The Quintessential Los Angeles Loft
CategoriesDTLA Local Lifestyle Real Estate

Luxury loft vs. soft loft – which is right for you?

Luxury lofts are the epitome of urban living, offering spacious and unique living spaces in the heart of the city. These properties combine the best of both worlds, blending industrial charm with modern amenities to create an unparalleled living experience. However, as the name implies, this is going to be the most expensive option available to you in the most sought after urban areas. For a review of six of the most popular loft styles, check out our November 2022 overview of 6 different loft styles in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs.

One of the defining characteristics of a luxury loft is the open floor plan. These properties often feature high ceilings, large windows, and minimal walls, creating a sense of spaciousness that is hard to find in traditional apartments. The open floor plan allows for flexibility in decorating and furniture arrangement, making it easy to create a personalized living space. The natural light that floods in through the large windows also adds to the spacious feel and gives the illusion of a bigger space.

Another defining feature of luxury loft is the high-end services. Unlike all of the other styles of loft-living, a luxury loft is more likely to have a door-person and may even boast a concierge to assist with dry-cleaning, access to local venues and food deliveries. You can also look for staff housekeeping services as well as the availability of a building handy person in both rentals and condos. 

Luxury lofts are often located in the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, offering residents easy access to the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. These properties are also popular among urban professionals and artists, who appreciate the unique and creative atmosphere of the loft-style living. The prime location of a luxury loft, makes it ideal for people who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city.

Luxury lofts have it all, with some finished surfaces and elements; plentiful amenities; with nearby and in-house services; but still boast many of the raw industrial hardware and exposed framing, ductwork and electrical.

One of the biggest advantages of living in a luxury loft is the privacy and exclusivity that it offers. These properties are often located in converted industrial buildings, and have limited units available, making it a unique and exclusive living experience. The exclusivity of a luxury loft is further enhanced by the high-end finishes and amenities, which are not usually found in other types of properties. You frequently have one-of-a-kind options like private elevators, access to the entire floor, walk-in closets and bathroom suites. 

In terms of maintenance, luxury lofts are relatively low-maintenance. The properties are often made of durable materials such as concrete and steel, which require little upkeep. Additionally, the high-end finishes and appliances are usually of a premium quality, which means they are built to last and require less repairs. Immediate service in most luxury communities is usually available, if not provided by the building, HOA, or management, luxury lofts are generally situated in areas where high-end service is readily available. 

When compared to a soft loft, luxury lofts offer a more polished and upscale living experience. Soft lofts, still may offer more open floor plans than a conventional apartmentl but they may feature more finished partition walls and room divisions than other loft designs. Soft lofts also may not have the same level of high-end finishes and amenities as a luxury loft. Luxury lofts are often located in the most sought-after neighborhoods, whereas soft lofts usually cater to the modern apartment dweller looking to dip their toe into this new urban trend. A soft loft may have more of a traditional, or even ’rustic’, feel and may not have the same level of luxury as a true luxury loft.

Soft lofts show less of the raw, exposed elements of electrical conduit, exposed concrete and open ductwork, while still retaining the open floor-plans, high ceilings and large windows. For some, it’s the best of both worlds.

Luxury lofts also offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of decorating and design. The open floor plan and high ceilings allow for a wide range of decorating options, making it easy to create a personalized living space. The industrial elements such as exposed brick and ductwork, can be used as a design feature, adding character and charm to the space. A soft loft, by contrast, tends to feature finished interior ceilings and painted sheetrock walls. Ductwork and electrical conduit in soft lofts tends to mimic what you see – or don’t see – in modern apartments.

In conclusion, luxury lofts offer a unique and upscale living experience, blending industrial charm with modern amenities and high-end finishes. They are located in the most desirable neighborhoods and offer residents easy access to the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The privacy and exclusivity that these properties offer, along with the flexibility in decorating and design, make them a desirable living option. Compared to a soft loft, luxury lofts offer a more polished and upscale living experience, with a greater emphasis on high-end finishes and amenities. For an overview of 6 different loft styles in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs, check out this recent bog!

Downtown Los Angeles Lofts for Rent
CategoriesDTLA Local Lifestyle Real Estate

Industrial lofts vs. live-work lofts in Los Angeles – what’s the difference?

Industrial lofts have become increasingly popular in recent years, and Los Angeles is one of the cities at the forefront of this trend since the passage of the adaptive reuse ordinance in 1999. With its rich history and diverse neighborhoods, LA is home to a variety of industrial loft spaces that offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern luxury. From the historic neighborhoods of Downtown LA to the up-and-coming areas of the Arts District, industrial lofts in Los Angeles have something to offer for everyone. In our November post, 6 different loft style in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs, we outlined the big differences between your plethora of styles for urban living. Now, let’s take a look at the nuance between two of the most popular options.

One of the defining features of industrial lofts in Los Angeles is their open and airy design. With high ceilings and large windows, these spaces offer a sense of spaciousness and light that is hard to find in traditional homes. Many industrial lofts also feature exposed brick, concrete floors, and industrial-style fixtures, such as steel beams and ductwork, that add to the raw, edgy feel of the space. These details can often be combined with modern amenities, like central heating and air conditioning, to create a unique but also livable living experience.

Live/Work Loft in DTLA for Rent

The Arts District in downtown LA is one of the city’s most well-known areas for industrial lofts. This neighborhood, which was once home to factories and warehouses, has undergone a transformation in past 20 years and is now home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. The lofts in the Arts District are some of the most unique in LA, and many feature original details that add to the raw character of the space and shopping and eating have become some of the most vibrant in the city.

Another area of LA that is popular for industrial lofts is the downtown area. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Bradbury Building, which is one of the oldest commercial buildings in LA and a prime example of Victorian-era architecture.  Although you can’t actually live in the Bradbury, there are several converted building like the 1895 Pan American Lofts hailed as the 2nd oldest building in Downtown Los Angeles. The lofts in downtown LA offer a mix of vintage charm and modern luxury, with many featuring the spacious floor plans and open environment of the loft’s industrial past, with modern touches.

Another building in Los Angeles that perfectly embodies the industrial loft aesthetic in its own unique way is the Tomahawk Building. Located in the Fashion District, the Tomahawk Building was originally built in 1914 as a factory and has since been converted into a small collection of unique and stylish industrial lofts each occupying its own private floor. The building features large street-to-street windows and a private elevator, and all of the lofts have been updated with modern amenities, like central heating and air conditioning, to create a truly livable living experience. The Tomahawk Building is a prime example of the industrial loft lifestyle but with only seven residential homes in this small high-rise, it’s quite exclusive and rarely has a vacancy.

In addition to the Arts District and downtown, there are many other neighborhoods in LA that offer industrial lofts, including Echo Park, the Historic Core, and the Old Bank District and now, even the beach cities. These neighborhoods are diverse and offer a range of different styles and amenities, making it easy to find the perfect industrial loft to suit your needs.

The Quintessential Downtown Los Angeles LoftWhen comparing industrial lofts to live-work lofts, it is important to consider the different features and lifestyles that each type of space offers. Live-work lofts are designed to accommodate both residential and commercial use, and like industrial lofts; are typically located in commercial buildings, but often are more accessible to the public. These spaces offer the flexibility to live and work in the same place, which can be ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and artists. Live-work lofts also feature a large open floor plan, with a separate work area, such as an office or studio, as well as a bedroom and living area. Live-work communities often strive to include high-speed internet/communications and may have areas to meet and greet clients in and around the common areas.

Industrial lofts are typically residential spaces that are designed to offer a unique and stylish living experience, but also retain many of the raw, and unpolished remnants from their early industrial heritage. This focus on vintage industrial style may be more suited to person willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle projects around the loft themselves, rather than reach out to a manager or landlord for assistance. Industrial lofts are ideal for people who want to live in a unique and contemporary space, and they often offer the freedom to be creative with your design.

In conclusion, industrial lofts in Los Angeles offer a unique blend of vintage charm and modern luxury. With a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, it is easy to find the perfect industrial loft to suit your needs. Whether you’re a young professional, an entrepreneur, or an artist, industrial lofts in LA offer a unique and stylish living experience that is perfect for anyone seeking a contemporary and urban lifestyle. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting place to call home, consider an industrial loft in Los Angeles.

The Quintessential Los Angeles Loft
CategoriesDTLA Local Lifestyle Real Estate Tips & Tricks

6 different loft styles in Downtown Los Angeles to suit your needs

Finding the perfect loft apartment in downtown Los Angeles can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research and preparation, you can easily find a space that fits your needs and lifestyle. There are a few different types of lofts available in Los Angeles, each with its own unique characteristics.

Hard Lofts: These are typically older buildings that have been converted into loft-style apartments. They often feature high ceilings, exposed brick and ductwork, and large windows. They are hard to come by in LA, but they are considered the most authentic form of a loft.

Soft Lofts: These are newly constructed buildings that have been designed to look like hard lofts. They often feature the same high ceilings and large windows as hard lofts, but they may have more modern finishes and amenities.

Live/Work Lofts: These are lofts that have been specifically designed for people who work from home. They often feature separate living and working spaces, and may have additional features like built-in desks and high-speed internet. Read a little bit more about Live/Work Lofts in this blog!

The Quintessential Downtown Los Angeles Loft
Each floor at the Tomahawk Building is one home apartment with private elevator opening into the loft

Industrial Lofts: These are lofts that are located in former industrial buildings, such as old factories or warehouses. They often feature exposed brick, concrete floors, and large open spaces. Feeling a little stuck with the difference between Live-Work and Industrial Lofts? Read more about this distinction here! 

Luxury Lofts: These are high-end lofts that feature high-end finishes, amenities, and views. They can be found in new and older buildings and are often located in prime areas of the city.

Micro-Lofts: These are small, compact lofts typically found in the urban areas of Los Angeles, they are more affordable than traditional lofts but also offer less square footage.

Ultimately, the type of loft you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Some people prefer the charm and character of hard lofts, while others prefer the modern amenities and finishes of soft lofts.