It’s not often the striking Melbourne cityscape is upstaged, but this inner-city balcony may just trump the view it overlooks.
Photography Annette O’Brien / Styling Jess Frazer / Words Jacqui Greig
Quality pieces of furniture, such as the GlobeWest ‘Reef’ three-seater sofa, Luum ‘Simply’ daybed and Luum ‘Simply’ coffee table pictured, were chosen for their contemporary appeal.
Home to Scott Feltham and Nicola Sims, and their two children, this balcony is considered an outdoor alternative to a lounge room. “The balcony is always the most popular spot to wind down at the end of the night,” says Nicola. A subtle reflection of current urban design, the space uses bluestone, raw timber and steel as key elements, with a modern and relaxed feel.
Nicola loves to be surrounded by warm colour and bold, simple shapes, evident in her online homewares business – Luum.
“I’ve used colours that complement the soft pastel tones in our succulents, and balance well with tones of green. Cushions from my own range make the balcony inviting. The tables and daybed are from my ‘Simply’ range – bringing warmth through colour, natural timber and their simple form. I tend to find it easier to relax when surrounded by things that aren’t overcomplicated.”
Measuring approximately 4x6 metres, the space has been maximised with streamlined furniture and plants in pots as opposed to garden beds, while the kitchen and dining areas – adjacent to the balcony – have bi-fold doors that open to conjoin the indoor open-plan living space with the terrace.
The laser-cut metal screen is the hero – inspired by a need for privacy; balanced by the desire not to block too much of the Melbourne skyline. The simple geometry of the design complements the bold foliage scattered throughout the balcony, which, with the numerous potted plants inside, ensure a garden-like feel despite living in a dense urban landscape.
“We have numerous potted plants inside and out to extend a garden-like feel in our dense urban landscape,” explains Nicola. Luum ‘Cup’ pots and Capra Designs ‘Crescent’ plant stand pictured.
PLANT STAND / POT / CUSHION / RUG / OUTDOOR SOFA / COFFEE TABLE
Love this space? Looking for more outdoor inspiration? You'll find this and more in our new Planted Magazine and the Endless Summer edition of Adore Home. Out in newsagents now.