The open layout of lofts in Buffalo can make decorating tricky; if you try to arrange the space like you would a multi-room apartment, you may run into issues. As you design the décor, you have to keep lofts’ unique shape and characteristics in mind. Fortunately, you can create a comfy, inviting home with the following tips.
Ways You Can Create An Amazing Loft Space with Home Decor
Plan Before You Decorate
Before you start decorating your apartment, have a solid plan. Everything needs to fit in the space comfortably, so measure the dimensions, especially oddly-shaped sections. You should also think about a color palette to avoid clashing items. Having a concrete idea of what you want will help you avoid regretful purchases and contribute to a more cohesive look.
Bring in Some Greenery
Loft apartments Buffalo NY, rarely have outdoor space, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without greenery. There are plenty of plants that do well indoors and are relatively low maintenance:
- Peace lilies
- Spider plants
- African violets
- Yuccas
- Asparagus ferns
Not only do plants add a pop of color, but their presence can also increase productivity, improve air quality and relieve stress.
Let in Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to illuminating a cavernous space. If you have large windows, make the most of them by installing sheer curtains to let in as much sunshine as possible. If you’re worried the sunlight will make your apartment too warm, you can install sunscreens to filter out the worst of the heat while still allowing light in.
Make Use of Color
Many designers recommend sticking to a neutral palette to avoid jarring color choices, but that doesn’t mean you should be afraid of adding a little personality. Bright or rich hues can serve as an accent to break up the monotony of neutral themes.
Don’t Overstuff
Lofts may have vaulted ceilings, but their floor space is often limited. As you purchase furniture, don’t forget that you need room to move comfortably — you don’t want to be banging your knee on the coffee table every time you walk by. When you measure dimensions, make sure to incorporate a comfortable 24 inches between furnishings and walls to accommodate movement.
Embrace the Space’s Unique Character
Oftentimes, lofts have unique features such as wood floors, exposed brick and columns. Instead of trying to cover up these elements, embrace them by incorporating them into your décor. For example, brick walls are excellent for hanging photos and columns can be used for small shelving.
Get Innovative Storage Solutions
Since you’re living in a small space, storage can be a real problem. You likely won’t have expansive closets and the lack of basement or attic means you have to find creative solutions for long-term storage. Fortunately, there are many options that not only work in small spaces but can double as decorations.
Open-Backed Shelves
As the name implies, open-backed shelves allow you to access items from either side. These not only serve as great dividers but also allow you to keep the open feel of the apartment.
Shelves on Casters
Another great option is shelves on casters. You can either find shelves with these small wheels pre-installed or easily add them yourself. This allows you to move shelves around and define spaces or create privacy. If you’ve got a large book collection, you can even place shelves close together and wheel one out when you need to snag new reading material.
Under-Bed Storage
When you’re living in a compact space, you can’t let the room under your bed go to waste. To take advantage of real estate, you can use a drawer system to store clothes or seasonal items. If you want to go the cheaper route, you can buy narrow plastic tubs.
Furniture That Doubles as Storage
With the right furniture, you can turn your living room into chic storage. Many ottomans and sofas have space beneath their cushions where you can stow games, pillows, and other non-breakable belongings. The best part is, they look like normal furnishings until you open them up.
Hang Your Favorite Art Pieces
Lofts typically have a great deal of vertical space and what better way to use it than to create your own personal gallery? Artwork can serve as a pop of color or inspire your entire aesthetic. Either way, you can find joy looking at your favorite pieces every day.
Add a Few Rugs
According to designers, wall-to-wall carpeting is a no-go when you have a loft or studio apartment; it makes the space seem smaller. However, you may understandably want something soft under your feet on cold mornings. A good solution is to get area rugs for your bedroom and living room. This comfy décor can also help visually separate areas.
Incorporate the Ladder Into Your Décor
Some lofts use a ladder to access the upper floor and depending on the style, it can be an eyesore. If you don’t like the look of your ladder, you can disguise it by making it blend in with the décor — a good coat of paint or updated rungs can do wonders.
Utilize Odd Space
These types of apartments, especially older ones, often have strange corners or less-than-optimally placed walls or columns. Rather than fighting these oddities, embrace them with innovative décor. For example, you can turn a small alcove into a reading nook, an oddly angled corner into a pantry or an errant column into an art installation.
Create Separate Areas
Since lofts and studios are one big space, visually dividing areas is key to making living comfortable. Many people use furniture to block off sections, but sometimes you want something a little more obvious.
Partial Walls
If you can renovate, you may consider partial walls to block out a living room or office area. These hip- to-waist-high walls don’t break line of sight, so you still have that wonderful open floor plan that makes a relatively small apartment feel spacious. At the same time, they clearly define where one area ends and another begins. Additionally, they can serve as shelves for plants, books, and knickknacks.
Curtains
Curtains are a good way to ensure privacy without permanently changing your living quarters. For example, you can install a curtain across the opening to your bedroom, utilize one in place of a closet door or use it to hide storage you have tucked under the stairs.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Art isn’t the only thing you can put on the walls. You can take advantage of the space by hanging tapestries, planters or mirrors. There are lots of options, but make sure you don’t leave walls completely blank — too much open vertical space can make a loft feel cavernous and cold.
Choose Warm, Soft Furnishings
Finally, don’t forget to take sound into account when you’re furnishing your loft. The open space can be echo-y or let in sound from the street below. Soft, cushy furniture can counter those effects by dampening sound. Plus, your guests will thank you for the comfortable seating.
Looking for the perfect living or working space? The Ellicott Development team can help you find a residence or commercial property that’s right for you. For more information, give us a call at (716) 854-0060 or contact us online.
Image Credit: By Photographee.eu
