Is Loft Living Right for You?

In the 1950s and 60s in New York City, artists in Manhattan started renting out cheap former industrial and commercial spaces in derelict neighborhoods for their work. These artists were moving away from canvas-based art and into more expressionist pieces that required more space (think Jackson Pollock). Former industrial and commercial spaces, with their ample space, high ceilings and copious natural light, were the perfect solution.

Many of these artists began hosting parties and events in their workspaces, too, and sometimes even illegally living there.

The word got out about this hip new lifestyle, and the wealthier folks of New York began to buy up the spaces until they were at a premium.

These days, “true” lofts — conversions of industrial and commercial spaces — are relatively rare. But people are still choosing to renovate and design new spaces with a loft feel: High ceilings, few walls, big windows, and plenty of exposed beams, bricks and pipes.

Modern loft-style apartments that were inspired by these conversions offer a lot of amenities and comforts that original conversions couldn’t, such as better soundproofing and insulation.

lCan you picture yourself living in a modern, bright, airy space within a neighborhood full of vibrant culture and nightlife? Read on and consider a few of the main factors that set loft living apart from other types of homes.

Open Spaces

As you probably learned back in science class, warm air naturally rises and cool air naturally sinks. So cooling a space can require a lot of energy if, for example, all HVAC registers are located near the floor and you want cool air to reach a lofted space within a high-ceilinged area.

But this might not be a problem at all in newly constructed spaces. Before you buy, you should be able to ask the builder or real estate agent how the HVAC specialists have designed the system for maximum efficiency.

The best placement of HVAC vents depends on the climate where you live. If your main concern is cooling, ceiling-mounted vents may be your best bet. However, floor vents might still be the best choice for a home where heat is the primary concern.

Also, it’s worth noting that not all loft-style floor plans are completely free of walls. For example, there may be a walled-in bedroom within a floor plan with its own HVAC register, which can eliminate worries about the lofted bedroom being too warm as you’re trying to get to sleep. 

Shown here: A bedroom in the loft-style J.J. Corry condos in Upper East River

When there are few walls in a space, there’s little to hide you or your activities from anyone else there. For example, you can’t simply close a door to hide a mess or a project from guests — or keep the smells from the kitchen or the sounds from the TV limited to one area of the space.

However, there can be something nice about the sense of togetherness that an open space encourages. When you’re at home with your family, you’ll automatically have tabs on what everyone else is doing, even if you’re not technically doing it together.

Plus, as we mentioned, newer construction built in a loft style may incorporate walled bedrooms, or make use of other creative partitions that permit for a bit more privacy without cutting off the flow of the home.

Efficient Use of Space

In a space that has just been converted from commercial or industrial use to residential, closets and other storage spaces tend to be limited.

That isn’t necessarily a drawback, though. Skipping extra closets and opening up areas like the space under the stairs adds to the open feel of a home. Many people choose loft-style living with the specific intention of living a more minimalist lifestyle. They often find creative ways to store and display their clothes and possessions without having to hide them in a closet.

Plus, when it comes to space efficiency, open living spaces generally are more efficient with space than homes that are divided up into smaller rooms, which can make up for any extra energy expenses. 

For example, a loft-style apartment may make it much easier to entertain guests compared to a home with more walls, even when they have the same square footage. A more open space will also provide more options when it comes to rearranging furniture and allocating different spaces for different activities.

Finally, with a more open space, there’s not as much room wasted on things like hallways or awkward, unusable corners.

A Modern Aesthetics

Loft-style apartments all tend to have a similar aesthetic. Their exposed beams, bricks, pipes, and vents, plus all the glass from large windows, tend to give off an industrial feel. The clean lines in the spaces can also make them feel modern, edgy, and hip.

Those who are used to their living spaces feeling warm, cozy, and rustic might need to change the vibe with their choices of furniture and accessories.

However, the only way to know for sure if you’ll feel at home in a loft-style apartment or condo is to start exploring these bright spaces for yourself.

A Modern Conversion-Style Loft in Savannah

If you’re looking for a luxury loft-style condo with the style and openness of a conversion but with all the latest amenities, you need to check out the J. J. Corry lofts in the neighborhood of Upper East River in Savannah, Georgia.

The homes of the J. J. Corry advance the warehouse conversion concept with bold, new, state-of-the-art designs that give way to elegant, smart interiors: expansive front windows and parapet bookend walls, lofts and rooftop terraces.

They’re one of several amazing residential options in the live-work-play community of Eastern Wharf, which is now being built on one of the last remaining riverfront properties in Savannah. Among other perks, all Upper East River residents will have full access to the luxury amenity center in the Geo. Meyer House, as well as a boating concierge who will make it easy for all residents to enjoy their waterfront lifestyle.

To learn more, please reach out and contact the Upper East River Team.