True Loft or Soft Loft - To Be or Not to Be
Today, Lofts are springing up everywhere! Some in the most unlikely places, however, with the price tag we're seeing today for some units, size and price aren't exactly likely to match up in all fairness.
We've seen a plethora of awesome lofts in development. Then we develop an urge to go check them out. Most are small, under 900 sq. feet (about the size of my first apartment when I got of college) and quite charming. Perhaps enough room to store 1 and 1/2 people. Not quite two to be absolutely comfortable. Most are Soft Lofts with a one bedroom and a seemingly open floor plan. It might as well be an apartment. Some of the floor plans I've seen, layout like my first apartment, it definitely wasn't a loft. However, if we upgraded the amenities (like an updated bathroom, kitchen, and maybe stripped the floors of carpet to hardwood or concrete), could we then change it from apartment to loft?
It has always been the True Loft that has inspired me to the point of no return. In essence, an old building with many years of having a previous life as some form of business and the amount of space is massive compared to what we see in Soft Lofts. For the truest of all Lofts, the "True Loft" the renovation of your now livable habitat was done by you along with the help of some good friends. Or the help of a great architect and designer that knows your personality. When people walk in, they should feel like they know you. Even if you weren't inside the space.
But today, out of convenience, most people are charmed simply by the word Loft. Let's face it, its fashionable and trendy. However when I hear the word loft, I'm inclined to know the history of the building. Build the story of it's charm. It certainly adds to its character. When I visit a loft space, I like to find surprises like bricked up doorways and windows from its previous life. Features of the original business left behind, intercoms sprinklers systems, exposed duct work, secret doors and cabinets. The most obvious, the challenge it overcame to become livable. The pride of knowing my space is uniquely different from everyone else's. If you're a True Loft lover, you won't mind paying a price for all that charm.
How to Decide Which is Right For You?
If you're lucky enough to catch one of the Loft Tours you'll get a great overview; although, there are many different lofts styles in between, how does one decide which is the right one for their lifestyle? Below are a few rules of thumb to help in your decision making process:
Soft Loft Suitors
True Loft Suitors
We've seen a plethora of awesome lofts in development. Then we develop an urge to go check them out. Most are small, under 900 sq. feet (about the size of my first apartment when I got of college) and quite charming. Perhaps enough room to store 1 and 1/2 people. Not quite two to be absolutely comfortable. Most are Soft Lofts with a one bedroom and a seemingly open floor plan. It might as well be an apartment. Some of the floor plans I've seen, layout like my first apartment, it definitely wasn't a loft. However, if we upgraded the amenities (like an updated bathroom, kitchen, and maybe stripped the floors of carpet to hardwood or concrete), could we then change it from apartment to loft?
It has always been the True Loft that has inspired me to the point of no return. In essence, an old building with many years of having a previous life as some form of business and the amount of space is massive compared to what we see in Soft Lofts. For the truest of all Lofts, the "True Loft" the renovation of your now livable habitat was done by you along with the help of some good friends. Or the help of a great architect and designer that knows your personality. When people walk in, they should feel like they know you. Even if you weren't inside the space.
But today, out of convenience, most people are charmed simply by the word Loft. Let's face it, its fashionable and trendy. However when I hear the word loft, I'm inclined to know the history of the building. Build the story of it's charm. It certainly adds to its character. When I visit a loft space, I like to find surprises like bricked up doorways and windows from its previous life. Features of the original business left behind, intercoms sprinklers systems, exposed duct work, secret doors and cabinets. The most obvious, the challenge it overcame to become livable. The pride of knowing my space is uniquely different from everyone else's. If you're a True Loft lover, you won't mind paying a price for all that charm.
How to Decide Which is Right For You?
If you're lucky enough to catch one of the Loft Tours you'll get a great overview; although, there are many different lofts styles in between, how does one decide which is the right one for their lifestyle? Below are a few rules of thumb to help in your decision making process:
Soft Loft Suitors
- If you are not handy with home improvements, do not opt for the True Loft. True Lofts require quite a bit of dedication. It will generally not have the most pristine features for standard living accommodations and require some ingenuity on your part to make it right for you. You are better suited for a Soft Loft that has everything completed and already in its place. More like apartment style living.
- You're single and loving it and you don't require much space because it's just you and the occasional date. This could be the perfect solution for you. When the toilet gets backed up, the maintenance crew could be there before you date arrives and all will be well.
- Empty Nesters who have decided to downsize their living accommodations and are comfortable with the basics. Seniors are now giving up that house in Florida for a retirement life that's a bit more swank and carefree.
- If you want it pretty maintenance free other than the occasional cooking, cleaning, and bathing yourself, You are a Soft Loft Suitor!
True Loft Suitors
- You dedicated yourself to creating the loft of your dreams. Meaning, you don't care how the space comes as long as it has the features you were after. You'll handle the rest. You spent countless days looking for this characteristic abode. Now that you found it, you can't wait to get your hands dirty making it your own. Where as, you are handy with home improvements, or at least, know someone who is. True Lofts are a labor of love. Check out the book The Urban Loft: Creating A Dream Space In The City by Martin Myers
- You're drawn by the additional possibilities. Perhaps this Loft solution is a Live+Work space for you. I'm not speaking of the occasional work at home person who can safely work from the comforts of bed. But you need an office, work space, and your clientele drops in for business. What could be more fun than owning a loft that serves a dual purpose? With the cost of crude oil these days, the short commute would be awesome!
- Creativity and ingenuity is a must! In a True Loft, creating storage solutions and developing a craft for doing the conventional with the unconventional will be your biggest challenge. You basically have to envision walls where walls are invisible. There will be design challenges that will push you to the limit. Space planning will become your new project. After all you want your loft to look cool and represent you and your style. Do something different that sets your loft apart from any other loft. Choose a theme, to get your design juices flowing.
- If you've got the guts to take on True Loft, "Ready, Set, Go!"
