Crisp green punctuates the guest bath with a band of unexpected color.
Featured Homes
All in Sync
Modern décor transforms a historic space at the edge of the city’s loft district.
BY
Vicki Pickle
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rob Grimm

“I enjoy having friends over for parties, and the open floor plan is perfect for just hanging out.”
                                   – Matt Ramsey

The loft’s sleek, modern décor is highlighted with bold colors that add dimension and contrast against the stainless appliances and corrugated steel ceilings.
Matt’s baby grand piano with a high-gloss ebony finish is the focal point in the music room, with custom wall screens that allow for privacy.
The open floor plan transforms easily for parties, with a moveable kitchen island on rollers.
The master bath, like the bedroom, includes the historic building’s original pillars wrapped in terra cotta tiles. Storage accessories in neutral hues are ideal for stashing the essentials.

For Matt Ramsey, making the transition from his suburban home in Affton to a high-rise loft in the newly renovated Motor Lofts building was the right decision. Formerly known as the Motor Parts Warehouse, the historic building allows for the perfect blend of past and present – and Matt’s loft serves as an exposé on the art of bringing a modern twist to a century-old space.

After looking at lofts in more than one restored building in the city, Matt selected a loft space on the top floor of the historic building because of its original architectural elements, including pillars wrapped in terra cotta tiles, corrugated steel ceilings and exposed brick ceiling beams and walls.

“I liked the floor plan and love the top floor of the building. I saw it as a space where I could mix contemporary furniture within the context of a historic building with remarkable architecture – blending the old with the new. My main goals were comfort and function,” says Matt. Configuring “living areas” was essential, and Matt’s vision for creating “spaces” prompted him to select pieces that would all work together and allow for great flow between rooms. Using two bold metallic stripes to connect the spacious living area and kitchen, the cohesive space beckons a relaxed, urban lifestyle.

A busy professional (he’s a pharmacist in the cardiac surgery ICU at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and a pharmaceutical consultant), Matt looks forward to a space where he can have friends over and relax at the end of the day. “I enjoy having friends over for parties, and the open floor plan is perfect for just hanging out,” explains Matt.

The open living and kitchen areas are complete with multifunctional pieces that match Matt’s design philosophy – to thoughtfully choose and design pieces that have multiple uses and consider each item significant, especially with a more minimalist interior design plan. A custom-built moveable kitchen island on rollers serves as a table or serving bar, and it can be moved against the wall or placed at an angle, depending on Matt’s needs or the occasion. While he enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, his kitchen is just as efficient as a great spot to grab a snack or serve cocktails when entertaining. A multi-functional bar cabinet finished in black onyx with frosted glass doors is another example of Matt’s devotion to the wise consideration of furnishings that he places in his home.

For the living room, he selected a low-back sofa with a height that works well to define the space, yet allows for a view through the room from the kitchen and adjacent music room that features Matt’s baby grand piano. A herringbone slipper chair and a concrete-and-steel coffee table are strong pieces of interest in Matt’s well-designed, comfortable living area. He also chose a leather club chair and ottoman for relaxing. Contemporary lamps and favorite artwork, including landscapes and abstracts, lend both a personalized and modern feel to the tastefully stylish spaces. Abundant natural light streams through the impressive window-lined exterior wall that joins the relaxed gathering spots.

Originally built as a guest bedroom, Matt chose to designate the room adjacent to the kitchen as a music/library space, using a customized closeable triple-panel glass wall screen for privacy. In keeping with Matt’s appreciation of clean-lined design, both the master bedroom and bath are serene, functional spaces. And converting a closet space to create an office niche just outside the master bedroom allows him to work from home in addition to his full-time position at Barnes. In the entry hallway, a contemporary bench on rollers acts as additional seating, moving easily into the living area for spontaneous get-togethers – one of Matt’s favorite ways to socialize when he is in town.

With the security and privacy that the urban development provides, Matt enjoys traveling with ease, and when he’s home, he thoroughly enjoys living in the west end of the loft district. “I wanted to be close to the downtown scene with easy access to highways,” says Matt. “My location is the perfect blend of accessibility and privacy. I appreciate being close enough to the center of it all in order to enjoy it when I have the time.” A short distance from the The Tap Room and other restaurants, Matt is impressed with the variety of places to meet friends and grab a bite to eat. In his free time, he is training for a marathon, and he finds plenty of downtown parks accessible for running, including nearby Forest Park, where he plays in soccer and softball leagues. Soon to come is a modern fitness club, pool and spa, which will provide even easier access to a gym within walking distance of Matt’s building. “I’m looking forward to the recreation complex opening across Washington Avenue in 2009,” says Matt.

Finding downtown living just perfect – with art galleries, restaurants and sports close by – Matt Ramsey is looking forward to the continued downtown renovation. “The urban revitalization is changing the landscape of the city, bringing suburban St. Louisians back to the once-thriving downtown setting,” remarks Matt.