The legions of organizers and de-cluttering experts have gotten their message through to Patrick and Elizabeth Ann Blake. The young professional couple has taken the mantra of "less is more" to heart and created a home environment that is sleek, fresh and completely clutter-free.

The Blakes' passion for simplicity extended to their building, a mid-rise condo close to Piedmont Park where they've lived for almost two years.

Jessica McGowan / Staff (ENLARGE)

The Blake's minimalist designed living room features white walls, pale wood floors, white storage cubes and clear furniture.

Jessica McGowan / Staff (ENLARGE)

Two clear Lucite baskets double as tables in the living room. Pale wood floors and white walls enhance the minimalist look.

Urban design excellence is rewarded  Designers find common cause with global artists  Latest design ideas jostle for attention at ICFF

"We liked that the building is understated and a good size, with only 29 units and five per floor," said Patrick Blake. "And it's a pretty efficient use of space. With only 940 square feet, you really don't have a lot of room."

Just inside the fifth-floor unit's front door, guests are greeted by the brightness of white walls and sunlight bouncing off the pale wood floors as it streams through the French doors and windows. A freestanding mirror leans against one wall; the long wall to the left holds a storage unit made of Cubits, snap-together pieces that form shelves, doors and cubbyholes. Together, they form a clean, sleek piece of furniture.

"We really wanted a minimalist look, so the Cubits fit right in," said Patrick Blake. "They're like adult Legos: You can make any shape or size you want. They fit together in different sizes and configurations. We were looking for shelving that could fill up to the 12-foot ceilings and they do."

"This also works because we have a lot of books from college and have a growing collection we're always adding to," said Elizabeth Ann Blake.

The unit's frosted doors didn't disguise the stuff inside, so the two went to an industrial packing supply store and found white cardboard boxes that fit into the cubbies, neatly hiding any outline of what's inside. Just beyond the unit are two white plastic chairs that do double duty on the balcony outside the French door.

Mixed in with the white walls and off-white shelving are white blinds and a white, synthetic leather sofa that the couple bought online without testing its comfort level.

"We really liked the clean lines," said Elizabeth Ann Blake. "It was part of the look we were going for. But it is comfortable."

In front of the sofa are two clear Lucite baskets that double as coffee tables. Beyond them is an entertainment table — made of more storage cubes — with a flat-screen TV. Another two sets of windows line the far wall.

At the end of the living area is the kitchen, with black appliances, gray concrete counters and dark wood cabinets with brushed metal handles.

The space is anchored by a brushed aluminum chef's table with two Lucite stools for seating.

"We had it made by a restaurant supply company to fit the space," said Patrick Blake. "It's higher than a usual table and has tubular legs. And it's strong; it's pretty bomb proof. And it really works with our look."

At the end of the unit is the bedroom, lit by a white artichoke lamp that Patrick Blake assembled. ("We're pretty much DIYers," he said.) Two double windows let in natural light that slants across the platform bed, covered with a white duvet. The bed's headboard, attached to the wall, has opaque panels that slide open to reveal more shelves for storage.

Another thick industrial white panel slides open to reveal the tiled bathroom with a spa tub and shower combination. Just beyond the bath is the walk-in closet with a stacked washer and dryer, built-in shelving — and a single chair.

"This sort of open design is like living in one room," said Elizabeth Ann Blake. "So if we want to have a private conversation, we usually wind up going into the closet."

Have a cottage, condo, loft or mansion you want to brag about? Call MetroHome at 678-574-6461 or e-mail hm_cauley@yahoo.com.