Not too long ago, a young Kentucky bachelor — a recent college grad — found the perfect home for his lifestyle. It was a downtown loft in Louisville dating back to the 1880s, with beautiful exposed brick, 15-foot ceilings and within walking distance of so many great downtown Louisville venues. While the loft was completely updated, it needed something more than just basic furniture to make it a home.
This view from the kitchen shows the red accent lighting above the kitchen counter, as well as the wine fridge.
The homeowner hired Louisville interior designer Lee W. Robinson to make the space feel more modern and fresh. And while many think Lee only decorates high-end homes and mansions, that’s a misconception, and this loft is proof. This bachelor pad, which is approximately 1,300 square feet, was decorated in a minimal amount of time and on a just-as-minimal budget. Lee wanted this space to better exemplify the NuLu lifestyle in Louisville, which means urban, sleek and still sophisticated. For a young bachelor to seek this out puts a whole new perspective on the perceived aesthetic of the millennial generation.
A view into the kitchen from the den reveals a large open space for eating, cooking and sitting at the kitchen counter.
The loft has two bedrooms, two full baths, one half-bath, a kitchen and dining area, and a den. The second bedroom and full bath are located on the lower level, but the owner lives solely on the top floor, which has high ceilings with plenty of skylights and large windows. The space is long and narrow, with the bedroom somewhat separated from the rest of the loft by a hallway.
In determining the homeowner’s taste, Lee had him take a lifestyle survey to see what aesthetic he gravitated towards. He matched up with the Thruston Lifestyle, which is one of three that Lee has developed. Thruston is considered modern, hip and, most of all, affordable.
Let’s take a tour through this lovely loft …
KITCHEN
The view from the kitchen shows both elements of an 1880s building, such as exposed brick walls, ducts and beams, and original flooring. Modern elements such as minimalist and utilitarian hardware and a sleek, shiny coating on the floors all help reflect the natural light that floods the space.
The kitchen has a red border surrounding the cabinetry, which helps to accent the brick wall and dark floors. The owner placed original Louisville art around the cabinet tops, drawing the eye up to the skylights and the natural light that pours in. Three functional stools at the end of the kitchen counter act as an informal eating, work or gathering space, and a butcher block island centers the kitchen.
A modern kitchen, with sleek appliances and cabinetry, is punctuated with local art.
A gold ginger jar highlights this beautiful butcher block island.
The state of Kentucky made with Kentucky license plates by local artist Dave Nichols
DEN
Most notable in the den area is the red wall of large windows that look out on a shared courtyard and downtown Louisville. A red leather couch and two gray, modern club chairs provide seating, while glass end and coffee tables help reflect light from the windows.
Modern art complements the up-to-date red leather sectional sofa and glass coffee table. The sofa end seat is actually a chaise lounge, where you can lie back and relax.
The brick wall behind the entertainment console is multicolored. Two gray suede, nailhead club chairs that flank the TV are modern and work well with the form of the sofa.
An intentional coffee table, with books placed on the lower tier under the glass top and decorative elements above
DINING ROOM
Set between the den and kitchen, this modern glass dining table with red leather chairs helps to transition both areas from eating to dining to gathering. The glass tables are easy to maintain and create the illusion of more space, as they are not a heavy material like the wood floors or brick walls.
A sleek and sophisticated glass dining table with red leather chairs features teardrop glass hurricane shades as the centerpiece. Glass was picked because it is so easy to wipe off and maintain. These inexpensive chrome bar stools fit perfectly under the counter and raise and lower to suit the guest.
ART & DETAILS
The owner likes art, and this cow skull is a fun piece on his outer kitchen wall. There are also utilitarian artistic elements, such as the cable detail on the stairwell. The Union Jack carpet runner is a bold, graphic transition piece that separates the bedroom from the living space.
Left: This hallway separates the master bedroom from the rest of the loft living space. A Union Jack runner helps to define this space. Top right: A cow skull painting is an original piece from England. It is another contemporary art piece, similar to the one above the couch. Bottom right: The stairway leading downstairs has utilitarian features, like these railings.
MASTER BEDROOM
The master bedroom is cozy and lush, with elements of texture throughout. The upholstered headboard is linen, with silk and cotton blend bedding, and the flokati rug is a handmade, wool shag rug. The room color is caramel, which beautifully complements the bricks.
The master bedroom is cozy and full of texture. The upholstered linen headboard, acrylic bench and carpet — a flokati handmade wool shag — help define the space.
A sleek bathroom with double sinks is tasteful and masculine.
Inspired yet? We were; we left this loft wanting to move downtown immediately!
Check out more of Lee’s work on his website, leewrobinson.com. Thanks to Adele Reding Photography for the beautiful photos.
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Check out more amazing Southern spaces in our “Homes” section.
