Sophisticated Loft Living: Packing Big Style into Small Spaces

Designer Caitlin McCarthy makes the most of the square footage in this petite LA loft space, combining smart design choices with effortless, chic style. The carefully curated home impressed Fresh Faces of Design voters and judges alike, who selected Caitlin McCarthy as the Overall Winner for 2014.

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June 15, 2015

By: Beth Rucker

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

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Photo By: Jessie Webster

Designers Caitlin McCarthy and Caitlin Murray

Designers Caitlin McCarthy and Caitlin Murray met on the first day of interior design school at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, quickly learning they shared both a name and design sensibilities. The two vowed to launch their own business one day, a dream realized in Caitlin & Caitlin, an interior design firm in Los Angeles.

Galley Kitchen With Pendant Lights and Exposed Brick

This galley kitchen connects two ends of the apartment, and in doing so, remains flawlessly neutral and unadorned. A small patch of exposed brick adds character and texture to the small space.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Traditional Cook's Kitchen With Marble Countertops

Brick walls ground the marble counters and stainless steel appliances in this kitchen, creating a modern yet cozy chef's kitchen.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Narrow Dining Room With Mismatched Chairs

With not much room to spare, this effortlessly cool dining room comes complete with a small table and mismatched chairs.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Narrow Dining Room Bursting With Personality

A festive dining area with mismatched chairs is located just off the kitchen. Architectural elements, pops of bright color and funky antiques work together to create a charming, offbeat space for entertaining.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Nautical-Inspired Brass Pendant Lights

Large globe light fixtures are a great way to make a big impact in a small space. The brass trim on these have warm nautical feel.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Small White Bedroom Features Gold Mirror, Ornate Headboard

Breakfast in bed takes on a new meaning when the dining room is right around the corner from your bed. Thanks to a gold-framed mirror and an unadorned window, the tiny bedroom feels a bit larger and brighter.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

White Bedroom With Gold Mirror, Ornate Headboard & Moroccan Rug

A Moroccan-inspired rug softens the black-and-white tiled floor, while an ornate brass headboard dresses up simple, white bedding.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

White Bedroom With White Linens Beside Dark Gray Door

Crisp white linens keep the small bedroom feeling open and airy despite its tiny square footage.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Closet With Cabinet-Style Shoe and Accessory Storage

This closet is the dream of all well-heeled homeowners. Cabinets with glass doors and interior lighting showcase the shoes and accessories like artwork.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Vibrant Green Trim on Upholstered Armchair

Kelly green trim on the armchair brings a refreshing pop of color to this bedroom.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Sophisticated Galley Kitchen With Teal Runner

Despite its size, this small apartment boasts a sophisticated galley kitchen packed with top-of-the-line amenities. Glass-front doors keep the cabinetry from weighing down the space, while a teal runner points to the eclectic living room just beyond the fridge.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Glass-Front Cabinets & Marble Backsplash

A thick slab of marble tops the kitchen counter and extends across the backsplash to dress up the small space.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Sophisticated Contemporary Kitchen With White Cabinetry and Marble Counters

A clean, white kitchen with classic touches will complement almost any home style. Stainless steel appliances and streamlined marble counters define this classy cooking space.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Chic Loft Kitchen With Stainless Steel Refrigerator

This small, updated kitchen features crisp, white cabinetry and leads directly into a sophisticated, loft living room.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Stylish Loft Living Room With Exposed Brick and Deep Blue Armchairs

This bright, clean sitting area is just as perfect for visiting or lounging as it is for watching TV.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Urban Living Room Boasts Chic Blue Club Chairs

Impactful blue leather chairs could easily make a space feel overly formal -- but not with the addition of funky camouflage throw pillows and a safari-inspired zebra-print rug. Unique design accents also fill the room with casual personality.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Artistic Details

Personal touches -- like knick-knacks, books and art pieces -- make a home feel really personal.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Eclectic Living Room With Exposed Brick Wall

Both eclectic and modern, this living area features multiple spots for grabbing a seat. With varying styles and materials, the chairs and lounge become an artistic expression in the room. The zebra-print rug adds a little funk while the TV occupies an unobtrusive space on the back wall.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Loft Living Room With Contemporary Seating

Built-in cabinets provide both extra space and style in this sophisticated contemporary living area.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Murphy Bed in Chic, Urban Living Space

The hideaway Murphy bed in this urban living space is both practical and stylish. A custom closet with recessed lighting creates a dramatic feel, and clean lines give the sleeping nook a boutique hotel vibe.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Window and What-Nots

A molded gold base adds a touch of sophistication to this emerald green coffee table. The lacquered tray-like top securely displays houseplants, books and collectibles.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Chic Loft Bedroom With Murphy Bed

Black and white design accents and elements give this loft bedroom a sophisticated feel.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Stylish Hall and Bath

A glimpse of an updated black-and-white bathroom from an eclectic hallway shows the homeowner's class and style.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Hallway With Fully Stocked Bar Cart

What might otherwise be unused space in the entry hall is outfitted with a fully stocked bar cart. The vintage-inspired cart and barware are as much a part of the decor as they are goods for use while entertaining.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Entryway With Art Deco-Style Furnishings

Welcoming guests with bold bursts of style gives them a great dose of your design personality. Large Nefertiti busts, an Art Deco table and a big hunk of coral are statement pieces that will interest and engage almost any visitor.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Foyer with Art Deco Flair

Talk about wow factor! This entryway is packed with Art Deco-inspired statement pieces. Keeping a simple black and white palette with gold accents keeps the space from feeling too cluttered.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Sophisticated Loft Living: Packing Big Style into Small Spaces

Related To:

Shop This Look

Designers Caitlin McCarthy and Caitlin Murray

Galley Kitchen With Pendant Lights and Exposed Brick

Traditional Cook's Kitchen With Marble Countertops

Narrow Dining Room With Mismatched Chairs

Narrow Dining Room Bursting With Personality

Nautical-Inspired Brass Pendant Lights

Small White Bedroom Features Gold Mirror, Ornate Headboard

White Bedroom With Gold Mirror, Ornate Headboard & Moroccan Rug

White Bedroom With White Linens Beside Dark Gray Door

Closet With Cabinet-Style Shoe and Accessory Storage

Vibrant Green Trim on Upholstered Armchair

Sophisticated Galley Kitchen With Teal Runner

Glass-Front Cabinets & Marble Backsplash

Sophisticated Contemporary Kitchen With White Cabinetry and Marble Counters

Chic Loft Kitchen With Stainless Steel Refrigerator

Stylish Loft Living Room With Exposed Brick and Deep Blue Armchairs

Urban Living Room Boasts Chic Blue Club Chairs

Artistic Details

Eclectic Living Room With Exposed Brick Wall

Loft Living Room With Contemporary Seating

Murphy Bed in Chic, Urban Living Space

Window and What-Nots

Chic Loft Bedroom With Murphy Bed

Stylish Hall and Bath

Hallway With Fully Stocked Bar Cart

Entryway With Art Deco-Style Furnishings

Foyer with Art Deco Flair

How to Build Banquette Seating With Built-in Storage

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