Even though mortgage rates and housing supply increased, the regular homeowner is still struggling with achieving the American dream (aka getting your own home).
FACT: home prices continued to surge. As a result, more homeowners are looking for affordable living options. Fortunately, a big house isn’t always the standard for achieving your “American Dream.” But it pays to be wise with your selection, especially if you have children. It’s important to know how to choose the right house for your family.
When searching for a place to live, you come across various residences like apartments, townhouses, and lofts. If you haven’t given them some thought, you should add trend-setting lofts to your must-see list.
Lofts are all the rage right now. But what exactly is a loft apartment?
What is a Loft Apartment?
A loft apartment is a type of apartment that is typically designed as a single, open space. Lofts are usually found in converted industrial buildings or warehouses. Some newer complexes mimic the look and feel of a loft. These housing units started after artists converted abandoned New York warehouses into homes in the 1960s.
Lofts often feature high ceilings with exposed pipes, beams, and brick walls. Bathrooms are typically the only internal spaces that are closed off. They also tend to have an area of around 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, which is bigger than the average area of 600 square feet of studio apartments.
Loft apartments are not apartments with a loft. An apartment with a loft is just a regular apartment with additional living space on the top floor, which is usually only accessible by a ladder.
Why are Loft Apartments Popular?
Loft apartments are popular among young professionals and artists because they offer a unique and stylish living space. If you’re looking for something different from the traditional apartment, a loft might be a good option.
Open Concept
The open concept of these housing units provides flexibility in decorating the space. Open spaces let you separate areas for work and play. A loft apartment also allows you to map out the space however you like. You can create separate living areas using furniture, curtains, or partitions for more space and privacy.
Industrial-Style Architecture
Since loft apartments are located in industrial areas, they have a unique industrial style. The exposed brick and ductwork give the space a stylish look. Lofts are also popular because they are more affordable than other apartments. Their industrial-style finishings keep costs down, which means you can save money on your rent.
Types of Loft Apartments
Loft apartments usually have a large, open floor plan and often have high ceilings. These two characteristics define a loft apartment. However, there can be some variations in these housing units. Here are two different types of loft apartments:
Hard Lofts
Hard lofts are the original loft apartments. They are typically older buildings that have been converted into living spaces. Because they were not designed as apartments from the start, they often lack some amenities you would find in a soft loft.
One benefit of hard lofts is that they often have more charming features, such as exposed brick or beams. They also tend to be more spacious than soft lofts. Hard lofts also have a practical charm that some people find appealing.
One downside of hard lofts is that they can be drafty. The tall, metal-encased windows aren’t always well-insulated. Another potential issue is that parking can be challenging to find since these buildings were not designed with residents in mind.
A hard loft may be for you if you’re looking for a place with charm and character. As long as you’re okay with not having the amenities of a soft loft and good parking, you should be fine.
Soft Lofts
Soft lofts are a type of loft apartment that is becoming increasingly popular. They are designed to mimic the industrial feel of older lofts while providing modern finishes and amenities.
Soft lofts often come with community amenities, such as a gym or a pool. They also usually have upgraded utilities, which can be a significant selling point for some people.
Since soft lofts are intended for residents, they offer bigger storage spaces. Most soft lofts will have closets; some may even come with a pantry.
Another plus is that these homes are usually better insulated than converted warehouses. So, if you’re looking for a loft apartment that has all the modern amenities and features, a soft loft might be a good option for you.
Benefits Of Loft Apartments
A loft apartment offers numerous benefits for anyone looking for a place to live in big cities, such as New York City and other major metropolitan areas. Here are some of their top benefits:
Spacious Living Area
The biggest benefit of living in a loft apartment is the amount of space that you will have. These types of flats are typically huge, offering an open floor plan that gives you plenty of room to move around. Unlike a studio apartment, a loft-style apartment lets you create separate living areas.
Some have high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The large windows allow natural light to flood the apartment, making it feel more spacious. Natural light also offers numerous health benefits. It also gives a larger-than-life feeling to the apartment.
Unique Style
Loft apartments have a style that is different from other apartment types. These apartments are usually located in converted warehouses or factories, which gives them a unique look and feel.
Many loft-style apartments have a modern and industrial style, which is trendy right now. You can also find lofts with a more traditional style from different real estate listings in your area.
No matter your style, you will find a loft apartment that fits your needs. A loft is likely the best option if you are keen on having a one-of-a-kind apartment.
Privacy
Another significant benefit of loft apartments is the privacy that they offer. Unlike other apartments, lofts are typically located on the top floors of buildings, so you will not have to worry about noisy neighbors.
If you have roommates, you can set up partitions to create individual living areas in the open spaces.
Things to Look for in a Loft Apartment
If you plan to live the loft life, consider a few things. Here are the things you should look for when you want to choose the right property for you:
Space
Studio apartments provide limited spaces that can be constricting for many people. On the other hand, a loft apartment offers open floor plans with plenty of room to move around. When you are looking for a loft-style apartment, make sure that you choose one that has enough space to accommodate all your furniture and belongings.
Noise
Depending on its location in the city, noise is among the biggest disadvantages of loft life. If your unit is located above a popular bar or nightclub, be prepared for some noisy nights and weary mornings. If you work odd hours or need complete silence to concentrate, a loft might not be the ideal living situation for you.
But this can also be advantageous if you’re single and looking to mingle. Many people who live in lofts are young professionals who enjoy being in the heart of the action. If you don’t mind a little bit of noise, living in a loft can put you right in the middle of all the excitement.
Utilities
The large windows and high ceilings of lofts can make heating and cooling the unit challenging. So, many lofts come with a higher utility bill. If you’re considering a loft apartment, ask your landlord about their policy on utilities. Are tenants responsible for these bills, or are they included in the total cost of rent?
Decorating a Loft Apartment
The open floor plans of lofts can make decorating a bit of a challenge, but a fun one. The key is to create distinct areas without using walls. Here are some decorating tips to keep in mind:
- Rugs define spaces. Use large area rugs to anchor your furniture and create cozier seating areas. You can also use smaller rugs to define different areas in an open space, like a dining area or home office.
- Furniture placement is also crucial in lofts. Use furniture to create visual barriers between different areas. For example, you might place a couch in front of a window to create a living room space. Or you could use a bookcase to divide the dining and living areas.
- Use lighting to your advantage. Hanging pendant lights or using floor lamps can help to create different areas within the space. You can also use string or fairy lights to add a bit of whimsy and make your loft feel more like home.
With a bit of creativity, you can turn even the most challenging loft space into a stylish and inviting home.
Loft apartments offer a unique and stylish living experience, but there are some things to consider before you commit. Make sure you’re prepared for the higher utility bills that come with them and be creative when decorating your space. With a little effort, you can make any loft feel like home.
