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Exploring a Unique Loft Design: A Study in Light and Space

The interior of a particular apartment showcases a remarkable loft-like design, ideally suited for its owner and her partner, allowing for fluidity and openness throughout the space. The layout is characterized by a seamless flow between areas, eliminating the need for internal doors. Central to this design is a mirrored, load-bearing wall that enhances the sense of transparency and light in the home. A standout feature is the bathroom, which opens directly onto the bedroom, contributing to the airy ambiance reminiscent of a holiday escape. The designer’s vision evokes a metaphorical connection between sea and sky, notably expressed through the dining room carpet resembling an island amidst an ocean, while a moonset-shaped light fixture hovers above the dining table, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A curtain adds a dynamic element, reminiscent of rain falling against a backdrop.

In the dining area, the centerpiece is an exquisite Italian glass and brass table from the 1960s, accompanied byNorman Cherner’s Side Chairs from 1958 made of walnut. The innovative Moonset lamp, crafted by the designer from galvanized steel, adds a contemporary touch. Additionally, the dining area features art pieces created specifically for the apartment by renowned artists like André Saraiva and Aki Kuroda, further enhancing the space’s uniqueness.

The decor within the apartment reveals an eclectic mix of styles, drawing from influences spanning the 1960s and 1970s, alongside more modern elements. A Pierre Chareau hanging lamp in the kitchen and sconces from the 1950s complement a myriad of furnishings and art. The owner’s collection boasts notable pieces, including works by André Saraiva and Aki Kuroda, as well as a distinctive vase by Gaetano Pesce. The bathroom juxtaposes a classic Louis XIV mirror with a sleek contemporary bathtub, creating a contrast that adds depth to the design. The architect comments on how these contrasting elements generate a timeless feel that could place the apartment in either the 1970s or the 2040s, capturing a sense of ambiguity in style.

White—employed in various shades—plays a fundamental role in the overall design aesthetic envisioned by Lesnoff-Rocard. The apartment leverages natural light, allowing it to reveal the richness found in diverse textures. Bright during the day, the light transforms, highlighting different qualities of the materials used throughout the space. As the day progresses, warm, softer light enhances the range of whites, from resin on the parquet floors to glazed concrete ceilings, marble surfaces, and lacquered fixtures, culminating in a layered sense of sophistication. “Walking from the entrance into the living room, one can observe a spectrum of whites: the parquet’s resin finish, the smooth concrete overhead, the marble accents, the curtains, and even the cabinetry,” notes the architect. “This rich interplay creates an abstraction that transcends mere flatness.”

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