![Designer Lynn Barnhouse gives decorating ideas for loft-like spaces illustrated by the interiors she did for artist Harriet Bart. This display case is set amongst the other cabinets in the kitchen.] Richard Tsong-Taatarii/rtsong-taatarii@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WGZZD2N74C4XOWTKJXSCDDJSQM.jpg?&w=1080)
Interior designer Lynn Barnhouse shared her tips for working with lofts and other loft-like spaces.
• Create furniture groupings organized by activity — for example, dining, reading, lounging and studying.
• Make the groupings visually distinct with a different color scheme or a contrast in the scale of furniture.
• Lay area rugs to help with acoustics, add warmth and color, define spaces and protect wood floors.
• Don't place furnishings in front of windows, blocking the view.
• Use a variety of ways to illuminate areas — floor lamps, table lamps, indirect bounced light. Use lights you can control such as spotlighting to highlight and accentuate, and lights that can be brightened or dimmed.
• Display objects from personal collections to add warmth and texture to modern streamlined spaces.
• Create a smooth flow with lighting, furniture arrangement, color and object placement to focus attention and activity.
