The Lasting Legacy of Keith Arnold: Inside the Atlanta Condo That Reflects the Late Designer’s Timeless Vision

The Plaza Towers condo was renovated in part by builder Lindsey Potts. In the living room, a Ralph Lauren screen and artwork by Jacques Nestlé picked up in Paris set a global chic scene.

On the ceiling, Cowtan and Tout’s Galaxy wallpaper fosters creativity in the foyer. “One thing about designing your own place, you can push the envelope and use things you don’t always use,” says designer Suzanne Kasler. “It’s kind of a laboratory.”

Effortless styling is evident in the living room’s well-supplied bookshelf filled with design, fashion, and art books.

Inspired by the modern style of kitchen design in European homes, a departure from the surrounding interiors is a welcome surprise. Arnold had long loved the idea of a drinks kitchen and utilized a blue bar to bring his vision to life.

From a Ballard Designs and Suzanne Kasler Interiors collaboration, a banquette is a chic addition to the dining room

The multitalented designer adored Plaza Towers and insisted it was the only place for him and Ferguson. Beloved by many, those closest to Arnold remember him for his quick wit, genuineness, and innate ability to connect with people.

The couple converted the third bedroom into their TV room, lovingly named “the snug.” The cozy space was where they spent most of their time together.

The vibrant bedding in the guest room is a reminder of fond memories. “Keith would bring out this fabric whenever we had a job and the client would go, ‘No,’” says Kasler, laughing. “He finally used it for himself [in his own home]. It’s the funniest thing.”

n the primary bedroom, a tufted polka dot blanket was found at Creel and Gow in New York and was originally used as a wallhanging.

Black countertops and an exuberant wallcovering from Schumacher create an unexpected mix in the primary bathroom.

Admired in equal parts as a designer and friend, the loss of Keith Arnold earlier this year is felt in the Atlanta design community and beyond. As previous vice president of Suzanne Kasler Interiors, his honed design eye helped shape storied homes across the Southeast. His legacy is carried on through the people he loved and the beauty he created—most notably in the heartfelt home he shared with husband Marc Ferguson. “It’s a reflection of our history,” says Ferguson. “A beautiful, curated collection of our lives together.”

The couple had called Plaza Towers home for 15 years when a more spacious three-bedroom unit across the hall became available. What started as minor design updates unexpectedly turned into a full gut job, taking a year to complete. “It was the first place we’d ever been where Keith designed it fully from head to toe,” says Ferguson. “He chose all the wallpaper and every finish. The only thing we kept from the original unit was the herringbone floors.”

Arnold was no stranger to an involved design project thanks to his extensive résumé of experience. Originally from a small town in Alabama, Arnold received an architecture degree from Auburn University before becoming a window designer at Neiman Marcus, then served in various roles at top design houses including Charles Pollack, Ballard Designs, Nancy Corzine, and Martyn Lawrence Bullard. It was in 2004, however, that Arnold would find his permanent landing place when longtime friend and president of Ainsworth-Noah, Dennis Hunt, recommended him to Suzanne Kasler. Without hesitation, Hunt said, “I have the perfect person for you.” And Arnold was.

From showhouses to photoshoots, Arnold’s talents sharpened by Kasler’s side in the 20-plus years they spent working together. “A brilliance of his was styling,” says Kasler. “On jobs, he would go away by himself quietly and then come back with the most creative way to display.” Never one to seek the spotlight, his humble, hardworking nature garnered appreciation from coworkers and clients alike, who frequently remarked about their adoration for him. “He possessed a beautiful balance between personal ability and building relationships with people,” explains Ferguson.

Often accompanied by Ferguson and Hunt, the international shopping sprees Arnold and Kasler took brought excitement and inspiration. “We traveled everywhere together—I always say I spent almost as much time with him as with my husband, John,” says Kasler. “When I look at the things in his apartment, I have a memory of him either finding it, asking me if he can have it, or of when he bought it.” In the foyer, a console picked up by the pair in Paris stands sentry under a custom mirror originally made for Hickory. Overhead, a grasscloth star-dotted ceiling is a happy surprise for anyone who glances up.

In the living room, a pair of brown leather chairs offers up the perfect perch. “That was the first big purchase we made together,” recalls Ferguson. “He loved Mies van der Rohe and had dreamed of owning Barcelona chairs.”

From high design to market finds, an artful mix of furnishings feels natural and intuitive thanks to masterful styling. The kitchen, meanwhile, boasts a European feel with its clean, modern design. A hague blue bar with reverse painted glass sits in juxtaposition nearby.

A testament to his design capabilities, Arnold and Ferguson’s all-encompassing collection of travel tokens, pieces from past projects, and accumulated treasures comes together stylishly and seamlessly. “Keith always said he could see its flaws, but I never could,” says Ferguson. “It was our refuge, our sanctuary, what we thought would be our forever home.”

Arnold spent much of his final months at home enveloped by the joyous memories and mementos that filled every corner of their cherished condo. Unanimously, those who knew him agree that sharing their lives with Arnold was a privilege. “Keith was everyone’s favorite,” says Kasler. “It really wouldn’t matter where we were—whether it was in the office, with our clients, people in the industry—Keith had an unusual positive energy that was genuine and resonated with everyone.”

INTERIOR DESIGNER Keith Arnold, Suzanne Kasler Interiors, (404) 355-1035; suzannekasler.com RENOVATION BUILDER Lindsey Potts