Most mature technology / reliable, and least expensive- Direct view, or tube TV like your Trinitron. Sony's latest and coolest 34"XBR (but that is the downside, you can only go this big)

Least mature technology/ sometimes unreliable and most expensive- plasma displays
In other words, you could spend ten times the money for something reliable. Do not buy a $1900 plasma or you will be sorry.
But, you can get a BIG, and BRIGHT display this way (not to mention how cool/sexy a plasma would look sitting on the floor in a loft, woa!!)

I think both types of TV's have equal brightness. If you were happy with the size of your old TV, Ill bet the Sony, or some other brand of 34" wide CRT would be perfect for your new place!