Lofts: divide and contour

LOFTS hold the promise of contemporary space with an open floor plan, but sometimes they can feel hard-edged or industrial. How can you add warmth? Rugs, art, accessories and color can soften a loft or loft-like space, says Jonathan Barnett, principal of Jonathan Barnett Interior Design in Beverly Hills (www.jonathanbarnettdesign.com). Think large, he says, just like the space.

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Windows: Skyscrapers and sparkling city lights are highlights of loft living, courtesy of industrial-size windows. But what if you want privacy? “If it’s a beautiful architectural space, you don’t want to cover up the windows,” Barnett says. He recommends roller mesh blinds similar to ones many restaurants use. Motorized blackout blinds behind the semitransparent blinds can provide even more privacy. The motor makes them easier to use, especially with very high windows.

Warmth: Bamboo blinds in chocolate brown or black are a lovely way to add warmth. “If your walls are white and your floors are black, the blinds will look gorgeous in those large window spaces,” he says. Black-and-white photographs hung nearby in “big beefy black frames” can further soften the space.

Color: Barnett warns against using too much color. He prefers soft taupes and whites for a cohesive look. Paint rooms different shades of a subtle tone: a light taupe in the living area, a taupe-tinged green for the bedroom walls and a slightly darker shade for the bathroom. The ceiling, Barnett says, should be painted the same color as the room, only diluted with white paint. In a loft, whites with cream or gray can soften an atmosphere that runs the risk of being too stark. “I always get quarts of paint and I live with it for a few days. I’ll come back and look at it in the evening or daytime in different light, and that will guide your choice.”

Lighting: What to do if you can’t install ceiling lighting? “You need lamps, which will warm up an area,” Barnett says. He recommends simple polished chrome or brushed stainless models with crisp white shades. Traditional elements can make the cut as long as you give them a nontraditional twist. “You could do a total avant-garde chandelier,” Barnett says. “A Murano glass chandelier in black or red would be fabulous in a loft space.”

Dividers: In large, open spaces, use furniture to create rooms, he says. Movable shoji-like screens are an elegant way to divide space yet retain an open feel because they can be opened and closed. Cabinetry is another great room divider. “You can create beautiful cabinets where the lower portion of the cabinets are functional, but you can see right through the upper shelves, thereby creating a room divider.”

Accessories: Beautiful glass adds color and warmth, says Barnett, who likes the vases at OK on Third Street in Los Angeles. Beware of having too much glass and chrome, however. “The space needs to be grounded,” he says. Add wood pieces to give the space an “earth” element. Barnett prefers contemporary Tibetan rugs or simple sea grass or sisal flooring. Shags in chocolate brown or white also are a great choice.

Greenery: Barnett recommends Asian plants such as bamboo. Beware of traditional plants such as a ficus or palm, because they can define a particular place or style. Bright cut flowers can become the dominant color in a space with a neutral palette.

Artworks: Think vibrant. “Bring in fabulous reds and yellows, and have your furniture understated so your artwork tells a story.” With high ceilings, artworks need to be large but not necessarily conventional. “You can never have enough big beautiful coffee-table books,” Barnett says, adding that they are essentially pieces of art.

Lisa Boone can be reached at home@latimes.com.