Janet Butler
When the question arises on how to maximize livable and usable space in a small loft, this design created by Craft Design (led by Hugo D’Enjoy and Armando Elias) is a great answer. Originally an open-plan office space, it was expanded into living and working space when the designers brought in an architectural volume that enabled the client to differentiate the kitchen, dining, storage, and bathroom, while floor-to-ceiling shelves provide a major part of the storage for the house as well. To accommodate a sleeping area for the client, an integrated staircase comes into play that leads to a mezzanine with bed, television, and more shelves. With a little imagination, the bed almost looks like it’s in a tree house, as it looks down on the entire lower level.
One way this space achieves a spacious feel is with the use of color — or perhaps we should say the absence of it. Clean white walls, central divider, shelves, and kitchen cabinets contribute to the light, airy feel — as do the skylights and lots of windows for natural light. Another easy-living ingredient of this loft is furniture that can be moved around or folded up to make more floor space as needed; now you see the couch, now you don’t! Fun touches include a nook that exactly fits an espresso maker, deliberately mismatched kitchen chairs, and vivid accessories, pillows, and art. All of these elements work together — along with soaring ceilings that provide visual space — to make this compact apartment feel much bigger than its actual dimensions would ever imply.
