Dating back to the 1900s, the original converted lofts were located in warehouses and used in conjunction with manufacturing plants or as storage spaces in the city's industrial areas.
Living in lofts did not actually become chic until the early 1960s when artists in New York City's SoHo district began inhabiting converted warehouse spaces. The high ceilings, exposed brick and wide-open spaces with lots of light made them perfect creative work spaces. The edgy neighborhoods also meant low prices ideal for starving artists.
Today, more contemporary units specifically designed for loft-style living have been appointed in newer buildings. In contrast with their warehouse predecessors, they often are constructed to replicate the original handsome features of exposed bricks and wooden beams while being more mindful of the acoustic and structural elements.
Overall, the driving force to create more loft spaces in urban areas has positively been viewed by experts as helping to revitalize older neighborhoods, raise the property values and overall improve the quality of living.
The four main features that define a loft are: high ceilings, open spaces, exposed building materials and big windows. Others take this a step further to include: an adherence to the original look of the building to maintain its industrial style of exposed heavy timber beams, ducts, plumbing, concrete flooring, corrugated steel or masonry walls; an open floor plan defined by partitioned areas; and in some instances, the preservation of an old freight elevator.
Some common loft terms:
Hard loft: The space is open except for the bathroom.
High ceilings: 14 feet or higher from floor to ceiling.
Raw loft: Unfinished space doesn't always include a toilet or sink.
Soft loft: Has 3/4-high walls that do not reach the ceiling but yet enclose the bedroom(s). Typically, soft lofts include some, but not all, elements of a hard loft design.
Moderate loft: Has mid-priced kitchen and bathroom finishes.
Upscale: Has high-quality kitchen and bathroom fixtures and finishes.
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