Downsizing for Brad and Margie Matheson meant not only reducing their living space, but narrowing the distance between their home and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, a frequent departure site for the owners of a group travel business.
The W Atlanta — Downtown residences also offered a new lifestyle for the couple, who were enthralled with the number of exclusive luxury amenities (including room service) and contemporary condo setting.
“We have adjusted even better than expected from life in the suburbs to a downtown condo life,” Margie said. “It’s so convenient to everywhere we need to go — especially the airport.”
Snapshot
Residents: Brad and Margie Matheson, owners of Harmony International, a group travel business
Location: W Atlanta — Downtown residences. The 74 residences join 237 guest rooms at the W Atlanta — Downtown.
Size: About 1,600 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths
Design consultants: Candi Rawlins of CRS Design Firm, based in Acworth. The couple also worked with real estate agent Valerie Makant of Re/Max Unlimited to buy the condo.
Year built: 2012 (The W Atlanta — Downtown hotel opened in 2009, but the condo was completed when they bought it.)
Year bought: 2012
Architectural style: Contemporary
Favorite architectural feature: The wall of glass. "Basically one whole side of your unit is a window," Margie said. "We've got a great view of downtown."
Interior design style: Contemporary
Design inspiration: A 4-by-5-foot canvas painting the couple bought in Havana was the "nucleus" for the design, Brad said. "It is very contemporary in its design and color scheme. We knew that would be a focal point for us in our main living area." CRS Design Firm "wrapped the entire unit" around the colors in the painting, he said.
Favorite interior design feature: The vibrant wallpaper on an accent wall, which the couple chose from samples provided by CRS Design Firm. "As soon as I saw the one we chose, I fell in love with it," Margie said. "We felt it would look great to use it behind the television and on the entryway wall, as these were areas we wouldn't likely be using art of any sort, so the wallpaper made it interesting."
Favorite stores: Tucci's, located in Kennesaw and Roswell, and Outrageous Interiors, which has locations in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Marietta and Suwanee. The Mathesons bought unique pieces with character, Brad said. Some items have a rustic, distressed look, which Margie said contrasts with the sleek, clean lines of the condo.
Favorite outdoor feature: The two balconies, one outside the master bedroom and another outside the living area. The condo has an east view, of Peachtree Street toward Midtown and Buckhead, and a northern view looking into downtown.
Favorite amenities: The 24-hour concierge and 24-hour in-room dining. They took advantage of room service their first night, after a long day of moving and unpacking, and use it regularly instead of cooking or going out to eat.
