Contemporary Cool

A mix of metals help soften the industrial vibe in designer Minhnuyet Hardy’s Atlanta loft. She refreshed the original staircase by painting the railing a glimmering gold.

A custom bench along the wall in the dining area pulls double duty as a space saver while also increasing the seating capacity around the zinc-top table.

The living room’s clean-lined furnishings showcase Hardy’s love for darker colors.

Restoration Hardware’s shell light pendant captures the loft’s unique and modern aesthetic.

Hardy gutted the original kitchen to make way for this all-white room that’s a refreshing counterpoint to the loft’s moodier spaces.

An oversize black metal floor lamp by Regina Andrew sits pretty next to the newly minted master bath door.

Hardy commissioned floating nightstands in the master bedroom to complement the graining of the wood beams and bed

Interior designer Minhnuyet Hardy got her start decorating children’s bedrooms, but she traded in color and whimsy for a smarter and more sophisticated aesthetic since finding an audience better suited to her style three years ago. “When I decided to rebrand, my first male client was living in a hotel room and needed his new condo done from top to bottom. It was such a great experience, and the end result was a turnkey home that was modern yet very livable,” says Hardy.

The sleek pad led to countless referrals and a unique niche for the designer: male CEOs, urban executives, athletes and entrepreneurs seeking luxe homes that are equal parts handsome and functional. “While creating a stylish space is certainly important, finding a way to fit in all their fun gadgets is also high on the list,” she says. Hardy has teamed up with one of the city’s leading smart-home technology specialists to ensure her clients are able to switch off lights, control thermostats and more from their personal devices. She also seamlessly integrates hidden speakers and other large, tech-centric features into her designs.

Despite her interiors’ decidedly masculine sensibilities, Hardy makes sure that they’re just as warm and inviting for women, and her own urban loft in Castleberry Hill is proof of that. Here, she plays up her penchant for a high-contrast color scheme that’s softened by rustic, natural materials and a mix of metals that also add a rich, sexy layer to the design.

Also upping the wow factor are custom touches throughout, including a striking white backsplash in the new kitchen and a sliding barn door in the master bedroom, both reflecting her philosophy that impact is best achieved by simplicity. “I consider this loft my ultimate canvas because this is truly who I am as a designer,” says Hardy. “I believe in takings risks and always pushing the envelope.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Minhnuyet Hardy, Minhnuyet Hardy Interiors ENTRY MIRROR Wisteria CONSOLE Arteriors LIVING ROOM ARTWORK Lindsay Cowles SETTEE West Elm LOUNGERS Regina Andrew KITCHEN COUNTERS Atlanta Stone Creations HARDWARE Lewis Dolin SCONCES Visual Comfort MASTER BEDROOM BED Woodland Creek Furniture DINING ROOM TABLE Regina Andrew CHANDELIER Arteriors