Lofts that were once empty warehouses are an absolute dream for any fan of this type of interior. However, you don't have to rent an abandoned factory or buy an old warehouse. The loft style can also be created in a block apartment. What should you pay attention to when it comes to finishing such a space? Check it out!

Loft-style interiors: plenty of room for creativity

What exactly is a loft? It is a warehouse or industrial space used for residential purposes. In its original meaning, the English term referred to an attic, but it was also used for empty warehouses and factory buildings used as living space since the 1940s. Such places were popularly inhabited by artists and freelancers, for example in London and New York, who combined living and working space.

 

Lofts usually occupy the entire area of a warehouse or factory, or represent a large, almost undivided living space. They are characterized by a lack of most partition walls, high ceilings, large windows, and an open, extremely spacious living area. Post-industrial spaces guaranteed plenty of room, which allowed for fairly free interior arrangement.

In fact, several characteristic features of such places can be distinguished:
• no separate rooms;
• spaciousness;
• high ceilings and large windows;
• raw materials and cool colors;
• minimalist and simple finishes.

A block apartment with a loft vibe

Creating a loft space in a block apartment is entirely possible. A big advantage of the modern approach to such an arrangement is the option of introducing only a few characteristic elements of this style into the interior. Thanks to this, even in a small space, you can create a loft atmosphere. Before that happens, however, it is worth remembering a few basic rules.

Keep it clear and go for open space

The loft area is open, and the walls separating rooms are largely removed. If you have the possibility, combine the living room, kitchen, and dining area into one. You can use furniture or other equipment elements to visually separate different living zones, for example, those for cooking, eating, working, or sleeping. However, if you care about dividing these spaces, be sure to choose doors with a loft vibe, preferably with transparent glass, e.g. DRE Estra 8.

Remember that less is more

This is a very important rule of the loft style. You cannot overload the living space with too much furniture. Follow the motto that less is better than too much. Choose a larger dresser instead of several small cabinets. Decide on one place for eating meals and preparing dishes instead of two separate ones. How to do it? Create a kitchen island whose countertop will serve for cooking and eating.

Go for creativity

Even an “ordinary” block apartment can be arranged like a loft. All it takes is a bit of idea on how to sneak this characteristic arrangement into the details. Interior designers' tricks will help you with this.

Loft in an apartment, or ideas worth using

Here are some practical tips and tricks that will make it easier for you to introduce the loft style into an apartment in a block of flats.

• Leave as much free space as possible on the walls and floor.
• Large-format tiles with a concrete look, laid on the floor instead of panels, work just as well as industrial concrete.
• A plastered and unpainted wall in the living room or one covered with stone-imitating tiles will look very authentic and will bring the atmosphere of an old factory.
• Light colors on the remaining walls, especially in shades of gray and white, will give the apartment a restrained mood.
• Do not cover the windows with roller blinds. Lofts love light. Instead of elaborate curtains, thin sheer curtains are better, or give them up entirely.
• Artificial lighting should be indirect and subtle. Ceiling spotlights give the space a sense of spaciousness. Also think about those mounted in the floor. Lit in the evening, they will give the room depth.
• Invest in premium doors. In the Supreme line from the door manufacturer DRE you will find the Soho collection, created for interiors in the loft style. Models with such a character are also included in the Estra collection. Door leaves finished with simple black decorations perfectly harmonize with other interior elements based on graphic lines. These can be, for example, furniture handles or mirror frames.
• Furniture should be rather low, because then the rooms feel taller, even with standard ceiling heights.
• Choose minimalist furniture with simple shapes. Industrial-looking furnishings, such as pallet furniture, metal cabinets, and finishes made of concrete or stainless steel, also fit the loft style perfectly.
• Give up small decorations, trinkets, artificial flowers. Focus only on large-format graphics in clip frames or large planters with plants that will stand on the floor.

As you can see, the loft style can also be introduced into an apartment in a block of flats. All you need to do is decide on just a few characteristic elements, e.g. suitable doors and minimalist furniture. You do not have to make a big revolution to arrange a loft even in a small space.