Practical meets chic.
Fun fact: lofts were originally conceived in the 60s, when urban planners of cosmopolitan cities like New York wanted to repurpose industrial spaces into modern apartments. These days, the term “loft” is much more encompassing, broadly referring to high-ceiling studio apartments including those in newly built residential projects.
And although the difference between a loft and a shoebox apartment may seem like just a few square metres of extra floor area on a mezzanine level, the airiness and added usable space cannot be understated.
Here are 8 homes that demonstrate this well:
1. This sleek loft in Woodleigh that leverages vertical space
One of the most common methods to maximise space in a small home is to utilise vertical space. But the owners of this Woodleigh loft have (literally) taken things to a whole other level by having built-in storage units stretching all the way to their double-height ceiling.
Aside from serving as a living room feature wall, it also eliminates the need for a store room, so much so that this tiny 66 sqm apartment can now accommodate 2 study and 3 sleeping areas!
2. A Japanese-style condo in Yio Chu Kang with furnishings that double as storage
While this apartment in Yio Chu Kang may be twice the size of a regular loft, it incorporates ideas that can be used in tiny lofts as well.
For one, its dining bench pulls double duty with storage units beneath. We also love that it’s seamlessly connected to the built-in cabinets under the stairs and all the way to the kitchen countertop. The result? A clean, minimalist MUJI aesthetic we can most certainly appreciate.
Heading upstairs, you’ll find that the owners have carved out a hobby area in the form of a jamming studio, for which the mezzanine is just the right size.
3. This uber-contemporary loft in Queenstown with full-length glass panels
Simple yet sophisticated, this next loft epitomises contemporary interior design. From the bedroom on the lower floor to the study on the mezzanine floor, we love how glass walls are used in place of concrete ones, giving the apartment a bright and airy feel as natural light floods the entire space.
This is then paired with choice furnishings/fittings for an uncluttered, cosy and classy home, all wrapped in one!
4. This sleek monochrome loft in Sengkang with pull-out furnishings
Most lofts in Singapore come with little square footage, which is why the right furnishings can go a long way in maximising space.
Case in point: this apartment’s dining table that can be pulled out from the kitchen island for meals, and stowed away to give its owner the extra space when not in use.
Further in, a warm wood aesthetic is used to differentiate the private areas from the communal spaces with impressive subtlety. You’ll also find a walk-in wardrobe directly under the mezzanine, which goes to show that with proper space planning, you can in fact fit everything you need/want in a loft!
5. A cosy loft in Kampong Glam with a dedicated chill out zone
These photos may look like that of a spacious landed home, but we guarantee that it’s a 70 sqm loft in Kampong Glam.
Here, you’ll find a mix of reflective and woody surfaces for the best of both contemporary luxe and homey vibes, along with the illusion of space that the well-placed mirror behind the sofa brings.
Up on the mezzanine, a swing chair is suspended from the ceiling, which sports bare concrete and exposed piping for a gritty industrial touch. Now this is where you’d want to spend a chill weekend afternoon.
6. A soothing loft in Clementi that plays with negative space
You’ve heard the saying that less is more. Well, this condo in the West sure proves it.
Notice how the cabinetry is not at all uniformed, with a seemingly random arrangement of open and closed shelving, as well as shelves of different shapes and sizes for visual interest.
The ceiling is also fitted with black steel beams to match the staircase and black cabinet laminates for continuity, and you’ll find heaps of negative space that, when combined with the double-height windows, give the home a really spacious feel.
7. An urban oasis in a condo that’s called… Urban Oasis
In this loft in Geylang, you’ll find potted plants, a Yucca tree and even plants hanging on the grate of the mezzanine floor. Call it a coincidence or being true to its name, but this condo happens to be named Urban Oasis! What are the odds?
But of course, the mezzanine does more than just keep plants. It also houses the owners’ study and… let’s see if you can spot it: a projector!
P.S. there’s a pull-down screen that’s housed within the feature wall, for when the TV just won’t cut it!
8. This charming loft in East Coast that looks like it came out of Architectural Digest
If you’re wondering whether this is a multi-million dollar apartment in New York or Paris, you’re not alone. Boasting (really tall) wainscoted walls, a chandelier that looks like something from The Great Gatsby and more, we’re getting major mid-century luxe vibes from this loft at Marine Parade.
Another interesting thing to note is that virtually every wall is a feature wall with detailing or wallpaper that you won’t find elsewhere in the house. Each space is thus unique, yet they all come together nicely and elegantly – a design feat that isn’t easy to achieve!
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