Design Lesson
Creating a soft and serene loft
Creating a soft and serene loft
Design Lesson
Creating a soft and serene loft
Creating a peaceful space to return home to after a hectic workday is often a major priority for my interior design clients. Such was the case for a recent client who wanted his loft in Toronto’s Beaches to feel like an oasis from his busy urban life.
The look of this space was far from relaxed when I first entered the chic loft. The fireplace was covered in lackluster beige floor tiles. Lime green paint was found behind crumbling black laminate built-in shelving, and the previous owner had installed pieces of DIY textured stainless steel sheeting on multiple prominent surfaces. With soaring ceilings, a wall full of windows, a view of the lake and tons of natural light, we knew this could become a peaceful sanctuary after we were done with it.
Choosing a colour palette
The first thing we did to achieve this restful environment was to limit our colour palette. In an open concept space like this, where everything can be seen in one glance, keeping a unified palette was important to attain the calm and minimal aesthetic we were after.
The walls, ceiling and kitchen cabinetry were given a uniform coat of white paint. Existing stainless steel industrial elements were also painted white to keep the visual clutter low. Warm shades of grey, dark woods, and the occasional spot of greenery finished off our peaceful palette. Custom roller shades, Fine Craft Shutters; Wall paint, Para 5243-44.
Using textures
To keep this muted colour palette visually interesting, we utilized a variety of textures. The fireplace was clad in textured wooden boards sourced from an Ontario barn. Custom Fireplace, Sound Contracting; Eames chair and ottoman, Design Within Reach.
Softening rustic decor
Warm micro suede and wool on the sofa provide softness against the rustic woods in the accent furniture pieces. Ceramic pots bring a handmade quality to the mix. Couch, InDesign Furnishings; Coffee table, Shelter Furniture.
Update your kitchen
My favourite point of transformation in this space was the kitchen design. Originally clad in stainless steel sheeting, we refaced the cabinet doors for a fresh new look at a fraction of the cost of brand new custom cabinetry. New light fixtures illuminate this cosy kitchen and modern hardware and a new set of appliances were the final updates. Kitchen cabinet refacing, Sound Contracting; Cabinetry paint, Para 2089-00; Bar table and stools, West Elm.
Creating additional stylish storage
In this small kitchen, additional storage was created with wine crates. Wine crates, Pottery Barn.
After several weeks of drywall dust, scaffolding, barn board scraps and painting, the space was transformed from a chaotic miss-mash to a peaceful luxurious retreat. While I say this about many projects that come to completion, this space was a hard one to part with!
The look of this space was far from relaxed when I first entered the chic loft. The fireplace was covered in lackluster beige floor tiles. Lime green paint was found behind crumbling black laminate built-in shelving, and the previous owner had installed pieces of DIY textured stainless steel sheeting on multiple prominent surfaces. With soaring ceilings, a wall full of windows, a view of the lake and tons of natural light, we knew this could become a peaceful sanctuary after we were done with it.
Choosing a colour palette
The first thing we did to achieve this restful environment was to limit our colour palette. In an open concept space like this, where everything can be seen in one glance, keeping a unified palette was important to attain the calm and minimal aesthetic we were after.
The walls, ceiling and kitchen cabinetry were given a uniform coat of white paint. Existing stainless steel industrial elements were also painted white to keep the visual clutter low. Warm shades of grey, dark woods, and the occasional spot of greenery finished off our peaceful palette. Custom roller shades, Fine Craft Shutters; Wall paint, Para 5243-44.
Using textures
To keep this muted colour palette visually interesting, we utilized a variety of textures. The fireplace was clad in textured wooden boards sourced from an Ontario barn. Custom Fireplace, Sound Contracting; Eames chair and ottoman, Design Within Reach.
Softening rustic decor
Warm micro suede and wool on the sofa provide softness against the rustic woods in the accent furniture pieces. Ceramic pots bring a handmade quality to the mix. Couch, InDesign Furnishings; Coffee table, Shelter Furniture.
Update your kitchen
My favourite point of transformation in this space was the kitchen design. Originally clad in stainless steel sheeting, we refaced the cabinet doors for a fresh new look at a fraction of the cost of brand new custom cabinetry. New light fixtures illuminate this cosy kitchen and modern hardware and a new set of appliances were the final updates. Kitchen cabinet refacing, Sound Contracting; Cabinetry paint, Para 2089-00; Bar table and stools, West Elm.
Creating additional stylish storage
In this small kitchen, additional storage was created with wine crates. Wine crates, Pottery Barn.
After several weeks of drywall dust, scaffolding, barn board scraps and painting, the space was transformed from a chaotic miss-mash to a peaceful luxurious retreat. While I say this about many projects that come to completion, this space was a hard one to part with!
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