TUCKED AWAY IN ONE OF ATLANTA’S MOST DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOODS, this 3,500-square-foot condo sits high above Buckhead in the exclusive Wakefield Tower on Peachtree Street. What you see today is a far cry from what it once was—a tired 1990s unit in desperate need of a makeover.

The renovation story began when a soon-to-be-retired couple, who had been living in the Northwest for work, purchased this Atlanta condo as their future retirement home. Ideally located a reasonable drive from their Hilton Head beach home, the condo offered enviable features: It occupied half of the building’s seventh floor, with breathtaking, unobstructed city views to the north, east and south, all framed by private balconies. Despite the views and natural light, the interior was in dire need of a fresh perspective.

To transform the condo into their vision of a sophisticated urban retreat, the couple enlisted The Berndsen Company, led by Jon Berndsen. Specializing in high-end condominium renovations, Berndsen brought in Harrison Design Associates, led by architect Robbie Pich, and Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier for interior design. Together, they brought the client’s clear vision to life: larger, lighter rooms with a transitional style that would provide the perfect backdrop for their extensive art collection.

The first step was a complete reimagination of the condo’s floor plan. “They wanted it to feel like a Fifth Avenue apartment with a long hallway, that was the premise,” explains Pich. This guiding idea led to the gutting of the space, leaving only the exterior walls intact. The reconfigured layout centers around a grand foyer, from which a long corridor stretches in two directions. The primary suite anchors one end, and the guest suite occupies the other. The remaining spaces—living, dining, kitchen and den—are thoughtfully placed to optimize the city views and natural light; spaces like bathrooms, laundry and closets were placed in the interior of the floor plan.

Though the clients purchased the condo before the pandemic, the timing of the renovation coincided with the early days of COVID-19. Travel restrictions meant the project had to be managed remotely, with emails and Zoom calls replacing in-person meetings. The real challenge, however, came during the actual renovation. High-rise projects come with their own set of complications, and the pandemic added even more. Elevator access restrictions, limited work hours and noise constraints made scheduling a complex task. “If a resident in the building contracted COVID, the entire building would lock down, and we had to stop work until further notice,” Berndsen recalls.

High-rise renovation also posed design challenges. Plumbing cannot be shifted from its original locations; structural columns had to be designed around, and fire sprinklers were mandated in every room, requiring creative solutions to blend seamlessly with the finished design. Despite these hurdles, the team’s extensive experience in luxury condominium work, having completed dozens of projects in The Wakefield and other marquis Atlanta condo towers, ensured the renovation stayed on track.

As we enter the condo, the grand foyer immediately showcases the expertise that Berndsen and his team are known for. The elegant floor-to-ceiling moldings evoke the refined plasterwork of the golden age of design. The craftsmanship subtly sets the tone for the entire space.

In the entry, an exquisite antique mahogany chest rests against white walls adorned with remarkable crown molding and wainscoting. Above, a gilded rococo-style mirror reflects light, adding depth to the room. A collection of vintage French posters takes center stage, “adding a touch of Parisian flair with a New York vibe,” as Millner describes it. The pop of red from the posters is echoed in the red fabric benches, while a black-and-white marble floor adds classic elegance that makes the entire room sparkle.

The dining area features Berndsen’s signature craftsmanship, with elaborate ceiling moldings in a circular motif framing a stunning crystal chandelier. The color palette here is refined, with grays, whites and warm wood tones, while soft blue-green curtains add subtle color. Millner furnished the room with a large traditional dining table surrounded by comfortable upholstered gray chairs. A rich mahogany sideboard offers both storage and display space; multiple layers of lighting, from the chandelier to table lamps, create warmth and ambience.

Adjacent to the main living areas, the den and wet bar offer a comfortable and intimate retreat. The bar, designed with handsome zebrawood and brass shelving, is a standout feature. The room is painted in a calming sage green, which extends to the coffered ceiling, giving the space a soothing, sophisticated vibe. “This is their cozy space for cocktails, reading or watching movies,” Millner explains. A large, comfortable sectional in complementary gray tones anchors the seating area, positioned to capture natural light from the tall windows, which are dressed with plaid Roman shades. Built-in bookshelves display a curated collection of personal treasures and books, perfect for the clients, who are avid travelers and readers.

The kitchen offers the home’s boldest design statement. Enveloped in deep navy blue, from cabinetry to coffered ceiling, the space radiates drama and sophistication. The substantial marble island, with subtle blue tones and gray veining, serves as both a workspace and a casual dining area. Walnut barstools with navy leather upholstery complete the look, while a modern brass chandelier provides task lighting and contemporary contrast. A blue-gray marble backsplash behind the range creates visual continuity, and the walnut range hood adds warmth. Geometric-patterned glass inserts in the upper cabinets provide an additional layer of detail.

The butler’s pantry continues the kitchen’s bold blue theme, with a mix of open shelving above and closed storage below. The space combines form and function, with marble countertops for coffee essentials, while a neatly integrated microwave and traditional Shaker-style doors with brass hardware complete the look.

A standout feature of the condo is the kitchen’s seamless connection to the dining room, achieved through sliding barn doors. These aren’t your typical rustic barn doors, though; the clients wanted clean, contemporary lines with hidden hardware. The result is a sleek, unobtrusive panel that appears to float, with artwork that travels with the door when it moves.

Another clever design solution is found in the dining room, where a red-lacquered china cabinet is recessed into the hallway wall, perfectly framed by a cased opening. Millner explains, “We had limited wall space, but we found just enough room in the hallway to recess the cabinet, so it’s aligned with the doorway and still feels like part of the dining room.”

The powder room packs a punch with its dramatic chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper, featuring dark branches and delicate red blossoms set against a soft gray backdrop. The vanity, with a reeded cabinet base in soft gray-green, is topped with marble. Brass fixtures—on the traditional-style faucet and elegant wall-mounted sconce—add timeless appeal against the cool palette.

The primary suite offers a quiet sanctuary, opening to a private balcony that’s perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The design takes its cues from the soft gray tones of the grasscloth wallcovering, which adds texture while providing a neutral backdrop. The upholstered bed features a tailored, pale blue-gray headboard, with built-in shelving displaying books and personal treasures. A graceful mahogany writing desk with brass campaign-style hardware serves as a functional workspace.

The primary bathroom continues the light, bright theme with white cabinetry and marble countertops. The separate shower and water closet feature frosted glass doors that provide privacy without sacrificing light.

The guest suite mirrors the primary suite’s serene atmosphere, with soft gray walls and a burnt-orange upholstered headboard. It also includes its own private balcony, en suite bath and walk-in closet—all thoughtfully appointed with the same attention to detail.

Berndsen attributes the success of the project to his team’s expertise in high-rise renovations. “We know these buildings well and how to work within them,” he says. “Each building has unique commercial systems, and understanding these is crucial to a successful project.”

The completed renovation perfectly captures the clients’ vision: an elegant urban retreat that serves as both a private sanctuary and an impressive space for entertaining. The long hallway creates the Fifth Avenue apartment feeling they wanted, while thoughtful room configurations ensure privacy, functionality and breathtaking views.

“It was a great team, and it was a pleasure working together,” says Pich. “Everyone communicated, which made it easy.”

Millner adds, “We love working with Jon, and the clients love their pied-à-terre. They’re surrounded by things they love, and it’s truly their home in the sky.”

Berndsen sums it up, saying: “Our client had a lot of faith in our team. Working with Robbie and Melanie is always a delight; they’re great at design work, at communications and at delivering on deadlines. Their professionalism allows my talented construction team to execute at a very high level. It was really a fantastic partnership that resulted in a truly exceptional home. When our client stepped through the door and saw their completed, fully furnished apartment for the first time, their joy was immeasurable. Witnessing their heartfelt reaction as they fell in love with their new home was truly special, and it made every bit of our hard work profoundly rewarding.” *

Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.

The kitchen offers the home’s boldest design statement. Enveloped in deep navy blue, from cabinetry to coffered ceiling, the space radiates drama and sophistication.