Last week, I was asked to create a moodboard inspired by the theme of Manhattan Loft Style for Harlequin London. Unfortunately I was so busy that I left it right until the last minute and had to rather rush it.
But I was still thinking about it for ages afterwards and thought I would revisit the look with a little more time on my hands so that I could show you some really great loft spaces.
And then one thing led to another and I found the apartment of designer Paola Navone, which I wanted to show you.
The former silk and tobacco factory has been converted into a fabulous modern apartment with wonderful splashes of strong colour dotted amongst the industrial monochrome.
It’s like a check list of all my favourite elements: exposed painted brick walls, marble worktops, wooden floors, large windows, unexpected furniture juxtapostions (see the rather baroque chairs in front of the raw wooden cupboards) and industrial lighting not to mention a dash of stainless steel and the odd supporting pillar (not shown).
Then I found the apartment of the fashion designer Vanessa Bruno, who is part French and part Danish, and who also lives in Paris in a loft-style apartment but one with a very different feel.
This time the floors have been polished and the walls are plastered but the huge windows still flood the space with light and, as regular readers will know, I’m a sucker for a pale pink sofa.
It’s a tough call which one I prefer. I think I would live in Paola’s and add some of Vanessa’s furniture.
Which one do you like best?
To see more work by the photographers click the images.
They are both beautiful but I adore Navone’s gritty loft style and those pops of green are gorgeous ?
Hmm, tough one -they are both great. I think like you, I’d probably have to combine elements of both!