By Bridget Vranckx
Since the 1950s, artists have flocked to New York as a haven of inspiration and opportunity. The many art studios often doubled as quaint, inexpensive spaces known as lofts that allowed for affordable living in the Big Apple. The limited space of the loft pushed homeowners to new levels of creativity in interior design. With the beginnings of loft design, people learned to ask not how much space they have, but how to use their space most effectively. The resulting high designs have raised the value of lofts across the globe to being some of the most refined, costly, and desirable living spaces for urbanites everywhere.
In her book, 150 Best Loft Ideas, Bridget Vranckx has searched far and wide to find the best of the best in loft designs. The result is nearly 600 pages of photographs, each depicting innovative ideas applicable to a variety of habitants, from families to young independents. From one level to multiple levels, open spaces to partitions, industrial to elegant, loft designs and ideas are featured in every form. In addition to pictures, Vranckx includes brief descriptions of many of the designs as well as an occasional aerial floor plan for easy interpretation of space.
While lofts may no longer be an affordable alternative to high housing costs, viewing them in this book can aid you in best using what space you can afford. No matter your square-footage, the ground-breaking designs in 150 Best Loft Ideas is sure to push you to new heights in best utilizing your modern living space.
Collins Design/February 2008
