HGTV Design Star Season Four winner Antonio Ballatore pulls no punches in the irreverent, iconoclastic and unique design of his downtown LA loft. From a completely DIY reclaimed wood kitchen with a bright lipstick-pink feature wall to a lounge room pinball machine and custom built sectional, Ballatore betrays a brazen contempt for the mundane in the presentation of his 3,300 square feet residence.
Anachronistic Modern Loft Living
Sharing living space with a six year old british bulldog, Ballatore draws heavily upon his fifteen years of experience in set design to manifest his personality throughout his home. A walking tour through the high ceilinged rooms of this idiosyncratic pet project provides a wealth of insight into his personal life, represented through a surfeit of antiques, gifts, artwork, and more intimate displays such as funeral cards and mementos of past lovers portraying a surprisingly candid personal insight.
Ballatore’s distinct design aesthetic is visible throughout the loft, with a handbuilt staircase rising to the upstairs bedroom and bathroom, both erected by the design celebrity himself. The dining room, overseen by a Native American tribute art created by his father, is replete with a throne chair from Melrose Gallery and a genuine human skull, also a hand-me-down from his paternal inspirator. A second, larger 17th century Spanish throne projects an authoritative tone into the room from the head of the Table, sourced from Environment.
Distinctive & Personal Design Aesthetic
By far the standout space in the loft, however, is the living room. Fans of Ballatore’s show, The Antonio Treatment would recognize a wall mural adapted from a photo taken from a 1980’s Slayer tour. Other notable pieces such as a Willams Road King Pinball Machine and a storied Bison Head orbit an 18’ sectional couch created specifically for the room by Blueprint Furniture, with a studded chair from Suburban Home in downtown LA providing a stoic counterpoint.
Ballatore’s living space is a testament to the unique creative talent that has made him into a driving force in the modern interior design world. Displaying a deep insight and worldly perspective, the Ballatore loft makes it easy to understand his international design success.
Images: apartment therapy