Our monthly series asks: What decor best suits each star sign? Risk-taking Leo needs a dramatic space with plenty of room for scene-stealing features, writes Jill Krasny
Potomac, Maryland | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Ever notice that some houses seem to tug at your heart while others leave you feeling unmoved? Your star sign may have something to do with it. Soft-hearted Cancer should have a home that feels like a cocoon, while busy Gemini needs a place that keeps up with their ever-changing interests, and risk-taking Leo wants a space to make them feel like a star. As Leo’s zodiac season (July 23-August 22) gets underway, it’s time to ask: How do you design the perfect home for a Leo?
“Leo needs somewhere that is larger than life,” says Anthony Perrotta, an astrologer and interior designer based in Providence, Rhode Island. “They can feel like the center of attention at times, so a space that gives them the chance to do that is wonderful.”
Key Biscayne, Florida | One Sotheby’s International Realty
A European-style estate on South Florida’s exclusive Key Biscayne exudes the kind of main character energy for which Leo is known. There are plenty of outdoor spaces for playing host, including a pool with an adjacent patio and a spacious second-floor balcony. The modest bridge leading out to the boat deck is also a scene-stealer.
Leos crave natural light and wide-open spaces, so sweeping ceilings, expansive windows and freeflowing common areas are a must, says Perrotta. “They need room to extend and move,” he says, so it’s wise to avoid anywhere that feels tight or cramped. The same can be said of dark areas, which feel stifling to them.
Dubai, Uited Arab Emirates | Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty
An ultra-luxurious three-bedroom apartment in Dubai’s Waldorf Astoria has all the skyline views and soaring ceilings Leo could want, with no shortage of grand common spaces. Set on the edge of Dubai in the buzzy DFIC district, the pad features floor-to-ceiling windows and chandeliers that bounce the light around tinted glass ceilings. The Waldorf’s 24-hour concierge service means Leo gets to call the shots, says Perrotta—a good thing for this regal sign.
As they are ruled by the sun, Leos are a force of nature. They’re natural leaders who like taking risks, and they trust their own intuition, says Perrotta. They also love materials that signal the high life: “crystal, etched glass, rich silks, and so on,” says Perrotta.
Crown’s Grant, a colossal estate in the wealthy suburb of Potomac, Maryland, is peak Leo, from its winding driveway to its Baccarat chandelier. Here, the formal rooms are fit for an embassy and the library is mahogany-paneled. In the foyer, a dramatic, curved staircase floats above inlaid marble floors.
Potomac, Maryland | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Unsurprisingly, Leo is drawn to warm tones and anything vibrant and bold. “They are not afraid of color at all,” says Perrotta, or “anything that feels like it stands out.” Luxe materials and textures also appeal to them, making the Dubai apartment, with its pink sorbet-colored seating and honey-toned walls, an ideal option.
When it comes down to it, Leo wants the kind of home that lets them take center stage. Yes, they love to host parties, but they also want where they live to reflect who they are and how they feel. “They are a sign of playfulness and self-expression, so their home needs to be a space where they can have fun,” says Perrotta. “Leos rule the heart, and they put heart into everything they do and create.” They want somewhere worth bragging about, he adds, “and they have every right to feel that way.”
Fellow fire sign Aries needs a home with the space to dream big—and go bold
