One of our favorite elements of the design process is re-imaging each space we work with to create a new meaning and purpose for its inhabitants. Today’s virtual tour of a recent project is the perfect expression of that idea, and we can’t wait to share the lessons we learned throughout the process.

You may recognize our Midcentury Loft Remodel from Episode 2 Season 2 of our new show “Dream Home Makeover,” now live on Netflix.

Looking to transform an old workshop into a live-able, functional space, our clients wanted to infuse their love for the midcentury modern style into an open-concept suite. With careful space planning, our team created a studio-like apartment complete with all the essentials.

Here’s how we incorporated intentionally sized pieces, grounding materials, and contrasting silhouettes to bring this small space to life:

We’d like to thank our partners at Caesarstone, The Shade Store, Killowen Cabinet Co. Hallmark Floors, Benjamin Moore, Kohler Co., Lemco Design, Metrie, Marvin Windows, Monogram, Rock Solid Granite, Target, Ann Sacks, and Rejuvenation for helping us make this project possible.

Design Lesson No. 1: Large pieces can make small spaces feel bigger

While it may seem counterintuitive, large pieces can actually make a small space feel bigger by allowing the eye to rest on visual focal points.

Adding large statement pieces through wall decor is a simple way to bring a streamlined feeling to a small area, creating the illusion of a larger space.

In this project, we used one of our favorite large art pieces in the bedroom, a large photo print over the console in the living space, and a leaning mirror in the living space. These pieces helped bring a cohesive feeling to the room, while multiple smaller wall decor pieces could have distracted the visual plane.

Design Lesson No. 2: Rugs are a fool-proof way to ground an open-concept space

In a large, open-concept living space, we like to step back and consider ways to add multiple functional sections into the room. Using a rug to ground a specific part of the space helps create a zone, visually dividing one area from another.

The textural, vintage rug we chose for this living area gave the furniture pieces a place to land, separating the living space from the bedroom, kitchen, and dining space.

Design Lesson No. 3: Texture and shape bring dimension to sleek designs

Typically, in modern, clean designs, we tend to see more streamlined elements and sharp angels.

While we love this style’s nature, we’ve found that blending in rounded silhouettes and warm textured materials helps create balance, allowing the space to feel welcoming.

In this project’s kitchen and dining areas, we incorporated rounded, woven barstools and dining chairs to bring a comfortable but refined feeling to the sleek finish elements.

Design details:
Paint color on walls & ceilings: Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
Flooring: Laguna Oak Hardwood flooring from Hallmark
Countertops: Caesarstone Fresh Concrete countertops and waterfall edge on the island.
Light over island: Custom made in Poland