How To Mimic The New York Loft Style In Your Home

 Harriet Goodacre Harriet Goodacre

February 28, 2024

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3 Images showing loft style living with exposed brick and open plan staircases

When we think of ‘loft living’ we often conjure images of sprawling New York apartments with exposed brick and metalwork, surrounded by high-end designer pieces and luxurious furnishings. Whilst most of us don’t own an apartment in Manhattan, a little interior inspiration never hurt anyone! 

Exposed materials

As a staple feature in any loft apartment, an exposed brick wall is the perfect way to bring a little city chic into a room. Its colouring can bring warmth to a room and the texture is ideal for creating a stylish focal point or backdrop. If you don’t have an exposed brick wall in your home, you can recreate the look with brick effect tiles or even wallpaper.

The Grey Hartley tile used as a kitchen splashback, accompanied by light grey kitchen cabinets

Opt for concrete effect flooring

In New York loft apartments, poured concrete floors have lasted from the industrial warehouses that most older buildings have been converted from and are now synonymous with loft living. Recreate the look with concrete effect tiles, the go-to choice for creating a stylish living space that infuses that all-important industrial feel into the space.

The Inara Concrete tile brings a contemporary feel to spaces. This matt grey tile mirrors the look of concrete, enhancing the overall aesthetic while introducing a sense of cosiness to the space. Choosing a concrete effect tile such as the Inara is a foolproof way of recreating the sense of a New York loft apartment in your own home.

Opt for wood effect tiles

While not exactly synonymous with the New York loft aesthetic, wood effect tiles can be used to enhance the overall design. A traditional New York loft will often feature industrial elements, yet the addition of wood effect tiles can add warmth and a touch of sophistication to the space.

The Pronto Daintree Maple LVT tile styled with a natural table and neutral armchairs

Wood effect flooring such as the Pronto Daintree Maple LVT can be used on floors to create an inviting atmosphere, balancing the potential coldness that industrial elements, such as exposed brick, can create. Pair these tiles with metal accents and a blend of contemporary and vintage furniture to create the sense of character found in New York loft interiors. Remember, the key to replicating the New York loft style lies in how you combine materials, textures and accessories; using wood effect tiles alongside more industrial elements can contribute to a New York-esque look.

Metal accents

The Inara Coal tile styled in a kitchen and paired with copper fixings and a copper ceiling light

Metal accents are a great way to effortlessly bring the New York loft vibe to your home. To incorporate an industrial feel, pair your tile choice with copper or metal accessories like lamps, bookends, and picture frames. Whether you prefer concrete-style floor tiles, subway tiles, or patterned tiles, the touch of metal accents recreates the aesthetic of New York loft apartments.

Soften the look

To prevent your room from feeling too stark or harsh, add softer textures to your furnishings to keep your room feeling homely. Fabrics like boucle, velvet and worn leather all add a sense of warmth and tactility. Cushions and throws are a fantastic budget-friendly way to add a little cosiness to a room and stop it from feeling too ‘industrial’.

 Alternatively, if a total industrial look is what you’re after, try incorporating smooth monochromatic fabrics or grey tones. This not only creates a cohesive theme throughout the space but also creates a subtle red thread, tying together the elements seamlessly. An industrial-inspired red thread can be achieved through your tile choice; consider opting for tiles that are inspired by raw materials such as concrete effect and brick effect tiles.

Create an airy feel

Brightening your walls is crucial in achieving the perfect New York-inspired look, especially when exposed brick and other industrial elements tend to darken the space.

 Opt for light-coloured paint on your walls and adopt a minimalist approach when it comes to the décor. Choose simple and compact furniture, and incorporate reflective surfaces to enhance natural light if you don’t benefit from the floor-to-ceiling windows characteristic of New York loft apartments. To add an extra layer to your space, consider using white wall tiles such as the Metro White tiles.

The use of light, reflective tiles on the walls will add an extra layer of brightness to the space and contribute to the overall loft aesthetic.

Think creatively about storage techniques

If you have a small room in your home you’re struggling to decorate, taking inspiration from New York-style lofts can be invaluable. Space is often at a premium in apartments, so finding clever ways to utilise high ceilings or storage solutions is brilliant for making your room feel as big as possible. Consider opting for floating shelves or investing in furniture that has a dual- purpose, such as a bookshelf that doubles as a room divider or under-stair storage. This not only enhances the room’s spaciousness but also works to reflect the charm of a New York loft.

 Hopefully, these suggestions have sparked inspiration and given you some good loft-style interior ideas to infuse character into your home. Whether you opt for the industrial look of concrete effect tiles or the warm allure of wood effect tiles, each choice can mimic urban living. So what are you waiting for?

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