Have you noticed how open-plan homes and building designs have become so popular as to be considered a norm these days? Just watch a couple of episodes on an HGTV home renovation show and count how many times they decide that they need to take out a wall!
One popular version of this style of living space is the loft apartment. And why not? It maximizes the amount of space you have to make a smaller apartment feel roomy.
It’s not without its potential drawbacks, though. Living in a loft can feel like you’re renting a room in a warehouse if you don’t do it right.
So how do you make loft living feel cozy and chic? Here are a few simple tips to make yourself at home in your studio apartment.
Choose Appropriately-Sized Furniture
To avoid your loft living area feeling cavernous, choose furniture that fills it nicely. Long curtains, tall mirrors, and vertically-oriented art can prevent your high ceilings from dwarfing the space. Pick furniture large enough to fill space while respecting walking room.
Create Organic Divisions
Double-sided or open-backed shelving can take the place of a dividing wall if you want to create more flow or privacy in your loft.
If you’re happy to keep the open feel, then creating natural divisions by arranging seating areas or gently-contrasting color schemes can create a sense of spatial organization. Area rugs can help achieve a nice sense of spatial distinction.
Control the Temperature
A large space can feel colder and is certainly harder to heat. Make the space feel warmer visually by choosing a warm color scheme.
As far as physical warmth, with high loft ceilings, it’s especially important to take steps to prevent vertical heat loss. Ceiling fans can help maintain an even temperature. Making sure your loft ceiling is properly insulated also goes a long way toward keeping the space comfortable, so check out what loft insulation cost to install in your area.
Consider Storage Space
Lofts often lack dedicated storage space, such as closets.
One good solution to this is to maximize the space provided by your high ceilings. Take up an entire wall, floor to ceiling, with shelving, cabinets, or closets. While it may feel like a big space commitment, having plenty of storage space is a big quality-of-life improvement.
Hide the Bed
If space is an issue and you have the flexibility, finding a way to avoid taking up living space with the bed can be a big improvement.
Installing a Murphy bed or a loft bed can create a lot of extra room in a small apartment. Maximizing space this way can make the difference between feeling cramped or cozy.
Making a Loft Apartment Livable
Loft apartments can be very comfortable and homey if you pay attention to a few decorating and layout details. Follow these tips for saving space, creating distinctions with furniture or color, and keeping your apartment warm and cozy to make yourself feel at home.
Check out the rest of the Interior Design section for more ideas to make your space your own!
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