Just like Central Park and Times Square, New York loft decorating style is a quintessential aspect of the city that never sleeps. Its unique artistic history, architectural elements, and urban flair make it an admired and emulated look by design lovers everywhere. Read on to learn how to master the look of NYC loft interior design and get started creating your loft-inspired space!
What Is a New York Loft?
A New York loft is a space initially industrial in purpose. Lofts were built to support the machinery and workers who made clothing, textiles, leather goods, and metal products. After production ceased, the opportunity for artists came to convert these spaces into their live-work homes. And so, the NYC loft interior design style was born!
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NYC Loft Interior Design
New York loft interior design stands out as having distinct architectural and aesthetic features. Standards of industrial buildings are characterized by:
- High ceilings supported by thick columns
- Exposed brick walls
- Large windows, often floor-to-ceiling
- Vast, open space; no internal walls
- Heavy-duty wooden floors
- Exposed piping and ventilator tubes
As an iconic representation of NYC, this type of home became wildly popular among top NYC interior designers and residents alike. The open floor plans, natural lighting, and rich use of finishes drew people in. Later, this design gave rise to loft-like residences that used many of the beloved characteristics of real lofts in an apartment setting.
Real Loft vs. Loft-Like
A “real” loft is considered an industrial space repurposed into a residential one with creative attic ideas.
One difference is that loft-like spaces often make use of second levels or include walls to create bedrooms. These loft bedrooms are partially open and overlook the main living space. Sometimes, this mezzanine is used as a home office space or sitting room.
What is New York Loft Decorating Style?
Due to their invitation to creativity and their overall flexibility, lofts have long attracted artists and designers. After all, loft living is all about how space is uniquely utilized in an ideal interior. That doesn’t mean elements of the New York loft decorating style can’t be applied to non-loft homes—quite the contrary!
This type of design is often closely related to industrial style, but that’s not the sole approach. Here are the main features loft decorating ideas focus on:
1. Color Schemes
Neutral tones are a popular backdrop for NYC loft interior design. They offer a clean and minimalist look and also serve as a blank canvas for artistic expression. Alternatively, you can go for layers of darker colors to add to the masculine and moody feel. In both cases, personality comes in the form of bold colors used in accents like art, rugs, and throw pillows.
2. Mixed Materials
NYC lofts love mixed materials. Blending warm and cold, heavy and light, is therefore key to the New York loft decorating style. Contrasting wood with metal is the simplest way; this goes for finishes as well as decor. Hardwood floors and metal stairs, for example, create a common juxtaposition in NYC loft interiors. A concrete dining room tabletop and hanging glass pendants are another way to mesh materials while emphasizing the space’s character.
3. Layered Lighting
When it comes to lighting, natural lighting from expansive windows is characteristic of New York loft interior design. Meanwhile, industrial-style pendants and lamps are popular sources of artificial light. These are usually made of metal and tend to be reclaimed or vintage pieces. Pendants hang low and often have wide shades. Likewise, industrial pipe bases with Edison bulbs are also a popular option, whether as pendants, sconces, or table lamps.
4. Open Plan Living
NYC loft interior design relies heavily on open floor plan. Minimal walls are used to divide the space, so it’s important to be strategic about spatial planning and furniture layouts. Thoughtful groupings help break up the area in an organic way that prevents an average NYC loft from looking overwhelmingly large. Pay special attention to rugs here: they are a great way to define and ground different zones.
5. Recycled or Salvaged Objects
NYC loft decor style style does a good job of balancing old and new. While keeping the space clutter-free, furniture and decor selection is a deliberate practice of finding functional pieces with a soul and story. In other words, feel free to couple modern with vintage for added interest. Decorate with distressed leather, abstract art, and salvaged factory parts—or make the room a thrifter’s paradise if that’s your vibe.
NYC Loft Interior Design per Room
There are many ways to approach New York loft interior design. Some residents prefer to celebrate the open space with an oversized sofa or dining table and industrial shelving to use for storage. Others, especially those sharing the flat, incorporate dividers like screens, curtains, or suspended windows to create privacy.
Regardless of the style and approach, there are some things to keep in mind when designing specific loft areas.
New York Loft Style Kitchen
In the kitchen, an NYC loft interior design normally calls for a large island that breaks up the kitchen space from other areas. Moreover, it often functions as either an addition to the dining space or the dining surface itself.
A New York loft-style kitchen gravitates towards sleek cabinets painted in deep hues. Open shelving is included, with ample storage options. A combination of hanging pendants and track fixtures is employed to give the space proper task and accent lighting. Finally, exposed or painted brick walls deliver a signature industrial accent.
NYC-Style Loft Living Room Design
One of the best features of New York loft living room design is the ample windows. Most notably, large floor-to-ceiling, arched, or Crittall-style (black steel factory style) windows that invite natural light and views and highlight the space.
Here, an oversized rug is a must; it’s a staple of NYC loft decor. A rug frames the furniture and pulls together all the mixed finishes.
Include houseplants to bring additional organic elements to your NYC apartment design makeover. For example, tall potted plants that emphasize the height of ceilings in a natural way.
New York Loft Bedroom Interior
Like the main loft space, a New York loft bedroom design also thrives in natural light from large windows. It’s not so common to find window treatments here, since the bare glass is typical of the industrial style.
You can exercise a myriad of loft-style design ideas, but the bed should always be the key feature. Headboard or not, soft furnishings like accent pillows and throws will add a decorative element and soften the space. If you aim for an industrial look, keep it minimal with only functional elements and curated decor.
Which New York Loft Interior Designer Is Right for Me?
Being in the heart of New York, the loft decorating style produces amazing interior designer options. Being able to obtain two design proposals instead of one makes things easier. Especially when your professionals are expertly vetted from a vast pool of talent and skills.
Decorilla curates a high-quality online interior design experience that offers beautiful designs for all budgets. With headquarters in NYC, the company not only has designers who are well-versed in New York loft design but also experts in all design styles. Customized packages, consistent communication, and attention to detail ensure each client’s needs are met. On top of all, each project includes exclusive trade discounts that make it possible to create an NYC loft interior design in your home stress-free.
Dreaming of New York loft style for your home?
You can now achieve NYC loft style and save $1000s with an online interior designer. Schedule a Free Online Interior Design Consultation to create your perfect space today!
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