ASID/Dwell Labs – Met Lofts, Los Angeles
MET LOFTS -The Entrance
 |
| The front entrance and lobby of Met Lofts |
Suite 205: Designer Lauri Howell, ASID
Studio/1 Bath, 687 sq. ft.
The studio/1 bath residence, facing the inner courtyard, was designed for a 20s something up and coming mixologist who works in a trendy Los Angeles bar. He works late nights, parties until the wee hours, sleeps into the afternoon, and in his spare hours, writes music while strumming along on his vintage Martin guitar. I know – sounds like quite the life, doesn’t it?
Howell paid special attention to maximize space without sacrificing style. Many space saving solutions were implemented to make the most of the space. The bed is elevated to accommodate a dresser and built in book shelves on either side down below. Adjacent to the bed is a small study area, complete with desk and an über stylish Moroccan lamp hanging from above.
Howell pays attention to all the little details, utilizing various sized salt shakers as chess pieces in the living room, to utilizing the mirror underneath the small coffee table as an integral part of her coffee table vignette.
In the kitchen, she paints the wall between the counters and the cupboards above a deep, saturated teal (which is also seen thorough the apartment) and offsets the color with custom constructed wood squares that can be used as both display or to house small items such as spices or wine glasses, as shown below.
Suite 207: Deborah Davis, ASID
2 bedroom/2 bath 1164 sq. ft.
This 2 bedroom/2 bath unit, also facing the inner courtyard, was designed for a mid-30s couple with a love for contemporary and eco-friendly design. The husband is a financial consultant and the wife is an aspiring portrait photographer, so it was necessary that there be enough wall space to showcase her work.
Davis opted to keep the bare concrete exposed in many of the areas. In the kitchen and living room, the concrete is exposed on the ceiling, but to define the dining space, a drop ceiling constructed with planks of wood was put into place which pulls in the open expanse above and creates a warm, more intimate space.
Suite 414: Rachel Winokur, Allied ASID
Studio/1 bath, 828 sq. ft.
The studio apartment designed by Winokur was for a FIDM fashion student, who only two years earlier was a Peace Corps volunteer, working in Mali and involved with textile design and manufacturing. Mummy and Daddy are funding her education AND this swanky apartment! 25 years ago I was in the same situation – a fashion design student at Parsons in New York City, but I must say that my university dorm living arrangements were not at ALL this lavish!!
Above, the designer Rachel Winokur, explains her approach to eco-friendly design using fair trade products and materials.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Rachel Winokur |
The pictures above are a glimpse into my world not too long ago, where many hours were spent sketching croqui after croqui (see, I have the terminology down, too!) and studying the latest trends and silhouettes to make their way down the runway.
I loved the little details such as the glamorous lighting in the entry and the subliminal messages woven into the bed linens. A recipe for a perfect night’s sleep.
Suite 423: Frank Slesinski, Allied ASID
1 bedroom/1 bath, 851 sq. ft.
This one bedroom residence faces the Los Angeles financial district and is designed for a mid-30s bachelor, a native New Yorker who makes a living as a a freelance sports writer (which is why I didn’t understand why there was a Boston Red Sox jersey hanging on the wall?!?)
This apartment was designed for my husband in his former bachelor life. The ultimate sports junkie, baseball, hockey, and basketball can be watched simultaneously on four different TV screens . There is also plenty of space to display his sports memorabilia collection (minus the Red Sox jersey, because my husband is also a native New Yorker)
Exposed concrete, copper piping, and ductwork let off a masculine, more industrial feel, but the bright and colorful tropical orchids and bromeliads placed throughout softened up the room and added a touch of color. I especially love how the églomisé like finish on the mirrored wall in the kitchen does double duty by mimicking the look of the bare concrete ceiling and also making the area seem larger with its reflective qualities.
The Outdoor Courtyard Spaces at Met Lofts
What I loved most about the outdoor space was the open air gym that faces the lounge area across the walkway. This reminded me of a past vacation in a luxury property in Bali. Exposed concrete, teak wood floors, and volcanic stone – gyms don’t get any more fashionable and hip than this. What a wonderful way to do yoga in the fresh, cool morning air!
I hope you enjoyed my tour of Met Lofts. The model units are open to the public until July 10 and can be seen between the hours of 9am-6 pm, so stop by if you have a chance. Met Lofts is located at 1050 South Flower, Los Angeles 90015. Rent ranges in price from $1650-$3900/month.
A shout out to the wonderful folks at Dwell Media, ASID Los Angeles, Klein Financial, all the talented designers, and to Rhonda Huber and Allan DallaTorre for organizing the event and making it a huge success!
Stay tuned for my post on DWELL LABS: 1600 VINE – 4 apartment units situated at the iconic corner of Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood.
