DESIGN DETAILS INDUSTRIAL STYLE

Homeowner Dean shares his five tips for designing a loft apartment

1 Take your time Get to know the space – and how you naturally use it – before you start to design. 2 Keep the layout simple Let the original character of the building be the real star of the show. 3 Use a simple palette Employ just a few different finishes, and make sure that they all complement each other. 4 Use reclaimed pieces Salvaged industrial light fittings, door handles and furniture will pay homage to the past of your building and add character. 5 Create smaller areas within an open-plan space The areas above and below the mezzanine level in my home are more intimate. They provide me with a cosy place of escape.

Stairs The staircase, which looks like one piece of folded steel, is actually welded at each tread and riser. Created by east London-based designer and manufacturer John Horton, who also designed the internal doors and windows in the house, it is made...