This Pittsburgh home is the perfect example of how loft living goes beyond NYC; it's hard to imagine this living space exists outside of Mercer street. In collaboration with the architecture firm Indovina Associates, this newly renovated industrial building in Pittsburgh’s historical Northside neighborhood explores the intersection between a gallery and a living space.

The once Industrial building was transformed into a sophisticated loft characterized by high ceilings, an open floor plan, and exposed blackened steel beams. As in any open floor plan, furniture placement is vital, adding layers to the limitless depth. Without defined separation, the furniture designates different environments within the loft while unifying the space. The large central fireplace upon a floating wall also aids in carving out the open floor plan. It is accessible from all angles and shines a light on two designated seating areas while also giving a slight separation between social and intimate living.

The interior design creates tension between the industrial and architectural features while standing up to the significant art collection. The furniture in the loft uses a refined color palette and explores shape and texture to complement the works of art displayed in the space. Essential to the interior design are some of the most recognizable European furnishings that have been significant in the history of contemporary design and still remain so today. Tucked behind the fireplace is a media room with an entire wall lined with books and records of every variety. Central to the space lies two parallel iconic Charles lounges by B&B Italia, suitable for any contemporary gallery lobby. A sculptural coffee table balances the lounges with a glass top that adds an organic element to the room and is accented by a famous citrine Metropolitan Lounge chair and ottoman. Although the most intimate space in the central living area, it is still lively, bursting with color and verve against white walls that work as a neutral backdrop to showcase exquisite furniture and art. Flanking this space on the other side of the fireplace sits an 11-foot Met sectional designed by Piero Lissoni in 1990 and produced today by Cassina. The simplicity of the design is part of its impressiveness. The geometric lines and subtly sculptural arms are elegant features, while the construction is seamless, with hidden zippers joining the cushions. The linear sectional is balanced by an architecturally inspired round coffee table designed by Charlotte Perriand. It unifies two Tank Chairs by Alto Avalar with curved arms that soften the sharp lines of the space while their zebra-patterned upholstery boldly creates a focal point of its own. Here we find the elements of design working in unity as a spatial center of gravity.

The impressive Met sectional also divides this social lounge and the dining area. Flexibility was crucial for the dining layout to cater to various entertainment. The centerpiece of the dining area is pair of Table 86, another timeless design by Alvar Aalto. The beauty is in its versatility and simplicity as they can be placed together or stand alone. Curved dining chairs by B&B Italia soften the signature L-Leg of Aalto. The dining chairs by B&B Italia are fully upholstered down to the leg and are finished with a visible zipper along the back. This combination exemplifies the high-quality craftsmanship of European furniture. Crisp Vitra barstools sit opposite the dining room and line the 12 ft kitchen island, fully equipped with a sub-zero fridge and appliances from Dons Appliance. The kitchen serves as the hub of the house and control center for state-of-the-art security and lighting design by Clear Story Creative, suitable for showcasing the art.

Two large walk-in closets are situated along the hallway leading to the primary bedroom. The industrial elements featured throughout the home are most visible within this bright southern-facing room. The raw materials original to the building are clear in contrast with the linear structure of the bedroom collection. The mix of oiled oak, black marble, and various shades of green work in harmony around the striking Maralunga and LC4 chairs by Cassina, a perfect example of the artistic nature of Italian modernism expressed through furniture design.