O4W Tour of Homes
When: Noon-5 p.m., Sept. 15
Where: Tour starts at the Old Water Tower Park at Irwin and Krog streets.
How much: $20
Information: fallinthe4thward.com
A curved stairwell was on Randy Harris’ and John Carroll’s dream home list from the beginning. Even when it was more budget-friendly to make the stairwell more straight and traditional, the couple didn’t want to lose that feature in their home, which is among 10 properties on Sunday’s Old Fourth Ward Tour of Homes.
The stairwell’s shape helps soften the lines in their modern home, even if it cost more to bend the steel into the correct curvature. The stairwell connects the two floors in an architecturally appealing way and creates a perfect location for the grand piano.
Other neighborhoods were an option for Harris and Carroll, but they were drawn to the Old Fourth Ward’s energy and walkable setting.
“It was kind of urban and gritty and cool at the same time,” Harris said.
Snapshot
Residents: John Carroll and Randy Harris. Carroll is vice president for on-air and programming operations at Turner Entertainment Networks. Harris is senior vice president, commercial banking manager at Midtown Bank
Location: Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta
Size: About 3,400 square feet, three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Year built/bought: 2008-2009
Architects: Cara Cummins and Jose Tavel of TaC studios
General Contractor: Pinnacle Custom Builders
Architectural style: Modern. Carroll and Harris handed a portfolio of home design photos from magazines to TaC Studios. "We literally took a bundle of stuff to Cara and Jose and said, 'Here, make a house out of this,'" Carroll said. "The first plan was pretty much how the house is laid out now."
Favorite architectural features: The use of brick and wood, which fits into the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood and is classic and timeless, they said.
Interior design style: Warm modern. Dark hardwood floors complement clean lines and simple architectural details.
Favorite artwork: A mid-century modern piece by Howard Mandel, purchased at Atlanta's City Issue, hangs above the fireplace. They also selected works by local artists such as Matthew Ward (dining room) and Allison Shockley (foyer).
Favorite outdoor feature: Dipping pool and gardens. The 5-by-15-foot pool, accessed through sliding doors in the living room and by Neptune Pools, based in Sugar Hill, is just big enough to get wet and cool off, Harris said.
Resources: Furniture and accessories from Atlanta stores including Paris on Ponce, Kolo Collection, Design Within Reach, Bed Down and Cantoni. The first piece Harris and Carroll purchased for the home was a small chandelier they found in Murano, Italy, and placed in the powder room.
Paint colors: Sherwin Williams' Greek Villa (white) and Fawn Brindle (gray)
Decor tip: If buying a home with someone else, consider giving each person one veto over furniture. "We each had one veto-proof decision. If someone really wanted something, the other person would have to give in. We never had to use it but did come close on the couch," Carroll said. For the living room couch, Harris had one in mind while Carroll had found a gray leather couch at Leather Creations with more clean lines, which is a signature piece in the living room.
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