Urban condo in Buckhead features Gothic alter, renovated kitchen

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Photos: Empty-nesters leave Suwanee for ‘urban condo’ in Buckhead

Plaza Towers in Buckhead was built 50 years ago in a Brutalist architecture style by architect Ted Levy.

A Noguchi coffee table brings mid-century modernist furniture into the Plaza Towers condo, which was built in the late 1960s.

Walls painted Sherwin-Williams' Dovetail are set for original art and designer wallpaper depicting a forest scene.

The renovations removed 12 doors in the condo to open up the interiors. Steve McKenzie said pieces like the Gothic altar.

Art and sculpture, such as a piece by Aharon Bezalel, and ocher tones are found throughout the Buckhead condo.

The living room, which has a sofa from American Leather, showcases artwork by Steve McKenzie, Don Sahli, Bruce Gherman, Randall LaGro, T.L. Lange. Steve Storz, Martin Horowitz and Moshe Rosenthalis.

Chairs from Kannoa provide a perch to take in the city views from the terrace of the Buckhead condo. The Emissary stools are sourced from JDouglas.

The interiors are described by Steve and Jill McKenzie as curated, with art, sculpture, custom items such as a chandelier designed by Steve McKenzie and made by Grey Furniture, and pillows with fabric by Steve.

A Gothic altar from a chapel in southern France transitioned from the couple's home in Suwanee to their renovated condo in Buckhead.

Designer and artist Steve McKenzie said he always frames for the piece and never for the room. "If you frame it right, it's always going to look good in a location," said McKenzie, who previously was CEO of Larson-Juhl.

When the couple renovated the small galley kitchen, they removed a wall to make room for an island with Caesarstone countertops, which Steve McKenzie uses as a buffet for dinner parties. The cabinets by Downsview Kitchens are painted Benjamin Moore.

The dining room now is open to the kitchen, and then to the living room, after renovations by Bires Remodeling. The dining room light fixture is from Urban Electric Co. The Louis chest is from Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors.

Parquet floors transition to black-and-white marble in the kitchen, which fits in with the sophisticated urban feel the couple hoped to evoke in their renovated condo.

Tile from Moda Floors & Interiors and hardware from Cifial are part of the bathroom makeover in the Buckhead condo.

The Arunâ wallpaper by Jim Thompson evokes a whimsical scene with patina in the eclectic master bedroom. The chandelier is from Grey Furniture.

Toile textiles by Manuel Canovas nestle into built-ins that existed in the guest bedroom before the McKenzies purchased the condo. Steve McKenzie designed the headboard, which was made by Westside Custom Upholstery.

The hand-printed wallpaper by Walter Knabe enthralled Steve McKenzie for many reasons, including its plaster-like texture and pineapple motif. The table is by Grange and the side chairs are from Sika USA. On the wingback chairs by Selamat, Steve used a favorite material: velvet.

Steve and Jill McKenzie bought their condo in Plaza Towers in 2014. Steve is an interior designer and artist, and Jill is co-owner of McKenzie Design and director of interior design outreach for Verde Home.

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Plaza Towers in Buckhead was built 50 years ago in a Brutalist architecture style by architect Ted Levy.

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