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Modern Loft Living, Charlotte, N.C.
Living in an "Urban Loft" can be tricky, decorating one can be even trickier! It is important to understand the natural ambient light and the visual weight of the skyscrapers that create the amazing views. The juxtaposition of sweeping views and skyscrapers is not only dramatic and stunning they are an integral part of your living space. The light in a space with high ceilings and an ever-changing cloud-scape is magical. Karen Dominguez-Brann can guide you through the process of choosing Colors, Furnishings, Art and Accessories that can work in such a dramatic space is a science in itself. The adage, “Less is more” is certainly true in these high-rise spaces. The ultimate goal is to have a comfortable place to sit, share a meal, do your work and rest. Lovely living can be achieved, no matter what your space and budget constraints may be.

The loft featured in these photos is at “The Avenue” in Uptown Charlotte, N.C. The needs were simple, to create a space that was comfortable, livable, fun, modern in style and will be used often for entertaining. This project was created with these parameters in mind.

Modern is a study in less is more and staying true to the commitment of “Spare”. In a word I think of modern as Zen filled with shapes and colors that are stylized versions of organic shapes drawn from nature. Looking at the history of traditional modern is an interesting journey. Modern style is actually retro. Why you ask? Let us start at the turn of the last century; the first father of modern architecture was Frank Lloyd Wright. For fun look at his architectural drawings and notice the sleek modern lines of his buildings then check out the people he put in the drawings for scale, they are dressed in the clothing of the time, bustles! It is fun to look at and think about, “Historic Modern”. Frank Lloyd Wright was an Avatar and so ahead of his time and was not truly popular until the much later years of his life. The next wave of modern and sleek design was the late 30's and 40's, it was called Modern. The movement de-constructed the frou-frou of Art Deco and the earthiness of the Arts and Crafts movement. This era embraced lean lines in furnishings, dishes and accessories. The third go round was in the late 50's thru the late 60's. This incarnation was more futuristic and pop. The popular Jetson’s cartoon personifies this spacey interpretation of the progression of the modern design movement.

Let's flash to now. Modern has resurfaced and shape shifted into not only modern looking but also the real modern application of using state of the art materials, paints and finishes. Did I mention the “Organic, Green and Eco-Friendly bent to the current incarnation of Modern, as a style? Indeed the manufactures of furnishings, fixtures and accouterments are using slick new materials many of which are Green and Sustainable and they can hardly keep up with the demand. Every design and popular magazine has a special “Green/Eco” section and usually each magazine also has an entire issue devoted to the Green and Modern movement in design. It is an exciting time to be in design. Everything seems to be overlapping and coming full circle, however in 2008 the trend to more Eco-friendly is everywhere. I love it! Call today to schedule a consultation.