Some cool things to decorate your Loft with

I am always searching for things that I think will be really cool for lofts. I always post them on Twitter (twitter.com/loftsinatlanta), but thought it would be fun to list them here too.

Here is something that is called "Digital Wallpaper." Although it is not wallpaper in the truest sense, it is rather interesting and different. I can only imagine what the musicans can do with it knowing they can figure out a way to coordinate their music with movement of the digital colors. Wouldn't that be fun?

http://www.homedit.com/digital-wallpaper-by-strukt/


Another thing is the use of concrete. For those of you familiar with lofts, concrete plays an important role in a lot of them in floors, ceilings, countertops and sinks. Well, here is another use for concrete in "Concrete Shelving." I only imagine that it would be expensive to ship, but it could give you ideas on making your own molds:

http://www.homedit.com/low-cost-design-concrete-bookshelves/


Last, but not least, is an idea of "Glass Curtains." Actually, these are pretty cool and can be used not only as curtains, but as room dividers.

http://www.homedit.com/modern-glass-curtains-design/

So, keep checking back, as I will continue to post some great finds. Again, you can also follow me on Twitter.

Think you can't paint vinyl floors? Think Again!

If you are like me, you probably think you cannot paint vinyl floors I always thought that to be the case. However, one day ....

I was sitting in my apartment looking at some really old vinyl floors in my kitchen. I was glad my then landlord gave me free rein on doing whatever I wanted. I knew I wanted those floors changed, but I also knew that I did not want to put any money out on new flooring considering I did not own the place.

Out of desperate measures on not wanting to look at this golden brown floor any more, I figured anything would be better than nothing. Since it was one of those older style vinyl flooring that had raised areas, I figured they were going to be my biggest problem as far as wearing down first. I decided to take some light sand paper and gently sand down the floor. No major work or elbow grease as I did not want to wear it off. Once that was done, I took a clean rag and wiped off all of the dust from the sanding, making sure it was all removed.

I then painted two coats of white primer paint. This primer paint was not made for floors, but for walls, doors, etc. I figured I had nothing left to lose but my time and a few dollars. I edged out the floors with a hand brush and applied the remainder with a roller. I was absolutely amazed how much just the white paint alone brighted up the entire kitchen!

I then looked at this white canvas and decided what kind of a design I wanted. Since I enjoyed seeing some white, I decided to paint my own black and white squares. Actually, what I did was just mark off where the black would be, using the white primer as my white portion. To add a little flair to the floor, I put in sporadic shapes as in circles, diamonds, rectangles, etc., all being a different color.

Once everything was totally dried, I applied 5 coats of clear polyurethane. I then held my breath not knowing if it would peel off from walking on it once it was dried. Guess what? It didn't! Yahoo!

The floor looked great and I was so pleased. Every time I washed the floor with a mild detergent, I just finished it off with another coat of polyurethane. It lasted for years!

So, if you have vinyl flooring and want to change it with just a minimal amount of money and more time ... go for it!

It works! Check the photo out.

Copyright - Pat Mistretta
2009

90 Fairlie Lofts

Nestled in Atlanta's Historic Downtown district is 90 Fairlie Lofts. On a side street surrounded by restaurants and shops, as well as area attractions, this wonderful loft building is a quiet secret. Although it does not have all of the bells and whistles as some of the newer loft developments with amenities, it has its own uniqueness and charm.

I had the opportunity to view one loft in this building the other day. Being a loft lover, I can say I usually like most lofts. However, the one I saw was very impressive. The size alone (2,600 square feet) was an attention getter. Add to that a gigantic circular kitchen of beautiful cherrywood cabinetry and top of the line stainless appliances, and I was immediately drawn into wanting to see more. Being an end unit, it had a wall of windows in it's large living area and master bedroom with various views of the City. Although there was no exposed ductwork, it did have the staggered cement ceilings to remind you that you were in a loft. Hardwood flooring throughout which made this already expansive space appear even larger. Cherrywood cabinetry continued through the bathrooms and the master bathroom had a very large walk-in shower with an added bonus of it's own private sauna. How cool is that?


The rooms in this unit were of a generous size, adding to it a dining area, as well as a divided space that would be perfect for an office.

I did wish that it had a balcony that you could sit out on. That would have just made it perfect! It did have a Juliette balcony, but I was hoping for an outdoor space. Time constraints preventing me from checking out the roof decktop, but I am sure that makes up for any lack of personal balconies.

Two things of my own personal taste that I would do to this unit. I would restain the flooring to the cherrywood. I have a personal love of that color for it's richness and quality. Second, I would add red bricks to the entire wall of windows. I have a fondness for red bricks, especially in lofts, and I feel that would not only enhance the windows, it would create an even greater loft feel. Again, it is all selective and that is just my own personal tastes.

I have to say, this unit impressed even me! I would even consider buying it. I am anxious to go back and check out more units, as well as the rooftop deck. I'll update my post with more info after I do that.