A one-story, red brick industrial building that once housed medical supplies was the right size and style for Jack Murray. The Emory University computer specialist was drawn to the unusual Chamblee lofts, with high ceilings, concrete floors and giant plate glass windows.

"This really was a warehouse and I wanted that look," said Murray. "I liked the metal ceiling and the concrete floors that aren't perfect. That's what gives them flair."

Louie Favorite / AJC (ENLARGE)

These works of art are just inside his door and are lit by a huge window as well as lamps.

Louie Favorite / AJC (ENLARGE)

Jack Murray says the style of his condo at Peachtree Malone Lofts in Chamblee suits him well.

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Murray's unit has two entrances. One brings visitors from the building's center hallway into the unit's own long hall, lit by frosted globe sconces. Murray has made good use of the ledge dividing the living areas by turning it into his storage space, but he kept everything in black boxes to blend with the black ceiling. He also erected black screens to hide the HVAC systems overhead.

To the right is the bedroom, naturally lit by a large skylight. "I love that I can lay in bed at night and see the moon," said Murray.

The room's decor includes a black chest of drawers, a black desk with a computer and a black metal bed flanked by two wooden night stands Murray inherited from a friend. A cafe-au-lait-colored carpet warms the red-stained concrete.

"By loft standards, this is a huge bedroom," he said.

The master closet connects to the laundry area and the bath that Murray refurbished with a white tile floor, a medicine chest and a white ceramic bowl sink atop new gray granite counters. On one side of the sink, a three-vase wall sconce holds fresh red roses. On the other, there's a small collection of various sized beakers.

At the end of the hall is the open living, dining and kitchen area. A tall window and a skylight keep the space bright. Another door leads directly to the parking area.

For Murray, who enjoys cooking and entertaining, the kitchen is the focal point of the unit. The black range and appliances are surrounded by blond cabinetry. Along one wall, a wire rack holds a convection oven; next to that is a well-stocked wine cooler. A stainless steel table with matching stools forms an island, with shelving below to hold a collection of stainless pots and pans. Above the table dangle two brushed-metal lamps Murray shipped in from Italy. Nearby, the dining table has a dark wood top supported by stainless steel legs and surrounded by eight black leather chairs. On a ledge overlooking the kitchen is Murray's favorite work of art, a pop piece from 1959. When plugged in, the black box is lit with a slowly moving light show of colors.

"It's like a pre-cursor to the screen saver," said Murray. "It was very cutting-edge in its day."

Other contemporary artworks, as well as a multi-colored mobile and family pieces, dot the white walls around the black leather sofa, a red-topped end table and a Russian rug in bold blacks, reds, blues and grays. On the opposite stretch of white wall, a black railing resembling a balcony juts out.

"I like it because it helps give the room some dimension," Murray said.

Though the unit has less than 1,100 square feet, Murray has managed to fit his art and favored belongings into sleek space without making it seem overcrowded.

"I'm a minimalist, but I do have a lot of stuff," he admits with a laugh.

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