As a lifelong design enthusiast and serial homeowner, I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of transforming spaces and making them my own. When my family and I stumbled upon our Greek Revival brick townhouse in the historic section of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for – a chance to put my skills to the test and create the ultimate loft-inspired oasis.
Tackling the Asymmetrical Dilemma
The first obstacle I faced was the asymmetrical layout of the home’s back elevation. While the left side of the house extended a full 58 feet, the right side was only 42 feet deep. This quirky design quirk threw a wrench in my initial vision of a sprawling, open-concept kitchen with floor-to-ceiling metal casement windows.
Undeterred, I dove headfirst into the problem-solving process, scouring Pinterest for inspiration and collaborating closely with the lead architect, Ana, on the team at Elizabeth Roberts’ office. After weeks of deliberation, we landed on a clever solution – turning the kitchen into an L-shaped layout that would fully utilize the extended left wing while still maintaining the natural light and connection to the outdoor terrace.
As Athena Calderone shared on Eye-Swoon, “The kitchen would occupy the entire back of the house, almost as an L-shape. The eastern expanse of the kitchen would extend all the way down that longer extension. The powder room would be tucked away at the end of the hallway, and beside it would sit a large-scale window with a floating desk within the window frame.”
Honoring the Home’s Historic Charm
While the asymmetrical layout presented a unique challenge, I was equally determined to preserve the home’s historic character and charm. Thankfully, the parlor floor had managed to retain several original details, including two marble fireplaces, ornate mirrors, 13-foot ceilings with an intricate medallion, and dramatic pocket doors.
However, my husband, Victor, was adamant about removing the dividing wall between the stairwell and the main living space, feeling it was necessary to maximize the home’s dramatic girth and open up the floor plan. This decision meant sacrificing the pocket doors, but I knew it was a necessary compromise to achieve the airy, loft-like feel we were after.
As one Redditor described, “It’s almost like a mashup of a home reno show and Mythbusters – using more engineering to solve home organization/space problems rather than a full cosmetic renovation.”
Curating the Perfect Blend of Old and New
With the architectural bones of the home settled, I turned my attention to the fun part – curating the perfect blend of old and new to create our dream loft-inspired oasis. I dove headfirst into a Pinterest frenzy, pinning relentlessly to mood boards for each room, determined to strike the right balance between the home’s historic charm and my modern, bohemian sensibilities.
For the parlor floor, I envisioned a space that would seamlessly merge classic elegance with unexpected, eclectic touches. Plush, tufted furniture would sit alongside clean-lined mid-century modern pieces, while antique mirrors and vintage lighting would nod to the home’s past. The goal was to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that felt both timeless and thoroughly 21st-century.
As Parachute Home advises, “The key to styling your most relaxing sleeping chamber is carefully selecting the basics and then complementing them with tasteful, tranquil accents.”
Mastering the Kitchen Design
Of course, no loft-inspired renovation would be complete without a show-stopping kitchen. I was determined to create a space that embodied the perfect balance of form and function, seamlessly blending the home’s historic bones with modern, industrial-chic flair.
Drawing inspiration from the asymmetrical layout, I envisioned an L-shaped kitchen that would maximize the available square footage while still maintaining a sense of openness and flow. At ABC Home, our team of experts would work closely with me to ensure the design was not only visually stunning but also highly practical and efficient.
For the finishes, I gravitated towards a neutral color palette of whites, grays, and blacks, punctuated by matte black hardware and industrial-inspired lighting. The oversized kitchen island would become the heart of the space, providing ample surface area for meal prep, casual dining, and impromptu gatherings with friends and family.
A Sanctuary of Calm and Comfort
As I move through the design process, I’m constantly mindful of creating a sanctuary of calm and comfort – a space that not only looks beautiful but also nourishes the soul. In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, the bedroom has become a true oasis, a place to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves.
Parachute Home emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting bedroom essentials, from the high-quality mattress and sturdy bed frame to the luxurious bedding and soothing lighting. By investing in these foundational elements, we can craft a space that truly supports our well-being and promotes restful, restorative sleep.
As I continue to design each room in our townhouse, I’m constantly balancing functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that every detail serves a purpose while also contributing to the overall harmony and beauty of the space. It’s a delicate dance, but one that I relish, knowing that the end result will be a truly transformative loft-inspired oasis that we can call home.
Embracing the Journey
The process of renovating and designing our townhouse has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride – filled with both challenges and triumphs, moments of frustration and pure exhilaration. But through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the journey, to see each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and creativity.
As Athena Calderone so eloquently put it, “I let my excitement get the best of me… I just couldn’t help but begin thinking about the overall vibe and palette of the home.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I too find myself constantly drawn to the allure of décor and finishes, even as the architectural foundations are still being laid.
Yet, I’ve learned to temper my enthusiasm with a healthy dose of pragmatism and patience, recognizing that the true magic happens when form and function are seamlessly combined. It’s a delicate balance, to be sure, but one that I’m committed to mastering as I continue to transform this historic townhouse into our dream loft-inspired home.
So, as I embark on the next phase of this renovation journey, I do so with a renewed sense of determination, creativity, and joy. I know that the road ahead may be winding and unpredictable, but I’m embracing the challenge, confident that the end result will be a space that not only reflects our unique vision but also nourishes our souls for years to come.
