The Framed Loft, A Darker Retreat in Progress
- Tait Loughridge
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
This is our upstairs loft — the room at the top of the stairs that’s always been a bit undefined. It’s where we watch TV, where things land when they don’t have a home yet. It works, but it’s never really felt finished.
While we haven’t started any updates yet, I’ve been slowly working through how I’d like the space to evolve — moodier, more intentional, and more reflective of the way we actually use it.
This post is part of a larger series where I’m planning out the entire house — not because everything is happening at once, but because I like to know where I’m going. Even if we don’t have the budget to make changes yet, having a clear direction helps me build the space over time. It also means I can be thoughtful about what we bring in as we go — collecting furniture, finishes, and ideas that actually fit the vision.
Planning The Framed Loft
This isn’t a reveal or even a renovation update — it’s just the early concept stage of The Framed Loft. When I design, I start by figuring out what a room should feel like before I get into details. For this space, that feeling is something enclosed, cozy, and a little darker. We use this loft mostly at night, and since there’s no natural light, I’d rather let it be a retreat than fight it.
I’m planning to repaint the walls and ceiling in Ethereal Mood by Sherwin-Williams — a soft, muted green-gray — and use Rosemary for the built-ins and trim. It’s a deeper green that ties into the rest of our home without feeling too bold for a TV room.
Making Room for Structure
One of the biggest changes I’m planning is a custom built-in to frame the TV wall. Right now, we’ve got a few separate pieces of furniture doing the job, but I want something more unified — storage below, shelves on either side, and a bit of paneling to bring in some structure. I’m also thinking about continuing that paneling onto the wall next to it, where we currently have some family photos.
This space has always done the job, but I’d like it to feel more thought-out — like it belongs with the rest of the house, not just beside it.
The Palette & Layout
The layout won’t change much. The leather sofa stays — it’s one of the best pieces we own — and I’m planning to keep the general flow of the room. What shifts is the feel: the finishes, the color, the way light interacts with the space once we make those changes.
Green is a consistent thread throughout our home, and this room is no exception. While the loft might feel moodier once it’s fully layered, the palette itself isn’t any darker than what we’ve used elsewhere — Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams is already painted in other rooms and has become one of our core tones. The plan here is to continue that language with warmth and texture: oak-toned floors eventually, brass accents for contrast, and furniture that feels grounded but comfortable.
From Now to Next
Here’s the direction I’m working toward:
Everything shown here is still conceptual. We’re not in a place to start on it just yet, but getting it out of my head and onto paper helps me understand what’s possible. Even if it stays “someday” for a while, the direction is clear.
Final Thought
Design doesn’t always happen all at once and that’s okay. This space has been functional for years. Now I’m starting to imagine what it could become: more comfortable, more defined, more us. And when the time is right, the plan is already in place.
Want to bring this look to life in your own home?
Below are some of the key pieces I selected to shape this concept.
Hover over each item to see the name and click through to its source.
These are the paints I’d use to bring the mood to life — rich and comforting, but never overwhelming.
All product images link to their respective brand sources and are used for design inspiration only.
I love the rug!