pnw loft
I remember sitting in a loft in CapeTown. It was 1000 square feet, sparsely and deftly curated, undeniably luxe, but restrained and livable. It was perched on a cliff next to the sea, like a bird perching gently on a cliff, by it but not of it. The only art was the wall of windows where you watched in real time at each moment the movement of time and subtle shifts of color. The details were meticulous, the materiality, finishes and curation other worldly, yet it was also authentically zen, humble, connected and aligned. It was sparsely furnished with each piece having a resonance to it, a soul. It was meditative and mesmerizing. I’ll never forget how I felt in that space, and how the location, vibe, view, textures, energy ….. being-ness of the space was so vivid to me. It was its own realm.
Other realms online have entranced me over the years. Donna Karan’s lofts have always inspired me with their pared back organic, sparse zen confidence blended with a fashion based materiality. Her latest iteration with Jason Wu is stunning. Jenna Lyons homes showcase her exquisite command of materiality. Sarah Story’s whimsical and moody art choices give her rooms a distinct soul. The sparse art of alex vervoodt spaces are a great backdrop to integrate eclectic pieces with elegance. Joseph Durand-esque parisian apartments also quiet me their steady cutting edge art and forms backdropped with the old world elegance of rooms. Mostly, it is always the composition of collected, precious things that spoke to their owner that make the homes resonate. They have small tiny love stories scattered throughout their spaces, testaments to their histories and portals into their futures.
sources: modernwoods AI, Jenna Lyons,
Peeking into other worlds via design has always fascinated me. It a form of silent communication that says more to me than words ever can. There are key elements I find many of these loft spaces share:
Maximalism Mico Doses:
Moments of deep materiality and juxtaposition of materials really pops the room. Most of these lofts have select spots where they really go for it, a marble in an off (but right) color, intense color, form or scale.
Clean Interiors:
I love sparse rooms with clean lines. There is visual integrity to spaces that understand the power of negative space, contrast, transparency, materiality and delicate forms. What is left out is as powerful as what is left in.
Global Eclectic:
The antiques and pieces that are chosen are truly unique, worn to perfect patina and have deep ties to region, interests, philosophies and loves of the client. These piece are often treasures from travels and tell the life story of the client.
Vintage Accents, Furniture and Glam:
Iconic designs are art. The composition, form and allusion of the pieces ground and center the energy of the home. I love metals and gloss to deepen the experience of the design. But Vegas bling is the opposite of what we are aiming for. Vintage pieces in burnished brass, mid century copper and chrome and antiqued mirrors give luxury to rooms but have enough edge in them to make them serious, not superfluous to the overall design.
Organic Forms:
Curated statement lighting, and collected touches from nature, crystals, branches, linens. Cohesion with nature and the natural elements of the region center the project and make it feel warm and aligned.
Deep Materiality & Contrast:
Often the art is the walls, not on it. Plaster, ornate doors, herringbone floors, cement walls, glass walls, metal sculptures, marble sinks, chrome paneled kitchens, wood paneling and herringbone floors.
Moody Mesmerizing Art:
Often the clean lines of the room are a great backdrop to highlight a core piece of art or vintage furniture. Having fewer pieces allows the strong presence of the art to be illuminated fully. I love spaces that mix a bit of moody art. It kind of cuts through the pretty with intelligence. Like a witty remark, they spark curiousity and intrique into a room.
