When I spotted sneak peeks of this Brooklyn loft floating around Pinterest, I was immediately smitten. The space injects a California-casual vibe into a historic building in the heart of Williamsburg. The juxtaposition couldn’t be more perfect.

Originally a schoolhouse in the 1800’s, the building in which this apartment resides features soaring ceilings, arched doorways with original transoms and beautiful hardwood floors. But the period details have all be softened by the addition of modern, minimalist furnishings, and neutral color palette.

There’s a gorgeous mix of high and low in this home as well. Cool vintage items like the set of woven dining chairs mingle with a timeless mid-century credenza, while the living room features sofas and shelving from CB2. But a gorgeous marble coffee table and Noguchi lights offer unique, individual style. When you mix and match like this everything is elevated.

I love the rustic luxe mix in the remodeled kitchen. Sawkille Co stools mingle with a timeless  marble island and brass hardware (that are actually paper towel rods!), yet the kitchen uppers are simple raw open shelving. Yet, the black and white color palette of the kitchen accessories feels decidedly modern. It’s a very yummy combo indeed.

A lovely ceramics collection and Bloc Shop prints hang in perfect harmony.

The master bedroom is particularly minimal but also lush. The textiles and variety of materials – a paper lantern pendant, striped bed throw, moroccan rug and ceramic table lamps all blend beautifully. Everything is low slung, making it feel laid back and very relaxed, yet also refined.I really really love this look.

The children’s feature similarly muted colors, but tons of texture, print and pattern that make them anything but boring. Instead they feel cozy and fun.

Earlier this summer, I profiled the homeowers’ vacation spot in Montauk and I love looking at how these two homes both differ but also relate. While the laid-back style permeates both homes, I appreciate the more European feel of the loft’s architecture. It’s a great reminder that you can accentuate a grand home’s bones without having to fill it with precious, unlivable pieces. You can create a comfortable, family friendly space in this type of building. And now I’m more motivated than ever to finally finish my own!

What do you think? Do you think the grand and the casual mix well here?

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photos by nicole franzen, design by space exploration