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How to Make Your Condo Look Like a Urban Loft

An urban loft is a dwelling that is situated directly under the roof of a building, often converted warehouses or industrial buildings. The spacious, open-plan look of an urban loft gives a real feeling of cosmopolitan living, but you don't have to live in an urban loft to create this effect. With the correct decor and accessories, a condo can be easily transformed to give the feel of a stylish and sophisticated urban loft.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove interior doors to create a more open-plan look. Urban lofts don't usually have dividing walls, creating the feeling of a large space. Doors can be easily removed with a screwdriver, but if you don't like the idea of removing them completely, replace the existing doors with glass doors to create a sense of space.

    • 2

      Paint the walls with a neutral color with cool undertones. Cool colors, such as light blues and grays, visually recede, making the interior appear larger than it really is. Ceilings should be white to create a feeling of height in the room.

    • 3

      Create an industrial feel by exposing heating pipes and air duct work. Use black or metallic paints to make them a real stand-out feature.

    • 4

      Use the same flooring throughout the condo. Different flooring in different rooms breaks up the flow of the interior, ruining the open-plan feel. Wood flooring is extremely popular in urban lofts. Other alternatives are painted concrete or a light-colored carpet for a softer feel.

    • 5

      Add modern furniture with clean lines in neutral colors. Avoid intricate patterns, detailing and embellishments. Stay away from heavy and solid-looking pieces as well. Instead, choose pieces that allow the eye to travel through them.

    • 6

      Use minimal amounts of furniture. Items such as corner sofas create plenty of seating without the need for additional sofas and chairs. Look out for clever storage solutions, such as storage benches, ottomans, and bookcase headboards. Choose low storage units rather than tall pieces, and position the furniture around the edges of the room.

    • 7

      Keep window dressings sleek and simple. Metal Venetian blinds add to the industrial feel, while roller blinds and roman blinds lend a slightly softer look without adding lashings of fabric.

    • 8

      Use cushions and throws to add splashes of bright and bold color. Table-top accessories should also be bright and colorful to prevent the cool tones from becoming too cold. However, keep these accessories to a minimum to prevent a cluttered appearance. Hang bright, bold artwork on the walls for visual interest. Use clip-frames for a simple, sleek and sophisticated look.