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 BeforeThis magnificent 2000-square-foot loft space was suffering from out-dated decorating syndrome. The faux finished walls no longer fit the modern mood of the homeowners. They were also struggling with the layout, which is a common challenge in large, open-spaced designs. AfterThe first consideration was colour. The fabulous high arched windows make a strong architectural statement in the loft, and I chose a very fresh Granny Apple green to accentuate the lines and shapes. The window wall was then subdued slightly with white sheers so that the huge windows didn't overpower the living space. We then defined the kitchen area by building a partial wall and decorating it with thin wood slats. The lower cabinets are still visible and were the perfect place to add the sizzle of fuchsia. This modern treatment adds more stunning geometry to the room. Large spaces demand large solutions, and beg for experimentation. With 15-foot ceilings, light fixtures can be big and bold. We designed a huge swirly ceiling light for the central living area, and dropped a series of pendants from long, looping wires over the dining room table. Long, low sofas and funky upholstered chairs, frosted glass and glossy surfaces are contemporary elements that relate to Melanie's quest for an updated and fresh approach to loft living.
Click on the small photographs on the right to view each of the different angles of the room. To view pop-up info about Melanie's Loft, move your mouse over and around the image below. Click here to view all the photographs and pop-up info.     Kitchen PartitionWe used 1" x 2" pine slats to form a lattice-style partition. The wood was first finished with '2 in 1' stain and varnish. The slats were cut to size and nailed into place, starting in the middle and working up and down. Use a level when placing the first wood slat. The space between each strip equals one slat width. A wider wood slat was installed for the top to cover the light fixtures that sat directly behind the partition. This header was held in place with Velcro rather than nails so that it could be removed easily to change the light bulbs.  Painted Cabinet DoorsFuchsia is a warm colour that relates to the brick wall in the loft, and anchors the kitchen wall. We used glossy floor paint in a hot shade of pink to apply a durable finish to the laminate cabinet doors. To get solid coverage when applying a dark colour, you will need at least three coats. Curved Ceiling LightThe shape we chose is similar to the curved pattern in the black and white chairs and bar unit. It is cut from MDF in sections, and screwed into strong wood spacers attached with butterfly anchors to the ceiling. The light source is rope lighting that runs around the perimeter of the shape and is hidden by a strip of bendable plywood. This project requires a plug to be installed in the ceiling Ö and plenty of help to get it up. Overall Living AreaThis large space is brought down to human scale by choosing great colour and decorating solutions that soften the soaring brick wall and arched windows. Apple green and fuchsia are fresh and modern shades, white sheers and simple furnishings with low lines are calm and comfortable. Playful DetailsFind an extra large poster, make a frame for it, and then hang them side by side. It's a great visual trick that works anywhere, but best on a large, coloured or textured surface such as a brick wall. Swirl Pattern Chairs & Storage UnitInspiration for the swirl pattern applied to the storage unit was drawn from the chairs by Jennifer Scott Design (see resources). Build and position the bar and the back of the cube storage against the wall. Draw a pattern of swirls on a piece of acetate, project the image onto the surfaces and trace the shapes with a pencil. Fill in the pattern with black paint. Install the cube shelving. |
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