Explore an elegant loft apartment in Soho where eclectic modern pieces sit against industrial original features

Old-world sophistication meets uber-modern in this converted factory building

Open plan living room in a New York loft apartment
(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

On the top floor of an old factory building on Wooster Street in Soho, New York, this loft apartment perfectly blends sophisticated contemporary style with an industrial edge that nods to the original features of the building. Modern shapes sit amongst exposed pipes and the original moldings are a backdrop to minimalist designs.

This mixing of old and new was the vision for this modern home and for the interior designer behind this space Jessie Schuster. The apartment actually belongs to her sister, and Jessie was given the task of transforming the beautiful shell-like loft space into the perfect home for her sister's young family. The concept was to keep the loft feel and character of the old building but to make it more suitable for family living. 

Hallway

Hallway with original antique door and retro mirror and light

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

The hallway is the perfect example of the blending of original features with the more modern and quirky style that Jessie is known for. The flooring is actually antique tile, important from France, but it looks like it could have sat there from when the building was built in the 1900's. The door is the original – it adds such an old-world elegance to the entryway. 

And to contrast all those traditional shapes and patterns, the vintage Galerie Glustin Luminaires light fixture and the retro aqua convex mirror. The perfect introduction to the eclectic style that runs throughout the rest of this home. 

Living room 

Open plan living room in a New York loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

The living room is one large open plan space, and it's in here you really get that classic loft feel. One one side there the living room, with statement club chairs, a custom made coffee table and a boucle day day. This space run seamlessly into a more formal, office space with just a structural pillar dividing the two. 

Open plan living room in a New York loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

The furniture in the living room is very low slung, accentuating the high ceilings and again there's that mix of old and new. There's plenty of fun modern and retro shapes but then there are hints of traditional elegance like with the sideboard that sits between the two spaces.

Open plan living room in a New York loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Over in the more formal feeling study area, the curvaceous shapes are mirrored, and all sit at a similar point too, so there is a cohesive feel. However, the clever use of two large area rugs zone the two spaces and make them feel slightly separate. 

Open plan living room in a New York loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Snug 

cozy home bar

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

As well as the living room there's a more informal snug, complete with a home bar. Soft textured seating is contrasted with stark concrete walls and exposed pipes. Subtle built-in storage in a natural oak that mirrors the original flooring runs alongside one wall.

Kitchen 

Modern kitchen in a loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

In the kitchen, the original features have been left as the focal point, with exposed pipes running through the main wall. The toasty, earthenware tiles match the rustic, industrial aesthetic, and the pendant light and simple stools fit with the more edgy contemporary vibe in the other rooms. 

Modern kitchen in a loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Dining room 

Modern dining room with antique tapestry

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Antiques mix with modern pieces in the dining room too. A vintage French tapestry is the backdrop to a statement black marble table and custom-made chairs. A vintage light hangs over the table, the perfect contrast to the bucolic wall hanging.

Modern dining room with antique tapestry

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Powder room 

powder room with Hermes wallpaper

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

This powder room might be small but it packs a punch with a statement Hermes wallpaper. And despite the small proportions the space actually feels larger as the bold print blurs the edges of the room. 

Bedroom 

Modern grey bedroom in Soho loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

The cool grey color scheme in the bedroom gives the space a chic, modern feel with that touch of industrial come in with the concrete walls. However, it's cozy too, with layers of tactile fabrics and touches of warm wood. The perfect serene escape.  

Modern grey bedroom in Soho loft apartment

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Master bathroom 

green and marble bathroom

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

An unexpected pop of color comes in the form of green tiles in the master bathroom. The emerald glaze meets uninterrupted walls of marble, giving the space a luxurious, but contemporary feel. A retro mirror adds an elegant vintage touch. 

Family bathroom 

Black and white bathroom with terrazzo flooring

(Image credit: Douglas Friedman)

Dark shades are used in the main bathroom. Charcoal cabinetry, black and white terrazzo flooring, and black accents with the prints and the subtle tiling around the recessed shelf in the shower add drama but are warmed by the brass hardware and creamy white walls. 

Hebe Hatton

Hebe is the Digital Editor of Livingetc; she has a background in lifestyle and interior journalism and a passion for renovating small spaces. You'll usually find her attempting DIY, whether it's spray painting her whole kitchen, don't try that at home, or ever changing the wallpaper in her hallway. Livingetc has been such a huge inspiration and has influenced Hebe's style since she moved into her first rental and finally had a small amount of control over the decor and now loves being able to help others make decisions when decorating their own homes. Last year she moved from renting to owning her first teeny tiny Edwardian flat in London with her whippet Willow (who yes she chose to match her interiors...) and is already on the lookout for her next project.