Rising Star

It’s easy to mistake the new Star Metals Residences (starmetalsresidences.com), the 410-key apartment community on the Westside, for a chic hotel. That’s by design, says Square Feet Studio (squarefeetstudio.com) interior designer Carolyn Balfour. β€œThe goal was to make it feel more like a hospitality environment versus a typical multifamily [building],” she says. The team started working on the project in 2017, helping shape the amenity offerings, which include Prevail Coffee, a rooftop pool and grilling area, state-of-the-art fitness center, dog run and more. While some apartment common areas were once left virtually unused, the team aimed to change that by β€œmaking it a little more luxurious and comfortable,” says Balfour. Many of the firm’s multifamily clients are looking to β€œactivate the spaces, putting emphasis on them to be welcoming, homey and more like an extension of the apartment.” The team paid homage to the building’s former life as a metal scrapyard by incorporating a mix of metals (copper, brass, nickel and stainless steel), touches of vibrant Klein blue throughout and a showstopping custom piece by Whitespace artist Sonya Yong James. The resort-style pool deck features custom RH cabana banquettes and lush live plants by Site Solutions. β€œThe goal was to foster community, especially at a time when so many people are moving to Atlanta,” says Balfour.Β