Caryn's Fairytale Loft

I'm not usually big on decor that is considered "romantic" or "fairytale," but when I saw Caryn's awesome house tour over on Apartment Therapy, it struck a chord. I love the way that she was able to create warmth and a "homey" feel in a loft space. I typically find that when looking at lofts, I never use the words "warm" or "cozy," but I think Caryn's been able to transform her space so that it feels much more like a well-lived in house with a side of quirk.

Caryn Grossman is an Atlanta-based interior designer (obviously!) with projects across the country. She specializes in residential and commercial spaces, innovative sourcing and sustainable design. Her work is eclectic and fun, romantic and whimsical. After I saw her house tour I wanted to focus in on some of the corners of her home she finds particularly special, so I asked her to give us a more intimate account of the space.

Caryn's home comprises 2,300 square feet in an old factory near downtown Atlanta and it doubles as her studio; it's the place where she can most freely express herself. So her loft has become a lab of sorts, a place where she plays with texture and color, function and form. "I treat my space as somewhat of a stage, an artistic installation that's ever changing and evolving," she says. We can tell! Check out the spots in her home that she chose as her favorites:



Caryn's first favorite thing in her home is the statue of a saint salvaged from a church in Belgium (pictured above). It certainly gives texture and personality to her living room. Also, the acrylic tables are also among her favorites, with a lacy pattern laser-cut into the material. The saint came to her through Love Train Antiques, an Atlanta-based importer of French, Swedish and Belgian antiques, while the acrylic table is from Italy, by way of Space Modern, a furniture store in Atlanta. Toward the back, there's a Kartell lamp, next to antique glove forms and a Venetian mirror. She's also laid out a sequin top to add glitter to the scene.

Tucked under her stairway (above left) is a mix of piece, both old and new, refurbished and found. The column leaning against the wall is from an old building in Belgium (courtesy Love Train Antiques), while the cafe chair was a great find at a sample sale. The black lacquered cabinet is antique, from Space Modern in Atlanta, while the table came from a local flea market, with the centerpiece a mix of old chandelier crystals, rose water bottles and decanter stoppers. The light above is one of Philippe Starck's designs, cut crystal vases made into a lamp, making this little corner one of my favorite vignettes.

She may love her bedroom (above right) most. "It feels like I'm stepping into a fairy tale every time I come home!" she says. The chandelier is an 18-light Venini from Italy, 6' in diameter, purchased from Space Modern in Atlanta. The giant ball is solid wood, imported from Belgium by Love Train Antiques, while the vases on the back chest are part of a mid-century modern collection. The curtains are 16' long taffeta silk, custom made by Silk Trading Company. The dresser is an old factory piece, with labeled and divided doors (also imported by Love Train Antiques).

The box on the left is an old patisserie box from France, which Caryn keeps in her living room. It's one of her favorite places to showcase and store vintage jewelry. She picked it up at Love Train Antiques, while the vintage jewelry is an assortment from antique shows and estate sales. Check out one of her accent tables (above right), also in her living, which she decorates with an old sequined blouse, vintage hat, ghost candelabra and old letters -- a fun mix of modern, vintage and salvage finds.

It's funny when Caryn describes her space as "over the top," because I don't see it that way. Yes, it's eclectic and bold but it's not overdone or packed with too much stuff. I think it's well put together and clearly reflects her distinct design style, which she describes as: "Books are open to favorite pages, propped along the floor, telling a story as you wander through. Vintage blouses and purses, jewelry and dresses are often too beautiful to hide away. Old chandeliers are propped on the floor, mannequin parts are spread in array."

Be sure to look out for Caryn's latest project, Objet, a store slated to open next spring, an eclectic mix of fabulous things! Best of luck, Caryn!

For another unique home idea, check out these Container Homes!