Contemporary remodel in Chastain Park

Living room The tri-pendant in living room was custom designed by Studio R Squared. “In the living room, I have a whole row of windows really all the way up to the top of the ceiling and that’s where all the light comes in,” Janice said. The gas fireplace in the living room, family room and master bedroom have a tempered glass treatment from Metro House of Fire. George Nelson Pendants in the entry, living room, and dining room are from Design Within Reach. Ceiling fans in the in the living, kitchen, master bedroom, sunroom, family room and gym are the Lapa Modern Fan from Illuminations Lighting.(Christopher Oquendo Photography)

Credit: Christopher Oquendo

Credit: Christopher Oquendo

Living room The tri-pendant in living room was custom designed by Studio R Squared. “In the living room, I have a whole row of windows really all the way up to the top of the ceiling and that’s where all the light comes in,” Janice said. The gas fireplace in the living room, family room and master bedroom have a tempered glass treatment from Metro House of Fire. George Nelson Pendants in the entry, living room, and dining room are from Design Within Reach. Ceiling fans in the in the living, kitchen, master bedroom, sunroom, family room and gym are the Lapa Modern Fan from Illuminations Lighting.(Christopher Oquendo Photography)

From the moment Greg and Janice Raab purchased their Chastain Park home, renovations began. The changes didn’t happen all at one, though.

The Raabs selected a project, such as the master bedroom and bathroom, figured out the budget, made sure they had the cash and took their time remodeling the space. Formica countertops in the kitchen, cracked countertops in the master bathroom due to sun damage from the skylights, and black tile floors throughout the house had to go. They lived in the home throughout the renovations.

“The master bedroom and the master bath took us nearly a year to do. The kitchen the same thing,” Janice said. “We’re doing a lot of the work ourselves. Some people absolutely hate remodeling. This is what we like to do.”

Snapshot

Residents: Greg and Janice Raab, who have worked in the broadcasting industry for 25-plus years. (Most recently, Janice was a finance manager with Clear Channel in Atlanta.)

Location: Chastain Park

Size: More than 5,000 square feet, five bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths

Year built: 1990

Year bought: 2006

Architectural style: Contemporary. "We moved here from San Francisco. We love contemporary. Of course, Atlanta has very few contemporary homes, so our choices were limited," Janice said.

Favorite architectural elements: The emphasis on stone and rough-cut cedar. "The stone on the outside is also duplicated on the inside of the home," Janice said.

Renovations: Complete remodel of master bedroom/bath suite and kitchen, using custom cabinets by Cabico, plus a new roof, concrete driveway, retaining wall and river rock bed. The cedar ceilings and three fireplaces are original to the home. In the master bedroom and bathroom, the Raabs painted the ceiling to soften up the space. Working on the home became a full-time job for Greg, who even decided to take a part-time job at The Home Depot, relishing the opportunity to talk more about remodeling projects. "It is so exciting for him to do something with his hands, stand back and look at it. He gets to look and say, 'Wow, look at what I created,'" Janice said.

Cost of renovations: $250,000

Architect and designer: Reed Erickson of Atlanta-based Studio R Squared

Interior design style: Modern

Favorite interior design features: Lighting and furniture designed by George Kovacs, George Nelson and Marcel Breuer.

Favorite outdoor feature: 1,700-square-foot deck space overlooking the wooded lot.

Landscaper: Chris Livesay, Cumming-based American Outdoor Living

Favorite green features: 1,200 square feet of bamboo flooring, a tankless water heater, low flow toilets, induction cooktop and drought-resistant landscaping that requires no irrigation.

Tip: Interview designers to find one who is willing to listen, mindful of your budget and shares your vision, Janice said.