High Contrast

Shawn Broaddus and Mike Hammersmith showcase the striking side of minimalism in this ultrachic Sandy Springs renovation.

Step inside this high-contrast home and it becomes apparent that simplicity can indeed make a statement—and a striking one at that.

“I strive for soothing, nothing fussy or over the top,” says interior decorator Shawn Broaddus, who along with contractor Mike Hammersmith transformed the home’s dated aesthetic into a chic dwelling fit for its new, young homeowners. “They’re a very hip couple who travel often and stay at hotels where they see a lot of great design. This made them open to unique ideas,” she explains.

Given carte blanche to design the interiors, Broaddus proceeded to give every room in the home a face-lift—most notably the kitchen, which previously had an inefficient layout and bright yellow walls. A complete overhaul resulted in a fresh and vibrant space that emphasizes clean lines and warm undertones. The sleek brass hood and equally striking waterfall-edge island showcase Broaddus’ knack for mixing materials in a subtle yet showstopping manner.

Elsewhere, she asked Hammersmith to strip away the orange, brown and purple granite from the home’s floor-to-ceiling fireplaces to make way for more modern textures, such as high-gloss concrete tile and cast aluminum. “I come up with these insane ideas, and Mike can always make it happen. He’s genius,” says Broaddus. Hammersmith also oversaw the creation of a new master wing on the second floor. By absorbing an unused bedroom, he granted the young couple’s requests for extra-large closets and a spa-like bath.

As with all of Broaddus’ projects, collaboration is key. Given the home’s lofty proportions, most ready-made furniture was out of the question. Therefore, she worked with Amy Wikman of Björk Studio and Sarah Atkinson of Grey Furniture to custom design nearly every piece of furniture in the home, from the black alpaca fur headboard in the master bedroom to the walnut-and-acrylic office desk and even smaller accents, such as sculptural side tables. “You’re not going to see these pieces in anyone else’s home, and that’s important to me in being authentic in my work,” says Broaddus.

“The home is grand but in a cool way,” she adds. “It’s fresh and modern and luxurious but not at all uncomfortable or intimidating. There’s a peacefulness to it. You want to sit in those plush dining room chairs or run your hand across the fox fur throw on the bed. My hope was to draw you in and make you want to relax with a cocktail or two, and I think I achieved that.” Drinks, anyone?

INTERIOR DESIGN Shawn Broaddus, B Design Interiors. (404) 272-6323; shawn@bdesignco.com CONTRACTOR Mike Hammersmith, Mike Hammersmith General Contracting. 2270 Marietta Blvd., Atlanta 30318. (404) 351-5227; hammersmithatlanta.com