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Comfortable Downtown Loft

Inviting sitting areas, lots of large windows, and eclectic artwork make this a wonderful home.

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  • Downtown Comfort

    Unlike the rest of Ben's loft the master bedroom is enclosed with walls for privacy. A serene color scheme of golds and beiges sets a restful mood. A built-in deck housing the tub elevates it just enough to provide an impressive view of the skyline. Four large windows softened with sheer cafe curtains flood this master bath with natural light. Primping and keeping an eye on the weather are both possible with these mirrored panels extending from the vanity to the ceiling.

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Q: Your concrete floors are top-notch. What's the trick to warming them up?

I covered the floors with a warmer gray latex paint and then waxed them several times. The wash of color, rather than a stain or polyurethane, is more environmentally friendly with less fumes and odors. For the sitting areas, I threw down rugs to create some softness underfoot.

Q: You have a great mix of traditional and contemporary things. Is that hard to pull off?

I already had about 50% of the furnishings, and in this space I challenged myself to use them in different ways and in different rooms. That's the thing: Hold onto what you like, sell or toss what you don't, and add from there. Don't make preset rules, only to be limited by them. I enjoy using furniture pieces that have a double-duty purpose because they allow an open space to function as the situation calls.

Q: Got a favorite piece?

The painting hanging above the first sitting area as you walk through the front door. The space needed a large element to tie it together. It reminds me of a cross between a cityscape and an abstract. Because I pulled the colors into the rest of the room, the painting doesn't overwhelm the space.

For some furniture, I liked the shapes and lines, but I didn't care much for their upholstery, so I slipcovered various chairs. Besides being easy to clean, slipcovers are a great way to establish a comfortable, relaxed look.

 

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