Sheft Farrace chose to divide up the loft, yet retain visual connections through framed openings

It was converted into lofts in 2006, and local studio Sheft Farrace was recently tasked with renovating one of the condos for a young creative from Kazakhstan.

“Uninspired by the unit’s original 2006 layout and interiors, the owner wanted it to feel like a brand new space — so Sheft Farrace approached it as a blank canvas,” said the studio, led by Alex Sheft and John Farrace.

The pared-down decor contrasts the building’s colorful exterior

The apartment has tall ceilings, and their height is accentuated by the building’s long narrow windows and floor-to-ceiling drapery.

Rather than keep the open floor plan, the studio divided up the space to help define areas for different functions.

The ceiling height is accentuated by tall windows and floor-to-ceiling drapery

However, the visual connections between the kitchen and dining room, and the living room and bedroom, are retained by large framed openings used in place of doors.

“Every space has its character, based on what time of day it is and how the natural light comes in through the full-height windows,” said Sheft Farrace.

For the most part, the home is decorated in a much more pared-down style than the building’s opulent exterior. Primarily with soft neutral hues and sparse furnishings.

Certain material choices in the kitchen and bathroom tie much more closely to the colorful facades. Including white oak, Verde Aver marble, and Florida Brush quartzite to echo the orange, green, and blue exterior tiles.

Materials like white oak and Florida Brush quartzite in the kitchen nod to the art deco exterior

The curved corners of the kitchen counters and elongated cabinet hardware also evoke 1930s design.

“Upon first glance, it’s stylistically in stark contrast with the historical building that it’s within. But throughout the space are subtle nods to the art exterior and ultimately, it feels like it belongs,” Farrace said. “We felt honored to have contributed a small chapter to the long and storied history of a Los Angeles landmark.”

Downtown LA has dramatically transformed from a no-go zone to a popular and thriving neighborhood over the past 20 years.