Derrick’s Organized Downtown Los Angeles Loft

Name: Derrick Johnson
Location: Downtown, Los Angeles, California

How did I end up in Downtown Los Angeles? It was all by chance while meeting a friend for lunch. We saw a sign that said loft tours and this loft was the first and last loft on that tour. I instantly fell in love. Its openness, natural light and historical details are the reasons why, five years later, I’m still proud to call Downtown Los Angeles my home.

My name is Derrick Johnson and I’m a professional organizer and lifestyle expert. I transform spaces through organizing and design for my clients through my company Dare To Be Domestic. My 975 square foot loft is located in the Old Bank District of Los Angeles. It has one semi private bedroom and a 2nd floor creative space with outdoor private rooftop terrace.

When I first moved into the loft my original idea was to create a clutter free and minimal space but that soon fell to the wayside as I started introducing vintage, reclaimed and reimagined furnishings — and I haven’t stopped. I’d best describe my space as comfy rustic modernism with a worldly twist as I have incorporated lots of unexpected textures not normally found in such an industrial space. Every item plays an important part of the feel of the loft from its silk chandelier to its denim custom sofa I designed.

My favorite part of my home is the dining area with its industrial shelves I found at a goodwill and white porcelain dish collection. It was the first room I purchased furnishings for and feels the most like my style – a vibrant mix of new and found with a little sprinkle of Ikea (the dining chairs).

The upstairs office is the one area I allow to get a little messy because it’s where I keep all my books, design samples and product prototypes which includes a large Lucite calendar I designed to keep this organizer organized. It’s one of my favorite pieces in the space.

I believe great design evokes a feeling the moment you step into a room. It should tells a story of the future and the pass while never leaving out the part about you!

Thanks, Derrick Johnson!

• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour & House Call Submission Form.