A living room balcony creates a bohemian feel to one’s home reminding of exotic locations such as California or México.
I love a living room balcony. A recent visit to the Polasek museum here in Winter Park reminded me of this seldom seen yet lovely oddity. There is something about this idiosyncrasy that attracts. Maybe because it is spotted in México where mariachis can play to a crowd below.
Albin Polasek himself designed his retirement home in Winter Park, Florida. The salon includes this stair which leads to two bedrooms above and a charming balcony.
The salon is filled with many of this prolific artist’s works.
The living room balcony is highlighted with a copy of his Madonna with corn commissioned by a cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska.
An elegant apartment in the Andalusia designed by Craig Wright. (Photo: Architectural Digest, December 1993)
Arthur and Nina Zwebell created the historic courtyard apartments named Andalusia, in 1926. The design inspired the setting of the 90’s television series Melrose Place. The interiors of the show were never as chic as Craig Wright’s design above although the glamorous Heather Lockwood would be right at home here.
Living room in the Libby Estate in Ojai, California. Architect Wallace Neff, Interior Designer Kathryn Ireland. (Photo: Thibault Jeanson, Vogue Living, as seen in Creating a Home by Kathryn M. Ireland)
Like the Andalusia, this staircase has steps with tile risers providing color and charm. This living room balcony is the largest of the examples I have pictured having its own fireplace and large seating area.
Oh the possibilities here. The Wallace Neff designed living room of the Libby Estate before the Kathryn Ireland decoration. (Photo: Tim Beddow as seen in Creating a Home)
Home of Edward Holler and Sam Saunders, Nogales, Arizona. (Photo: 3 Story Media)
The home of Ed Holler and Sam Saunders of Holler & Saunders deserves its own dedicated post. It is a jaw-dropping site. The estate transports one to another world. It is a magical place with peacocks and dogs roaming. The large house is filled with the dramatic treasures that they sell. One of the memorable features of their house is the circular stairway leading to a balcony spanning the large entry set up as a foyer/dining room. To read more about Holler & Saunders see here.
Minstrel’s gallery above this dining room installed in the former watchtower of an 18th century home in Tizapán, southern part of México City. (Photo: Tim Street-Porter from Casa Mexicana)
This dining room is pictured in one of my all-time favorite design books, Casa Mexicana by Tim Street-Porter. My copy of this book is worn and water stained from years of flipping through its pages.
Should I ever build a house, this unique feature is something I would want to incorporate into the design. What better place for the mariachis to serenade?
Casa V Interiors can bring singular design to your home making it extraordinary.
