A 1920s Office Space Is Transformed Into a Polished Penthouse
Industrial elements are combined with vintage furniture and a minimalist color scheme to create a layered, atmospheric loft home and office.
Los Angeles–based interior designer Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design is known for creating stylish spaces that encompass richly textured and layered aesthetics. Her latest project is this 4,500-square-foot loft conversion in Venice, California, which features restored gray concrete floors and zinc windows that exude a rugged, masculine vibe.
Due to its expansive open floor plan, the space was broken up into separate areas to create an intimate, inviting feel.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
Located in a four-story building that was originally built in 1926 to house a telephone company, the loft residence—which includes a roof garden—sits high on the penthouse level. The three floors below house additional office and gallery spaces, which Alexander Design is currently developing.
The loft's concrete floors and zinc windows were restored to showcase their original beauty.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
Get the Renovations Newsletter
From warehouse conversions to rehabbed midcentury gems, to expert advice and budget breakdowns, the renovation newsletter serves up the inspiration you need to tackle your next project.
Although the loft has an expansive open layout, Alexander wanted to give the space a strong sense of intimacy, so she incorporated numerous compartments and separated seating areas to scale down the interior.
A custom-made coffee table by Alexander Design and Spark and dowel sits in the living room. The sofa and cushions are also by Alexander Design, and the armchair is from Illum Wikkelsø.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
"We kept the palette fairly dark with many blacks and grays mixed with warm weathered leathers in saddle and cognac, as well as organic textural linens. The space has a tremendous amount of light, and since it is a loft space, the inherent openness combined well with this dark palette without compromising its sunny open nature," says Alexander.
An at-home gym was also designed as part of the renovation.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
The sophisticated industrial influences continue from the living areas to the kitchen, where the wall shelving was suspended from the ceiling to accentuate the space's extreme heights, and also create a reference to the mesmerizing zinc windows.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
Alexander collaborated with local artisanal furniture brand Stahl + Band, and design/build studio PSS Design Cult in downtown L.A. to construct the kitchen, which includes a massive island counter, featuring concrete that was poured on site.
The faucets—which are made of copper pipe fittings—reference the history of the building and its industrial roots.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
In the dining area, massive custom-made mirrors with metallic frames were installed to provide privacy, while also encouraging interesting light and shadow play.
The seating area includes lighting by Apparatus and black candles from Cire Trudon. The table and benches are custom-made from a very rare and heavy reclaimed oak. The benches are lined with Icelandic sheepskin throws.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
Alexander and her team constructed the bed platform out of reclaimed wood and attached a customized leather headboard. The bed separates the bathroom from the sitting areas, and is oriented towards a big picture window that frames views of the Santa Monica Pier, as well as the Malibu Coastline.
The bedroom houses bedding by Society Linen, a striped throw by Tenfold from The Line, and vintage embroidered textile pillows.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
The seaside views can also be enjoyed from the rooftop garden, which has an olive tree, a Bocci court, an outdoor kitchen, a yoga platform, and a dining area shaded by a reed and metal pergola structure that was constructed by PSS Design Cult.
An oversized, custom-made concrete trough on a bronze base is paired with industrial copper piping and taps. The mirror, which is suspended from the ceiling by braided leather straps, was manufactured by PSS Design Cult. The oval bathtub is from NativeStone.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
A vintage Beni Ourain rug from Mehraban sits in the bathroom.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
Danish antiques including items by Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, and Ditto Heath—as well as textiles and furniture from Le Corbusier— were thoughtfully woven into the space, along with items from Alexander’s own custom furniture collection.
The terrace area features a reed and metal pergola structure designed by PSS Design Cult.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
The olive tree—which is 100 years old—had to be placed in the roof garden with a crane.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
The lounge area makes a superb place to witness the sun set for the day. The basket weave pendant is from Tower 20 Venice.
Courtesy of Shade Deggas
Project Credits:
Interior design: Alexander Design
Builders: PSS Design Cult, Stahl + Band, and Spark and dowel
Published