Atlanta real estate: Musicians find rhythm in Castleberry Hill

Home and Garden

Musicians find their rhythm in Castleberry Hill loft

Intown Atlanta loft has space homeowners could soundproof.

The music studio is homeowner and pianist Catherine Giel's favorite room, now that it has been transformed from a first-floor garage and tiny office space. "It has a great energy, and we spend a lot of our time there each week in rehearsals, lessons and practice sessions," she said. The room is also where the homeowners keep their scooter, which they use instead of a car to around town. Text by Lori Johnston and Kelsey E. Green/Fast Copy News Service.

With a custom mural by Atlanta native Peter Ferrari, the music studio mixes the virtual and vocal arts. The large-scale piece of art reflects Michael and Catherine Giel's love of their craft and the city of Atlanta as the phoenix rising from the ashes.

As musicians, having a space for their grand piano that was as soundproof as possible was important to the Giels, who are conductor and music director for the Capitol City Opera. "We needed a place where it was going to be pretty soundproof, and we wouldn't be the most hated people in the neighborhood," Catherine Giel said.

The couch by Abbyson Living adds a comfortable place for the couple to lounge after a practice session. It also folds down, doubling as a bed when the homeowners need additional sleeping space for guests. The flooring is a luxury vinyl tile, called Exotic Wood, by Tandus Centiva.

The interior is divided into three floors, with a twisting staircase at the center. The square center complements the clean, modern design in the rest of the home.

The exposed brick in the living room serves as a backdrop for the Giels' streamlined modern style. The gray sectional couch is from Z Gallerie, and the coffee table is from Simple Living.

A rounded frame softens the heavy, industrial quality of these shelves, found at World Market. Custom-made instrument cases by artist Melissa Rucker line the shelves and further incorporate the couple's love of music.

The wood farmhouse table is the couple's favorite piece of furniture. "We've never had a table that could seat more than four people, and we love throwing parties and gathering around with friends and food." Catherine Giel said. The lyre detail in the base of the table adds to the musical theme that flows throughout the Castleberry Hill residence, which is on the neighborhood's Oct. 22 loft tour.

Cabinets painted white with an eggshell finish (using Behr paint) create a clean look in the loft's kitchen. Pendant lights and stainless steel appliances give it a modern touch.

Shades of blue are carried throughout the bedroom, from the chaise to the blue pillows, bed linens and lamp. The champagne poster bed by Inspire Q, purchased through Overstock.com, brings in modern, luxe lines.

Positioned just right, this full-length mirror reflects artwork around the master bedroom, just by leaning against one of the walls. Catherine Giel said she's become more intentional about the choices she makes about the art and accessories she has in the loft.

The Giels often escape to their loft's rooftop deck to enjoy a wide view of their Castleberry Hill neighborhood. They have outfitted the space with furniture from Ikea and a rug by nuLOOM.

Since moving in to their Castleberry Hill loft, the couple have watched the Falcons' new Mercedes-Benz Stadium rise over the treetops nearby.

Musicians Michael and Catherine Giel purchased their Castleberry Hill loft, with a rooftop deck, in 2015. They play their instruments inside, and the deck is all about ping pong (with a STIGA table) and the views. Michael Giel, who plays violin/viola, is a high school orchestra teacher at Lakeside High School and conductor of the Capitol City Opera. Catherine Giel, a pianist, is a commercial real estate professional for Colliers International and music director for the Capitol City Opera.

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The music studio is homeowner and pianist Catherine Giel's favorite room, now that it has been transformed from a first-floor garage and tiny office space. "It has a great energy, and we spend a lot of our time there each week in rehearsals, lessons and practice sessions," she said. The room is also where the homeowners keep their scooter, which they use instead of a car to around town. Text by Lori Johnston and Kelsey E. Green/Fast Copy News Service.

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