Our 2019 Modern Style Showhouse is a dazzling reimagination of a 1980s architectural gem

Take a tour through this masterpiece made by multiple Atlanta designers

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Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

That a 1980s contemporary house in Buckhead would be renovated instead of razed is notable, perhaps signaling a growing enthusiasm for the style in the city.

It was with that energy that Atlanta Magazine’s HOME displayed its second annual Modern Style showhouse in June, joining in on the reimagination of a contemporary gem.

The original 1987 architecture is by Larry Farrow, reimagined by residential designer Rodolfo Castro.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

The Buckhead house was originally designed in 1987 by architect Larry Farrow as a home for his family. Farrow is a cofounder of GreenbergFarrow, a global architecture firm that designed the first Home Depot stores. The Farrow family moved out in 2003, and the house went through a long period of vacancy before the current owners purchased it with a plan to inject new life.

LEAD DESIGNER
Living room & dining room
J. Witzel Interior Design

In addition to choosing finishes throughout the house, lead interior designer Julie Witzel created a dramatic space in the conjoined living and dining rooms. The custom dining table and buffet are by Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design, and the chairs are from Donghia. The Karman “Moby Dick” pendant from Illuminations mirrors the swooping curve of the floor above. The pair of rugs are from Keivan Woven Arts, and artwork includes the turned honeycomb vessel by Matt Moulthrop and the white ash sculpture by Jeremy Holmes, both from the Signature Shop and Gallery.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

A bookcase from Roche Bobois sections off the dining area. Julie started with the A. Rudin sofa from Paul Plus, a modernized version of a Chesterfield upholstered in plush velvet. The chair is by Skylar Morgan, chosen for its warmth and minimalism, much like the E.M. Soberon cocktail table from Showroom 58. The Corbin Bronze statue is from Jerry Pair. The black and white painting is by Ginger Oglesby, available at DK Contemporary Gallery. The custom windows and doors are from AVI, and the fireplace is by Fire Rock. Plants across the home are by Jennifer Rust Botanicals.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Rodolfo Castro, creative director of Castro Design Studio, was enlisted as the residential designer, with Emily and Steve Tate of Tate Builders & Associates as contractors. Castro’s plan aimed to honor the original architecture while adapting it to today’s living.

“This home was high design when it was built,” says Castro. “It’s great that the owners chose to revive this jewel.”

Castro opened up the floor plan, creating generous kitchen and dining areas. He also designed an addition for a bedroom suite and laundry room, and renovated a study and master suite, allowing for large bathrooms and ample closets and storage.

Kitchen & breakfast room
Kingdom Woodworks

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

For the kitchen and breakfast room, Julie worked with Marcel Olariu of Kingdom Woodworks, who designed the cabinetry throughout the house. The cabinets and scalloped hood are painted Farrow & Ball “Off-Black.” Appliances are by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, and brass hardware and leather stools from Arteriors keep the space warm and inviting. In the breakfast room, the custom table is by Skylar Morgan and the chairs are Roche Bobois. The chandelier is from Circa Lighting.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

The interior design, featuring clean modern lines and warm accents, was led by Julie Witzel of J. Witzel Interior Design. Throughout the house, Witzel selected lighting, flooring, stone, and more to keep a consistent look across the rooms, which were decorated by 12 different design teams.

Witzel also added her signature to the decor in the conjoined living and dining rooms, and worked with Kingdom Woodworks on the kitchen and breakfast room, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Bedrooms spanned styles, with GraysonHarris creating an electric blue, high-contrast master; Mallori Hamilton designing a warm, mellow guest suite; Justin Q. Williams making a cozy, big-impact nest; and Beth Kooby Sobbott dreaming up a boho teenage retreat. Roche Bobois’ funky sitting room burst with bright color with Kenzo Takada’s Mah Jong sofa, while Katja Lauterbach’s study was a lesson in restraint. Kerry Jemison Weinheimer and Leah Alexander created relaxed powder rooms, and Kolo Collection assembled a bright, avant-garde selection of outdoor furniture to grace the showpiece: an original, angular pool.

Master bedroom & bath
GraysonHarris Interiors + Design

An electric blue and gold piece of sari silk (seen on the bolster pillow) was the starting point for Robert Grayson and Andrew Harris of GraysonHarris in the master bedroom. Scott Eakin’s acrylic panels “Sparrow’s Sedan” and “Sleepless Shimmering” from Marcia Wood Gallery picked up on the hue, and Robert and Andrew constructed the blue acrylic and wood piece above the bed themselves. The white resin chandelier by Ironies is from Jerry Pair, and the white felt headboard and coverlet
are by Bjork Studio.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

A curved wall at the entry to the master bedroom creates a dramatic niche, which got an ikat-inspired treatment by faux finish painter Kass Wilson. The Corbin Bronze columns are from Jerry Pair.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

The master bath by GraysonHarris is like a modern menagerie, with a Tasmanian tiger sculpture by Mary Engel from Marcia Wood Gallery and a goose painting by Dawne Raulet. An abstract painting of birds by Sophie Carrier hangs on the left, and a bright large-scale painting by Bri Matheson on the right, both available at Lagerquist Gallery. The cabinetry is by Kingdom, and the plumbing is from Atlanta Noland.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Sitting room
Roche Bobois

Atlanta’s Roche Bobois team, led by design consultant Michael Jeffrey, chose the brand’s iconic modular sofa, the Mah Jong, to anchor the newly renovated sitting room. The upholstery is a kimono-inspired print by Japanese-French fashion designer Kenzo Takada. The bookcase is meant to reflect the woodsy scene outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the organically shaped cocktail tables are handwoven using a single stainless steel wire.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Bedroom, bathroom & porch
Beth Kooby Design

Designer Beth Kooby Sobbott created a dreamy wonderland for a teenage girl in a secondary bedroom. She found two of her main sources on Instagram—New York–based AVO, which crafted the leather tiles for the bed, and Neon Collective, which created the neon sign. For a bohemian vibe, Beth had the bed, built by Joshua Hardesty of Rogers Hardesty, suspended from the ceiling like a hammock. The sheer drapery is from The Shade Store, in its airy, open-weave Stitch fabric.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

“I wanted to create a bit of a tropical oasis—a bit like a resort,” says Beth of the porch space she created on the second floor. The Dedon lounger chairs and two-seater sofa, with Mokum fabric cushions, are from Kolo Collection, as is the stainless steel fire element, “Stix,” from EcoSmart fire. The center pillow is from Dixon Rye and the black and white pillows are from Crate & Barrel. The large planter is from Lush Life.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Bedroom
Trademark Design Co.

Justin Q. Williams of Trademark Design Co. wanted to create a distinct contrast between crisp white and navy. He started with the tall Butler bed by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. A plush throw, geometric rug, handcrafted table lamp, and leather Supernova swivel chair bring coziness. All furnishings and lighting are from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Master suite closet, pantry & study closet
The Container Store

The home’s closets and pantries were decked out by the Container Store, led by Sean Arther, Atlanta’s custom closets manager. In the master closet (shown), the company rolled out its brand-new Avera line of custom closets, which provide a built-in look with woodgrain back panels. Dimmable LED lighting and push-to-open drawers make for highly functional storage.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Mallori added earthy touches to the bathroom, which features Silestone countertops by Cosentino. The teak accessories are from CB2 and the rug is from Room & Board.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

New upstairs bedroom, bathroom & laundry room
Wakefield Beasley Interiors

Rodolfo designed a new addition to the house with a bedroom suite and laundry room. Mallori Hamilton, director of the Specialty Studio at Alpharetta’s Wakefield Beasley Interiors, designed a custom walnut bed with LED lighting, dresser, and floor mirror with OSleeper Manufacturing Company. Clean lines and neutral colors allow the architectural feature wall to shine.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Study & adjacent bathroom
Duett Design

A native of Berlin, Katja Lauterbach of Duett Design leans toward an urban, European aesthetic, opting for black and white with touches of color. She started with the Audrey Hepburn painting by local artist Srinjoy Gangopadhyay of Deljou Art Group. The Innovation C chair by Blå Station through Joel Robinson + Associates was a talking point, and greenery from Plantz.com softened the scheme. The iron planters are from DômeDeco. The custom sideboard is by Tylko.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

A blue-gray Silestone by Cosentino is continued from the countertops up the walls and into the shower. Katja added a cream striped rug from Swedish company Nordic Knots. The towels are from Bovi Graccioza and the lighting is from Circa Lighting. The tile is from CR Home.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Pool deck
Kolo Collection

Kolo Collection owners Greg Martin and Michelle Larrabee-Martin gave the pool deck a bright, graphic punch with cheerful colors and avant-garde shapes. The black-and-white rug, “Vase” floor lamps, and recyclable polyethylene “Stone” sofa and chair are from Vondom. Plantings are by Jennifer Rust Botanicals.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Mudroom & powder room
Jemison Design

Kerry Jemison Weinheimer created a pup-friendly mudroom with a “dots” coat rack from Design Within Reach and dog accessories from Highland Pet Supply. The collage is by local artist Murray Robinson. The countertop is Dekton.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Pool changing room
Beauty is Abundant

Rodolfo added a new powder room and changing area to the corner of the house adjacent to the original angular pool. Leah Alexander of Beauty Is Abundant designed a water-resistant walnut and Lucite bench for hanging swim gear and storing towels, built by Managed Millwork. The rug is from Moattar and accessories are from Made Goods and Redefined Home.

Photograph by Lauren Rubinstein

Resources
Residential designer Rodolfo Castro, Castro Design Studio, castrodesignstudio.com
Lead designer Julie Witzel, J. Witzel Interior Design, jwitzeldesign.com
Builder Tate Builders & Associates, tatebuildersinc.com
Living room Interior design: Julie Witzel, J.Witzel Interior Design, jwitzeldesign.com. Rug: Keivan Woven Arts, keivanwovenarts.com. Sofa: A. Rudin, Paul Plus, ADAC, paulplusatlanta.com. Arc lounge chair: Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design, skylarmorganfurniture.com. Coffee table: E.M. Soberon, Showroom 58, ADAC, showroomfiftyeight.com. Floor lamp: Robert Kuo, Jim Thompson Atlanta, ADAC, robertkuo.com. Bookcase: Roche Bobois, roche-bobois.com. Bench: O’Hara Studio, Paul Plus. Chandelier: Stickbulb, YLighting, ylighting.com. Window treatments: J. Lass & Company, jlassandcompany.com. Paintings: DK Contemporary Gallery, dkgallery.com. Honeycomb turned wood vessel and earthenware: the Signature Shop and Gallery, thesignatureshop.com. Other turned wood bowls: Alexander Designs, alexanderdesigns.us. Sculpture: Jerry Pair, ADAC, jerrypair.com. Botanicals: Jennifer Rust Botanicals, jenniferrustbotanicals.com. Fireplace: Fire Rock, firerock.us.
Dining room Interior design: J.Witzel Interior Design. Rug: Keivan Woven Arts. Table: Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design. Sideboard: Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design. Chairs: Donghia, ADAC, donghia.com. Chandelier: Global Lighting Karman, Illuminations, illumco.com. Statues: Corbin Bronze, Jerry Pair. Centerpiece: Ron Dier, Jerry Pair.
Kitchen Design: Marcel Olariu, Kingdom Woodworks, kingdomwoodworks.com. Appliances: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, subzero-wolf.com. Pendants: Circa Lighting, circalighting.com. Countertop: Silestone by Cosentino, CR Home, constructionresourcesusa.com. Bar stools: Arteriors, arteriorshome.com.
Breakfast room Interior design: J. Witzel Interior Design and Kingdom Woodworks. Table: Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design. Chairs: Roche Bobois. Chandelier: Circa Lighting. Window treatments: The Shade Store, theshadestore.com.
Master bedroom Interior design: Robert Grayson and Andrew Harris, GraysonHarris Interiors + Design, graysonharrisid.com. Large rug: Loloi, loloirugs.com. Bedding and headboard fabric: National Nonwovens, nationalnonwovens.com. Bedding upholstery: Bjork Studio, bjorkstudio.com. Small rug: Maharam, maharam.com. Chairs and chandelier: Ironies, Jerry Pair. Bedside lamps: Artemide, artemide.net. Side table: Caracole, caracole.com. Acrylic on panel artwork and sculpture: Marcia Wood Gallery, marciawoodgallery.com. Eye vase and paperweight: Rosse and Associates, AmericasMart, rosseandassociates.com.
Master bath Decor: GraysonHarris Interiors + Design. Cabinetry: Kingdom Woodworks. Tile and stone: CR Home. Plumbing: Atlanta Noland, atlantanoland.com. Tiger sculpture: Marcia Wood Gallery. Large-scale paintings: Lagerquist Gallery, lagerquistgallery.net. Goose painting: Dawne Raulet, dawneraulet.com. Crystal and steel accessories: Rosse and Associates.
Catwalk Grayson Harris Interiors + Design. Wall treatment: Kass Wilson, WallsTreat Studio, kasswilson.com. Sculpture: Jerry Pair.
Meditation room (not pictured) Interior design: GraysonHarris Interiors + Design. Rug: Vintage Persian Rugs, vintagepersianrugs.com. Elephant stool: DômeDeco, domedeco.com.
Sitting room Interior design: Michael Jeffrey, Roche Bobois. Mah Jong sofa, La Ligne floor lamp, Legend bookcase, Iron Tree tables, sideboard: Roche Bobois.
Girl’s bedroom Interior design: Beth Kooby Sobbott, Beth Kooby Design, bethkoobydesign.com. Bed: Joshua Hardesty, Rogers Hardesty, rogers-hardesty.com. Leather tiles: AVO, avoavo.com. Window treatments: The Shade Store. Wallpaper panels: Phillip Jeffries, ADAC, phillipjeffries.com. Ceiling light: Kelly Wearstler, Circa Lighting. Rattan chair: 1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com. Chair upholstery: Kravet, ADAC, kravet.com. Lucite and vintage console: 1st Dibs. Record player: Crosley Radio, crosleyradio.com. Vintage coral lamp: R. Hughes, ADAC, r-hughes.com. Photographs: Christian Chaize, christianchaize.com. Pink pillow: West Elm, westelm.com. Chair pillow: Bradley, ADAC, bradleyusa.com. Wood side table: Dixon Rye, dixonrye.com. Bolster fabric: Schumacher, fschumacher.com. Duvet: the Citizenry, the-citizenry.com. Custom neon sign: Neon Collective, neoncollective.com.au.
Side porch Interior design: Beth Kooby Design. Lounge chairs and sofa: Dedon, Kolo Collection, kolocollection.com. Upholstery: Mokum, Paul Plus. Large pillow: Dixon Rye. Smaller pillows: Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com. Large planter: Lush Life, lushlifehomegarden.com. Cafe table and chairs, abstract planters: Vendom, Kolo Collection. Umbrella: Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com. Bar cart: Dixon Rye.
Navy bedroom Justin Q. Williams, Trademark Design Co., trademarkdesignco.com. All furnishings and lighting: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, mgbwhome.com. Electrician: Handy Electrician, handyelectrician.com.
New bedroom Interior design: Mallori Hamilton, the Specialty Studio, Wakefield Beasley Interiors, wbinteriorsinc.com. Custom bed, dresser, mirror: OSleeper Manufacturing Company, osleeper.com. Bolster pillows: Bjork Studio. Rug: Verde Home, verdehomeinc.com. Side chair: Hooker Furniture, Joel Robinson + Associates, AmericasMart, jraoffice.com. Side table: Design Within Reach, dwr.com. Wall sculpture, floor lamp, table lamps, graphic art, tabletop accessories: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.
Adjacent bath Decor: Mallori Hamilton. Cabinetry: Kingdom Woodworks. Tile and stone: CR Home. Plumbing: Atlanta Noland. Paintings: Anita Martinez Fine Art, anitamartinezfineart.com. Rug: Room & Board, roomandboard.com. Accessories: CB2, cb2.com.
Laundry room (not pictured) Wallpaper: Schumacher Hospitality, fschumacher.com.
Master closet, secondary closet, pantry Custom design: the Container Store, thecontainerstore.com.
Study Interior design: Katja Lauterbach, Duett Design, duettdesign.com. Audrey artwork: Srinjoy Gangopadhyay, deljouartgroup.com. Innovation C chair: Joel Robinson + Associates. Custom desk: B10 Union, b-10union.com. Custom shelving unit: Tylko, tylko.com. Floor lamp, side table, arm chair, planters, magazine rack: DômeDeco. Story bookcase: Design Within Reach. Rug: Nordic Knots, nordicknots.com. Greenery: plantz.com. Custom drapery: Jim Davis Designs, jimdavisdesigns.com. Drapery and pillow fabric: Romo Fabrics, ADAC, romo.com. Bench: Article, article.com. Chaise lounge: Regina Andrew, reginaandrew.com. Eames House Bird: Vitra, vitra.com. Kokeshi dolls: Lucie Kaas, luciekaas.com. Bud vases, Accent Decor, AmericasMart, accentdecor.com.
Adjacent bath Decor: Duett Design. Cabinetry: Kingdom Woodworks. Tile and stone: CR Home. Plumbing: Atlanta Noland. Rug: Nordic Knots. Linens: Bovi Graccioza. Window treatments: Jim Davis Designs. Towel ladder: Umbra, umbra.com. Vase: Rosse & Associates. Dottie sheep: Joel Robinson + Associates.
Pool deck Design: Greg Martin and Michelle Larrabee-Martin, Kolo Collection, kolocollection.com. Vondom lighting, furnishings, and all furniture and accessories: Kolo Collection.
Mudroom Decor: Kerry Jemison Weinheimer, Jemison Design, jemisondesign.com. Cabinetry: Kingdom Woodworks. Countertop: Dekton by Cosentino, CR Home. Custom art: Murray Robinson, murrayrobinsonart.com. Coatracks, Vitra desk clock, felt baskets, star sculptures, wire basket: Design Within Reach. Dog accessories: Highland Pet Supply, highlandpet.com. Towels, tote, small accessories: Urban Cottage, urbancottageatlanta.com. Throw, scarf: JDouglas, AmericasMart, jdouglas.com. Air plant: Le Jardin Francais, lejardinfrancais.com. Potted arrangement: Jennifer Rust Botanicals.
Powder room (not pictured) Decor: Jemison Design. Wallpaper: Hygge & West, hyggeandwest.com. Custom art: Jennifer McKinnon Richman, jennifermckinnon.com. Custom wood slats: Shawn Frizell and Luke Mount, 678-230-3454.
Pool changing room Interior design: Leah Alexander, Beauty Is Abundant, leahalexander.info. Custom bench: Managed Millwork. Rug: Moattar, ADAC, moattar.com. Mirror, soap dish: Made Goods, ADAC, madegoods.com. Artwork: Stephen Shon, Shon Studio. Table: Interlude Home, AmericasMart, interludehome.com. Shelf decor: Redefined Home Boutique, redefinedhomeboutique.com. Candles: Diptyque, diptyqueparis.com.

This article appears in our Fall 2019 issue of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.

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