Chai Style Home: Behold an Oasis of Style

Step outside the Wolpert’s Dunwoody home into the lush life where there’s no need to jet to Isla de Mujeres. It started when interior designer Candice Keilin slid into Erica and Craig Wolpert’s Facebook feed, and the result was an eye-catching renovation with modern allure that is captivatingly offbeat.

Craig said, “We like updated gadgets, fun artwork, colors and new ideas. We took an older home in a fabulous community and made it new and updated. The renovation started with Keilin assembling her team [Narissa Bonnet Designs — Keilin’s architect sister]. They gave us a design rendering showing the updates, particularly in the living room. One thing led to another, and the project grew to our outdoor space and multiple rooms.”

A Columbus, Ohio, native, Craig moved to Atlanta after he met wife Erica on a blind date. This is the first house they bought together. He is the executive vice president for e-Cycle and teaches self-defense seminars (thewayofthekitten.com).

Erica is originally from Miami and is the director of HR for Atlanticus. They wanted their home to be unpretentious, even witty, and thus meshed with Keilin and Bonnet as “change agents.”

Perhaps the most playful and expertly designed room is the study. Erica stated, “We gave simple instructions. As the kids age, we wanted a cool space for them in which to want to work. The initial design renderings were a “wow,” and literally the room looks exactly like that first design plan. Who knew you could put amazing wallpaper on the ceiling or have a hanging chair with cushions? The acoustical tile is an added bonus.”

Swim over to the Wolpert’s backyard resort.

Marcia: Describe your art.  
Craig: Candice introduced us to two amazing Atlanta-based artists: Esteban Patino and Craig Alan. We liked that Esteban has created his own unique language focusing on what’s meant to be said or unsaid, the meaning of words. We appreciate the uniqueness and expressions of his work, both art and sculptures which we now have inside and outside. Alan has become well known internationally; we searched through his collection for something that spoke to us. Since Paris was our first family trip overseas, his Eiffel Tower was perfect to stir our memories.
A funky family piece is an original painting I inherited from my mother, Marcia Beckman, who was the first female to graduate IBM Business School.

Marcia: What are your favorite furniture pieces?
Craig: We love the comfort of the Bernhardt sofa in the living room and the custom wood kitchen table. But our absolute favorites are the lounge chairs out by the pool.

Marcia: Explain the magic in the kitchen.
Craig: Our cooktop is a fascinating talking point. As an Invisacook, the burners are invisible and work on induction technology requiring specific pots to magnetize and connect with the heating source to ignite. When the pot is removed, it cools to the touch. It really is magical and invisible unless there’s a pot cooking. The custom kitchen table is a sanded stain to complement the cork wall.

Marcia: What’s special about the kids’ rooms?
Craig: We updated our daughter’s room as she heads into her tweens. She and Candice mused over her do’s and don’ts, and they nailed it with shiplap, plants, and accessories for our “horse crazy” child. The room now is her retreat for when she is relaxing after riding horses and competing.

Marcia: Why is the backyard a resort?
Craig: It started off as just a pool. We called in five contractors, two said they weren’t interested because of the challenging topography. We chose Brad Renken (Hearthstone Luxury Pools). We wanted a yard for our kids to play in as well an amazing pool built into the landscaping. We went with turf since we have the big dogs and lots of shade. Then Candice and Narissa totally updated the pool seating areas, which took it to the next level. We really feel like we live in a resort. Our friends are always welcome, and we love hosting pool parties.

Marcia: Share your choice of the surfaces and lighting.  
Candice: We painted, took off trim, highlighted the windows which before went unnoticed.
We chose our wood colors and added specific mood lighting from Visual Comfort that was designed for the home flow through the hallways and notice art as they are specifically pointed at each of the treasured pieces. The idea was subtle but has had a huge impact.
Craig: Candice found some interesting ceiling lights which really added to the whole overall space of the living room as industrial, but moody and unique.

Marcia: Your own home was featured in Atlanta Jewish Times Chai Style (Oct. 8, 2019) where you were referred to as “Tonal, textured and timeless … Designer Struts a New Generation.” How did you view this project?
Candice: The Wolpert’s wanted a contemporary vision that was more reflective of their personalities. They wanted the home to be inviting and comfortable since they have two younger children and pets without compromising on a styled design aesthetic. We were able to create unique living spaces using texture, art, and lighting to enhance our design after we remodeled the original space to give more symmetry and eye-catching focal points. The Wolperts’ trust in the creation of the design vision from beginning to end allowed the home to evolve into these great luxurious spaces.
We had a lot of fun shopping for the various pieces, each with a unique intention. Their art really solidified the uniqueness of this home. In my own home, I also have Patino’s work which is displayed at the High Museum and the Atlanta airport.”

Marcia: Last word:
Craig: The backyard layout is really for our “other children.”  They play catch, Frisbee, and swim. It’s really a dog’s life. While Roscoe is a purebred German Shepherd, Pippa is a mutt-a-poo we rescued from Bosley’s Place. They are the real beneficiaries of the design!