This Is How to Make a Wide-Open Loft Feel Like a Home

A tight, neutral color scheme will ensure easy flow through the loft. If the open kitchen stands in full view of the entry and the main living areas, choose materials that won't distract and opt for integrated appliances and features. In this space designed by Catherine Kwong, the floating shelves contribute to the sleek aesthetic (overhead cabinets on the other hand, could have looked bulky and distracting). These things allow the formal parts of the room to stay formal.

High ceilings on the main floor of the loft means that your raised bedroom has much lower ceilings. Visually, it's best to keep furniture and decor close to the ground. And also for safety reasons! You don't want to accidentally knock a floor lamp over, sending it tumbling over the edge. For this reason, built-in overhead lighting and wall-mounted sconces are best, as seen in this bedroom loft designed by Maltsev Design.

To keep a spacious loft from feeling overly cold and cavernous, make sure you fill it with pieces that bring warmth and softness. In this loft designed by ETC.etera, the layers of plush rugs and rounded items (like the table lamp, arched mirror, and sectional) make it feel cozy and inviting. The plants also deliver a touch of nature to the otherwise industrial space.

Similarly, paying attention to the scale of your items will help the loft feel proportional and inviting. To make sure your high ceilings and skylights don't dwarf everything, hang your curtains super high and then add vertical decor. In this living room designed by Catherine Kwong, she places a tall mirror atop the mantle to contribute to the open and spacious feeling while also filling the empty wall space.

Keep your bedroom space private without shrinking the open feel of a loft by installing interior glass doors. In this formal loft by Maltev Design, the French glass doors stretch all the up the ceiling, accentuating its height even further.

Create separate "rooms" defined by furniture groupings throughout the loft. Designed by Leanne Ford, each space stands its own while also working together for a harmonious whole. The kitchen blends in and disappears into the background while the dining nook and living rooms contrast in both color and design.

If that open upper deck of the loft feels too exposed for private spaces, turn it into a fun bonus room instead. Go all out with a game room—foosball, air hockey, a pool table, ping-pong, you name it.

You could also use the upper level as a workspace since it tends to feel a little more contained and quiet than the open bottom level. It's perfect for anyone who works from home.

At Folly Collection in Joshua Tree, the ladder is built into the wall, which frees up both visual and floor space. This makes the living environment feel bigger and adds some architectural intrigue, too.

Just because you live in a loft doesn't mean you can't use color. Designed by Nick Olsen, this space proves that vibrant hues can enliven a loft without feeling too overwhelming or inconsistent. And since it's all about the high ceilings, give them even more attention by lacquering them.

A partial wall bisects the living room and dining room in this space designed by Emily Henderson. The wood paneling throughout delivers cohesion.

ETC.cetera separates the closet and bathroom area from the bedroom with a curtain. You can hang on by the railing in a lofted area for added privacy, or really anywhere you want to add some privacy. The mirrored partial wall helps magnify the open environment.