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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

In the dining area, massive custom-made mirrors with metallic frames were installed to provide privacy, while also encouraging interesting light and shadow play.

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 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.

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.

Project Credits:

Interior design: Alexander Design

Builders: PSS Design Cult, Stahl + Band, and Spark and dowel

Also Appears In

A 1920s Office Space Is Transformed Into a Polished Penthouse