Beautiful New York City Lofts that Will Inspire a Big Move to the City

Trista - October 16, 2021
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Do you know what a loft is in terms of a residential building? Sure, you might have a loft space upstairs in your home, like a gathering area. However, some people live in a loft as their entire residential space. What does this mean? A loft is an upper story or elevated area within a building. It is always located directly under the roof. As mentioned before, a loft can be like an attic or an extra storage space homeowners need to access with a ladder. However, loft apartments also exist, which means someone can have an ample, open space converted for a complete kitchen, bathroom, and living space. In most cases, the spaces are transformed from old industrial buildings into residential areas. This unobstructed area often has specific design features, such as high ceilings, a wall of factory-style windows without drapes, and exposed pipes or HVAC systems. New York City is known for its amazing streets, opportunities, and apartment lofts.

Here are five different ones that offer immense potential anyone would love. Designers took the time to style these spaces, both big and small, meticulously. Small are tiny studios, whereas others are sprawling apartments. However, they all are lofts with industrial features! A few designers tried to downplay the industry aspect, while others were inspired by the raw metals. All of these lofts have a plethora of eclectic designs that you can mimic in your own home! Which style do you like better? Keep reading to check out a plethora of New York City lofts; do you prefer a romantic, modern design or a rustic glamour? Perhaps hipster is more your thing or an artsy fashion.

Fran Parente / Casa Vogue

This studio loft apartment in Chelsea is a beautiful space.

If you moved to the Big Apple, you could get a studio apartment like this one in Chelsea. Practically everything is in a singular location, as you can see, except for the bathroom. Within this one room, you will notice a spot for the bed as well as a kitchen and one-of-a-kind living section. Even though it is a tiny space, the tall ceiling help amplifies a bigger area. Not only does the soaring ceiling help make this New York City loft feel more spacious, but it adds an interesting detail. The patchwork tiles add physical texture, not to mention character. The windows along the far wall offer constant direct light.

The adjacent wall has a great shelving element that resembles an antique library with the help of the rolling staircase. You will see more vintage details, such as instruments, books, and even a bicycle, at a closer look. Although the scattered items seem randomly decorative, they actually each serve a practical purpose for Houssein’s lifestyle. Casa Vogue has a feature about this amazing loft, and we are going to share more details. Get ready to see what it would be like to live like a New Yorker in an artsy apartment studio.

Fran Parente / Casa Vogue

The owner loves the small yet particular details — don’t you?

Houssein Jarouche currently lives in this unique space at the time of writing this article. A designer and entrepreneur from São Paulo, Houssein has an apartment back home over 3,200 square feet. The New York studio is just 936 square feet. However, he told Casa Vogue, “I feel good here; I take advantage of it more than at home in São Paulo. I have enough…” Why would anyone want to live in this tiny loft as opposed to the giant apartment in Brazil? The location, of course! Houssein says he chose this particular apartment because it is located in the center of the Manhattan art galleries, on the outskirts of Chelsea.

This image, courtesy of Fran Parente for Casa Vogue, reveals the shelves’ up close and personal details. Houssein has inspirational artwork as well as personal art he uses for innovative ideas, designs, and inventions. He clearly uses this space as an entertainment area, complete with a TV, speakers, and music units. Plus, there are useful items like coffee mugs, a camera, boxes for storage, and so on. A small loveseat, chair, and a couple of geometric end tables make everything work. You could even use the rug as an extra sitting space if you really needed to since it looks cozy enough!

Fran Parente / Casa Vogue

Have you ever seen a lighting fixture like this one before?

The current owner purchased the studio about three years ago. He explains to Casa Vogue, “Whenever I am …. I have this mania of constantly moving the places where I live. It is little like a therapy for myself.” That makes sense to most people, especially those who enjoy tiny, eclectic living. You can expect to discover one-of-a-kind pieces when it comes to furniture and knick-knacks. That goes double for old designs reinvented from flea market finds. Houssein worked with his friend, Ana Strumpf, who is a product and interior designer. She likes a romantic, feminine side paired with an artsy, radical style.

When standing in the living-slash-sleeping area, you can see the full drama of the kitchen. You can also witness her style on full display, with a unique set of small pendants. A dozen stringed lights create a moody ambiance. Designer and store owner John Derian created the lighting system design and provided the products as well. Is that your favorite detail of this room? Perhaps it is the vintage chairs that each have their own history? Although they are all different shapes, sizes, and colors, they all work together cohesively. Moving past that, maybe your favorite thing is actually the spectacular art mural, complete with vibrant colors and geometric patterns. The sleekness of the countertop juxtaposed against the wooden eating block shows an outstanding balance of New York.

Fran Parente / Casa Vogue

This hallway entrance screams New York City apartment.

The front door entrance features a short hallway, but Houssein and Ana have decorated it with lovely works of art. Remember, the art galleries of Manhattan are right around the corner from this Chelsea loft. Besides the unique flea market furnishings, this apartment has artwork at every turn. Some of the paintings come from renowned artists like James Rosenquist, Alex Katz, and Damien Hirst, according to Casa Vouge. Whether you prefer more of a wild style or a natural design, this New York loft welcomes a delicate blend of both. Like the kitchen area with the modern exhaust fan and stove, the flooring is updated and new. Yet, you can tell an old soul lives here.

Do you like the style of this loft in New York City? Keep reading to see other inspirational spaces in the big city. Sure, there is only one space (plus a bathroom), but these designers surely make the most of the area. If you need some design inspiration for small spaces or want to move to NY one day, check out the following property — a Brooklyn studio loft oozing with an industrial style that screams New York City.

Julia Robbs / Home Polish

Original exposed brick is a designer’s dream come true.

This Brooklyn studio has everything you want in a NY apartment. Aged brick, concrete floors, and exposed beams — oh my! We know what you are thinking: who really lives like this? Well, this property is currently home to Jose Alvarez. He was big on Wall Street for an entire decade and then left to begin his own fragrance business. You can have success like that too! Or you can at least dream about it for the future or your children. If anything, use this New York loft inspiration and transform your space to reflect something similar.

The industrial style is apparent looking at the exposed brick and concrete ceiling. The building was originally an Esquire Shoe Polish Factory, so everything is authentic here. If you can’t play with these actual elements like Jae Joo was able to, that’s okay. Fake it ’til you make it with faux details instead. You can see a complete spread of Jae Joo’s design in Homepolish. However, for now, keep reveling in the way the wall of pictures has a fabulous composition. That ten-seat table hints to the notion that just because this is a studio apartment doesn’t mean it is small by any means. Keep reading to see more New York styles.

Julia Robbs / Home Polish

High ceilings and factory-like windows without drapes reflect an industrial style.

Now in the dining room space, looking into the living room, you will see the grand beauty of this distinctive loft. From the tall ceilings to the breathtaking windows, there are so many options for this area. Jose Alvarez and Brooke Hammel are a young couple with trendy ideas and free spirits. They moved to this industrial-style apartment in Williamsburg and had a clean slate to create their own space. A big space! Not only does the area have aged brick, exposed beams, and concrete floors, but an updated HVAC system runs through the ceiling area of the apartment. Do you like this style?

The sprawling area sure did seem like a monumental task to the couple, but Homepolish matched them with Jae Joo, an expert designer. The designer, Jae, thought of how to incorporate the 20-foot ceilings. A custom bookshelf by Brooklyn Bookcasing creates a vertical aesthetic. The couple used their own vintage treasures and vacation souvenirs for props. The bookshelf took a particular scaffolding installation to support the skyscraper concept. It sits perfectly with the wall of windows, allowing natural light to beam through.

Julia Robbs / Home Polish

This Brooklyn-based studio took two months to design.

Moving from the connected dining room and living room to the adjacent kitchen area, you can see how this oversized apartment is still a studio. The couple wanted a spacious island to accommodate company. They love entertaining friends and family in this unique home. Wouldn’t you want to host guests or visit this house yourself? The black marble countertop on the island creates a restaurant-like feel to the home kitchen. You can spot an office space under the stairs. It is ideal to utilize each space in a loft to create separate sections within one area. The stairs lead to the open bedroom upstairs.

Jose had two months to finish the space, hoping he could launch Abbott NYC, his scent business, in the apartment. Together, they found a place for all of their unique belongings, including surfboards, Santa Monica Novella toiletries, prints by renowned artist JR, and a Darth Vader mask, plus a plethora of other goodies. It all fits into this amazing New York loft, but what do you think of the floor and ceiling? Worldwide destinations inspire the space as well, including far-off Morocco or down-the-street Edition Hotel.

Julia Robbs / Home Polish

The style mixes industrial design with a warm, cozy vibe.

Heading upstairs, you will discover the couple’s bedroom. It sits in the upper area, but it is open to the first level below. Like downstairs, you can still see exposed HVAC systems and other features that make the entire space industrial. Of course, the fuzzy blanket and furry friend make this New York loft feel a little cozier. With mirrors on either side of the bed, a small nightstand, and a few scone lights attached to the wall, you can see how the owners took advantage of this bedroom loft. And yes, he finished the design in time for the company launch party.

Do you like this industrial-style more than the artsy Chelsea apartment? Maybe the size of the rooms is enough for you to pick the bigger one as the winner. However, the design reflects specific styles. Heck, at least you should visit the Big Apple once in your lifetime, and you can stay in a hotel, resort, or Airbnb, which would be similar to one of these fantastic lofts! Keep reading to see another beautiful New York City apartment that will make you want to move today.

Manolo Yilera / Architectural Design

A loft apartment in a bohemian neighborhood is the bee’s knees.

Get ready to fall in love with this apartment in Dumbo — Brooklyn’s bohemian neighborhood. It doesn’t follow standard rules like neutral palettes and bold industrial finishes. Instead, this Brooklyn loft has a little bit of everything, including beautiful colors from space to space. These panes of color are like artwork within themselves, as your eyes playfully move from one area to the next. It helps define the specific uses of each space within this studio apartment. As the spacious main room, you can actually break this area into at least three primary areas, despite having no walls to separate them.

Architectural Digest explains more about this post-industrial apartment. Martin Bourne was the interior stylist, and he shared the vision with Leilin Lopez, a fashion expert. Together, they combined their decor and fashion aesthetics to create a contemporary apartment that is romantic and cozy all the same. This same idea of integrating two different designs into one is the main theme of the entire loft. For example, there are Hans Wegner furniture and Eames objects mixed with random street market pieces from anonymous designers. The result is a welcoming style that fits the New York City vibes.

Manolo Yilera / Architectural Design

The designers really embraced this project.

Imagine first walking into a white brick room with no separations, giant fluorescent lights hanging from the industrial ceiling. With over 3,000-square-feet of space, the area seems more daunting than pleasant, which is why he didn’t like it at all. Above that, the owner was really questioning why he bought the property, to begin with, when it was located on the side of the bridge that he deemed dangerous. Nobody seemed to walk down the street, and food deliveries avoided the area for whatever reason. However, could this area in New York have some pros?

Over time, Martin Bourne, with the help of Leilin Lopez, started taking the necessary steps to renovate the space to fit their vision. Not physically, but visually separating the living, dining, and office spaces from the kitchen was ideal. Jarrett Mellenbruch created this dining room table. The wooden panels of pastel paint are quite a cozy sight to see, while the studio area still has the same open space and central feature. The entire room has a truculent ambiance, which is warm, rather than the blank whiteness of a warehouse. A unique collection of flea market triumphs decorates the whole home.

Manolo Yilera / Architectural Design

The loft style is romantic meets modern in a former industrial building.

If you want a modern, romantic style for your home, look no further than Martin’s lovely space. The white, soft pink, light blue, and aqua green pastels create a charming mood of romance. However, the home still has a light, spacious, and fresh approach, which makes it modern at the same time. The objects may not follow a specific theme, but each has a decorative element that pulls you in a little more with each glance.

The designers’ favorite space is the office, which has everything they need to work, including materials and art inspiration. The couple spends hours together in this studio room, reading, talking, and learning. If something catches their attention, this right here is the space in which they will process and build their creative designs. What is your favorite thing about the office? Is it the large desks with anchors, perfect for standing or sitting? Maybe you like the random signings, paintings, and other wall features. Or is it the curtains, rugs, and vases that really make you adore this romantic, modern loft?

Manolo Yilera / Architectural Design

Martin and Leilin have the designer skills to pay the NYC bills.

This master bedroom may seem plain to you at first, but it boasts of the same modern romance Martin and Leilin have been reaching for the entire time. Painting the brick brown and adding an updated ceiling fan takes away from the industrial side of the building. If a vintage 1880s wrought-iron four-poster bed along with a vintage leather chair doesn’t say modern romance, then what does? The old-time window above the bed gives that New York vibe that you still long for, too.

Martin studied textile design in his home country of England. However, he often visited the Big Apple, working with photographers and contributing to magazines. He made catalogs, advertising campaigns, and more until jet lag finally got the best of him, and he decided to stay in America. As for Leilin, this West Coast guy specialized in audiovisual arts and came to NYC for the European flair and stayed for the fashion magazines. The owners of this New York loft love how they came together to create a kaleidoscope effect of the design, with Martin’s wisdom and craftsmanship paired with Leilin’s beauty for timeless pieces. Do you like it or love it?

Mark Seelen / Elle

Say ‘welcome home’ to this hipster meets industrial loft.

Have you ever heard of Sunset Park? It’s a neighborhood in Brooklyn and home to this magnificent piece of real estate. A whopping 8,600-square-feet of space is available in this loft, which would make even some Midwesterners say what?! Obviously, this loft is like a palace to New Yorkers, so let’s see what the fantastic space is all about. Can you say hipster meets industrial? Carin Scheve currently lives in this industrial loft with her husband, Francesco, and their son, Milo. She is a Dutch stylist, and the family has plenty of space to host photoshoots and events, which they love to do regularly.

Elle has more details about this beautiful New York City loft. The living area with recovered sofa and chairs and the Pernilla Lounge recliner by Bruno Mathsson designed the Pernilla Lounge recliner pictured here with the recovered sofa and chairs. You can see a glimpse of the inner green patio off to the back left, complete with lush green foliage. They sit under the massive wall of windows, which might be the biggest one yet!

Mark Seelen / Elle

The homeowners designed a lot of their own furniture, too.

Here you can see the kitchen dining room combination. The original industrial feature is undeniable, including the piping details and large factory-like windows. The high ceilings and the concrete-like floor are also a staple of the industrial style. However, the furniture sets a different, more cozy ambiance. Two unique tables, which Carin and Francesco designed, can accommodate enough seating for 10 to 12 people! One of the tables features a Swedish chandelier discovered in Miami along with a one-of-a-kind bowl from the flea market.

The chairs around the tables are unique! Did you notice they are different shapes and colors? That’s because they have different origins. Would you expect anything less from this eclectic couple? One is an Ant by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. Four of them are vintage Eames by Herman Miller. The rest are recovered from various places. The married duo also designed the counter and island in the kitchen. The lamp, carts, and chairs are all from multiple markets locally and otherwise.

Mark Seelen / Elle

Would you ever consider designing your living room this unique style?

Now we are standing directly in the living room. Because of the up-close view, you can’t see the deer head with the Rudolph the Red Nose the Reindeer resemblance. However, you can see a better view of the couch, chairs, and lighting. Plus, the overall space of the loft in terms of how it flows from the kitchen and dining area to the living space. But let’s really decipher some of the recovered and restored furnishings. Beyond the already mentioned couch and chairs is a large coffee table, which is, too, resurrected from its glory days.

The lighting options are industrial yet vintage. The red floor lamp is a 1950s Danish design by Raak Verlichting. It matches the color of the reindeer’s nose not pictured in this photo, as well as the ceiling sprinklers and hanging light bulb. Speaking of which, the suspension light comes from the Riviera collection model designed by Paola Navone for the popular Crate & Bonell brand. What do you think of this stylish New York City loft design?

Mark Seelen / Elle

This loft space just screams possibilities!

If those images of the Sunset Park loft weren’t enough, imagine having a space like this one. Carin Scheve’s home features an open area that you could really make whatever you like, from an art studio to a gym. This spacious area features an unobstructed view of an old French chandelier. You can probably guess where this Dutch stylist got it from. Yes, at a flea market! That is where the best one-of-a-kind design treasures are.

The unique light feature illuminates the giant space, which currently holds a long table and benches. If you are into guessing, today is your lucky day! Because you would be right again in you guessed Francesco and Carin made those as well. In fact, a carpenter and blacksmith friend commissioned the spouses to make the inspirational piece. You can have that same blue vase, from the Global Table, at your house, too. However, the most unique part of the room is probably the metal fence, which separates the storage space. There are chairs, bicycles, desks, and other random production objects she holds beyond the interesting opening.

Alina Preciado / Inside Out

This NYC loft designer gave a charming, rustic touch to the building’s industrial roots.

Here’s another New York City loft that says hello, inspiration. Alina Preciado is the founder of the online housewares store Dar Gitane. She currently resides in a roomy loft in New York. To be more specific, it lies on the Brooklyn waterfront, near the southern part of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. When she first purchased the loft, it was actually abandoned. Nevertheless, despite the vast emptiness that needed some work, she loved the potential the space offered.

Not only that, the building has gorgeous natural light from practically every angle. It really is all about a good foundation and location when it comes to real estate. Because then you can make the interior all your own with a great design plan. What were some of the changes she made to this unique space? If you look to the right of the picture, you will see a white sleeping cube. This open-wall design functions as a bedroom. Beyond new furnishings and furniture, most of the Brooklyn apartment still has the original industrial character. Inside Out featured a spread about this beautiful New York City loft.

Alina Preciado / Inside Out

This space has a lot of new features, but many old aspects remain the same.

From this view, you can see Alina Preciado designed the loft with the raw building elements as inspiration rather than trying to stray away from them. She chose to go a glamorous, rustic route for this former industrial building. As you can see, she did not recover or refinish any parts of the original building, including the hard floors or factory windows without drapes. You can easily see the exposed pipes along with the heating and cooling system.

Nevertheless, everything is consistent with looking like a stylish home. There are splashes of aesthetics from the white paint to the intriguing painting. The wood-holding entertainment area wreaks rustic charm. The wooden stove with exhaust has both rustic and industrial features, making it the perfect furnishings for the living room. Despite the open space that is both glamorous and rustic, the white cube sleeping unit still steals the attention.

Alina Preciado / Inside Out

The hard floor and exposed pipes are obvious signs of industrial looks.

Like other New York lofts, it makes sense to have a spot for your bike. Many people do not drive in the busy city, as it costs a pretty penny for parking and tolls. Nevertheless, people have to get around. So why not hop on a bike to get to your destination? It is faster than walking and provides a great workout as well as a green outlet compared to the bus, taxi, and subway pollution and energy usage. This office has a great wall of artwork, and the remaining walls have murals of windows for natural light.

The designer easily incorporated the rustic glamour using the long wooden tables and wooden divider. The hanging light fixtures and retro office chairs fit the theme as well. Of course, the original industrial elements like the factory windows, exposed pipes, and hard floor are all the same as before. Would you enjoy working in an office like this one? You can see a lot of exciting attractions from your windows, but it might get hot and stuffy without central air.

Alina Preciado / Inside Out

Would you believe this is a spacious apartment loft in New York City?

This kitchen has charming farmhouse written all over it. The sink with a cloth covering instead of a built-in cabinet door showcases a time gone by. The wooden island and shelving not only match the shabby chic theme but provide ample storage space for holding glassware or preparing food. Despite the noticeable rustic features this kitchen has, the designer still managed to hold true to the original industrial elements—the factory windows flood into the kitchen area. Hanging the pots and pans from a shiny metal bar says industrial kitchen no matter how wooden the table is.

Do you like Alina Preciado’s home design? Having a large, open apartment with unobstructed space really means you can do whatever you want in the home. Just imagine heading out to one of the five boroughs in New York City. You get a job right in the city and go home every night to this movie-like apartment designed for style and practicality. This New York loft maybe doesn’t scream glitzy lights or a place that never sleeps, but it still possesses a unique character all on its own. Sound perfect?

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