artist's loft, part 1

Perhaps my favorite home on the recent Downtown Loft Tour was the one belonging to artist Vicki Bruner. Located near Richmond's Gallery Walk and across the street from Gallery 5, it seems like the perfect place for an artist to live and work (although Vicki is in fact considering selling the place if she gets a good offer).

One of the most prominent features of this bright and open loft was the abundance of eclectic art decorating the space. Tomorrow I'll share photos of the loft's interior, and you can see for yourself how much character all that art (and other whimsical decorative elements) gives the space. The other notable feature of Vicki's home was the abundance of greenery. Inside, many pots of sculptural succulents and strappy palms adorned various corners, tabletops, and shelves. But the what was growing outside was even more impressive. And that's what I want to share with you today in part 1.

Let's start with a shot of the building's exterior. That lush upstairs patio is the private outdoor living space that the loft opens onto. To access the loft, though, you must enter through a gate to the right of the downstairs window boxes and into a small courtyard also decorated with many potted plants, then proceed up a long walkway up to the second floor loft itself.

The last photo above is a vestibule off the walkway up to Vicki's loft. The quality of light in there was so haunting that I couldn't resist snapping a picture. It almost felt like an art installation, with the juxtaposition of the organic forms of the plants against a worn, industrial backdrop, and that ethereal light from above.

The main event outside, however, was Vicki's patio. Adorned with multiple trellises, potted plants, window boxes, and even plants growing directly in the patio where a few of the pavers had been removed, the patio also had space allotted for an outdoor dining area and for a work/storage space. Here are a few shots for your enjoyment...

Keep in mind that these photos were taken in March, after a particularly cold winter. If it looked like this a week ago, just imagine how gorgeous this place will be come summer!

Congratulations to Vicki on what she has created with her amazingly green thumb, and thanks to her as well for letting me share it with you! Stay tuned for interior photos of Vicki's personality-filled loft tomorrow...