Decorating a loft
 

So, my girlfriend and I are going to be signing a lease on Monday for a downtown loft apartment.


This is the floorplan http://thumbnails33.imagebam.com/881...ad88173639.jpg

We are both big fans of the contemporary modern look, but we are also very new to actually doing any interior decorating ourselves.

Right now our apartment is just a random assortment of art, posters, and wall hangings. There is no theme or order, and we'd like to remedy that.

Here are some examples of the styles we like:

http://archinspire.com/wp-content/up...ign-ideas1.gif

http://www.newhouseofart.com/wp-cont...t-redesign.jpg

We like a combination of minimalism and function. We don't want to have furniture that looks great but is also uncomfortable.

We have a decent budget, and we do plan on doing everything from painting, to lighting, and more.

What we don't really know is:

1) Where to buy this stuff from. IKEA is an obvious choice, but is there a better store online or otherwise?

2) Do any stores exist that sell packages? Like art, tables, couch, chair, and other decor all in one?

3) I'm having a bit of trouble finding blogs that have actual information about the nuts and bolts of decorating. Everything is really general, I'd like guides and concrete info, does such a place exist?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

make it more of an adventure... find them all over the place rather than one space. you'll be better for it.

I'm not such a fan of Ikea because I have to put it together myself not to mention they are cheap in quality and price. You get what you pay for.

These two places are some of my favorites maybe there are stores near you.
Design Within Reach: The Best in Modern Design

Modern Furniture - Room & Board

Both of those sites look great cyn. Thanks. I'm going to spend a lot of time (and probably money) looking around those sites!

On second though, eep, they are a bit out of my price range for most of the stuff.

Hey SATS, I know this is off topic, but how did your job situation ultimately work out?

Those links are great, here's one more that may help: copenhagen furniture - for home and office - serving the San Francisco Bay Area from Oakland and Northern California from Sacramento

Personally, I'm poor so I can live with Ikea furniture. I shopped at Ikea through college and I was really surprised at how well things held up. I'd say for the price it's a great option but if you have the money for something better then definitely go for it.

I've found some neat diy ideas on hgtv.com also.

SATS, I forgot to point out to you in the adventure. Buy one or two pieces a year or as you can afford them. It's a long time goal/journey. Our console table and coffee table came from Macy's, the chaise lounge and side table are Courbusier knock offs. Just keep searching for things that are within your price range and keep looking for sales. Sales happen regularly and these kinds of furniture don't really go away.

Check out:
Design America

Mostly go to a shop, find the manufacturer and then try to find them online and keep an eye out for sales.

I don't have all the pieces we want, and there are some we're still looking for the right sofa.

There are heaps of solid off-whites to go for. If your going over wood, a limewash is a good shabby-chic look. Vinyl has plastic in it so is quite durable and washes easier. Matt is a non-shiny tone, silk is a shiny tone with a sheen, and acrylic is another plasticy paint. Not sure what eggshell is - sounds like an off-white colour? For a loft space, you might want a semi-gloss to get more light in, but if you go limewash that would be matt. vinyl vs acrylic really depends on the surface and how easy you want it to clean. Best bet is to compare the paint instructions on finish, and maybe talk with the paint sales dude? And yes, stick with very light colours.