Livin' And Lovin' Loft Lifestyle

Does the thought of buying a one- or two-bedroom apartment with plain

, egg shell-white walls and L-shape layout bore you to tears? Does your lifestyle include plenty of action, or at least living in the near vicinity of the action? Then a loft may be just what you are looking for.

Defined by its open concept floor plan, high ceilings and exposed pipes or beams, lofts have become a trendy option for young professionals. To add to the urban charm, most lofts have beautiful wood floors and unique lighting. Because many lofts are renovated warehouses or old commercial buildings, the walls are often exposed brick with floor to ceiling windows overlooking a busy neighborhood. Shops and coffee houses are usually nearby, as is a variety of night club options. Developers who choose to build new lofts do so in an upscale part of town, with a chic design that is perfect for the fashion-conscious owners.

Depending on the city, there can be two types of lofts: Hard Loft conversion of existing commercial buildings that maintain much of the original design and integrity of the structure; Soft Loft newly constructed buildings designed with original loft components in mind: open concept, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The newly built lofts are usually smaller, with the entire project having a boutique hotel-style appearance. Either way, lofts offer a feeling of spaciousness and freedom from the constrictions of a set wall design.

The open concept floor plan of a loft allows owners to divide out the room as they want, or leave it completely open. Many lofts have a mezzanine floor overlooking the living space. This is usually where the bedroom is arranged.

Lifestyle is definitely the key to purchasing, or even renting, a loft. But there are several things to consider before making a commitment to moving in.

1. By the very nature of the (often) downtown district setting of loft apartments, urban noise will come into play. Sirens, partygoers or just normal conversations below your windows could become irritating. For people who are at all noise sensitive, the constant hum of the busy streets may be too much after a while. Or this white noise may easily become part of the backdrop associated with this living choice, and something that is tuned out in short order.

2. City lights including neon signs and bright streetlights could come with loft living. If you prefer to have your space feature soft muted lighting, investing in room-darkening blinds will probably do the trick.

3. Lofts in converted buildings sometimes come with stairs, not elevators, to get you and your belongings up to your home. This includes taking your pets out for their daily walks or nature calls. While this is good exercise, it may not be a convenient way of living for some.

by: Andy Asbury

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