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One of many pieces from the owner’s extensive art collection, a painting by artist Yu Kuang seems tailor-made for the wall over the posh bar’s built-in banquette.

Inspired by one of the owner’s favorite restaurants, The Lobster Bar, the bar features a groin vault ceiling covered in subway tile, dark wood paneling and bespoke furnishings.

Covered in linen silk fabric, custom armless chairs surround a round metal table with ball and claw feet from 1stDibs in the spacious, light-filled living room.

Accented with colorful throw pillows, a pair of linen-covered sofas by Rose Tarlow through Jerry Pair create a spot to enjoy the picturesque views of Buckhead Atlanta. The antique rug is by Moattar.

Dark painted custom cabinetry and hardwood flooring laid in a herringbone pattern transform a once nondescript corridor to the primary bedroom suite. A special Todd Murphy painting projects various imagery, including Murphy’s daughter dancing ballet.

Echoing the interior’s restrained, art-focused aesthetic, chic furnishings from RH create spots for dining and conversation on a spacious penthouse patio with dramatic views of the Atlanta skyline.

A sliding panel adorned with artwork by Todd Murphy allows the kitchen to be closed off from the formal dining room when the owner entertains. 

Dark wall paneling evokes a moody ambience in the powder room, where a vintage mirror hangs over an antique dresser that has been converted into a vanity.

In the formal dining room, a sleek mobilelike chandelier from R Hughes stylishly illuminates a custom ebonized oak dining table by Baker surrounded by chairs from Century Furniture.

In the front foyer, a vintage chandelier from the owner’s existing collection juxtaposes the contemporary penthouse’s clean lines. The linen drapery is from Rosemary Hallgarten.

Illuminated by a selenite table lamp, a wooden nightstand with a stone top from Hickory Chair flanks a plush channel-tufted bed in the primary bedroom.

A sculpture by Kimo Minton pops against the statuary gold marble from Renaissance Tile & Bath in the spa-like primary bathroom.

Although still seeking out new adventures as he approached his 80th birthday, interior designer Kelly Wolf Anthony’s client was nevertheless worried that he might not enjoy living in the modern penthouse he purchased at an upscale midrise in Buckhead. Indeed, fearing it might be too sterile, he decided against selling the single-family manse where he and his late wife had raised their children.

Determined to dispel his worries, Anthony and architect Oliver Carter transformed the apartment by making key architectural changes, adding custom millwork and commingling new furnishings with their client’s existing pieces and extensive art collection. 

Rendered in a black and white palette punctuated with strategically placed pops of color and pattern, the clean, edited design “allows the art to take center stage,” explains Anthony. “We had a complete inventory of his artwork and accessories, so we were particular about everything’s placement.” 

Crisp white walls and porcelain tile flooring, for example, create a gallerylike backdrop for art in the spacious living area, where a pair of linen-covered sofas and streamlined leather club chairs create a convivial spot for conversation. “It’s simplistic but elevated,” says Anthony.

The palette flows into the dining area, where a graphic rug the client acquired in Morocco defines an ebony-stained table and tailored upholstered chairs underneath a mobilelike chandelier that she persuaded the client to incorporate. “It reinforces that this is an art home.” Steps away, a pair of linen-covered slipper chairs accompany a piece of animated artwork by Todd Murphy. Carter built a hidden projection room for the piece, which shows nature scenes and Murphy’s daughter dancing ballet, and is displayed in one of the penthouse’s many niches added with art front of mind.

The architect also collaborated with Anthony on a luxe bar in what was formerly a guest bedroom. Based on the design of one of the client’s favorite spots, The Lobster Bar, the space sports a groin vault ceiling clad with glazed ceramic subway tile accented by dark wall paneling and a veiny marble bar. “[The client] and his buddies play cards three or four times per week, so that was a really important space,” says Carter.

As was the formerly bland hallway to the primary suite. Creating a home for the client’s large collection of weighty tomes, Carter incorporated built-in bookshelves painted in a rich dark hue. “[The architectural changes] make it a much more special experience,” says Carter.

Hoping to create an equally memorable experience, Anthony and her team made it their mission to introduce their client to his new home with panache, welcoming him with a glass of bubbly and staging the space with flowers and glowing candles.

Bowled over by the result, the owner called his real estate agent straightaway with instructions to put his house on the market. “He never knew in his wildest imagination that he would feel the way he felt when he saw the place,” says Anthony. “He’s just as happy as can be.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Kelly Wolf Anthony, Wolf Design Group, (404) 261-7778; wolfdesigngroup.com ARCHITECT Oliver Carter, Neil Carter Architecture + Design, (404) 451-5545; oncarter.com