Chai Style Home: Effortless Elegance Brings Warmth to Family Life
Artist Lindsay Belnick worked with designer Liz Rosenzweig to renovate the family home.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Dunwoody native and artist Lindsay Klein Belnick shares her Brookhaven home with husband, Jason, two children, Oliver and Chloe, and two dogs. Along with interior designer Liz Rosenzweig, Lindsay expresses her creativity by embracing the chaos that revolves around her busy life.
She explained, “I embrace the whirlwind of life itself. By day, I teach, and by night, I create. In between, I’m navigating the chaos of being a wife, mother, and taking care of myself. I find inspiration in the messiness and don’t sugarcoat the challenges, channeling that energy into my art. My creations reflect the beauty in the imperfect unplanned moments of life.”
Rosenzweig explained, “We layered warm corals, deep plum accents, and vintage pieces to reflect Lindsay’s love of antiques, fashion, and art. Custom built-ins, paneling, and wallpaper add depth and charm — from the kids’ rooms to a moody powder room with plum tones and vintage Murano sconces. Every space was created to feel lived-in, collected, and effortlessly elegant — her chic style and the warmth she brings to family life.”
Jaffe: Describe your home.
Belnick: We have a quirky layout and unexpected details with a solid foundation and smart design, supplying the character. We want “livable, but elegant” with an eclectic mix of antique and modern elements. I enjoy combining different woods and metals, and adding muted colors against neutrals, drawing inspiration from French design.
Supporting other artists is important. Our home showcases pieces from talented creatives like McKenzie Dove and Amy Dixon. I’ve also commissioned work from Errol Jacobson, a Chicago-based artist. Stephanie Kaplan created my ketubah which is itself a piece of art.
Jaffe: How did working with your designer flow?
Belnick: We moved here in November and began painting, adding a bathroom and paneling, redoing the built-ins in the den and basement, removing carpet, and renovating the fireplace. Living with two toddlers amidst construction has been challenging!
I worked with an amazing decorator, Liz Rosenzweig. I was immediately drawn to her style and expertise. She understands my aesthetic. Liz is detail-oriented and often knows exactly what I mean, even when I don’t fully articulate it. M&Z Remodeling is another part of my dream team.
Jaffe: Lighting, paint colors, counters, flooring?
Belnick: We have a Parisian antique chandelier in the dining room and another antique in the foyer. The sconces were already installed and have a Parisian flare. The renovated areas have Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and used a taupe for my built-ins. I love using wallpaper in spaces like my kids’ rooms and the powder room. I added a marble sink, new sconces and a mirror to the powder room. The oak floors lend a classic feel.
Jaffe: Describe your children’s rooms.
Belnick: Neither has a set theme. Each space is full of texture, color, and the things they love, so their rooms reflect their personalities. Their rooms can change and grow with them over time, always feeling like a safe and comfortable place. We’ve mixed traditional patterns and textures with modern touches to keep things interesting and personal. Chloe’s room feels cozy and inviting. There’s a big bay window with white shutters admitting light, and a cozy tweed window seat underneath. The wallpaper has a pretty tree branch pattern that gives the room a playful yet classic vibe. A large wooden dollhouse sits on a handmade table, making it a fun space for play and relaxation.
Oliver’s room has a cozy, lived-in feel. Liz designed the paneled lower walls which add a classic touch. The wallpaper brings in color and personality. We added the built-in bookshelves and loaded it with books and keepsakes. The real highlights are two secret wallpapered hideaway nooks … perfect for quiet time or stashing toys.
Jaffe: Anything special on your grounds?
Belnick: The backyard is charming and peaceful, with a wooded hillside, natural stone steps, and seasonal trees and plants. There’s a waterfall built into the rocks, open grassy space for kids and dogs, a playset and swing, and a cozy swing platform. We also have an undercovered patio that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or just watching the kids.
Jaffe: Did you have formal art training?
Belnick: My college journey was unconventional. Initially attending Tulane Business School, I faced a life-changing event when diagnosed with later stage thyroid cancer at 19. This experience reshaped how I viewed my future. During recovery, I enrolled in Emory and Oglethorpe before completing my degree at the Art Institute of Atlanta.
Jaffe: What’s your motivation to specifically create Judaica?
Belnick: When I became a special needs art teacher, I experimented with different techniques, and adaptations to inspire students. My mixed medias attracted attention. Creating my website was a turning point. Getting involved in mahjong and having kids attend Jewish school reconnected me to my Jewish roots. It’s a way to express my identity, celebrate my heritage, and connect with a community that feels like home. This sense of belonging inspires both my art and my life. [Lindsey’s art is featured on Instagram: @lindsaybelnick.art]
Jaffe: What materials do you use?
Belnick: I’m a mixed media creator, and acrylic paint is my “go-to.” I love mixing things up, adding textures and materials, magazines, book pages, scrapbook paper, cardboard, bubble wrap, and even dish soap (you should see my “Bubble Trouble” painting!). I experiment with gold leaf, India ink, and watercolor for depth.
Renovating the house got me hooked on spackle and joint compound. That’s how my textured heart blocks came to life! Trying new materials keeps art fresh.
Jaffe: What among your pieces are your favorites?
Belnick: I would say “Three Little Birds” is special. I love singing it with my kids, and I always dream of dancing to it with my son at his wedding. It’s full of love and hope. I’m also proud of my “Miriam” piece that was the Haggadah cover for NCJW.
Jaffe: Last word.
Belnick: It’s our family home with magic tucked into every corner.
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