• Liven up your large loft space.fabriketagen image by fuxart from Fotolia.com
  
  Lofts are large open-space apartments that offer an inviting design and decorating challenge. Furnishing these large spaces doesn't have to be difficult, but can instead be a fun way to give the open loft space personality and a touch of personal style.
  
  

Divide and Conquer

• Determine where to put living spaces, and then divide the loft into suitable sections, enough for each space's purpose. Consider screens to give spaces a touch of privacy, or use wire-hung curtains to give the loft's divided spaces a room-like feel.
  
  

Color

• Choose a color for the loft that is pleasing for all spaces. Because lofts are large open spaces, and usually a touch industrial, neutral palates are best. Lifescript.com suggests introducing bold splashes of color and interesting patterns, such as stripes, into neutral loft spaces for effect. Lofts should be painted in one color palate for solidarity among the loft's living spaces.
  
  

Textiles

• Introduce textiles into large loft spaces to soften up the industrial feel. Many lofts have hard flooring, such as polished concrete and hardwood. Use area rugs to further divide spaces and add a touch of comfort to hard floors. Curtains in complementary patterns and colors can break up the industrial feel and make it more home-like. Furniture in lush fabrics and modern patterns cozy up loft spaces while tying the space's industrial roots with the feel of comfort associated with home.
  
  

Organize

• Because lofts are so big and open, they often lack the essential places most homes have for organization. Bringing organization into the loft doesn't have to be difficult, nor must it be clumsy and unstylish. Embrace the challenge of organizing loft spaces in creative ways. Consider stacking wicker baskets on industrial wire shelving to create a trendy mixed media storage system. Look for creative ways to utilize your design style and your loft's open spaces.
  
  

Lighting

• Lighting a loft can be a huge challenge. Keep the space from becoming a cavern by installing trendy lighting in living areas. Pendant lights and modern track lighting are two attractive options.