Michael’s “Comfortable Modern” Rowan Building Loft

Written by

Marcia Prentice
Marcia Prentice
Marcia is an interior, portrait, and travel photographer and has photographed over 50 homes of creatives. Her photographic style is capturing her subject in the most natural state and creating an emotional response.
updated Apr 14, 2019
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Name: Michael Francesconi
Location: Downtown — Los Angeles, California
Size: 1,000 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years

Michael’s home is not just another run-of the mill downtown space. While It is common to find concrete floors and industrial modern style furnishings in lofts, Michael has balanced out his space by incorporating color, built-ins, and unexpected furniture choices. I feel like visitors could easily forget that they are in a loft because the overall vibe feels more like a comfortable house!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Comfortably Modern

Inspiration: About 9 years of loft living in Downtown Los Angeles

Favorite Element: The floor to ceiling brick. I knew this was my home the moment I saw the brick.

Biggest Challenge: There was very little shelf space when I bought the loft, which is where the built-ins came in.

What Friends Say: Can’t say for sure, but it’s a constant place of gathering.

Biggest Embarrassment: I hear the window shades are transparent at night …

Proudest DIY: Less DIY and more found-art, the tumbleweed wire sculpture I found on the side of the road – it’s been with me for half a decade.

Biggest Indulgence: No question, the couch. An old girlfriend helped me design it — 7 feet, extra deep, goose down and royal blue velvet. I love it.

Best Advice: A glass dining table. You’ve got to be extra conscious of visible space in a 1-bedroom loft. The dining room table I ended up with hosts 10 and doesn’t hog the space a bit.

Dream Source: Long standing coveter of all things Cisco Brothers. New found fan of Croft House on La Brea. And if I could bring anyone in to handle it all, I’d love to let Miguel and Sherry Nelson of Marvimon and Smog Shoppe have at it.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources of Note:

APPLIANCES

  • Bosch Range and Microwave
  • KitchenAid Fridge
  • Bosch Washer/Dryer

HARDWARE

  • Scavolini Cabinetry
  • John Boos Kitchen Island
  • Toto Plumbing Fixtures

FURNITURE

  • Custom Couch from Sofa Co.
  • Tufted Chairs from Craigslist
  • Dining Room Table from Calligaris
  • Eames Chairs
  • Bedside Table from Blueprint

ACCESSORIES

  • Wire Ball from side of the road
  • Typewriters from family

BEDROOM

  • Bed from Blueprint

FLOORING

  • Hardwood Floors
  • Essenza Porcelain Tile

PAINT

  • Benjamin Moore China White
  • Benjamin Moore Decorators White
  • Benjamin Moore Graphite
  • Benjamin Moore Chalkboard

LIGHTING

  • Pendants from Lamp Expo
  • Table Lamp from Blueprint

OTHER

  • Bedding by Matteo Home
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks Michael!

Images: Evan Koester

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