Thanks! I liked your photo. The art work actually is centered, I just didn't take the photo from a straight angle.

This is indeed an interesting element. I will also be interested to see what people suggest you do to this area.

What are the measurements of the balcony?

The balcony is 8 feet wide and 6 feet tall at the highest point.

I don't care for it because of the dimensions. It does not offer enough head room to step out onto. The railing is below code, which could be dangerous if a child visits or have a negative impact on your resale value. I say, eliminate it, frame it in. Hang a proportionate piece of art there. I would choose something bold that is taller than it is wide. This looks like a place that would collect very hot air in warm weather and make your upstairs hot. Maybe. You should have a couple of suspended ceiling fans from the highest beam going down the center of the room to keep this from becoming a stagnant pocket of air.

This is another example of a builder that wants to be a designer. These nooks and balconies and alcoves and indentations just present design dilemmas and are better ignored or completely done away with.

Don't you just look up there and ask "Why?"

I know you like the balcony, but honestly, I think it should be removed. It's too close to the ceiling, too small, and looks dangerous. But if you really want to keep it, I would suggest painting the black rail a soft white, and paint the ceilings and trim the same white (a softer white than what is currently there).

The nature of the house is rooted in whimsy. It's a 1920 Tudor. It has lots of stained glass, ceiling beams that are more decorative than functional, built in nooks, bookcases, etc. Eliminating the balcony completely isn't in my budget. The house has thick walls and remains remarkably cool, even on hot summer days, so hot air being trapped there isn't a problem.

As to paint color-I just repainted. Not a small job with ceilings that high! I guess the picture is pretty bad because the ceiling doesnt look as bright white in the room. You know how it's hard to capture true color in a photo. No doubt, the house is a little quirky. I live in a neighborhood where many of the old houses are being torn down and replaced with modernist boxes.