Modern Heirloom

James Wheeler transforms a pied-à-terre in Midtown with his classic-meets-fresh perspective

Written by Sejal Bhima Photographed by Emily Followill

“In small spaces, I like to do things that are modular and have items serve multiple purposes,” says Wheeler in reference to the living room’s concrete tables on casters by Oso Industries. When entertaining, they can easily be slid next to the sofa or vintage woven chairs to serve as side tables or provide extra seating. The artwork is by Katie Walker, represented by Sandler Hudson Gallery, and the rug is Moattar.

Purpose Driven “In small spaces, I like to do things that are modular and have items serve multiple purposes,” says Wheeler in reference to the living room’s concrete tables on casters by Oso Industries. When entertaining, they can easily be slid next to the sofa or vintage woven chairs to serve as side tables or provide extra seating. The artwork is by Katie Walker, represented by Sandler Hudson Gallery, and the rug is Moattar.

The homeowner’s most prized possession—a striking modern painting passed down from his grandfather—holds court in the dining area. Wishbone chairs from Design Within Reach were selected in a black finish for a more dramatic effect. The light fixture, by Serge Mouille, was used throughout the residence to provide continuity.

The two-tone kitchen features a durable modern quartz, while walnut adds warmth and cohesion with the home’s antique wooden furnishings. To maximize storage, the new island was designed with push cabinets in the front. The cabinetry was fabricated by Royal Custom Cabinets.

Wheeler concealed support columns with wood panels that create an elegant U-shaped niche for the bed. In lieu of nightstands, open shelving features outlets for electronics to control lighting and music. Cabinetry fabricated by California Closets.

Describing the before as “brown and dark,” Wheeler reimagined the master bath as a fresh and airy space wrapped in Carrara marble from Stonelluxe. The vanity chair is by A. Rudin from Paul + and the rug is Moattar.

Enveloped in Phillip Jeffries’ Savile Suiting wallcovering, the media room plays up the homeowner’s love for midcentury design. The Danish modern accent chairs were vintage finds, and the Mattaliano cocktail table is from Paul +. The figurative artwork is by William McLure through Holland & Company.

A luxe yet durable vinyl silk wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries is the backdrop for the bathroom’s chic accents, including a floating vanity fabricated by Royal Custom Cabinets, a leaning mirror by Rejuvenation and Circa Lighting sconces.

An African blanket affixed to the guest bedroom headboard gives the space graphic interest. The nightstand is an ornate antique table passed down from the homeowner’s grandparents. The chandelier is by Rejuvenation, while the wool-and-silk carpet is from Patterson Flynn Martin.

When a successful periodontist swapped out his four-bedroom home for a cozy Atlanta pied-à-terre, it was a seemingly perfect match for the bachelor’s on-the-go lifestyle. Its Midtown location allows him to easily walk to his practice during the week while also affording him the opportunity to jet away to his second home in Key West when the weekend approaches. Yet while the setting was ideal, the interiors left much to be desired.

“Picture ‘builder beige’ from top to bottom,” says interior designer James Wheeler, who was called upon to modernize the dated dwelling. But before he could tackle the travertine floors and bland finishes, the inefficient layout needed to be addressed. “The original architecture didn’t lend itself to the most use of space, if you will. There were odd faux walls and wasteful angles,” explains Wheeler. So with storage and functionality top of mind, he took the condo down to the studs to make way for a more thoughtful floor plan that maximized every square inch of living space—a must for the downsizing homeowner.

With a blank canvas in place, it was time for the real fun to begin. “I consider him a dream client because he gave me a broad overview of what he was seeking and then left the interpretation to me,” says Wheeler. “He has this love of midcentury and modern design, but he also has an equal love for antiques that reflect his Southern heritage.”

Tasked with unifying these contrasting styles, Wheeler kept the walls a pure white to provide a crisp, neutral base for the client’s treasured heritage antiques, while warm woods like walnut in the kitchen offer a sense of cohesion. The homeowner’s midcentury pieces also quietly blend into the design scheme. For instance, a classic leather Eames lounge chair in the living room sits adjacent to an antique wooden table that has been passed down through generations and serves as an impromptu bar during frequent gatherings. An heirloom silver ice bucket on its bottom shelf is also always at the ready.

For quieter moments, the homeowner retreats to the dark and cozy media room. Here, Wheeler took inspiration from his client’s plaid wool suit by enveloping the room in a textural wallcovering almost identical in look and feel, giving the space major midcentury appeal. Wheeler was careful, however, to balance the decidedly masculine feel with an antique drop-leaf table.

“I enjoyed the challenge of combining different periods,” says Wheeler. “Everything from a structural standpoint in the home may be new and modern, but we’ve woven in a lot of character, as nearly every piece tells a story. And that’s ultimately what a home should be—a reflection of our lives and history.”

INTERIOR DESIGN James Wheeler, J. Wheeler Designs, (404) 907-8605; jwheelerdesigns.com