In proportion
Making the most of a small, tall loft space
Before Boston designer Patricia McDonagh got her hands on this 1,000-square-foot condo just off Memorial Drive in Cambridge, "it was newish," she says, "but unpolished. It lacked warmth." Since she was working on a budget, her makeover of the loft had a lot to do with paint and stain and natural light and inexpensive furniture. The once dull, undefined space now feels like a calm retreat that's both airy and cozy. Here's how she did it.
Ground everything: McDonagh stained the light hardwood floors a rich, glossy walnut, continuing the hue on the stairs and banister as well as the upper level.
Use simple shapes on a scale that fits: In the living area (above), small, sleek furniture -- a custom sofa and two Billy Baldwin slipper chairs arranged around a low coffee table -- plays up the ceiling's height. Initially, the owner wanted a mantel over the fireplace, but McDonagh persuaded her to preserve the clean lines of the hearth and add architectural interest with a mirror instead. The simple Parsons table behind the sofa is covered in glazed linen; the same material covers a table upstairs, tying the design together.
Avoid the cave effect: McDonagh painted the brown kitchen cabinets a creamy white to lighten the cooking area, which is beneath the sleeping loft. To brighten the space even more, McDonagh replaced dark granite counters and backsplashes with light Danby marble from Vermont. The dining area's round Saarinen table balances the room's many angles.
