My Houzz: Hold the (Freight) Elevator, Please!
Industrial style for this artist's live-work loft in Pittsburgh starts before you even walk through the door
It’s fitting that John Eastman uses a vintage freight elevator to access his home. As a large-scale abstract painter and maker of reclaimed-wood furniture for his company, Eastman Tribe, Eastman needed an industrial space where he could be creative, meet with clients and still have all the comforts of home.
His downtown Pittsburgh loft delivers on both practicality and minimalist, industrial style. For example, sheets of corrugated metal create walls that define the living spaces, while more sheets on the ceiling establish fixtures Eastman calls metal kites that create cool uplighting. Meanwhile, charcoal-gray floors and white walls create a gallery-recalling space that allows Eastman’s bright paintings and rustic wood furniture pieces to stand out.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: John Eastman
Location: Downtown Pittsburgh
Size: 3,300 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
His downtown Pittsburgh loft delivers on both practicality and minimalist, industrial style. For example, sheets of corrugated metal create walls that define the living spaces, while more sheets on the ceiling establish fixtures Eastman calls metal kites that create cool uplighting. Meanwhile, charcoal-gray floors and white walls create a gallery-recalling space that allows Eastman’s bright paintings and rustic wood furniture pieces to stand out.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: John Eastman
Location: Downtown Pittsburgh
Size: 3,300 square feet; 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Looking to save money but also add some industrial appeal, Eastman used sheets of corrugated steel to create walls that define the interior spaces. An orange accent wall highlights two original acrylic paintings by Eastman.
Wall paint: Citrus Blast, Behr; bench: Stripes Bench, Eastman Tribe
Wall paint: Citrus Blast, Behr; bench: Stripes Bench, Eastman Tribe
Eastman's paintings and a live-edge coffee table he made adorn the living room.
Sofa: St. Jean, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; coffee table: Stone Coffee Table, Eastman Tribe; artwork: John Eastman; floor lamp, metal chair: vintage
Sofa: St. Jean, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; coffee table: Stone Coffee Table, Eastman Tribe; artwork: John Eastman; floor lamp, metal chair: vintage
Chairs, pendant lights: Ikea; table: estate sale
Eastman built this dining room barn table out of salvaged industrial warehouse beams. Its center features a carved candle well that can also be used for bread.
The artist used a barn door to create the "XXO" piece; he painted the Ikea chairs and vintage locker red.
Pendant lights: Ikea
The artist used a barn door to create the "XXO" piece; he painted the Ikea chairs and vintage locker red.
Pendant lights: Ikea
A metal sink and exposed pipes continue the industrial aesthetic in the bathroom.
Wall paint: Lime Pop, Behr
For this small study space, Eastman painted a vintage table white and added vintage black Windsor chairs.
A larger freight elevator allows Eastman to transport some of his original oversize paintings and furniture in and out of his studio.
French doors: Construction Junction
French doors: Construction Junction
Eastman calls the corrugated metal sheets on the ceiling metal kites. They offer an economical alternative to replacing the worn concrete ceiling while providing unique uplighting.
Sofa: Ikea; end tables: Eastman Tribe; wood bench: vintage
Sofa: Ikea; end tables: Eastman Tribe; wood bench: vintage
This vintage drawing table was purchased in the '90s. Eastman has since painted and reconfigured it to suit his current filing needs. "Two Ideas" by Eastman hangs above the table.
John Eastman, pictured here, plans to revamp his kitchen soon.
More Houzz Tours:
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Next: The 10 most popular Houzz Tours so far
More Houzz Tours:
Small Homes
Colorful Homes
Eclectic Homes
Lofts
Contemporary Homes
Modern Homes
Transitional Homes
Traditional Homes
Midcentury Homes
Ranch Homes
Vacation Homes
Next: The 10 most popular Houzz Tours so far
Wall paint: Ultra Pure White, Behr; floor paint: Charcoal Gray, Behr