While the Buckhead area in Atlanta might be best known for its historic residential mansions (including several that survived the Civil War) and manicured tree-lined streets, there’s some pretty remarkable luxury living amid the restaurants, retail, and high-end hotels, too. Take a peek at the interior design of a chic Buckhead condo that proves smaller spaces can make a big impact.
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with a view of a lush city park, this 1,060-square-foot condominium was entirely redesigned by Yvonne McFadden of Y. McFadden Interiors. “An out-of-state client turned to us to convert his bachelor-days medical school crash pad into a comfortable pied-à-terre for his family of five,” says the designer.
Softening the space’s industrial vibe with a muted color palette, ambient lighting, and rich textures, she worked to maximize storage and deliver a cozy, elegant-yet-family-friendly home. She even updated cabinetry, countertops, and flooring to brighten it up and tone down darker features. “The ample use of cement added an inherent industrial feel to the condo that we counteracted with soft, ethereal drapery, a warm and inviting palette, bright cabinetry, and beautiful white oak flooring,” Yvonne explains. “Our clients wanted the space to be comfortable while not crowded.”
For example, an entirely new kitchen layout — featuring new cabinetry — offers ample space for storing everything needed to feed and entertain a large family. It also discreetly stows appliances that are less frequently used or don’t lend themselves to an eye-catching display.
“In the cabinets to the right of the refrigerator is a hidden coffee bar and appliance garage,” Yvonne tells us. “That’s where all of the client’s regularly used appliances are set on a pull-out tray so they can remain plugged in and easily accessible. Additionally, we designed a storage tower in the kitchen to include pantry space, a fold-down desk that provides additional storage, and a usable workspace that is easily stowed between uses.”
Though it proved somewhat challenging, Yvonne employed ambient lighting solutions to offset the condo’s original industrial vibe. “Junction boxes could not be built into the concrete walls,” she explains. “Instead, hardwired sconces were installed using pancake junction boxes, and conduit was utilized both for safety and to conceal wiring.”
The result is warm and functional, with a sophistication that aligns with Yvonne’s design style. “My aesthetic leans [toward] transitional with an emphasis on creating edited and polished spaces,” she says. “I find myself very inspired by the smallest of details and fine craftsmanship, whether it be the expert joinery on a piece of furniture or delicate stitching on fabric.”
Due to the unit’s location on the 14th floor, Yvonne faced the logistical complication of reserving freight elevators for transporting furniture and design pieces. She also says limited on-site parking posed its own challenges — every trip to the condo had to be well-planned and strategically organized. “Because this was a condo in a large development, we were also very limited in making any changes to the floor plan,” she tells us, “thus requiring a creative furniture plan that provided our clients a space that was both functional and comfortable.”
Yvonne implemented several innovative storage ideas in the children’s bedroom, installing a multi-use furniture option to create a versatile space. “We needed to transform a small space into an area where the three children could both play and sleep. We designed a furniture piece that functions as a sofa, Murphy, and trundle bed,” says Yvonne.
“The Murphy bed can be folded down to reveal a full-sized bed. Underneath, a twin-sized trundle bed can be pulled out, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements,” explains Yvonne. “When the beds are stowed, the piece functions as a comfortable sofa that affords more usable floor space for playtime.”
The master bedroom proved to be less challenging. “This room was relatively straightforward in that our clients wanted a comfortable space to relax and unwind after days spent with their children,” says Yvonne. “An upholstered headboard added softness, and the floor-to-ceiling windows provided incredible views and natural sunlight. Blackout drapery was utilized both for privacy and to ensure our clients would only be woken up by their young children — not the morning sun!”
All photography courtesy of Jeff Herr.
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