Houzz Tour: Modern Meets Conventional in Eclectic Loft

Designer Andrew Flesher discovered that the challenge of outfitting a broad open loft space — without breaking walls, traditional rooms of any kind and 60 feet of glass windows — compelling enough to take it on. And he took a surprising approach when decorating the distance, mixing traditional furnishings with modern pieces. “I really like the combination of things so that there’s some surprise, some anxiety, some juxtaposition between substances, styles, and level of formality,” Flesher says.

His Minneapolis loft exemplifies the tension between traditional and contemporary. Highlights include white leather upholstery paired using wooden antique bits, abstract paintings mixed with classical oil portraits, and art deco light fixtures sprinkled about.

Following is a look of how he divided the ground plan into a livable space, making an elegant-yet-relaxed living room in an urban atmosphere.

A box-style bookcase in white serves as a divider, delineating the more casual seating area from the dining room. Instead of stuffing each box with publications, items are carefully positioned in each branch, making an intriguing scape which includes cable chunks, contemporary sketches and mirrors among a couple piles of stacked books. Two white leather upholstered chairs with black frames face each other, making a cozy conversation area.

Farther into the space is just another casual seating area comprising an overstuffed couch upholstered in grey linen. Two white ceramic stools flank an oversized, square wooden coffee table, making a nice contrast of light and dark. A dark brown sisal rug also helps create an awareness of a smaller room.

The shiny white flooring and bright white wall give a contemporary, clean environment where the designer has placed traditional furnishings for this particular corner office. A Dorothy Draper black desk extends nicely with a grand oil portrait framed within an abysmal gold-leaf frame. Vintage crystal sconces add a touch of art deco glamour to the grouping.

A large abstract painting by artist Harold Hollingsworth hangs contrary to a freestanding wall. Two polished nickel chrome chairs sit facing using a green fern to the left breaking up the highly clean, modern look. A classic crystal chandelier adds to the grouping’s overall elegance.

The oversized French country agency (complete with a pleasure tasseled secret ) is juxtaposed nicely against the ultra-modern and modern white Barcelona chairs and ottoman. The general contrast provides a sleek look that is made warmer from the wooden bit. “I do believe that all design, and all new design, is really a development of what has happened in the past,” Flesher has said, which is one of those reasons he showcases all of his antiques in this glass block of some room.

Among the most contemporary vignettes of this space is this little Buddha statue which rests on a white base mimicking the cylindrical form of this column. Doesn’t it feel serene? This is a stunning example of how to execute restraint.

A gentle upholstered headboard feels casual put from the elegant cherry chest of drawers and easy, oversized mirror. The easy black iron lamp is a clean choice that does not compete with the intricacy of their chest.

A genuine weathered mirror offsets the antique wooden cabinet he’d fitted for the ceramic oval sink. Fresh flowers are arranged, and a gold framed drawing using a sage green matte is wrapped over the toilet. A number of the only contemporary sconces flank the elaborate mirror, which is yet another example of the tension between traditional and contemporary.

The kitchen is modern with laminate white cabinets, chrome fixtures and white appliances. Black Scandinavian wooden chairs surround a white Saarinen table. It’s the most only white space, allowing any and all meals to be the star.

More home tours:
Eclectic and Colorful in Colorado
The Concord Green and Healthy House
Sleek San Francisco Bachelor Pad
Luxury Having a Treehouse Feel

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Guest Groups: 20 Basics for the Home Bar

I like to entertain, and I believe that a house bar is an absolute requirement. Stock it with these functional and chic essentials and you will always be prepared to host any celebration. These are some of my favourite go-to things, many of which I maintain in my own bar at home. — Candice from The Design Boards

Lacquer Wine Rack – $39

This is such a great wine holder; it is small enough to fit on a bar or countertop, and can easily be stored away in a cabinet. Its sleek and simple design goes with any decor, and it has a little playfulness to it that I love.

Homestyled

Teraforma Whiskey Stones – $19.50

Look like a true entertaining pro when you pull out these stones to serve to your whiskey-loving guests. These are great because they do not water down and dilute beverages, and they also look super-cool and chic!

Etsy

Midcentury Silver Rim Barware Set, Cheeky Chic Vintage – $138

This is a gorgeous piece of mid-century history and design that will look amazing on any home bar. I love that this set comes with an ice bucket and shot glasses. Your bar would be complete with this!

Candelabra

Arteriors Connaught Polished Nickel Glass Bar Cart – $1,667

No home bar is complete without a gorgeous bar cart. This is the best cart for storing glassware and bottles or decanters of your chosen spirits. I love the elegant and traditional appearance of the cart.

Homestyled

Brooklyn Glass – $5.50

I lived in New York for 3 years and am such a sucker for well-designed odes to the city, like this Brooklyn glassware. I love the design and style — excellent for serving beer.

Fishs Eddy

Squirrel Nutcracker – $24.95

I received this as a Christmas gift this year and it now sits on my bar. Fun, lively and works good — I Iove it! My guests always smile when they use it too, which I also love!

West Elm

Fez Platter – $49

I’m obsessed with whatever these days, and this stunning tray is no exception. I love the appearance of the tray, it has such a great diverse, bohemian feel to it.

Homestyled

Williams Martini Pitcher – $39

Understanding how to make a great martini should be in each entertainer’s arsenal. What makes a fantastic martini better? Serving it in a gorgeous martini pitcher like this one.

Homestyled

Timeless Hotel Cocktail Napkin – $12

This is my favourite pick for cocktail napkins. They are a brilliant white, the cloth is fine and they look good with a drink sitting at the top of those. You can get them simmer for a more conventional appearance. In general, these are one of my must-haves for a home bar.

Homestyled

Classic Glass Beaker by Modern Poetry – $49

I have a classic glass beaker much like this one that I use for measuring alcohol out for cocktails. It is a unique little piece and looks good sitting on my bar. I like finding different applications for classic items!

CB2

Format Tray – $39.95

I love Lucite; it is fun, modern and super stylish. This is a great pub menu for serving beverages and snacks to your visitors.

West Elm

Hammered Large Rectangular Tray – $59

This is such a gorgeous piece. I love the appearance of metal and this would look great filled with champagne flutes prepared to serve at your next celebration. It is such a nice piece you could leave it on screen even when not being used.

Homestyled

“The Exact Many Varieties of Beer” Printing by Pop Chart Lab – $25

I bought this print for my husband for Christmas and it makes this a great addition to our house bar. It is sure to spark some discussions about beer during your next cocktail party!

Homestyled

Striped Paper Straws – $4

Drink fun and fruity cocktails with these brilliant paper straws. I think these are a must-have for men and women who like to entertain, and you will get them in many colors to go with whatever color scheme you are using.

Homestyled

Stainless Steel Champagne Gift Set – $49.95

This is such a beautiful serving bucket for champagne and I love the style of the stemless champagne flutes — super modern.

Homestyled

Wiener Dog Ashtray – $16

This is intended to be an ashtray but I think that it would be a very fun serving piece on the bar for olives, nuts or garnishes. I have a dachshund so I am always drawn to fun and quirky dachshund-y things like this!

Homestyled

Wine Journal – $30

I love the idea of a wine journal. If you like to drink wine, then it is a great way to keep track of your favorites. I know my husband and I always seem to forget which ones we like when we are shopping in the wine shop, therefore this is a great way to jot notes down about the bottles you drink. It’s also a excellent hostess or housewarming gift!

Homestyled

Cape Wineland Cutting Board – $38

I love this serving plank. The wood has such a deep, beautiful color to it — elegant but also rustic. It is so amazing you could keep it on screen all the time.

Homestyled

Heavy Metal Guitar Bottle Opener – $8

I love this funky and lively bar accessory. It is a great conversation piece and a fun and helpful way to open beers in your next cocktail party.

Anthropologie

Castle Key Bottle Opener – $12

I love this quirky yet classic spin on a simple bar instrument. It might work with many distinct styles and has a great classic feel to it.

Homestyled

Cocktail Guide Set of Four Placemats – $43

Catch a set of these fun and quirky placemats, ideal for your home bar.

Next: More guest blogger product selections

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