Lofty Aspirations

TOTO we are not IN THE SUBURBS anymore…
BY CHRISTOPHER BARSON INTERIOR DESIGNER

You've traded in your patch of green for sleek and clean only to find suburban furniture, concrete floors and exposed ductwork go together like jeans at a Congressional hearing. Not to fret, with the following design tips you'll remember what you and your suburbanite brethren knew all along -modern world means modern home, and that means modern loft living... without the skirted sofas.

Many Washingtonian homeowners are making the transition from traditionally styled living spaces to very modern-almost industrial- lofts. In fact, three years ago I made the transition myself. Although each loft space is different, and each person's needs are different, there are some common guidelines you can follow.

SCALE
Lofts rooms serve multiple purposes; therefore, a sensible floor plan is the first requirement. Imagine yourself living in the space and how you would typically use it. Each piece should have a specific purpose. The idea is to keep the look spacious, not cluttered. Before you purchase any furniture, draw sketches of possible furniture floor plans or "furniture layouts". Remember, scale is important. A good floor plan separates the dining area from the desk area, and the entry from the main seating or living room. When shopping, take a tape measure; furniture in showrooms looks smaller than it will in your home.

The Hudson, 1425 P St., N.W., Washington DC. Property by PN Hoffman.

AESTHETICS
Think clean. Avoid cushy, slouchy, loose pillowed sofas. Aim for a tight back sofa with clean lines -maybe even chrome or stainless legs. Muléh, Artefacto, and Vesta Home all carry good selections of these pieces. Also, steer away from skirted sofas or chairs that are covered in plaids, chenille or corduroy. Cleaner lined and less bold colored furniture will allow you to accessorize with ease. Keep the tables modern. Don't be afraid to mix glass with plastic, leather and chrome. You can soften the look with a shag or leather rug, a fur throw or a piece of crystal. A glass dining table will help to visually expand the space, but make sure the base for the table is tasteful and timeless. Pair the glass table with simple but comfortable chairs…maybe ultra suede. And remember: good dining chairs are ridiculously expensive. Invest in chairs, they are more visible than the table, especially when the table may be dressed in linen for guests.

COLOR AND DRAMA
In loft design, keep the overall color palette neutral. Drama, texture, and color can be achieved through small upholstered pieces such as benches or chairs, or through large paintings. You're better off having three large paintings than 12 small framed pieces of art. It makes the room look larger, fresh and hip. Again, less is more. Try to find sophisticated colors for your objects. Steer away from jewel-toned combinations such as burgundy and emerald green -they're traditional and a little overdone. Start by picking a good background color for walls and main upholstery, and then add two beautiful accent colors so the space looks defined, but not confusing. Try soft muted cocoa for walls and main upholstery, then add lilac and oyster white for pillows or chairs. With that simple color scheme, your unique accessories will stand out.

LIGHTING
Down lighting with recessed or track lights is important, but lamps are vital in maintaining warmth. I tend to light each corner with a lamp of some type, whether it be a floor lamp or a table lamp. I prefer lamps on both ends of a sofa and if you have a pair of chairs floating in a room, place a short floor lamp between them and run the cord under a rug. Combine parchment shades with linen shades or metal shades; steer away from silk -again too traditional. If you need to watch your budget, hire a professional designer to plan the space. Once the scale, lighting and main color scheme have been adapted to your taste and lifestyle, you may be able to pinch pennies by selecting the main furniture on your own travels. Most people who move into a loft want a chic, hip, non cluttered feel to their space. Think before you purchase any furniture. Enjoy your space because, as with any space you live in, it is a reflection of you and your persona -and who doesn't want to be hip and modern?

Christopher Barson Interior Associates (202) 387- 0643 christopher.barson@verizon.net

FOR LOFTY LIVING
When shopping, take a tape measure; furniture in showrooms looks smaller than it will in your home Aim for a tight back sofa -avoid cushy loose pillowed sofas Keep the overall color palette neutral Place lamps on both ends of a sofa Select main furniture on your travels