The Luxury of Color

A rich shade of purple is the signature of this chic condominium, wrapping not only the walls and ceiling but jumping onto the d

Classic Lines & Fresh hues

The skirted table in the foyer appears to have been the impetus for the entire color scheme. But not so, says Brown. We found t

A double-pedestal dining table is surrounded by Baker chairs and a more casual, custom bench, infusing the area with informality

Brown started with two adjacent bedrooms and baths, exploding them into one grand master suite. This sitting area is the perfect

Various shades of bronze envelop the master suite, creating an appropriately peaceful atmosphere. Taking center stage is a drama

“We used a lot of tricks to make the space feel bigger,” says the designer, “especially with mirrors and furniture placement.”

Taking a cue from its dramatic views, Bob Brown treated the interiors of this condominium in the same way. The sweeping vistas from the 20th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Atlanta, Buckhead—of downtown, Stone Mountain and beyond—are nothing short of breathtaking. But Brown’s deft hand with the design of this sky-high retreat is all that and more.

Upon entering the foyer, you’re met by a rich purple hue—which doesn’t read as purple at all but, instead, a striking neutral. “The color purple felt rich and inviting at the same time,” says Brown. “It just felt good.”

It’s the way in which he used the color, however, that’s both bold and brilliant. The jewel tone flows from the entry into the main living area, covering not only the walls but the trim and ceilings, too. Yes, the approach makes a strong fashion statement. But it also allows various ceiling heights to blend quietly into the background and read as one.

Brown’s signature style is evident throughout the residence, perhaps nowhere more so than in the living/dining area. “I tried to get away from ‘this side is the living room and that side is the dining room.’ Had I done that, you could have dinner for 12, but room for only four people to sit down! That just doesn’t make sense—and people don’t live like that, really.”

His solution? To position a dining table between two conversation groups. “You can certainly have a formal dinner or set up a buffet,” he points out. “And I used flexible seating pieces that can be moved around. There are a couple of chairs, for instance, that can easily come in and out.”

The color palette for the main living area, says Brown, started out as purple and green with a touch of camel. “Originally we didn’t have the orange as part of the plan, but when we were out shopping we felt like we needed to punch it up a little bit. So we just kept going with those jewel tones.”

In the master suite, however, color takes a dramatic turn. “I don’t like bedrooms to have a lot of stimulating color. I think they should be sanctuaries,” the designer says. “I can’t tell you the last time that I used wallpaper—especially a toile—but this just felt right. We were trying to mix old and new, traditional and not-so-traditional. And I loved the bronzey color.”

And when the sumptuous color scheme isn’t grabbing your attention, the masterful space planning is. Brown started with two adjacent bedrooms and baths, exploding them into one grand master suite. From the square footage, he carved out a sleeping spot and sitting room as well as his-and-hers closets and baths. The resulting retreat is one you’d be hard-pressed to ever want to leave.

Indeed, this condominium is the embodiment of puttin’ on the ritz.