Loft in Madrid

Loft in Toronto

Originally a printing press factory, this Toronto building was converted into lofts many years ago. The owners wanted to improve the openness and flow between spaces. The design intent was to accentuate original features, and give attention to the quality of loft living. The kitchen was realigned and extended under the stairs to create a better path of travel and spatial division. Custom millwork, natural finishes and muted colours were used to create a more cohesive space. Modern furniture combined with unique colourful pieces creates inviting conversational seating in the living area, while monochromatic cabinets and tiles in the kitchen calm and integrate the large extent of storage.

Photo Credit: John Heineman Photography

Another great space in Barcelona

Inspiration 12.2

Ok, confession time -- I find that I really struggle to get excited about homes that are practical for families with children (I know it's awful, but I just can't) and I that I really, really struggle with family homes that also happen to be in white-washed Manhattan lofts.

Something about those spaces reminds me of a ridiculously pretentious pre-school atmosphere where kids can draw on the walls because some Swiss study from 1972 found that giving kids free reign over their aesthetic environment boosts self-esteem and creativity by 1.8 percent, and the whole this is just......UGH.

So I couldn't believe my eyes when I found one of those homes that I not only don't despise, but actually really like. In particular, I appreciate the restrained color palette (white, marigold and royal blue is quite nice compared to the typical primary color explosion in a lot of similar lofts) and the fact that it doesn't pander to the kiddies, with a level of refinement that I think might just do a lot more for the kiddos than a more infantile design.

So how bad am I? Will anyone else climb out on this limb with me?

(Originally featured in Martha Stewart Living)

Inspiration 10.13

Next up, in my haphazard tour of my favorite (favourite!) British stylists and photographers is Lesley Dilcock, a founding member of Marie Claire UK, and fantastic interior stylist. I love Lesley’s chic-industrial loft aesthetic, and her particularly English knack for making even the most basic elements of home look inviting.

Dramatic loft in Taiwan

In this amazing loft, the main expressive effect is created by the very interesting contrast between the classical and modernist elements against the background of concrete walls.
Empty frame on a wall, empty concrete walls are symbols of the present while the classic and the modernist furnitures and objects (the lamp, a picture, a sofa or a carpet) represents the past and the future.

loft in Patagonia

Architect : Pablo Velasco Suárez
Interior design : Willie Sanchez, Marcela Escalada
Photos : Daniela Mac Adden

Amsale Aberra's loft in New york

The apartment of bridal gown designer Amsale Aberra is located on the 11th floor of an industrial building in New York's Garment District. Interior designer Vicente Wolf, (actually Amsale's neighbor) has greatly influenced the ethiopian stylist in decorating her loft. It have white concrete floors and walls painted in Benjamin Moore Super White.