A Loft Designed for World Travelers

Large windows and a glass door open to a small patio and views of the outdoors. The living room's fireplace and cozy conversation area help bring intimacy to the home and offer an inviting place for guests to gather.

Loft 102 takes advantage of 1,676 square feet of living on three levels. From upper left: Secondary entry, powder/laundry room, kitchen, dining/living room/terrace From lower left: Front entry hall, stairs up to loft bedroom, master bedroom/bath/closet. Project Editor/Designer: MWL Home Editor Carol Schalla

A wood ceiling may be the only clue that this bedroom is in a loft rather than a single family home. Pale aqua is picked up on the walls, comforter, and pillows, while tones of black are seen in the furnishings and framed artwork.

Imagine snuggling under the covers watching the fire and Sharp's AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television above. Nooks on either side feature built-in storage units with shutters above that open to a view of the living room below.

Sharp Electronics Corporation: www.sharpusa.com

A long hallway leads from the bedroom past a bath and into a large walk-in closet. The hall was designed to include a wall of useful storage for everything from bed linens to paper goods.

Pale blue glass tiles add color to the master bath where exposed vent pipes gleam overhead. Glass block over the tub helps bring in additional light while maintaining privacy.

A high arched spout sits atop an unusual rounded sink bowl from Kohler. Silestone countertops are easy to maintain and replicate the look of natural stone.

Expanding a small space to twice its size, a wall of mirror is a great way to add perceived elbow room, sparkle, and light in a small space.

Adjustable shelving can be reconfigured at will in this custom-designed space by California Closets. Hanging space on the opposite wall features high and low rods to double closet capacity.

Open "windows" in the master bedroom look down over the large living space on the lower level.

Positioned under a loft bedroom above, the kitchen is a cozy space with warm wood cabinetry from KraftMaid and large island. Rows of small pendent lights drop illumination along the length of the countertop and island.

The opposite wall of the kitchen acts as an entertaining and bar area, with an icemaker and wine chillers built in under the Silestone countertop. At the far end of the space, a built-in bench offers a place to sit and put on boots before heading out the door in inclement weather.

A microwave (top) and lower convection oven combination adds a sleek look to this loft's kitchen. These Jenn-Air ovens have attractive curved handles -- a look that is repeated in the curved metal cabinet handles.

Behind the kitchen, a striking brown-and-white-striped bathroom greets visitors. Kohler's square sink and wood base have a spa-like contemporary feel, with a slatted wood shelf for extra towels and supplies.

Here's a look that's simply elegant: four large black-and-white photo prints mounted in matching frames. What a joy it would be to wake to these adorable faces each day! Wall sconces are an interesting design element as well as a light source.