Domesticated loft

Sunset, Nov, 2000 by Peter O. Whiteley

"Exuberant, saturated with color, arty and eclectic, it skillfully blends old and new."

--jury comment

How do you tame a lion of a space? The original was distinguished by concrete floors and columns, exposed trusses, ductwork running across 12- to 15-foot-high ceilings, and industrial sash windows. It had been part of a downtown Cadillac showroom and repair shop. The trick was to turn it into a two-bedroom, three-bath loft without taking away its character.

Designers Joan and Steven Osburn and their associates rose to the task. As Joan explains, the colors and textures of walls and fabrics had to be strong, intense, and warm to counteract the cold grayness and stark form of the concrete columns, which were left exposed and then sandblasted for extra texture. Rich yellow and deep terracotta tones established the overall palette. To further warm the rooms, the Osburns used reclaimed vintage maple flooring in the main living areas. Furnishings had to be bold enough in outline and color to stand up to the scale of the space. Antiques were mixed with new furniture by Steven Osburn.

The loft was broken into roomlike divisions by variations in floor level. Interior windows and glass in doors allow maximum daylight but were sandblasted for privacy. This lion of a loft has learned to purr.

DESIGNER: (415)487-2333