A Downtown Loft for Everyday Living

Written by KATE O’HARA | Design by MARTHA O’HARA INTERIORS | Photography by SPACECRAFTING PHOTOGRAPHY | Remodel by MDS REMODELING

After relocating from a large city where square footage came at a premium, this family of four was eager for more space, combined with the benefits of city living. Location and walking access to restaurants and shops remained a priority, but inside, the home was about creating connectedness for parents who love to entertain, while offering personal areas for two teenage boys. What was originally a two-bedroom condo would no longer cut it for this family with teenagers. At the same time, because the condo wouldn’t be their forever home, the overall goal was to make changes that would support how the family wanted to live in their new home and city and increase the property’s value without any significant architectural changes.

This lofted condo offers great space for entertaining, but with dated finishes and only two bedrooms, it simply wasn’t enough. We found opportunities and solutions to modify this home to fit all the needs of a busy, city-dwelling family of four.

Adding Function and Flow with Focal Points

There’s a reason this family fell in love with the condo, and it was our job to highlight all the best features while ensuring that it could accommodate their daily needs. By embracing the current architecture, we found ways to enhance flow while infusing our clients’ eclectic, contemporary style.

AN UPDATED PALETTE

A dated color palette in an array of beiges was adjusted to establish new focal points throughout the home that accentuate what the family loves most. A fresh coat of creamy paint and refreshed flooring in a dark finish created a backdrop that showcases the space, views, and furnishings.

FURNISHING WITH INTENTION

Although spacious, this contemporary loft presented an oddly shaped floorplan. Given the unique layout of the main floor with its angled and asymmetrical spaces, our furniture plans had to be thoughtfully arranged. A fresh face meant an invitation to appreciate skyline views and help a useful stairway blend into the background. It meant transforming nooks into intentional and functional spaces with furnishings and finishes. A sitting area is nestled within the staircase. Layered textiles add intimacy, and furnishings define this cozy spot for reading and unwinding. A velvet pinstripe adorns swivel chairs, and a diamond-patterned, oversized ottoman grounds the area. Favorite books, accessories from worldly travels, and personal artwork amplify the coziness of the area.

SEPARATE BUT TOGETHER

We had to be careful about furniture floor planning to ensure that the furniture did not interfere with the door to the balcony or the path to the dining room and loft staircase. The goal was to maximize seating without obstructing the view. A vibrant palette connects the sitting area to the living room, maximizing function for this family that loves to entertain while also allowing separation and privacy for everyday living.

The jewel-toned sofas in plush velvet are anchored by an area rug, carving space for conversation amid the exposed brick and downtown views. The mix of materials feels slightly industrial, with texture and color elevating this seating area. A lacquered linen console behind the sofa adds functionality as a perfectly positioned drop zone at the stairway’s base, leading to a loft for the boys.

BOLD OAK FLOORING

The golden oak flooring needed new life, and with a mix of dated wood tones throughout the residence, it was time for a dramatic change. We kept the original hardwood floors and gave them a refresh to complement the creamy color palette and modern design.

Uniform flooring throughout the residence makes the transition from one space to another feel natural, thereby creating a sense of cohesion and continuity. With the condo’s sky-high views, the rich tone is a grounded comfort, paired with bright walls, bold details, and ample natural light.

SKYLINE VIEWS AND NATURAL LIGHT

We painted the window frames black to frame skyline views and create a natural focal point. The clean lines of the windows juxtapose the warmth and texture of the exposed brick wall and let in all the daytime and nighttime light. This sets the stage for bold color and statement pieces. Sconces, floor lamps, chandeliers, and pendants offer warm nighttime lighting and ambiance when paired with the evening glow of the city.

Eating and Drinking in Style

For many, especially those who love to entertain, the kitchen and dining areas are the heart of the home. These areas are natural spaces for gathering and making memories over food and drink. This family needed a kitchen and dining room that would not only serve their family of four, but also accommodate a crowd.

TWO ROOMS MADE ONE

One of our first goals was to unify these spaces. Both rooms were seamlessly connected by adding weight to the colors of the dining table, metal buffet cabinet, and vice versa in the base of the island and kitchen backsplash.

Quartz countertops match between spaces, and a metal and glass buffet cabinet stands out in the dining room. White lower cabinetry blends gracefully within the space without contributing too much visual weight. Adding even more cohesion is a wood veneer wallcovering backsplash in a bold diamond pattern, paired with a smaller scale diamond backsplash in the kitchen. Brass and silver leaf finishes add opulence and connection.

Serving up style and purpose, these details create an interesting canvas with clean lines that showcases a connectivity between rooms so that dinner parties can now happen with ease.

FURNISHINGS MAKE THE SPACE

Counter stools and dining chairs are lavish in a light performance fabric that is made for messes. They provide visual relief from the heavier furnishings around them. Brass accents, like the kitchen pendants, nailhead detail on the counter stools, dining chair ferrules, and buffet cabinet accessories, are understated and elegant.

The result is a kitchen transformed into a modern showstopper, blending seamlessly with the nearby dining room. Contrast and cohesion result from a balanced color palette that feels modern and elegant.

Playing Up the Primary Suite

Like much of the home, the biggest challenge in the primary bedroom suite was an uncommon floor plan. The lack of wall space for a bed or dresser required an unconventional approach. To make the most of the room, we angled the king-sized bed in the corner between the windows. The door into the bedroom, which is also on an angle, is directly across from the bed and creates a welcoming feeling upon entering.

Layered wool rugs and oversized artwork anchor the space and create defined areas within this large room. The room is not only a clear sleeping space, but features a secondary area for reading and lounging near the balcony. Because this is the main suite, we wanted to create the impression of a boutique hotel in the comfort of the client’s home. Finishes and furnishings accomplish this goal with clean lines, unique shapes, crisp white bedding, and plush textiles. The bold floral velvet on the ottoman served as the initial inspiration for the overall color palette and invites fresh color accents amongst the otherwise moody space.

The ensuite features a timeless yet modern black-and-white aesthetic that will never go out of style and can be paired with any accent color to instantly transform the space.

Making Room for Teenage Mood

This bedroom perfectly captures the spirit of a teenager in need of his own space, a room that is equal parts modern and mature. Tall ceilings provide the necessary expanse for the youngest son to sleep, work, and play. A bold navy on the walls and ceiling offers a daring canvas for artwork and lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, and geometric elements creates a sophisticated and modern atmosphere. Natural light streams through a large window to showcase this teenager’s love of plants and to highlight architectural details.

We selected furnishings that could grow with this teenager into adulthood. Vertical space maximizes the room’s function with a lofted bed and designed entertainment center underneath. This is great for watching movies or playing video games. In addition, an adjacent sleeper sofa offers comfortable overnight hangouts with friends.

This room is all about fun and function, with city skyline views and modern accents that feel grown up for a teenager who is ready for adulthood.

A Loft that Packs a Punch

The upstairs loft features a cozy hangout for teens away from the busyness of the main floor. With an additional bedroom, the loft ensures that each teen has his own private space. This loft has it all, with easy access to the rooftop patio and a hidden office.

REPURPOSED ROOM

With big architectural changes out of the question, we decided to wall off a private bedroom for the eldest son. The remaining area was repurposed for the boys to share—a TV hangout, a music room for piano practice, and a homework station built into a closet and framed by a sliding door.

A HIDDEN WORKSPACE

This downtown condo packs in function by including a hidden desk behind a sleek and modern sliding door. This office has the perfect mix of storage and workspace to maximize the square footage.

Planning a design is about relying on your team of designers and contractors to tailor your home to suit your family’s needs. You don’t need to know exactly what you want, but you should share must-haves, pain points, and inspiration to cultivate a home that’s right for you.

By seamlessly mixing the couple’s contemporary and eclectic styles and paying thoughtful attention to the family’s everyday and hosting needs, this loft can now accommodate daily functions in the most breathtaking city landscape, offering the best of urban living.