic interior possible, curtains are inappropriate. Tulle and any of its interpretations will definitely not fit. For a classic style, at the request of the customer, a single-color canvas of noble shades may appear on both sides of the window. But it is preferable that during the daytime it does not close, but lets in a lot of light.
A bad view from the window or curious passers-by can be hidden with a special window screen, or you can use the same blinds.
Curtains that let in a lot of light
Matching grunge
These trends have many similarities, but at the same time they differ in the nature of their origin as independent styles. Both loft and grunge can become a standard to follow, since the design of premises in these styles is distinguished by its originality.
This video shows interiors in grunge style.
Common features of these directions:
- rough finishing of wall, ceiling and floor surfaces;
- interior items from different eras and styles;
- variety of textures and shapes;
- combination of simplicity and luxury;
- plenty of light and space.
Thanks to this, combining these two styles is very easy.
Elegance and convenience
Space and light
Leather furniture and brick walls
Comfortable ottomans and wooden floors
Brick walls
Factory buildings in Manhattan were built from red-red brick. The rooms inside did not need finishing, so it is not difficult to imagine the classic look of a real loft space. Today it is painted, treated, decorated and protected. Finishing will not take much effort, and is guaranteed to make an impression.
Brick looks very stylish
Decorate the wall with bright elements
Dark brick
One of the walls is painted concrete
One of the walls, if the room allows, can be decorated in some special way. Graffiti - a few bright street artists' designs on drab walls and your style is almost complete. Also, various facade panels in copper, gold color or with imitation of used iron, cracked concrete look incredibly interesting - they will ideally create the atmosphere of an old workshop.
Leave one wall brick and paint the other
Living room decoration
Decoration in the loft style involves eclecticism - a mixture of furniture of different styles and eras. Next to modern objects can be found antique furniture, a grandmother's straw chair or a luxurious chair in the Art Nouveau style.
The highlight of the interior is old shabby things, tools, hand-made items
Furniture
Standard furniture sets with paired items, such as a wall, for example, are not suitable for the loft style. Furniture in the loft style combines conciseness, functionality and a strong personality.
The main materials are metal and wood, which can be combined with high-tech plastic items. Another feature of the style is that the furniture is not placed close to the walls; there must be space on all sides. But in a cramped living room, furniture is placed along the wall, freeing up other corners of the room as much as possible.
Furniture is usually not placed close to walls
Basically, the center of a loft-style living room is upholstered furniture, around which other pieces of furniture are placed. If the living room is not small and when the size of the room allows, choose one large corner or straight sofa upholstered in textured suede, rough burlap or leather. It is placed opposite the TV or fireplace.
The interior contains many compact stools and armchairs of various shapes. They are placed near upholstered furniture
The color of upholstered furniture depends on the design idea. To get as close to the style as possible, choose calm shades: beige, gray, white. At the same time, you can lay out 2-3 bright pillows on the sofa. Upholstered furniture can itself play the role of a bright accent. Colors can be very different: olive, burgundy, blue, turquoise, orange and others.
Opposite the sofa there is often a coffee or coffee table on metal or wooden legs. The furniture is made of wood, glass and metal. To move to other areas, some models are equipped with wheels.
A coffee table is often placed opposite the sofa
In the loft style, tall cabinets closed with door panels are not appropriate. Priority: open shelving, shelves, low chests of drawers, storage spaces stylized as wooden boxes or antique suitcases.
Items can be modern or antique. There are no specific rules for arranging furniture. Focus on ease of use and free layout.
The style does not use bulky cabinets; priority is given to open shelves
If you cannot do without a wardrobe, its facade is masked as much as possible under the general decoration of the walls. They are complemented with metal fittings and characteristic loft-style decor.
Lighting
According to the basic idea of the style, the main light sources are windows. They should be as large as possible, decorated with narrow frames and without curtains. Laconic thick cotton curtains, wooden or metal blinds are acceptable.
Windows should be large and without curtains
Lamps stylized as spotlights, spotlights, and bare light bulbs look harmonious. They are attached directly to the ceiling fittings, and there is no need to mask hanging wires. Light technical clutter will only emphasize the style of the living room. Lamps are decorated with metal or glass lampshades.
Lamps stylized as spotlights are used as light sources.
Lamps on a cable system and spots are often used as the main ceiling lighting. The remaining lamps are installed near active zones - places of rest, work, and meals.
Another prerequisite for style is the presence of modern technology in the living room. This could be a music center, several speakers placed around the perimeter of the room.
Decor
Characteristic decor is steel or cast iron stoves and fireplaces. The role of decor is played by designer armchairs, tables, chests of drawers and stools. They can be modern or vintage.
Hanging chairs can be used
The loft living room design includes decorative pillows and bright rugs in active areas.
The walls and shelves are decorated with pop art paintings, vintage road signs, graffiti, advertising posters or posters.
Extravagant vases, metal figurines, metal table lamps, clocks, books in bright bindings are placed on free surfaces.
In the center of the living room you can hang a hammock, chains and other metal decorations from the ceiling. Cameras on picket fences, suitcases and fans with signs of scuffs, and metal bottle holders look harmonious.
Hanging a hammock is allowed
Floor and ceiling
Concrete pouring, tiles imitating wood, self-leveling decorative floors – there are again many options. The illusion of a factory floor is shabby parquet, although it is an expensive material, it is extremely cozy. Artistic solutions will look great - for example, a floor created from used boxes with inscriptions and indications of the parties. The main thing is to create the impression of some wear and tear, ideally if you achieve by one means or another the appearance of an old board.
Wooden floors
Sloping roof
Beams and pipes
Concrete ceiling
The ceiling necessarily resembles an industrial room, is equipped with beams, contains pipes, exhaust structures (possibly false), boxes, and studio lighting. If free space allows (there is no feeling of overload), you can add a crystal chandelier for a classic or avant-garde touch. Color – black, white, wood.
Exhaust structures on the ceiling
Furniture selection
In an industrial living room, a wide variety of furniture can coexist. The main task is to create the impression that the interior consists of objects that accidentally came to hand. A combination of vintage, antique, modern, high-tech elements is allowed. Every detail emphasizes the individuality of the owner of the house or apartment and puts a favorable emphasis on his creative abilities. The loft style allows you to combine contradictory items. When filling the interior, you should follow certain rules:
- Furniture should have a clear shape;
- Vertical and horizontal extensions are required;
- Couch corner, tables should be massive and occupy large areas of space;
- Only high-quality, functional products;
- A chaotic arrangement is encouraged.
Furniture on wheels is normal in loft style. This makes it possible to easily move heavy sofas, chairs, armchairs and cabinets. The highlight of the industrial fashion trend is the openness of all elements. Chests, cardboard boxes, and cabinets without doors are used to store various things.
A large sofa always takes pride of place in the middle of the living room. It can be a shabby leather “giant” or a textile “yoke” with a lot of multi-colored pillows. There should be one so as not to deprive the semantic center of the living room of its individuality. A loft is characterized by an abundance of seating. These can be metal chairs, wooden structures, soft ottomans and other original items. Indispensable attributes: floor lamps, many coffee tables, modern appliances.
In white
Photos of such an interior appear from time to time on the pages of glossy magazines and circulate on the Internet. This is not a typical solution for a loft. Nevertheless, it really is not devoid of attractiveness and is definitely suitable for romantic natures. This is one of the options for how a loft can be made feminine and gentle.
The style will be defined as “loft with elements of a classic style.” The only condition is that all surfaces must be painted white, or you can also use white brick. And the design details can be made of warm shades of wood (for example, on the ceiling or the color of the floor). And additional colors will be milky, cream and pastel (barely visible pink).
Furniture, decorative items, and details are selected in accordance with the classic style.
Furniture in pastel shades
White walls and sofa
Read here how a loft style should look in white.
One of the white design options could be a Scandinavian-style interior with loft elements; see the video for examples.
Color solutions for a loft-style living room
The main rule when choosing a color scheme is the preference for light shades and the absence of details that can absorb light and disrupt the freedom of space.
1. White living room in loft style.
Decorating your living room in white definitely adds extra value to this style. If the room is large in itself, white will expand it even more, and you will get a whole sea of space and freedom. However, it is worth remembering that without sufficient lighting, white rooms will look bad. The main materials for furniture should be glass, wood, and metal. A minimal amount of decoration and high ceilings are some of the main components of a loft.
2. Beige living room in loft style.
Decorating a room in beige tones is a more delicate and sophisticated option. Beige color looks perfect in combination with turquoise, yellow, peach and brown. Bright accents can be colorful pillows, handmade souvenirs and plants in original pots.
3. Brown living room in loft style.
Brown goes well with bright colors. The main material used in this case is wood. You can combine metal and wooden cabinets. The main condition is that the wood must have a texture, that is, we are not talking about varnished plain doors.
4. Yellow living room in loft style.
If previously it was quite difficult to imagine a loft in bright colors, then in the modern world this is a fairly common occurrence. When decorating a living room, yellow plays an accentuating role. You can decorate one wall in this color, or you can use it in textiles, decoration, furniture and decor. For example, a yellow sofa, pale lemon curtains and an orange begonia flower.
5. Olive living room in loft style.
It is better to use an olive shade in good lighting - then it will sparkle with all its colors. It looks cozy and not boring at the same time in combination with yellow and beige. Upholstered olive furniture and lamps look especially stylish in this shade.
Recommended articles on this topic:
- Armchairs in loft style: types, features, photos
- Children's room in loft style: fresh interior solutions
- Loft style sofas - features of choice
