The intrigue of living in a building that dates to the late 19th century attracted artist Andrea Costa to The Stacks Lofts.
“It was an interesting space before I ever moved the first piece of furniture in, and it really speaks to me,” she said.
Once a cotton mill in Atlanta’s Cabbagetown neighborhood, The Stacks retains its smokestacks, although the property now has more than 500 loft residences. The tall ceilings, which Costa estimates reach 22 feet, provided ample space to fill her loft with original art, both her work and pieces by friends.
“I personally get energy from artwork. That’s why I love other people’s artwork,” said Costa, who also has an interior design background. “I really feel like it’s the soul in the space.”
Snapshot
Resident: Andrea Costa, owner of Andrea Costa Studio. She is represented by Huff Harrington Fine Art and is participating in Spotlight on Art at Trinity School from Jan. 29-Feb. 3.
Location: Atlanta's Cabbagetown neighborhood, The Stacks Lofts
Size: 1,300 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths
Year built/bought: 1891/building converted to lofts in 1997/bought in 2017
Architectural style: Vintage industrial
Favorite architectural elements: Wooden plank ceilings, concrete floors, exposed brick walls
Project consultants: Kat Nelson Designs and Brenda Jones with Thrive and Design (interior designers), Andres Fragozo (kitchen tile and painter), Home Tech (electrician)
Renovations: Installed ceramic tile backsplash in the kitchen, add lighting throughout the loft and repainted, using Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.
Interior design style: Hip casual chic
Favorite interior design elements: For her collected look, she uses vintage fabric, global items such as an African headdress, and textured elements, such as a shell bowl on her coffee table, wood bead chandeliers, throws and pillows.
Favorite room: The kitchen and its signature item — a mirror created by her friend, artist Stacy Milburn of Stacy Milburn Studio. The 55-by-55-inch mirror is spectacular and gave it a more elegant feel, Costa said. "What's so fun is to do the unexpected," she said.
Resources: Furniture from Gregory Joseph Designs/Westside Market, Thrive and Design, Scott Antique Market, Ballard Designs and HomeGoods. Beaded chandeliers from Regina Andrew Design. Artwork from Andrea Costa Studio, Hannah Stettner of Stett Studio, Dawne Raulet and Donna Hughes. Rugs from Kishi's Rugs & Antiques. Bedding from Matteo. Lamps from Uttermost.
Decor tip: Don't be scared to go with your gut, whether choosing a painting or a palette. For example, Costa decided to use red in her bedroom. "That pop of red just makes me happy when I see it," she said. "Red can be inspiring."
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