Atlanta real estate: 1927s home gets modern, Scandinavian makeover

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PHOTOS: 1927 house gets a modern, Scandinavian redesign

Interior designer remakes her house in historic Brookwood Hills while teaching her daughters about design.

A Lucite and glass table that Caroline Normark found at Ansley Antiques anchors the outdoor dining area. She found the outdoor dining chairs that surround the table at Blu Dot. Text by Lori Johnston and Keith Still/Fast Copy News Service.

The Normarks bought their 1927 traditional Atlanta home in 2007, when it was in quite a bit of disrepair. In 2014, they essentially tore the house down, while keeping one original corner, and completely renovated to create a five-bedroom, 4.5 bath house with the help of K2 Construction and architect D. Stanley Dixon. The home is part of the April 22 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's annual Brookwood Hills Home Tour.

A gray 1970s Bernhardt sofa and vintage gray Folke Ohlsson Swedish sofa from Westside Modern give the family room an eclectic look. By keeping all of the base pieces, including the two Mongolian fur chairs, in the same color vein, Caroline Normark downplays the furnishings' differences and creates a cohesive design. "My theory is everything doesn't have to match," she said.

Caroline Normark used a mixture of midcentury and traditional Swedish furnishings along with artwork to add color and texture to the modern office space. In the corner, a Swedish wooden chair passed down to her husband from his grandparents is a reminder of Paul's roots. The traditional chair complements the midcentury desk from Westside Market and the vintage Ello mirrored buffet from Peachtree Battle Antiques.

Offset by black tiles on the floor, a vintage Lucite dressing table with a mirrored top and brass accents from Etsy adds a glamorous touch to the master bathroom.

Although the Normarks based their massive renovation on the original footprint of their 1927 home, only the foundation at the front right corner of the home remains. That corner was originally the home's dining room, and the couple preserved it for that use. They added iron windows and outfitted the space with a simple dining table surrounded by chairs from Ansley Antiques.

A brass Scolari chandelier, from Anne Flaire Antiques, shines above the dining room table, giving the space a pop of midcentury style and color.

Through the years, the Normarks' tastes have evolved from traditional to a more modern, minimalist design. In their 4,200-square-foot home, organization and features such as desks and built-in shelving are key components to maintaining that style. "I don't like clutter. I don't do a lot of accessories," Caroline Normark said.

The base colors throughout the home are black and white. In the kitchen, a large white marble-topped island contrasts with a long row of black cabinets and black granite counters along the wall.

Contrasting with the bright white kitchen, the adjacent bar area is painted Benjamin Moore Black.

A glass wall creates the illusion of a floating stairwell, and natural light and pale wooden floors add to the home's open, airy feel.

Pendant lighting from Etsy illuminates the Namibia White marble countertops on the kitchen island.

Built-in storage helps the family of five stay organized and keeps clutter at bay. Throughout the Brookwood Hills home, walls painted Benjamin Moore Super White form a blank canvas that allows colorful accessories, like the bright orange chairs, to stand out.

Upstairs, the open, minimalist home gym is an example of the calm, clutter-free environment the Normarks have created in their renovated Atlanta home. Christopher Oquendo/AJC FILE

Benjamin Moore Super White walls and light wood floors are the foundation for the modern, Scandinavian look in Eliza's bedroom. The clean lines of the bed and nightstands keep things simple, while furry pillows and accessories add texture and hints of color.

"My favorite thing in my room is the little nook we call 'the cave,'" said Eliza, who designed her bedroom with the help of her mother. "It's my favorite place to do homework, because it's really comfortable."

Like her sisters, 14-year-old Larson Normark said she enjoyed decorating her own bedroom in her Brookwood Hills home. "I like a well-organized space," said Larson, who chose a coral chest of drawers to help store her things. A brass chandelier and brass-accented mirror personalize the modern minimalist design.

A turquoise M hangs above 12-year-old Millie's bed, creating an eyecatching centerpiece in her bedroom. "My favorite thing in my room is the big M," she said. "It gives my room character, and it is very unique."

Caroline Normark gave her children free rein to design their bedrooms. Millie shows off her favorite color, turquoise, in the accent chair she chose for one corner of her room. Christopher Oquendo/AJC FILE

A metal Milo Baughman headboard, from Westside Market, shines against the pure white walls in Caroline and Paul Normark's master bedroom. Throughout the renovated home, the couple opted for simple, clean lines, along with no trim and plenty of natural light to create an interior that is a blend of modern, minimalist and Scandinavian styles.

In the sitting area, a custom swing beckons the three daughters to do their homework on the back porch. A fireplace with a television above also provides a warm and inviting place to entertain guests.

The Brookwood Hills house wraps around a courtyard pool, which is just steps from the family's entertainment area.

When they designed their backyard pool, Caroline and Paul Normark included a poolside nook with lounge chairs and an outdoor shower. Pavers sandwiched by grass soften the look and give the lounge area an organic feel.

Caroline and Paul Normark bought their home in 2007. While renovating, Caroline Normark daughter their daughters --Eliza, 16; Larson, 14; and Millie, 12 -- about interior design. "We want to support the neighborhood and CHOA any way that we can," Caroline Normark said. "Our house is a little bit different from most of the houses in the neighborhood. Why not open it up and let folks see?"

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A Lucite and glass table that Caroline Normark found at Ansley Antiques anchors the outdoor dining area. She found the outdoor dining chairs that surround the table at Blu Dot. Text by Lori Johnston and Keith Still/Fast Copy News Service.

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