WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

ON THE OUTSIDE,

the home looks deceivingly contemporary with statuesque black metal industrial double doors paned with classic clear glass. It hides the façade of the epic historical journey inside. But first is a big furry friendly hello from the home’s official greeter, Zoe the dog. Upon entering, gleaming through a wall of windows, the captivating panorama of east Grand Traverse Bay dazzles. High above are vast wooden ceilings with steadfast strong beams that navigate you to the soaring height of the whitewashed stone brick fireplace in the living room. Wood and metal prevail throughout, like the steel cart from the closed down Michigan Maple Block Company, now fitted with a top and converted to a coffee table. Gazing around, the vintage décor beckons. Peppered in are abstract sustainable art sculptures created by Northport artist Jesse Hickman. “Most have a nautical theme. I have been a collector of his work for over 15 years.”

WITH THE OPEN FLOW CONCEPT,

you glide into the kitchen, framed with windows still maximizing the aqua blue bay view. The new commissioned cabinets fitted with metal and siltstone counters are simple, elegant, and practical. But surrounded by the farmhouse style of 1800s French peasant additions, they masterfully become drenched in character and texture. Old France hangs on the wall from long forgotten storefronts alongside brass jugs and kettles from a past with no running water. They dangle above butcher block chests and abandoned woodshop worktables. Like time stood still, the fluidity of modern-day form and function and old-world Europe mesh to perfection.

From floor to ceiling, an array of European architectural riches adorns the space, primarily from France and Belgium. Every entryway is majestic with dramatic reclaimed doors standing guard, gothic wood laden with embellished metal casting. Many originate from castles, churches, and centuries-old stone buildings. Oh, the stories they could tell, from endless crusades in history, religious rebellions, to generations of wealth and family follies. Other doorways boast audacious heavy black steel and glass, carefully hung with made to order fabricated frames. Previous window shutters now serve as closet doors and cover single doorways in a unique way to dress them up. “I believe doors should be art,” says the homeowner.

OF ALL THE ORNATE DOORWAYS,

the magnificent double carriage doors meticulously placed to be the guardians of the wine cellar are the coup de grâce: monumental in size and breed, they originate from the Dodge Mansion, also known as the Rose Garden in Detroit. Going inward, you are transported to Provence, the wine country of France, by a glorious wine cellar atmosphere. A tall order, considering this room before was a man cave dedicated to the University of Michigan with a huge blue M on the wall.

IN THE MASTER

BEDROOM, a palatial antique steel gate from France accentuates the wall. It metamorphosizes a classic headboard and is elaborate next to the simple crisp white linens. “Never buy a headboard when you can make one with gates or shutters.” Once again, the room is flanked by the blue vista of the bay outside.

IN THE WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL, there is a play on design with one room decked out as a rugged up north cabin. The facing room is all old Americana, with a historic prominent framed American flag on display. Also on this lower level are guest bedrooms molded to harmonize the home’s theme.

ON SUCH AN OPULENT SCALE, inside and outside, this home solidifies that the devil undeniably is in the details! Fragments of yesteryear have been given new life and a renewed purpose. They are interictally woven into the home between treasured keepsakes, original painted canvases, and cherished reminders of a loved one. I asked the homeowner what they name the overall design. “I’d say eclectic, but I don’t really like to put a label on it or put in in a box. If you really love something, you can always make it work somewhere.”

It’s wonderful we have these photographs to linger over as a reference. On one visit alone, it was impossible to take everything in, because it had absolutely stirred our inner amateur designer mode to kick in.

Hot Tips: Measure your space before you shop. Don’t try to do it all at once; these were collected over many years. And, as you go forth delving into these solid ancient things, they NEED to be hung by professionals. They didn’t come from homes with 2 by 4s and drywall. Have fun!