A Midtown penthouse is fit for a king, a queen, a first lady and even a man who played God.
Karen Hudson-Simard's art collection in her Aqua Midtown condo includes portraits of Morgan Freeman, whose roles have included God in "Bruce Almighty," Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Queen Nefertiti and a sculpture of former home run king Hank Aaron.
"What this art represents to me is it represents work. Certain things wind up here, and there's always great stories behind them," said Hudson-Simard, owner of Rossin Fine Art. "To me, there is no line between work and fun because it all kind of runs together."
Credit: Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo
Credit: Text by Lori Johnston/Photos by Christopher Oquendo
Work and fun also continue onto the 1,500-square-foot terrace, which is a spot for events including luncheons and holiday celebrations, such as an annual Fourth of July party. Hudson-Simard spotted the oversized outdoor space while touring another condo for sale.
“I looked out and saw this with the terrace and said, ‘I want that one,’” she said. “I could just see myself having a party out there.”
Snapshot
Residents: Karen Hudson-Simard, owner of Rossin Fine Art, and Chris Simard, an executive with Neenah Paper
Location: Aqua Midtown, Atlanta
Size: 3,584 square feet, plus 1,500-square-foot terrace, three bedrooms, three full baths and one half bath
Year built/bought: 2007/2012
Architectural style: Contemporary
Favorite architectural elements: The glass partial oval on the front terrace. "We echoed this oval element into the house," Karen said.
Interior design style: Artful, contemporary
Design consultant: Designer Ken Knight, owner of 14th Street Antiques & Modern Home
Favorite piece of furniture: The Eames chairs. "They were my wedding gift to my husband and will last forever," she said.
Favorite artwork: The artwork is mostly a collection of Ross Rossin, who is Karen's business partner. "There is a story behind each piece," she said. In addition to portraits, the condo also has Rossin's original model of the Hank Aaron statue at SunTrust Park. Other pieces are by Atlanta artists Lu Steed, Steve Penley, Cedric Smith and Teresa Penley Sheppard.
Favorite outdoor feature: The expansive terrace. "It's the views here that sell it, and they're inspiring," she said. "I work out of my home. I go out there when the weather is good and I pace around a lot. Just being out there feels good. It helps me come up with ideas and it inspires me to think broadly."
Resources: Furniture and lighting from Kravet, Caracole, Currey & Co., Global Views, Scott Antique Market, Faulkner Custom Furniture, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Barbara Barry and Hickory White. Closets and built-ins by Jim Collins with More Space Place in Atlanta.
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