hen Linda Flournoy decided it was time to downsize to a townhome, she didn't sacrifice the good life.

For years Linda and her late husband, The Hon. Robert E. "Bob" Flournoy, Jr., maintained a large home in Marietta. The 5,000-square-foot home for the Cobb Superior Court judge and Linda included a large yard, pool, pool house and separate study in the out building for the senior judge, in addition to the main house.

After Judge Flournoy died six years ago, Linda remained in the home. Within a few years she knew "it was just time" to downsize.

Linda moved to her 3-story townhome at the Overlook in Kennesaw without sacrificing convenience of getting to Marietta, where she is still actively involved in the community.

"In my heart I still live in Marietta, so I dart in a lot," Linda said.

Her townhome is spacious and luxurious with added bonuses such as an elevator, main floor access without stairs, beautiful moldings, double-paned windows, security and no yard maintenance.

"I always say I bought my nursing home. I could stay here," she said chuckling.

An avid painter, Linda's home houses a studio on the ground floor with plenty of storage.

The kitchen, dining room and living room are located on the main floor. Twelve-foot ceilings provide an open feel where Linda can easily entertain a crowd of 75. The dining room and living room, painted terracotta and sand, achieve a warm and enticing feel.

"I learned a long time ago to keep with my color palette. You need to be true to your own taste," said the mother of one daughter and two grandchildren. "I like real intense colors. I don't like wimpy colors."

Linda, who decorated the home, used mainly pieces she already owned and developed her color scheme around these items. "Like everyone who downsizes, you pick your favorite pieces and you keep them and get rid of the stuff that didn't mean much to you," Linda explained.

"I brought everything I felt comfortable with and it worked," she added.

Three bedrooms, including the master, are found on the third level along with a sitting area. The sitting area, where Linda and her chocolate poodle, Maddie enjoy watching television, is built out with oak bookshelves. Adjacent to this room is the master bedroom that is femininely decorated in pale green.

It's a joy after your husband dies to have something to look forward to," Linda said lovingly.