The loft is great, but this scene is unique in that it has the stair wall to deal with.
I think we all learn more by working on something common, as the variables are often so different for different scenes.
My suggestions would be to start with the existing materials and lighting, and then improve them as much as possible.
So adjust the light parameters, but maybe try and keep the same basic time of day for the outside light creating the shadows.
Use the existing material diffuse, but modify the material s however you wish, including adding additional textures for other channels. Basically, make it pretty!
Do it for fun.