This Gorgeous Loft’s Reno Includes a Swing Chair, a DIY Brick Headboard, and More

published Feb 12, 2024

This Gorgeous Loft’s Reno Includes a Swing Chair, a DIY Brick Headboard, and More

published Feb 12, 2024
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Bedrooms
Square feet

825

Sq ft

825

Product and interior designer Shiva Farrokhi and her husband, Hakhamanesh Mashayekhi, say they cherish entertaining, cooking, and watching movies together, and when it came to making a home together, they wanted “a space that is somewhat playful as well.” In June of 2020, they purchased this loft, located in a DUMBO apartment complex that once was a furniture manufacturing and storage facility, “just as the pandemic was unfolding.” Not great timing, considering they decided they would also need to do a “comprehensive renovation.”

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Credit: Erin Derby
"My favorite element in our space is our gallery wall, which showcases a collection of memories and art collected throughout the years and truly reflects our identity and culture. It really is a conversation starter and every time new guests come to our home they ask about each piece on the wall."

The layout and some of the interior finishes were the most in need of updating, but after not being able to find a contractor in the early pandemic, they decided to tackle the project themselves “with the assistance of a handyman, his team, and a friend skilled in IKEA kitchen installations.”

Credit: Erin Derby
"One of the pieces in our home that we love is a mural by my friend Sisi Rescht based on one of her illustrations titled 'Hanging In.' This mural was edited to reflect our Iranian heritage," Shiva writes.

Shiva continues describing their home’s transformation: “After persistent negotiations, we managed to secure a one-month window from our building board to carry out the necessary work. I was responsible for the design and had meticulously planned everything using Rhino, a 3D modeling software. But, there was a language barrier with our handyman, so I resorted to crafting cardboard models from Amazon boxes to help convey my design concepts more effectively.”

Credit: Shiva Farrokhi

“Our primary objective was to transform our living space significantly without delving into the complexities of permits or architects. Within that one-month timeframe, our handyman undertook essential tasks such as demolishing the kitchen and selected walls, constructing new ones, refinishing the floors, upgrading the bathroom with a new toilet, fixtures, and vanity, and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. All other enhancements were introduced gradually.”

Credit: Erin Derby
Sormeh, a 5-year-old Persian cat, is a new addition to the couple's family.

When it came to decorating the space after the larger renovations, the couple was inspired by both where they are from and where they live now. “We are both from Iran and have been living in the U.S. for the past 10 years. So there are a lot of cultural elements in our home that are brought from Iran or are bought/created with that aesthetic in mind. From jewel tone colors, to Persian rugs, and even a miniature Alam, which is cultural element used for a religious event in Iran (I’m not religious at all, just liked how it looks),” she writes. “We also call New York our home now and in our apartment there are red bricks, black frame windows, and use of wood and subway tile to reflect our city/neighborhood.” 

Resources

Credit: Erin Derby

ENTRY

Credit: Erin Derby

LIVING ROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

DINING ROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

KITCHEN

Credit: Erin Derby

BEDROOM

Credit: Erin Derby

OFFICE

Credit: Erin Derby

BATHROOM

Thanks Shiva and Hakhamanesh!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.