The living room features chairs from Lee Industries and Caracole, a coffee table from Worlds Away, pillows constructed of Schumacher fabric, custom draperies
and sconces from Circa Lighting. PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DORIO
The living room features chairs from Lee Industries and Caracole, a coffee table from Worlds Away, pillows constructed of Schumacher fabric, custom draperies and sconces from Circa Lighting. Photographed by Sarah Dorio

After trading their Buckhead home for a stately residence at the Ritz-Carlton, these homeowners tapped the duo GordonDunning to create a space that veered away from an expected traditional style and leaned into a modern, fresh approach.

“Chic, modern and a smidge edgy.” These were the attributes decided on between interior designers Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning of GordonDunning Interior Design and their clients during an initial planning meeting predating their upcoming reno. This pair of homeowners had recently sold their large traditional Buckhead home for one of the same caliber with a smaller floor plan at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Buckhead. With downsizing as the main goal, the Ritz-Carlton allowed the couple to settle comfortably into this next phase of life, without having to leave the neighborhood they adore so much. For GordonDunning, this project was a welcome challenge, as classically their design aesthetic leans more traditional, rooted in history through antiques and the like—very similar to the style of the clients’ original home—but with this new space, the pair decided they wanted and needed a change. A new modern approach would allow crisp lines and neutral colors and an overall “refreshed” feel. In fact, the couple was so sold on the new modern approach that, when all was said and done, they allowed only one antique from their extensive collection to be used in the home. “The couple left behind almost every single piece of furniture, so we worked very diligently to source pieces that would both be comfortable but have modern sensibility,” says Gordon. “In addition to all the new furniture and decor pieces, we really focused on layering and leaving out as much color as possible to allow the textures and shapes to speak for themselves.”


The kitchen features white Calacatta silky SapienStone countertops and a Viking range PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DORIO
The kitchen features white Calacatta silky SapienStone countertops and a Viking range. Photograohed by Sarah Dorio

The kitchen started out very brown, so the designers refreshed the space with a new coat of cabinetry paint and new hardware, counters, backsplash and plumbing. In the living room, the designers wanted the space to be able to accommodate the two of them on a daily basis while keeping room for entertaining and hosting their children and grandchildren. They did this by incorporating sleek-lined furniture with just the right amount of bulk to make the room feel cozy. The dining room is perhaps where the modern direction is taken the most literally, as the couple was amid a large purge of their artwork collection. “When designing a traditional formal dining room, it is custom to build the space around a conversation piece or a special piece in your collection,” says Gordon. “Instead, we focused on an impactful light fixture and custom banquette with an exaggerated back.”


 The couple’s one piece of beautiful antique art is on display among the more modern decor. PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DORIO
The couple’s one piece of beautiful antique art is on display among the more modern decor. Photographed by Sarah Dorio

In the primary bedroom, the designers worked to make this space as hotel-esque as the rest of the property’s quarters, opting for lush white bedding for maximized modern comfort. Off the bedroom, the bathroom acts as an extension of the fresh modern style. “This bathroom was a tremendous overhaul,” says Gordon. “To meet the daily needs of the homeowners, we had to completely rework the layout and focus the space on the tub and tub wall.” What resulted was an updated spalike space perfect for the retreat vibe the designers aimed to accomplish.


The custom banquette is complemented by a dining table and chairs from Bernhardt, wallpaper by Thibaut and a chandelier by Circa Lighting. PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DORIO
The custom banquette is complemented by a dining table and chairs from Bernhardt, wallpaper by Thibaut and a chandelier by Circa Lighting. Photographed by Sarah Dorio

Overall, this project was a welcome change for both designer and client, trading in the antiquated look of traditional spaces for one of fresh, modern, chic and slightly edgy appeal. The homeowners can now host their family in a space that is representative of their place in life, one of fresh perspectives.


The primary bathroom features a free-standing tub by Kohler and faucets by Delta. PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DORIO
The primary bathroom features a free-standing tub by Kohler and faucets by Delta. Photographed by Sarah Dorio

DESIGN DETAILS

TYPE
Condo

LOCATION
Buckhead

INTERIOR DESIGN
Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning,
GordonDunnings
Interior Design
gordondunning.com

RESOURCES

BERNHARDT
Primary bedroom bed, chair and bedside tables; dining room table and chairs
bakerfurniture.com

CIRCA LIGHTING
Dining room chandelier; living room sconces
circalighting.com

DELTA
Kitchen plumbing fixtures and faucets;
primary bath tub deltafaucet.com

THE DRAPERY ROOM
Living room and primary bedroom custom draperies
thedraperyroom.com

LEE INDUSTRIES
Living room chair
leeindustries.com

THE NAKED SEAT
Kitchen banquette custom upholstery
nakedseat.com

PHILLIPS SCOTT
Primary bedroom dresser
phillipsscott.com

SCHUMACHER
Living room pillow fabric and trim; primary bedroom chair pillow fabric
fschumacher.com

THIBAUT
Dining room wallpaper panels
thibautdesign.com