The term "loft" gets thrown around quite often to describe high-rise urban, residential buildings. Recently, we have been fascinated with unconventional loft conversions, such as abandoned fire stations, barns, and churches. We have a deep obsession for the history of the buildings and their strong architectural features.
We can try to make our place look worn in and old, but it just isn't the same to living in a place that has aged 100 or more years. The architectural elements of the old buildings carry so much visual interest that they become the design of the home or at least a very strong design inspiration. We could spend hours viewing every little detail of the featured loft photos.
We would love for you to indulge us with inspiration if you live in a converted building that is now your residence. What was your home's former glory and what are your favorite features of the loft?
Top Row:
- Abandoned Warehouse Space in Brooklyn, New York, designed by Ochs Design: We will admit that we are first drawn to the masterpiece of the draping fabric bed. The softness of the fabric in contrast to the raw brick and beams seals the deal for us.
- Converted Church into a Residence Located in the Netherlands: The rib vault ceiling is an architectural feature that we would give anything for.
- Stable Conversion Loft in Brussels: Lofts are generally cold in the sense that they have hard materials and have sharp lines. For us, the large round window and the arched entryways bring a level of softness to the home.
- Converted Chapel in the Netherlands: We are intrigued by the uniqueness to live in an old chapel.
- Converted Chapel in the Netherlands: This kitchen is so stunning and minimalistic, yet we love the touch of the stained glass windows.
Bottom Row:
- Amersterdam Loft by Uxus design: We love all the exposed beams and how each room is separated by drapery.
- Converted Chapel in the Netherlands: All we can say is, wow. We imagine having a house party and playing music on the organ, imagine the fun you could have.
- Converted Chapel in the Netherlands: The entryway to the loft is symbolic and makes quite a statement.
(Images: Ochs Design, Zecc, Uxus Design)
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WOW.
So want to live in an old chapel.
I love old unique houses...one day I'll live in one of them, even if it will be a small one...
When I was in college I worked at the China Seas fabric showroom and the owner had a church to house conversion that was amazing and have been obsessed since.
I love the first picture I don't think I would ever get out of bed.
some more-
http://www.oldchurchhouse.co.uk/
missed the opp to buy this, yes in my dreams-
http://boingboing.net/2009/05/19/for-sale-san-francis.html
Hi LoriSF - thanks for sharing the photos. Wow!
I live in Brooklyn...how does one just move in and start renovating an abandoned space?
I don't like churches, can't imagine living in one... but I might change my mind if it comes with an organ. so cool.
Kipi - Renovating an abandoned place can take a lot of work, but if you have a vision it is worth it. The first step I would take is to clean the place. Then start developing ideas for the new home. Usually former commercial spaces are rather large, so don't worry if your furniture looks sparse in the given square footage. Locate electrical outlets and plumbing pipes, this will dictate where your kitchen and bathrooms are located. Then work your way into laying out the living areas.
Do you have a place in mind? I would love to see photos.
If I could live in that loft, I would totally move to Amsterdam.
lovvvvvvvvvvve all of these.
The idea of living in a chapel scares the crap out of me. It's absolutely beautiful during the day, with the sunlight and you know, other things, but at night? Let's be real. That's creepy.
I would give just about anything to convert an old firehouse into a loft. I'll be honest - I stole the idea from the Princess Diaries.
@ekg0123: indeed. Windows are a two-edged sword, and putting sheers over those windows would totally ruin the look.
Add to that the fact that as a formerly-super-indoctrinated Baptist child, current atheist adult, this feels at once sacrilegious and creepy. Religion's been behind most of humanity's killin' and oppressin', after all, and a church is a place of worship, not watching football with your feet up.
That first one, oh my god. My heart is racing. Is it for rent? I'd offer up my first born to the landlord.
Love the converted chapels and churches, but I wonder how much they pay for heating..
Yep, I wonder that, too, Lamina. I see those gorgeous high ceilings and all I can think about is how heat rises . . . .
Love the chapel, though that's way too much white for me. I think you'd greatly reduce the creepiness of the space if you had a wood floor--instant warmth and comfort. Right now, it's beautiful but cold, cold, cold.
It would take a special someone to make an old structure like a church or an old school feel like a home. But when it's done right, I love it! Marcia certainly was correct when she mentioned that before you even begin such a project, you need to look at the basic structure, such as the plumbing, electrical and heating to see if you have a suitable building block.
I agree with thorndale, churches really creep me out.
The first picture is my dream bedroom - literally, it's as if it was lifted from my dreams. But looking at the rest of the place on the designer's website, I'm not gone on it. Although I'm kind of relieved all my dreams aren't so raidable...
The Amersterdam Loft by Uxus design (1st pic in 2nd row) is my favorite! So moody and dreamy with all the drapery blocking off the seperate spaces. I love!
I know it's just a typo "The rib FAULT ceiling is an architectural feature that we would give anything for.", but people will repeat "misses", i.e., chester drawers, clearstory windows, etc. etc. I know it's not your vault!!!
The copious use of white in the converted churches and chapels just bothers me. These spaces are meant to exude warmth and mystery. Painting them all white and then leaving in the stained glass just makes both elements look out of place. I think that a church conversion could work, but it requires particularly gentle handling. These church-house conversions just don't seem to respect the original. The whole point of them seems to be about being able to say oh look at our rib vaulted ceiling.
Another church to loft transformation for your viewing pleasure.
http://www.behance.net/Gallery/st_-saviours/127853