Joyce Jarema was used to renovating and redecorating homes, but for her traditional brick Brookhaven house, she wanted the interiors to be unexpected and lighthearted.
She decided to place an air hockey table in the living room, near framed photos of favorite singers, such as David Bowie and James Brown. Jarema took “Get On Up,” a phrase tied to Brown that now serves as wall art, as a literal message.
“I remember being up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday ordering ceiling fans and lighting fixtures online because I had to be at the house at 8 a.m. to meet contractors,” she said.
Interior designer Jennifer Eanes Foster helped her fashion a whimsical and modern style that was cost conscious because much of the budget was devoted to renovations.
“I wanted to have some extra design mojo,” she said. “By going more fun, it helps bring out more of my personality and not seem so staid and traditional.”
Snapshot
Resident: Joyce Jarema, a marketing consultant for telecommunications companies, and her cats, Lexie and Aramie.
Location: Brookhaven, DeKalb County
Size: 2,689 square feet, four bedrooms, three baths
Year built/bought: 1998/2017
Architectural style: Traditional
Favorite architectural elements: 10-foot ceilings, windows
Renovations: Jarema and her designer started planning three weeks before the closing date and she moved into a renovated interior seven weeks after purchasing the home. The changes included full exterior and interior painting, including cabinetry. She also refinished the hardwood floors and had new hardwoods installed in the master bedroom and closet. In the kitchen she added new appliances and refinished the island. She replaced several windows, redesigned the fireplace mantel and shelves, installed new lighting, including replacing the can ceiling lights with LED, and replaced all of the ceiling fans, sinks, toilets and faucets. She recolored all of the tile grout and professionally cleaned the HVAC ductwork and installed new vent covers. She added a screened porch, replaced the fencing, renovated the pool with a Pebble Tec finish, installed artificial grass and renovated the putting green.
Design consultants: Eanes Foster Design, John Sluss, Chris Leonard with Reliable Floor Co., Sir Grout, All Window Company, Victor Herrera (painting), Jose Torres (electrical), Octavio Sanchez (masonry), Air Quality Systems, Absolute Pool & Spa Care
Interior design style: Modern and whimsical
Favorite interior design elements: The mix of high-end and low-end purchases, such as a Biedermeier-style dining table and chairs paired with an affordable settee from Walmart.
Favorite outdoor features: New screened porch and renovated pool
Resources: Furniture and accessories from Nottingham Antiques, Ballard Designs, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Target, Overstock, Amazon, Ikea, World Market, West Elm, CB2 and JCPenney.
Decor tip: Don't get stuck in the "label" of a room, Jarema said. For example, she turned the living room into an entertainment area with an air hockey table.
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