Living Large in a Loft
What to Think About Before Making the Leap
Because of their sought-after central location, lofts physically hold their value better than the average condo.
— Phil Heep, Realtor, Your Castle Real Estate
You've always wanted to live in a loft. It seems so chic and artistic to have that raw, edgy space. But how do you make it comfortable and livable? What are some of the hidden costs, and how on earth do you find curtains for those huge windows? It turns out that plenty of affordable solutions are on hand, along with a few expenses to bear in mind.
Divide and Conquer
Los Angeles-based interior and furniture designer Matt Locke, a finalist on the HGTV show "Design Star," has made a specialty of working with loft spaces. He calls dividers and screens essential for loft living.
"Sound privacy in lofts is difficult, but visual privacy is much easier to achieve. The simplest way is with free-standing screens. If you're on a budget, there are many affordable options that are very simple to assemble," Locke said.
He suggested saving money with recycled cardboard screens that you can make your own while still keeping that raw, urban look.
If you are buying your loft, he said, you may have walls built to separate the bedroom. These do not have to reach the ceiling and close off the space completely if you prefer to keep the feel more open.
Most people have belongings that they want to hide away, but lofts rarely include storage space. Locke solved this deficit by equipping his own downtown Los Angeles loft with a basic Ikea storage system, complete with drawers and cupboard space. Many affordable storage solutions are on the market, but, as Locke said, "the trick is to make it beautiful and part of the room."
Look for sleek, plain storage systems that fit neatly together like building blocks and choose a color that looks expensive and chic, such as black or gray.
Close the Curtains
Lofts generally have huge windows, which may present a problem when choosing window treatments. Custom-made blinds in specialty, loft-friendly longer lengths can be expensive, but Locke suggested bespoke---or made-to-measure---curtains for a simpler option.
"Most big cities have garment districts chock-full of fabric stores, and shopping there yourself can be a lot of fun," Locke said. "Take a day to explore and find your own fabric, then ask around for a good place to have them made into curtains or panels. The cost is usually much less than you'd think."
Curtains also bring warmth to an otherwise stark space.
Who Does a Loft Suit?
Phil Heep, a successful Realtor for Your Castle Real Estate in Denver, said the popularity of lofts is booming nationwide, but he warned that this sort of space is really only going to work for a couple or a person living alone.
"They don't necessarily work for families," Heep said, "but lofts make a great place for somebody who wants an urban lifestyle. Bear in mind the reality of an open floor plan without a lot of privacy, so even with dividers, this set-up isn't really for roommates either."
With a lack of walls and large, echoing ceilings, noise can be also an issue, and an urban location may compound the challenge.
Heep says: "A true loft space---rather than a new condo made to look like a loft---is usually in a downtown area and because of this, the surrounding streets are probably going to be noisy, so that's something to get used to.
Still, a loft can be a prudent financial investment if you're in a position to buy. "Because of their sought-after central location, lofts physically hold their value better than the average condo," Heep said.
Lofts tend to be in attractive, older buildings with atmosphere, such as old converted factories and warehouses. Because of their original use with trading and transport of goods on waterways, you may sometimes be lucky enough to find a loft overlooking a river. Compare the arresting, edgy style of building and prime location with a newly built condo. If you're of an artistic temperament, it's likely no contest. Lofts bring a sense of space and creativity to apartment living.
One final thing to think about when considering a loft is your homeowner association fee. This fee for lofts is typically higher than those for a condo---and sometimes twice as high.
Heep explained: "Your HOAs are probably going to be a little higher because you're in a building that requires a little more maintenance. It's probably a taller building with large windows, which is a little more difficult to clean, and possibly your heat and air conditioning is included, too.
"Remember also that with all those windows, you'll probably get a lot of sun, which can make your loft hotter, so you'll want to check out the space in the summer or speak to neighbors and ask them about their experience of living there during the warmer months, especially as some older buildings may not have air conditioning."
So, if urban living is your thing, then a loft is surely something to check out. You never know, the space might even inspire you to take up painting or woodworking.
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