A loft style house is a dwelling that features a wide open floor plan, high ceilings, and large windows. Originally created during the transformation of industrial spaces to low-income housing, lofts have gained popularity for their style and open feeling. A loft style house can be a great choice for anyone who dislikes heavy wall divisions and prefers to live in a common space, either alone or with other housemates.
The term loft was originally used to describe an attic-like space or top story that was directly below the main roof of a house or structure. Since these lofts weren't meant to be a main living space, they were frequently oddly shaped or proportioned, making wall divisions impossible or ungainly. When industrial buildings were converted to apartments, minimal changes and adaptations lead to the creating of loft apartments, which featured few walls and sat under the high roofs of warehouses and industrial factories. The loft style house grew out of the popularity of these apartments, particularly among those who enjoy openness in interior design .
This style of house has become a landmark of contemporary design styles. Since loft apartments were first popularized by artistic communities in large cities, the style has become characterized by urban design and heavily influenced by modern and urban art styles. The lack of walls and divisions allows for large, customizable spaces, suitable for both regular furniture and large displays of sculpture, art installations, or large design pieces.
Most of the time, a loft style house is a regular house that is built or converted to resemble a large loft apartment, but the term can also be used to describe a house that has a loft level below the roof. These houses may resemble regular homes on the ground floors, with typical wall divisions between rooms, but also contain a top level that is open and has the typical features of a loft. Many people use the loft level as a master or guest bedroom. Some also turn the loft into an office or studio, while using the ground level for daily living spaces.
Loft houses are frequently found in or near large cities, since the style embraces urban architecture and city design aesthetics. Some building firms offer loft style house plans for custom-built homes, or specialize in converting regular homes into lofts. To find a loft style house nearby, contact real estate agents or architecture firms for local information, or try searching online for nearby examples.