People familiar with Landy Gardner and his design studio have come to expect a certain level of both quality and style in his projects, and his peers in the design industry are no different—he was recently named Southeast Designer of the Year by Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, among other accolades collected over the years. His work has appeared in these pages many times as well as in magazines such as Southern Living, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, Veranda and Showcase of Interior Design among others, and is always defined by impeccable taste. A recently completed condominium near Belle Meade is no exception—in fact, it may be one of his best yet.
Gardner is quick to explain that design is much more than simply choosing finishes and interiors. In fact, with this project he was involved from the beginning working with architect Mark Harrison and the owner on every facet of the plan to create a space that was not only beautiful but livable and reflective of those using the space. This isn’t always an easy task when dealing with a preset building with multiple units and set plans, but along with the others involved, Gardner managed to make this feel much more like a custom home rather than a typical residential unit.
One of my favorite areas in the house is the kitchen, which serves as the heart of the somewhat vertical layout. For this, he brought in kitchen designer Kathy Tru to create working areas that were both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. It includes every possible modern appliance as well as ample counter space while also providing a pleasing place to gather. A central oversized island with a working sink and storage area serves as an eating bar as well as a work space, but the focal point of the room is a Calcutta marble slab that’s more of a piece of art than a backsplash. Gardner says he looked at some sixty different slabs before choosing the one with the right color and movement.
Custom craft cabinetry and attention to detail in everything from the hardware to the door panels add even more interest, as do the Hallophane light fixtures that were found in one of the designer’s sources in New York City. For the chandelier over the bar he chose a pewter lantern with original etched panels, circa 1940.
One thing that Landy does extremely well is shopping and seeking out items of interest for his clients. In fact, he spends a great deal of time traveling and looking for unique elements to use in his many projects. In this project, the fixtures alone came from Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and, in the Library, Montreal. With furnishings he often combines treasured antiques with custom pieces for an eclectic but classic look. Here he chose items such as an early 19th century Austrian library table with foldout footrests along with two antique globes and four Chinese black lacquered and parcel gilt paper mache vases purchased from David Easton’s personal collection auctioned at Doyle New York. Other pieces of interest from his sources and travels include an antique French wine-tasting table and a vintage Gucci pony hide and brass wine caddy.
The owner’s passion for wine and fine art dictated many of the accents in the house...