Loft style bathroom — industrial design with a touch of glamor
Loft originated in the middle of the last century in New York, when due to rising prices, the owners of industrial enterprises were forced to leave the central part of the city and move production to the outskirts. In the empty industrial buildings settled representatives of urban bohemians, who equipped here their workshops, exhibition studios and artistic cafes.
Modern loft style in the interior is contradictory and full of contrasts. On the one hand, the rough, unplastered surface of the walls, open communications and load-bearing structures, on the other — exquisite paintings, art objects, vintage furnishings and creative accessories that people of art are used to furnish their homes with.
There are practically no internal partitions. Even the bathroom in loft style is not always a separate room. If possible, it is made part of the bedroom, separated only by a podium or a sliding glass panel (see photo):
Loft bathroom design. Types of finishing
Open brickwork is the hallmark of the industrial style. With its help it creates a special, cozy atmosphere. If the walls of the apartment or house are concrete, you can use for finishing clinker tiles, which are not distinguishable from brick, but more resistant to moisture and aggressive household chemicals.
Tip: The masonry, initially hidden under a layer of finishing material cleaned with a strong solution of vinegar or salt (instead of it can take washing powder). In particularly difficult places pass a stiff brush. Then the brick wall is necessarily treated with antifungal and moisture-protective compositions.
There is another decorative solution. For those who want the interior of the bathroom to resemble as much as possible an industrial object, we recommend micro-concrete: a coating on the cement base, which is applied as a plaster on any surface. It can be used not only on the walls, but also on the floor, as the material is durable, non-slip and prevents mold.
For the shower area suitable tile, marble or artificial stone that will effectively contrast with the brickwork. The ideal tile in the loft style — the so-called «boar» or, in the western version, «subway», as well as mosaic panels.
The floor is made of wood, porcelain stoneware or poured — it is important that it was kept in a neutral color scheme.
Classic loft assumes that the ceiling in the bathroom is a fragment of the general ceiling and does not require special finishing. Its main decoration are load-bearing structures: trusses, transoms, beams, etc. In the bathrooms located under the roof are arranged light lanterns.
If we are talking about stylization, i.e. design «under the industrial interior», you can simply use for the ceiling moisture-resistant compositions of light shades, or textile stretch canvas.
Examples of the design of the bathroom industrial style further on the photo:
What should be the furniture for the bathroom
You can choose furnishings with retro or modern design — it all depends on personal preferences. Important:
- Do not clutter the room. Loft is, first of all, a free space, where there is only the most necessary furniture and sanitary equipment.
- Limit the color and decorative palette. Variegated, bright combinations, as well as glossy glitter or prints on furniture facades, are not for the loft.
- It is preferable to use natural materials: wood, metal, glass or stone.
- Buy a roomy cabinet in the bathroom — it will replace other storage sections, including pencil cases or cabinets, which are uncharacteristic of the industrial style. Instead of them use low etagereki or shelves built into the niche.
On the photo — bathroom furniture in loft style:
Accessories
If the industrial entourage creates a slightly gloomy, specific atmosphere, refined accessories soften this effect and add luster to the interiors. Connoisseurs love loft for this contrast.
Among the accessories for the bathroom should be emphasized:
- mirrors
- lamps
- designer art objects
- portable shelves for the bath
- vintage furnishings, including soap dishes, towel holders and stands for personal care products.
It is especially important to choose the right bathroom mirror. This is one of the «highlights» of the loft style, which, in addition to the utilitarian function creates an additional «game of space», enhancing the impression of the interior as a whole. Mirrors are framed in a carved baguette, or do without a frame at all.
Lights are of two types: with industrial design or in the style of refined antique candelabras. Allowed and a combination of these two varieties.
Small bathroom design in loft style
Small-sized bathrooms are more often found in urban apartments. Loft in its purest form for such premises is not suitable, but the stylization of it is quite possible.
You should try to avoid dark surfaces in order not to visually narrow the already small space. If the walls are brick, they can be painted white, or leave the masonry fragmentary, choosing to «companion» it light plaster or tiles.
It is also undesirable to open engineering communications — they will fragment the space. But high mirrors, characteristic for the loft, will be an excellent decorative solution for a small bathroom, at least illusorily expanding its boundaries.
Laconic furniture and lamps of industrial style will complete the image. It is desirable to limit the number of accessories used, choosing not just decorations, but functional items.
In the photo: this is how the loft looks like in bathrooms with a small area.
Bathroom in loft style will be a real boon for people with creative, unconventional thinking. This is a testing ground for the most daring design experiments, which are realized without sacrificing ergonomics, comfort and practicality. In short, creativity elevated to the highest degree, which is hard not to love at first sight.
