Want that NYC loft vibe in your loft apartment? You can achieve it using these 9 ridiculously easy urban loft ideas. So be prepared to create your dream urban loft apartment!
With all those beautiful NYC lofts & condos popping up on our feed every day, it’s understandable that we want to replicate that same interior.
It might seem like a struggle at first, but with the help of this handy guide, you’re guaranteed to achieve that chic, youthful urban loft design you’re striving for. So
So if you’re ready to create, keep reading because these 9 simple ideas are all you need to get the look right!
01. Industrial touches lay the foundation for an authentic design
An authentic urban loft has to include some edgy, industrial details. The strong lines, moody tones & firm structures an industrial loft apartment provides is a great foundation for an urban interior style.
So make sure you have some leather & metallic furniture in your loft design, as well as some wood accents & concrete floors! A leather sectional, leather accent armchairs, metal bar stools, a metal & wood shelf for extra storage, weathered wood kitchen cabinets & dining table are all great examples that set that urban vibe perfectly!
Exposed pipes & beams are also highly recommended because of their strong characteristics. And if you can, try to ditch a glass staircase. Instead, opt for metal handrails!
Would rather try industrial for your loft? Read & learn 10 extremely simple steps you can take to create the most authentic industrial loft design ever!
02. Use a neutral color theme with just a pop of moodiness
Since urban incorporates both an industrial & a contemporary, cozier style, it’s important to merge together some of their basic characteristics. And in our case, mixing a neutral color theme that contemporary uses with the moody color palette of industrial is what will take your loft interior to the next level!
And here’s how you do that effortlessly: use the neutral color palette as a foundation, and the moodier one as a complementary.
Use neutral colors for your essential pieces of furniture (sofa, area rug, armchairs, headboard & armchairs) & dark greens, copper, velvety emerald, dark black & deep reds for the details. These could be decorative items on your coffee table, throw blankets & pillows, bedding, kitchen cabinets or smaller pieces of furniture like an ottoman, chairs or a table lamp. So easy is that!
03. Lend personality to each area – but keep a continuous design
For an urban loft, you’ll need to include your personality into each area. This means that you’ll want to introduce as many personal items as you can! Not only those of emotional value, like framed photos or gifts from loved ones, but those that represent your own unique style as well!
Prop a skateboard onto the wall, display your record collection or show your funky taste in decor with a colorful gallery wall. However whatever you do, you’ll have to introduce the color, the shape or the material of your “personality items” into other areas as well. This is purely to keep a continuous design.
Here’s an example: you go with a hot pink lip shape throw pillow. To create a flowy, harmonious loft design, you can buy a modern abstract area rug for your kitchen that -among other colors- has hot pink in it. Or get a hot pink acrylic chair for your vanity table upstairs.
04. Create a strong focal point in an urban way
What’s beautiful about this very unique interior design style, is that it lets you mix & match other styles how you see fit. And this is one thing that you should definitely take advantage of!
Loft apartments look best if there’s a strong focal point. This is because a well-curated, closed down point will create the illusion of a less open space. And which area could serve you more, than your living area? It grabs the attention naturally, all because of its central location.
Here’s how to create an accentuated focal point effortlessly! First, you’ll want a an industrial chandelier with strong wood & metal details. Then, you’ll want to create a mixed composition of industrial & contemporary items on your coffee table.
For a great contrast that draws attention, have both strongly structured decorative items & items with softer outlines as well! Hammered metal containers & decorative jacks look absolutely stunning when paired with a bead garland & a faux shagreen leather box!
If you have a leather sofa, accessorize it with fluffy, plush throw pillows & vica versa. And you’ve just created the most perfect mix of styles for your urban loft!
05. Have multiple accents
When it comes to accents, there’s simply not enough in an urban loft! Introduce a new set of colors, patterns or materials into your loft design bravely & frequently! This simple idea will captivate the eyes so easily, visually reducing the openness of your space!
Whether it’s a colorful or patterned accent wall, a thoughtfully decorated console table wiht quirky items, a beautiful mirror & accent chair in a corner or a huge stoneware vase with a small tree, you won’t be able to get your eyes off of the outcome!
06. Ditch simple shapes -be bold & structured
Here’s one of the most basic principles of an urban loft that’s not to be underestimated! That is, to forget about simple shapes & clean lines!
You’ll want as much structure & unique shapes as possible. Get a firm storage rack in the corner, an asymmetrical accent table, funky vases or an oddly shaped rug. If you think outside of the box though, you’ll find a whole new word of irregular furniture to ditch your boring regular furniture for!
07. Include a little bit of softness as well -introduce cozy spots
The previous tip was all about structure & firmness. But that’s not what urban is restricted to! In fact, there have to be multiple cozy spots for a harmoniously contrasting loft design!
Just a hint of coziness will pull together your home decor so nicely! Go with a fluffy area rug, get an upholstered armchair & work with soft materials on your sofa.
Just don’t go overboard! If you tone down the strong characteristics too much, you’ll be left with an uncohesive, tacky design. And that can really take a toll on how put-together you perceive your space.
08. Choose lighting that makes a statement
The importance of lighting is not talked about enough when it comes to an urban loft. But your choice of lighting is essentially what is going to either make or break the look!
Instead of a basic pendant light for your living area, choose a statement chandelier with metal & wooden details that instantly grab the eyes. Preferably with multiple lights! These could all be great choices!
Try multiple lights floor lamps, as well as ones with industrial metal shades, or double base ones instead of a regular floor lamp that has no personality & provides no excitement. Wall sconces also look super good, and basically any type would fit your urban loft!
09. Bring your own jungle to life
And now, the final touch: create an indoor jungle of potted plants! Not only are they super beneficial for your health, but they also put the cherry on top!
Doesn’t matter if you want to hang them or put them onto window sills or in a corner, they’ll provide both fresh air & some excitement for the eyes!
Not really your style? Check out the 8 most suitable interior design styles for a loft apartment & choose whichever speaks to you most!
