When a young family approached the architects at Brooklyn-based firm 590BC to convert their narrow 2,300-square-foot SoHo loft, formerly a lightbulb factory, into a livable space for their family of four, they had some bright ideas. The challenge with a space that is only 23 by 100 feet wide with windows at opposite ends of the loft is that the middle of the apartment is dim, therefore 590BC didn't put up any walls that would block out much needed light. Instead, they built out the kitchen counter and shelves so that it would provide a small partition between public and private space, but still allow plenty of light through the middle of the home. It also allows the windows at both ends of the apartment to remain visible throughout.
The architects left space between the ceiling and the walls, giving the illusion that the ceilings are floating and adding a more open feel to the rooms. They then installed lighting in the gap, which again worked to bring light throughout the apartment.
Along with a family-friendly, light-filled space the client also wanted an amazing kitchen. Luigi Ciaccia, one of the architects on the project, explained that the family wanted a kitchen with a clean design, thus the shelves and appliances have no handles or "busyness of hardware everywhere," said Ciaccia. The kitchen is also designed with only two colors—the result is a very open area where appliances, storage space, and counters blend into each other seamlessly. That seamlessness also applies to the doors in the home, which are recessed within the walls or otherwise disguised as screens.
The apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but 590BC maximized the space by converting half of the office into a nursery, creating a third bedroom for the client's youngest child. Tamara Eaton Design curated much of the furniture, offering eclectic and unique pieces that give the loft personality. Take a look at the result below.
Kizzy Cox
· Dwell on Design New York [official]
· The Selective Loft [590BC]