Why choose a loft and how to make the most of its space

Guendalina Guaita
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It was 1990 when Demi Moore and the ghost of Patrick Swayze lived their love story within the walls of a sophisticated loft. Today, thirty years after the release of the film Ghost, it is one of the most popular living solutions. sought after both by house buyersand by renters, especially among young people, especially in big cities. But what does this type of housing consist of? What are its pros and cons?

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What is a loft?

The loft, traditionally, is an apartment characterized by a single room, obtained from an industrial or commercial space. A key feature that defines the loft is The very fact that it is obtained by renovating an abandoned building: the architectural recovery and the conversion of an industrial space to residential use is so central to the definition of a loft also because it has a value in terms of environmental and social sustainability, as it allows for the creation of new homes, without the need to occupy other spaces.

The second element is the absence of dividing walls: lofts are mostly open spaces and, being industrial buildings, have very high ceilings and particularly large windows. To take advantage of their height, it is common for the loft to be divided over two floors. In terms of square footage, the dimensions of a loft can vary, from very small to very large.

The last element, the materials: it is quite common for a loft to have structures made of steel, masonry and concrete.

The differences between loft and open space

The two words are often used as synonyms, but loft and open space are not exactly the same thing. What differentiates them is the The loft is precisely the industrial origin of the loft, born from the renovation of pre-existing environments.

By open space we mean a housing solution that does not involve a division of spaces by walls and doors, but, a single space on one or more floors. We can say that, often, a loft is almost always an open space, but an open space is not always a loft.

Why buy or rent a loft?

The loft is an extremely intriguing type of home, especially for younger people. It brings with it numerous advantages, such as the open space, which guarantees greater livability and versatility, and the high ceilings with large windows, which offer brightness. The absence of dividing walls allows for optimal organization of the space, but at the same time offers the sensation that the apartment is larger.

Especially if the loft needs to be renovated, it is possible to organize the space in the way that is most comfortable and congenial, but also choose furnishings that reflect the “industrial” soul of the loft, thus making it the truly modern and eccentric home.

Prices can vary, as happens with apartments, based on size, area and condition of the property: you can find cheap or affordable lofts, but also more expensive

Buying a loft to rent

If you were to have an opportunity, a loft could be an excellent housing solution tobuy with the idea of renting it. In fact, it is one of the most affordable and interesting options for young people, who often rent one or more apartments before buying a house.

The loft is An excellent compromise for a first home, to rent alone or as a couple, during the university years or at the beginning of a working career: it is more attractive than a studio apartment and often more affordable than a one-bedroom apartment. For this reason, the demand is potentially high.

The disadvantages of the loft

Despite their charm and practicality, the loft certainly also has its disadvantages.

  • Since these are industrial or commercial buildings, adapting them to housing regulations can require a lot of work and a lot of money. For example, it is necessary to position electrical outlets and cables considering that the space will be inhabited.

  • Since there are no dividing walls, privacy is very poor.

  • The open plan can also increase heat loss if ways are not devised to heat the entire space or to adequately insulate the house.

  • Often, but not always, lofts are located in former industrial areas, potentially far from the city center. If it is a neighborhood undergoing redevelopment, it could be an interesting investment for the future, but the area needs to be carefully evaluated.

Who is it suitable for?

The loft is a type of home particularly suitable for people who live alone or couples without children: young students or workers, alone or as a couple, choose a loft as their first home, with spaces that are easy to manage and the possibility of finding good prices, as well as furnishing the house in a very imaginative way.

Less suitable, however, for couples of roommates and families with children, as the spaces do not allow much privacy.

How to organize spaces in a loft

Organizing the space in a loft is a very personal choice. Our advice? Make the most of the heights by increasing the feeling of privacy. You could opt for a mezzanine that separates the sleeping area from the living area, or divide the sleeping area with design elements such as a bookcase or a room divider. You can also try to take advantage of the heights with taller furniture and shelves than usual, to make the spaces even more spacious.

Since all areas of the house are open, it is important to try to choose a unique and consistent style for all the furniture, matching designs and colors so that the overall view is fluid.

Lofts in big cities Italian cities: Milan, Turin, Rome, and Florence

The loft is becoming an increasingly popular solution in large cities, also with a view to a more sustainable and respectful real estate market. In fact, with a view to reusing homes to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector and to avoid occupying new spaces, there is an increasingly frequent tendency in large cities to renovate existing buildings. Very often, these renovations result in interesting and modern housing units. An example of this phenomenon can be seen in Milan, with the renovation of Via Tucidide that took place in recent years.

It is no coincidence that lofts are very popular in the city such as Milan and Turin, but also in Rome and Florence are starting to have an effect.

Should we look for one together?

Loft: images and inspiration

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