Lofts and live/work spaces evoke the bohemian lifestyle of the city-dwelling creative. Often industrial in flavor with open floor plans, lofts allow their inhabitants to wake up paces from their workspace and indulge “aha” moments mid-morning routine. The template is perfect for a bespoke blend of work and home life.

This kind of freedom has had broad appeal, inspiring some to carve out homes in atypical places. From the Dwell Magazine archives, we bring you myriad iterations of the modern loft.

1. A 17th-Century Paris Loft

Daniel Rozensztroch's industrial loft was a 17th-century manufacturing plant in the Marais, a historic district that abuts the Bastille. A row of vintage iron cabinets, mostly recovered from doctors’ and dentists’ offices, separate the kitchen from the dining area. The Gervasoni table was designed by close friend Paola Navone. Architect Dominique Perrault and designer Gaëlle Lauriot-Prévost are responsible for the the tubular pendants over the dining table, which resemble old subway lamps." layout="" credit="Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott" photoUserId="6133438315652468736"/>

2. A Barcelona Warehouse Becomes a Live/Work Space

3. A Compact Three-Story Brick Loft in San Francisco

4. A Cozy Home in Tribeca

5. A Chicago Live/Work Built from Concrete Panels

6. A Converted Loft in Copenhagen

7. A Pair of Artists’ Carriage House Becomes a Live/Work Residence

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8. An Industrial Loft in Italy by Paola Navone

9. Calico Wallpaper Founders’ Rental Flat in Brooklyn

10. A New York–Style Loft in Charleston

11. A Car Shop-Turned-Artist’s Loft in San Francisco

12. A Light-Filled Industrial Renovation

Related Reading: 8 Examples That Show How Loft Living Goes Beyond Just NYC

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Before & After: A Car Shop in San Francisco Is Reborn as an Artist’s Loft, Gallery, and Studio