EARLY WINTER 2019 Cosmopolitan Home by Cosmopolitan Home magazine

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ACCORDION house The 2019 Cosmopolitan HOME OF THE YEAR Early Winter 2019 $3.00 12

a NEW VIEW publication

contents

Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home EARLY WINTER 2019

departments 10 MONEY MATTERS Financial Gifts Giving considerate gifts that have an impact 12 CUISINE Faraway Flavor Bringing the heritage of other countries to your plate

on trend

47 THE LIST The professional, licensed and insured resource for the home

9 15 43 45 46

The Birth of a Kitchen The Importance of Purchasing Quality Furniture New Neutrals Hardscapes The Host’s Two Best Friends

features 16 The 2019 Cosmopolitan Home of the Year: Accordion House A modern interpretation of a European farmhouse by Colonial Builders 47 Flashback Fave: Siting Perfection A look back to 2009 with a European-influenced home that will make you forget it’s in Michigan 49 RENOVATE magazine Father and son architects designing West Michigan 61 ALWAYS GREENER A cozy, warm home that’s earth-friendly as well 62 The 2019 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR: Extending History An exquisite restoration of a renowned architect’s personal home

PICTURED HERE: Everything is extraordinary, right down to the accessories in “The 2019 Cosmopolitan Home of the Year!” See full story on page 36.

cover photo by Ashley Avila

Volume XXXI Issue 5 No. 164 PUBLISHER

David J. Koning

EDITOR

Jennifer Vander Vliet

MANAGING EDITOR

Marie Kamp

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynn Bakeman Lisa Cargill Jennifer Koning

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keeping you warm from the inside out!

Ashley Avila

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jennifer Koning Angie Brennan

ADVERTISING SALES

David J. Koning Michelle Ashley Olivia Rhoades

In-floor radiant heat

Snow-melt system

Chris Moberg Heating & Air Hudsonville, MI 49426 Open 24 hours (616) 915-3907 SPECIALIZING IN GAS PIPE WORK • HEATING REMODEL WORK • SERVICING AND REPLACEMENT OF FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONINGS SYSTEMS 6 | early winter 2019

Unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Send to Editor, 7400 Lime Hollow Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. ©2019 Summit Media. Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home is published by Summit 7400 Lime Hollow Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Subscription Rate: 1 year, $18.00; single rate, $3.00 (includes third class postage). Postmaster: send changes to 7400 Lime Hollow Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. . 616.828.6016 www.cosmogr.com No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

4046 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616.453.8201 www.standalehomestudio.com

ON•TREND

The Birth of a Kitchen The 3-Part Process by Standale Home Studio When I first started designing kitchens, I was partnered with a very mellow designer with lots of experience. She told me that we have to explain to people that a kitchen project (or any remodel or new construction) is like having a baby. There can be a lot to live through, but it’s all worth it in the end. Having two kids of my own, the comparison struck a chord. There are 3 core experiences that folks travel through in this process: PART ONE: The Planning and Waiting. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and a lot of people offering opinions. With each choice you do make, another seems to be required: cabinets, flooring, countertop, backsplash, paint, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware. The list goes on and on. Your designer is there to help you coordinate your choices and applaud your decisions. Then there is the waiting. There is waiting for the materials, the special order items and the small things you might have forgotten. There is waiting for permits and inspections. There is waiting on the trim carpenter, plumber, and tile installer (just to name a few). Be patient. There are a lot of small pieces and part; it will take time. PART TWO: Labor and Delivery. This is the construction part. It’s messy. It’s the terror of the demo. It’s the joy of watching the framing go up. It’s the part of the remodel where your whole home seems to be filled with drywall dust and you are washing your dishes in your bathtub. This is often the part where the most painful delays might happen. Your kitchen designer is there to hold your hand and gently explain that the installers broke your granite while loading it – so yes – it will need to be re-done PART THREE: Coming Home. This is the best part. When you see the completed project. When everything is done, and it’s just as you planned, you forget about the first two parts to the process. You forget about all of the waiting. You forget about all of the mess. You can now laugh about how the installer read the plans wrong and installed the crown upside-down (it was fixed and now it’s perfect). You get to just sit back and enjoy this great thing that you’ve done. You get to invite over your friends and family to “ooh” and “ahh” and congratulate you on your fine choices.

It’s our job as designers to be your guide. We will help walk you through the process. We will help you in the foggy places where you seem to have too many choices. We will ask the questions you forgot to consider. We will make sure that your fridge will fit in that space and those bar stools you love will be the right height. We will work with you to find creative solutions to obstacles that can’t be moved. We will encourage you to try things you might not have considered. We will work with you to set a reasonable timeline and personalized budget. When it’s over, we will pat you on the back for a job well done.

Anneke Huisman has been designing stunning projects with Standale Home Studio for the last 3 years. She has over 15 years industry experience working on remodels and new construction with both DIY’ers and builders. Native to Boston, Anneke is a Calvin College graduate and has called Grand Rapids home for the last 12 years.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 9

moneymatters

CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Financial Gifts

With Lasting Impact

The gift-giving season is fast approaching. So, if you are like a lot of Help chip away at a debt. Many young adults are burdened by people, this means you are spending time trying to brainstorm gifts to give your loved ones – something that they will use and appreciate. For those disillusioned with giving gifts that are quickly used up or forgotten the moment the wrapping paper comes off, consider a financial gift designed to make an impact. Here are a few financial gift ideas you can feel good about giving: Start a savings account. Help instill the importance of saving with the gift of a partially funded savings account. A variation on this gift idea would be to open a Roth IRA if your loved one is working full time but hasn’t yet established a retirement account. Roth IRA investment earnings grow tax-free, which make them a good option. Purchase a savings bond. Give someone you care about a secure way to save. Savings bonds are low-risk investments backed by the U.S. government. There are no fees or expenses, and bonds do not trigger state or local taxes. Donate to charity in the recipient’s honor. A charitable donation is a thoughtful way to acknowledge a cause your loved one cares about. As you research charities to support, look for ratings that indicate how efficiently these organizations use donations. Buy socially responsible stocks. This is another way to support something that is bigger than both of you. Choose your criteria and look for companies that exemplify the values that matter most to you and your loved ones. Stock has the potential to increase in value over time, so your gift also represents savings that double as financial security. Fund an education savings plan. Your generous gift can help a grandchild start saving for future college costs. There are several types of savings accounts designed to help parents and students save for future education expenses. Every little bit helps. 10 | early winter 2019

student loan debt. Juggling work and loan repayments can be challenging.Your loved one will be pleasantly surprised when you relieve them of loan payments. Help with a down payment. Purchasing a car or a first home may be out of reach for many young adults. If you have loved ones who could use a little help, your financial gift can assist them as they get settled and on their way to greater financial stability. Give the gift of cash. Everyone appreciates a cash infusion. If you’re so inclined, you can suggest how the money is spent, especially when recipients are not inclined to treat themselves. Gift an appointment with a financial advisor. Help your loved ones establish a financial plan with the assistance of an advisor you know and trust. This thoughtful gesture has lasting value by helping lay the foundation for future financial security. ❂

Lisa Cargill, ChFC®, CLU®,CRPC®, CDFA™ is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dr. Michel Marie Wicksall Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Michel Marie Wicksall, 1996 University of Michigan Dental School graduate

4500 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546

616.975.9700 Member of ADA, MDA, WMDDS, KCDS & CDS

Accepting New Patients

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 11

cuisine

THE TASTE OF HOME

Faraway Flavor Internationalize Your Kitchen As a physical representation of cultures and regions from around the world, food can be more than just sustenance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it can connect you and your kitchen to faraway places.Whether you have opportunities to travel the globe or prefer to stick closer to home, foods can bring the heritage of other countries right to your own plate. To take your own taste tour of the globe, consider these plant-based recipes including Sabra Hummus. More than just a dip, hummus can serve as a canvas for a variety of flavors. Working as a transformative ingredient to elevate nearly any dish, hummus is an ideal base for exploring a world of flavor in your kitchen. For example, these Vegetarian Spicy Noodles combine angel hair pasta and a soy-hummus sauce thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creamy and rich with distinct Thai flavors. Chipotle Hummus and Mushroom Tacos provide a meatless version of a south-of-the-border favorite with a rich umami base topped with fresh cabbage and lime.

VEGETARIAN SPICY NOODLES Prep time: 10-15 minutes Cook time 10-15 minutes Servings: 2 Sauce: 4 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 cup water 6 tablespoons Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus, plus additional for garnish 12 | early winter 2019

Noodle Mixture: 4 quarts water 3 ounces dry angel hair pasta 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 2 cups thinly sliced bell pepper 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon thinly sliced Thai basil, divided 1 tablespoon sliced scallions, divided

To make sauce: In large frying pan over medium heat, cook soy sauce, sugar, water and hummus 1-2 minutes until hot and mixed together. To make noodles: Bring water to boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook 5 minutes, or until tender. Strain noodles.

Add garlic, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to sauce. Let simmer 2 minutes. Add noodles and mix to fully coat noodles, 1-2 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon basil and 1/2 tablespoon scallions; reserve remainder for garnish. Place noodles in bowls and top with hummus and remaining basil and scallions.

PICTURE PERFECT

CHIPOTLE HUMMUS AND MUSHROOM TACOS Prep time: 10-15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2 Chipotle Hummus: 6 tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle, dried Slaw: 1/4 cup finely shredded purple cabbage 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 teaspoon lime juice 1/8 teaspoon salt

Fine Carpentry â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Cabinetry

616.889.6516 Grand Rapids, MI

Mushrooms: 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 8 ounces sliced mushrooms 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 4 small tortillas (corn or flour) 1/2 ounce feta cheese (optional) To make chipotle hummus: In small bowl, mix hummus and ground chipotle; set aside. To make slaw: Cut cabbage into quarters to easily remove core; thinly slice. In small mixing bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Using clean hands, crunch or squeeze together ingredients to bruise cabbage and incorporate. To make mushrooms: In large frying pan, heat olive oil over high heat. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook about 6 minutes until all sides of mushrooms are browned. Remove mushrooms from pan. Using hot pan, add tortillas one at a time to warm up, about 20 seconds on each side. Spread tortillas with chipotle hummus. Place hot mushrooms in centers of tortillas. Top with slaw and feta cheese, if desired. â?&#x201A; Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 13

ON•TREND

The Importance of Purchasing Quality Furniture ... at any price point by Klingman’s Furniture & Design Shopping for new furniture is a process. WHAT TO LOOK FOR DURING YOUR Not only do we have to take into consideration the functionality of the piece and our style preferences but also investment and quality. Since furniture shopping is an emotional purchase that isn’t done often, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed. In this article, we will cover how to balance price and quality to eliminate buyer’s remorse and create a space in which your loved ones can comfortably gather. There are often triggers that lead us to purchase new furniture such as marriage, a new home, having children, downsizing as children move out or retirement. It is important to invest the most you can afford to ensure the best value. Purchasing poorly constructed furniture often means failure of joints, costly repair work and replacement parts. We can take that one step further when we talk about lifespan. Quality, solid-wood furniture can last generations whereas low-end furniture has a lifespan of 2-5 years. Think about the time and money you would save by purchasing a quality dining table and having it for over 20 years compared to purchasing upwards of 10 low-end tables over the same amount of time. Quality pieces often make use of natural materials with stain-resistant treatments meaning the fabric is breathable, easy to clean, flame resistant and will keep the shape without stretching. When finely treated leathers are used, they age satisfactorily instead of discoloring and cracking. Solid wood furniture such as dining tables and chairs can take the wear and tear of everyday use and when needed, can be sanded and refinished many times to lengthen the lifespan and update the look. So how do we evaluate high-quality furniture that will last a long time?

NEXT SHOPPING TRIP:

• Solid frames made of hardwood or plywood with at least 9 layers and free of knots.Try drawing a line on the wood with your fingernail to see the softness.Easily dented wood indicates weakness.

each year? It is understandable to want to make changes based on design styles or needs. The important thing to remember is that even when you are ready to retire a piece of furniture, it should still look great and be functional for someone else, ultimately reducing unnecessary additions to our landfills.

• Number of options available for finishes and fabrics. If many options are available, this is a good indication that every item is handmade.

The best news is, you don’t have to settle for quality or affordability! You can have both. At Klingman’s Furniture & Design, our educated design consultants specialize in construction techniques, design aesthetics and helping people find the perfect, quality piece for their home and within their budget. Even better, when shopping at Klingman’s, you can feel the comfort and see the fabrics which eliminates the buyer’s remorse that is often felt with online shopping. Klingman’s has spent over 123 years searching for the best possible value at every price point. Whether your new sofa budget is $999 or $2,999, know that your investment will provide comfort and joy when you choose heirloomquality over landfill quality with Klingman’s, “West Michigan’s Best Since 1896.”

With these tips, you can make informed decisions with confidence the next time you are in the market for furniture. Without solid construction and durable materials, your furniture will get creaky, lumpy and uncomfortable within months. The unforeseen drawbacks of poor quality furniture is never worth the risk.

For 123 years, Klingman's has offered the very finest in quality home furnishings. We take pride in tailoring projects to our client's needs, style and budget. Now with locations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Lansing. For more information visit Klingmans.com

• Joints that are dovetailed, screwed or doweled with reinforced corners. • Smooth gliding drawers on metal rails with thin panels between. • Seats that are supported equally by 8-way, hand-tied, coil, cone, sinuous, or grid springs. Test this by sitting in different areas of the cushion to make sure support is even. • Seat foam that is wrapped and has a density of 1.8 pounds or higher. • Loose-fill cushions that have multiple compartments to resist sagging.

Maybe here you are thinking, “While this all sounds great, I don’t want the same sofa for more than 15 years.” Did you know that we currently add over 10 million tons of furniture to landfills

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 15

The 2019 Cosmopolitan HOME OF THE YEAR by Colonial Builders • Dwellings Design Studio • J Visser Design

A Modern Interpretation of a European Farmhouse ... Village Although not the first custom home-building rodeo for Carol and Jack Smith, it was the first to reflect a new beginning. Now empty nesters, the Smiths were taken through a lifestyle study by Laura Davidson of Dwellings Design Studio to discover the best way to address this phase of their life. The result is what Carol calls an “accordion house”: offering warm, cozy spots for the couple, then expanding easily to accommodate the energy and life of offspring with their growing families and frequent guests. “We didn’t want this house to look like every other new house out there,” stated Carol.

ACCORDION house

TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN IMAGES BY ASHLEY AVILA

From the road, this striking home reads like a village of stone buildings that were connected over time with additions. Exterior architectural elements such as the oversized plantation shutters add continuity and inspire the authentic European vibe. Other details include full solid veneer stone, limestone masonry, and lath and concrete-styled stucco. Distinctive open truss ends, hand-framed corbels and brackets, and rafter tails simulate exposing the supporting structure of the roof from Versatile Roofing.

Jeff Visser of J. Visser Design listened to the Smith’s requirements and while not envisioning an accordion per se, he saw a modern interpretation of a European farmhouse … village. From the road, this singularly striking home reads like a village of stone buildings that were connected over time with additions. The home bridges the gap between modern and traditional with its eclectic combination of materials and details adding old-world charm. Situated on a channel feeding an inland lake, the two lots were long but not deep. “This offers unique opportunities for windows and transparency which we really love because it brings light in from two directions,” explained Visser. “As the plan developed, we took advantage of that and used the Smith’s requirements for separate family wings with centralized gathering space. From that grew the idea of individual two-story stone cottages with connecting glass wings.” The stone sections have more traditional, steeper pitched roofs. Since the connecting sections didn’t have upper floors, Visser designed a low pitch roof to allow for tall windows. Metal with a ribbed standing seam was Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 19

used on the low pitch areas because it’s both beautiful and practical for preventing snow and ice build-up. The marshy lot presented immediate challenges and terracing was important because of the steep grade. Laura knew that Tim Nagelkirk of Colonial Builders was the right builder for his ability to engineer problem-solving solutions and make it appear effortless. Having a strong team in place, working in total collaboration from the very start was critical. “Somebody throws out a great idea and we embrace it and make it happen,” said Visser. “People like Laura and Tim make me look good because they care about the details. The right team elevates the spaces I’ve designed and that’s where the magic is.” Tim describes the engineering feat that gave this home its solid roots. “We had to bring in truckloads of crushed concrete fill to stabilize the area. The house is actually set on 110 helical piers that range from 30 to 90 feet deep.” Helical piers are steel screws that auger into undesirable soil until

Half-round gutters were chosen to complement the extended roof overhang and Japanese rain gutter chains were chosen as a graceful alternative to downspouts. Solid cedar columns flanking the front entry show â&#x20AC;&#x153;checkingâ&#x20AC;? or stress cracks formed naturally as real wood ages. R J Raven Company built the exterior door with stunning plank detail, resulting in a modern spin on a vintage European look.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 21

they reach the correct torque below. The piers act like a boat’s anchor and transfer structural load into a lower layer of secure, stable material. There are also helical piers under the stairs coming off the back of the house and under the veranda patios. “I didn't want anything to move,” Tim continued. “I built a bridge of helicals all the way down to the water so all that concrete will be stable for years to come. “I love digging deep to think through and engineer solutions. I'm a builder, but I also have a passion for design, architecture, and authenticity. Building stuff that’s going to last from the ground up, using authentic materials, doing things properly with no shortcuts. Decades from now the homes we’ve built will still resemble what they looked like when first completed.” Many exterior architectural elements had to be established at the start including window coverings that are decided before framing. Laura intuited that oversized plantation shutters added continuity and they undeniably inspire an authentic European vibe. Exterior details include full solid veneer stone, limestone masonry, and lath and concrete-styled

The exterior masonry is continued into the great room completing the illusion of an addition joining an existing structure. On the fireplace wall, limestone headers frame the bookshelves as though they were converted windows. The installation of the 2,000-pound custom, limestone fireplace required creative engineering including constructing scaffolding and using turnbuckles and a chain fall pulley system to lift the piece into place. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 23

The kitchen is outfitted with a 12-foot dining table, a 60-inch range. from Gerrit’s Appliance, and a 12-foot prep island topped with beautiful quartzite from Great Lakes Granite Works, ideal for the homeowners who are seasoned cooks. Designed to expand easily and comfortably to accommodate as many as 100 guests, the kitchen area flows into “the party room.” A 24-foot buffet and two 7foot long dining tables are perfect for large gatherings. European white oak floors in a darker stain were chosen for their rich character and warmth.

24 | early winter 2019

stucco. Distinctive open truss ends, hand-framed corbels and brackets, and rafter tails simulate exposing the supporting structure of the roof. All vertical v-groove surfaces are Boral composite because it’s a clean-looking, stable product that doesn’t expand or contract especially when painted a rich, dark grey like the “faux addition.” Traditional gutters would have ruined Jeff ’s extended roof overhang, so Tim used halfround gutters. He and Laura are fond of using Japanese rain gutter chains as a graceful alternative to downspouts. Solid cedar columns flanking the front entry show “checking” or stress cracks formed naturally as real wood ages. Colonial tasked Grand Rapids’ own R & J Raven Company to custom build exterior and interior doors with stunning plank detail, resulting in a modern spin on a vintage European look. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 25

As an addition of the kitchen, the butler pantry is essential when entertaining large groups as it keeps the mess out of the kitchen, yet itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a beautiful extension of the space with custom cabinetry from Mulinari Cabinetry Co. A marble sink and backsplash in the powder room appears to be floating within white oak paneling. A ceiling of patterned grass cloth adds just the right amount of pattern without being overly committed. 26 | early winter 2019

Because the laundry room leads to a courtyard area, it got extra attention with a “tweedy” tile floor from Century Flooring, matte finish floor-to-ceiling subway tile and distinctive cabinets that served as inspiration for the home’s streamlined trim.

A separate side entrance brings family and friends into a spacious mudroom with built-in lockers and benches. Since the laundry room leads to a courtyard area, it got extra attention with a “tweedy” tile floor adding patina and texture, matte finish floor-to-ceiling subway tile and distinctive cabinets which served as inspiration for the home’s streamlined trim.

The screened-in porch features darker tones giving it a warmer feel. Here, a huge Rumford fireplace, distinctive for its tall height, wide opening and shallow depth, projects more heat into the room.

Stepping from the main foyer into the great room, the beauty of this home design comes to light. The exterior stone walls are not only visible through the 5- by 8-foot tall windows, the masonry is continued into the home completing the illusion of an addition joining an existing structure. Tim complimented Jeff ’s efforts noting that “his sense of scale and light is key. His fluid design brought the outdoors in and made this house appear 100 years old, but with the luxury and efficiency of today’s technology.” The real beauty of this team effort is apparent in how Laura and Tim accentuated the theme and meticulously touched every surface. On the fireplace wall, note how limestone headers frame the bookshelves as though they were converted windows. Laura artfully uses draperies to frame

28 | early winter 2019

Crafting Beauty Since 1980

Laura used DuChateau European white oak floors in a darker stain for their rich character and warmth. A hydronic radiant heat system makes a huge difference in the feel of the home with its solid surfaces and is extended outdoors for snow melt on sidewalks and porches.

RJ Raven offers exceptional handcrafted custom wood doors, entryways and windows in any style — traditional, historic or contemporary. Built by highly skilled artisans in our West Michigan studio.

The installation of the hefty 2,000-pound custom limestone fireplace required creative engineering including constructing scaffolding and using turnbuckles and a chain fall pulley system to lift the piece into place. The brute-force necessary was impressive for Laura to witness: “Limestone — especially with a 9-inch profile — is actually delicate and this was so beautifully done. All the trades on site pitched in whether they were carpenters, tile setters, or masonry.”

Let RJ Raven design and build your perfect door!

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the view and soften the hard surfaces. Here, she selected a crisp French pleat detail with an unfussy French return rod.

255 Cottage Grove SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 616.245.5684 www.rjraven.com

A DIVISION OF SUMMERLAND ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS, LLC

“It was great to dream it, sketch it, then see it come to life knowing it’s going to look accurate in design, caliber and quality, plus be beautifully functional.”

“That’s why our subs are great,” added Tim. “They have a caring mentality and are there to create the best product possible. If something needs to get done, boom!, they jump in. At the end of the project, everyone feels proud because they each had a hand in building such a beautiful home. Gracious home owners like Jack and Carol who showed appreciation and regularly spoiled the team with meals made the experience even better!

The ﬁnest of custom artisan cabinetry and furniture

mulinaricabinetryco.com Design@mulinaricabinetryco.com 616.534.9958

30 | early winter 2019

“My dad started Colonial Builders in 1975, and our family business is built on ethics, and respect and thankfulness for everyone’s passion and talented contributions. One person can’t complete a project alone. We look out for each other on a work level, just as we do on a personal level, and that reflects on what we bring to work on a daily basis. I also, personally, couldn’t do all this without the help of my wife, and family and my great office assistant.” The all-important gathering space is 60 feet long but saved from feeling cavernous by a beautiful white oak ceiling that forms the spine of the home spanning its length. This home is a showcase for perfectionism in difficult carpentry detail: there are no trim pieces to blind out joints anywhere in this home; every clean line has been mitered to perfection.

The ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite has a hewn marble floor and quartz countertops. The bathroom cabinetry, by Mulinari Cabinetry Co., was recreated from photos of cabinet doors Davidson found. Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crew brought them to life in the bathroom and on the tall built-in linen cabinet.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 31

A great example is to notice that the oversized windows are only 6-inches off the ground with minimal distance between each one. In collaboration with Laura and to fulfill her clean-cut design vision, Tim crafted a unique, streamlined trim throughout the home. It ties in beautifully with the solid, vgroove white oak wall panels and ceiling. Laura tasked the right person for that job since Tim began his career and trimmed full-time for nine years. He loves bringing trim details to life and has a talented crew of eight carpenters who share that passion.

631 Commerce Court, Ste. 10 Holland, MI 49424 616.994.7050 www.glassconceptsinc.com Fabricators and installers of custom shower doors, mirrors, closet organizers and other glass products. Residential and commercial window service and repair.

With a talented metal fabricator on site, custom decorative appointments abound to unify Laura’s design esthetic: oversized house numbers, the fireplace screen, leaded glass transoms, banker wire and laser-cut mesh staircases, wire mesh cabinet door inserts; and interior doors crafted in frosted glass and steel. “It was great to dream it, sketch it, then see it come to life knowing it’s going to look accurate in design, caliber and quality, plus be beautifully functional,” added Tim.

“His fluid design brought the outdoors in and made this house appear 100 years old, but with the luxury and efficiency of today’s technology.” The can-do spirit and collaborative on-the-fly thinking is evident in the baker’s rack suspended in the kitchen. “Electric was already planned for a center light fixture and most builders would be alarmed at such a change on the fly,” shared Laura. “Tim has a great eye, and when I asked him to add this important element he didn’t say ‘no,’ he helped find a great solution.” “Laura’s amazing with lighting which is key in creating the right atmosphere throughout the home,” explained Tim. “We were able to integrate hidden LED lighting into this eye-catching rack.”

12865 Poplar Grant, MI 49327

231.834.9576 32 | early winter 2019

Carol and Jack are seasoned cooks and unstinting entertainers so the kitchen is outfitted with a 12foot prep island, a 12-foot dining table, and 60inch range. “In the last several years, I have installed hard-working food storage and butler pantries that are extensions of the kitchen,” said Laura. “It works so well for entertaining because it keeps the mess out of the kitchen, yet it’s a beautiful extension of the space.” Designed to expand easily and comfortably to accommodate as many as 100 guests, the kitchen area flows into what the Smiths call the party

Natural, handwoven grasscloth on the walls in the office adds another subtle layer of texture. The space has a quiet appeal yet is warm and inviting.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 33

room. A 24-foot buffet and two 10-foot long dining tables are perfect for large gatherings. A playroom was thoughtfully added nearby so as more little ones come along, they’re still close to the family action.

Home Never Felt so Good!

Guests can easily move into the screened-in porch which is one of Jack’s favorite spaces. Laura chose to go dark in this space so it feels like a warm embrace; more so with its huge Rumford fireplace. Distinctive for its tall height and wide opening, but shallow depth, it reflects more radiant heat into the room. Rumford used his knowledge of heat to improve fireplace design in 1796 and by mid-century 1850 everyone had Rumfords and the word was synonymous with “fireplace.” Laura dreamed it up and the mason made it happen with a stone surround custom cut to match the house stone. “The minute we moved in, it just felt very natural; like home,” said Carol.

616.988.2115

www.northwind-insulating.com steve@northwind-insulating.com

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

Even though the Smiths were absent for ten weeks of the build, they were confident in their long-standing relationship with Laura to lead design decisions. “We have watched Laura through several builds and marvel at how she is able to ‘talk shop’ and speak everyone’s language to set expectations that are met flawlessly. “It was just a tremendous, first class melding of people involved,” said Carol. “Jeff nailed the design right off the bat and Tim pours heart and soul into building and sets a high standard of quality and beauty for himself and everyone involved and they universally responded. I’ve never experienced that before where there was so much mutual respect for each and every person’s talents in their craft. They were all outstanding human beings and their quality of work was outstanding. We enjoyed everyone and know they had our best interests at heart.” ❂

RESOURCE INDEX BUILDER Colonial Builders ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN J Visser Design INTERIOR DESIGN Dwellings Design Studio

• custom homes • remodels • installation & repair • hydronics

34 | early winter 2019

1411 142nd Ave. Dorr, MI 49323 616.877.4665 lameyerplumbing.com

AUDIO VIDEO Streamline Systems APPLIANCES Gerrit’s Appliance BUILDING MATERIALS Standale Lumber CABINETRY Mulinari Cabinetry Co. CARPETING Johnson Carpet One COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite Works EXTERIOR DOORS RJ Raven FINISH HARDWARE Modern Hardware HARDWOOD & TILE Century Flooring GARAGE DOORS Bouma Bros. GLASS & MIRRORS Glass Concepts HEATING & COOLING Koetje Heating/Cooling LIGHTING FIXTURES Lighting Corner INSULATION Northwind Insulating MOLDINGS Elenbaas Hardwood PLUMBING Lameyer Plumbing ROOF Versatile Roofing

GRANITE, MARBLE, QUARTZ & OTHER NATURAL STONE

Often copied never duplicated. Solid Granite and Marble

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www.great lakesgranite.com Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 35

4269 Chicago Drive SW Grandville, MI 49418 616-534-8560

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Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 37

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SALES & SERVICE INC. VISIT OUR SHOWROOM • 1529 Burlingame SW, Wyoming 49509

“Tim pours heart and soul into building and sets a high standard of quality and beauty for himself and everyone involved and they universally responded. I’ve never experienced that before where there was so much mutual respect for each and every person’s talents in their craft.”

“From the designing of the house to the final walk through we felt they were deeply committed to making our experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. They are very personable, trustworthy, and led us through the process step by step.”

“I have worked with many excellent builders over the years, and Colonial Builders are the absolute best of the best. Tim Nagelkirk not only made the building process painless, but truly enjoyable.”

“The craftsmanship of his work and the people he subcontracts with is first rate. We would highly recommend Colonial Builders to anyone considering building a home or an addition. They build quality homes with integrity.”

Celebrating Four-and-a-Half Decades of Custom Quality Construction NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS “BUILDING DREAMS” 1826 Chicago Drive, Ste 200 Jenison, MI 49428 O - 616.534.2030 • Tim@colonialbuilders.biz • www.colonialbuilders.biz

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ON•TREND

New Neutrals

Adding Layers of Depth by Visbeen Architects White trim, white kitchen ... When it comes to design, white is a classic, make no mistake about it. But, let us not discount the power of a good neutral. There is something really dynamic about substituting a soft tone for white when it comes to trim and cabinetry. The appeal of the change is dramatic and can add layers of depth to a project whether contemporary or new traditional. In the Visbeens’ personal kitchen we used a very soft grey for the cabinetry and then punched the tone a few shades deeper for contrast on the ceiling and shutters. Accents in un-lacquered bronze and a rich walnut tie the space in a warm and inviting way, bridging the gap between sleek and warm. Using the same soft neutral for walls and trim is another way to add instant design drama. The key is to use a flat or eggshell on the walls and a satin or even semi- gloss on the woodwork. The effect is subtle but spectacular. Then, punch up the look with layers of more of the same — try using a range of colors in the same family for a sophisticated final reveal. By contrast, try this same concept with deeper colors as well — this will really turn up the drama! The owner suite is also a great space to add dramatic interest. The Visbeen residence features layers of deep browns and warm neutrals. Grass cloth-lined walls accompanied by luscious, glossy trim and shutters in mocha make this deep — even moody room surprisingly inviting. Pro-tip: Pick a few shades of paint and trim and use them throughout your home. It instantly gives the overall space a cohesive and designer-y feel. Try a perfect neutral and use the same color for the trim – make it the entire first floor. . . and then have fun! Add art, accessories, pillows, and throws that can be transitioned out over time. The classic and timeless underpinnings you give your home will never go out of style!

Julie Homes, Principal Designer at Vision Interiors in East Grand Rapids has been working in design for over 20 years. She earned her reputation as a top designer, winning local and national awards for her work. Holmes manages Vision Interiors, which is an independent interior design studio and an affiliate of Visbeen Architects.

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1140 Jackson Ave. • suite B • Grand Haven, MI 49417

COSMOPOLITAN

Grand Rapids

ACCORDION house The 2019 Cosmopolitan HOME OF THE YEAR

a NEW VIEW publica-

616.607.7373 www.pro-hardware.com

Go with the Original ...

Home COSMOPOLITAN

Grand Rapids

vision

ACCOMPLISHED 07

a NEW VIEW publication

The original closet and storage specialist for over 30 years The Magazine West Michigan Lives By 44 | early winter 2019

1254 Scribner NW • Grand Rapids, MI 49504 • 616.913.9148

ON•TREND

Hardscapes Making the Hard (but Correct) Choice by Rivertown Landscapes

Are you planning on a spring paving project? That’s great news but there are a few things you may want to know. Whether you’re planning a new fire pit, a front entry walk, an outdoor entertainment area, a pool or hot tub, or a new driveway…..there are a variety of paving options available. The surface may be a simple as a crushed Granite or concrete or as elaborate as Natural Bluestone with brick accents. The sky’s the limit. Here’s a few products to consider: CRUSHED GRANITE is probably one the most affordable surfaces available. The installation is pretty simple…. You just need to cut your grade down about 3” from where you want the top of your patio. Then you need to install a geotextile (or more commonly landscape fabric) on top of your cut grade then add the Crushed Granite. Then you can use a plate compactor to mechanically compact things down. Just add furniture and some accessories and you’re done. CONCRETE is done much the same way but using a sand base. It can be finished in a number of different ways. Coloring can be added as accents or you can wash the cream off as it sets to expose the aggregates. Stamping the concrete has been popular as well. This is done with rubber stamps that are laid over the top and worked into the surface. It’s usually got a color in the mix and a darker accent color to accent the stamped areas. Then it’s sealed to protect the surface. PAVERS (or concrete paver brick) are probably the most common among the paving brick materials. A couple of common brands are Unilock and Belgard and this type of paver can be found in the home improvement big box stores as well. The

advantages of these types of pavers are: consistant sizing, multiple shapes and sizes, most are cost effective, and are available in a wide range of colors. Some disadvantages are: Color is a pigment that’s added to the concrete mix and can fade over time, concrete pavers tend to wear on the surface over time and expose the aggregates in the concrete mix. This is an area where improvements have been made, but come at an added cost. CLAY BRICKS have been around since 3000 BC and have stood the test of time. They are made from clay in a mold and then fired in ovens until they flash or hardened off. They are earth tone in color and usually 4x8x2.5 or thereabouts. This advantages of clay brick is they hold there color and don’t fade. They also are the same through the whole brick so if they are cut or chipped they look the same on the inside as they do in the outside so as they wear so they don’t A disadvantage of Clay Brick is that it’s not as consistant as some of the other products. Clay Bricks can also be brittle and the sizes aren’t as consistent. Both pavers and clay brick can be set over a mechanically compacted basing using gravel or recycled concrete. They can also be installed over concrete or on a relatively new product called Gator Base. The Gator Base is made from styrofoam like material and greatly reduces the amount of gravel basing that needs to be done. It’s great for those hard to get at spots. CERAMIC PAVERS are one of the newest products that are being offered. These products are

3/4” thick and are ideal when setting over existing concrete or where thicker products won’t work. These are very dense and don’t absorb any moisture. They are available with a bull nose and can be used on steps and coping by pools. The colors are mainly lighter and don’t heat up in the sun. You can use a poly sand in the joints to bind them together or you can use mortar in between as well. I always recommend enlisting the help of your local Landscape Architect or designer in the design and installation of any and all of these products. The more this is planned out in the beginning…. the better your project will be. Have fun designing, building and especially using your new hardscaped area! Mike Mlnarik has a passion for creating distinctive landscapes and has been bringing his award-winning designs to life since 1983. A former founding partner of Grand Rapids Landscape, Mike attended Michigan State University’s program in landscape horticulture and is a Certified Michigan Nurseryman, member of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, and a certified Natural Shoreline Professional. A member of the Home and Builders’ Association of Greater Grand Rapids, Mike has won several awards from the MNLA, HBAGGR, and Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals for landscape design. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 45

ON•TREND

The Host’s Two Best Friends An Ice Machine & Beverage Center by Bekins Anyone who has hosted a holiday gathering knows how much planning it requires. Drinks are often one of the first items your guests will request and usually one of the last items you want to worry about. That’s where big assists can come from small appliances. An ice machine and a beverage center can be a host’s two best friends. Beverage Center Most people choose a refrigerator based on their everyday needs. Then the holiday arrives, and you are filling every inch of it. A beverage center is a great way to save space. Many can hold dozens of water bottles, wine bottles, beer cans and carbonated beverages. For added convenience, set up your beverage center outside the main kitchen so guests can freely grab their own refills while you finish preparing the meal or washing the dishes. Three good questions to ask when choosing a beverage center: 1) How many cans or bottles can it hold? 2) How quickly can it cool my beverages? 3) Is it easy to keep clean?

Ice Machine You never want to run out of ice at a party, and it can be a pain to make a bunch in advance. Remember, your freezer is probably full of all the food you want to prepare. That’s where it pays to have an ice machine. You won’t run out of ice or take away extra space in your freezer. The ice machine is another good item to place outside the main kitchen. It will let your guests refill their ice without interrupting your preparation or clean up. Two notes to remember about ice machines: 1) ou need to plan for an ice machine in your home. It’s not a product you can just plug in and use immediately. They are generally made to be hidden under a counter. They also need a water source and a drain. 2) You need to clean your ice machine periodically. While it’s simple to do it yourself, some of our customers pay for our Service Department to clean it.

46 | early winter 2019

On a fun note, you can choose from a variety of ice shapes: nugget, bullet, crescent, gourmet, or cube. Before you choose an ice machine, we recommend testing a variety of them in our state-ofthe-art, interactive showrooms. Just think, with the drinks and ice flowing freely at your next event, it means less stress and more fun for you the host. Jeff Choponis uses his 21 years of experience in the appliance industry and the Bekins state-of-theart, interactive showroom to help people across West Michigan find the right appliances. When Jeff is not working he likes to spend time in the outdoors; hiking, fishing, hunting and spending time at his cabin in Northern Michigan. You can find Jeff at the Bekins Grand Rapids showroom located at 6275 28th Street SE. Bekins also has a state-of-the-art, interactive showroom at 735 Washington Ave. in Grand Haven.

flashbackfave Late Summer 2010

Home COSMOPOLITAN

Grand Rapids

SITINGPerfection

A Custom Masterpiece by Ron Wassenaar Builder, Inc.

2010: A cedar shake and Chilton stone exterior surrounded by gardens and landscaping befitting a grand, English estate give this Ada home a timeless feel.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 47

SITINGPerfection

TEXT BY JENNIFER KONING PHOTOS BY ASHLEY AVILA

A Custom Masterpiece by Ron Wassenaar Builder, Inc.

{ W

It’s always tempting to stick a label on a house style … but then again, labels can be limiting.

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e so often look to the established sophistication of Europe to imbue our homes with style — a style that not only reflects our desire for comfort but a love of life, artistry and beauty. As Americans, we have the pleasure of engaging in all of Europe, enjoying its influences from both region and era. In doing so, we open the creative process to unlimited possibilities and extraordinary results for our homes. And, when the creative process starts with some of the most-talented people in the business, the results are nothing shy of a masterpiece. Tucked away in a picturesque neighborhood in deep Ada, a winding driveway leads through trees until you break through to the first view of the home —- a sight that, without hesitation, makes you think “Wow, I’d love to live here.” The view reveals a cedar shake and Chilton stone exterior topped with a slate roof (a simulated slate, but you’d never know it). As you get closer, details come into view including the fleur de lis-shaped snow shoes (a must to prevent heavy snow from sliding off the steep pitch of the roof ) and copper accents. It’s as if you just pulled up to a beautiful French chateau. As you head to the door you’re surrounded by an abundance of plants and flowers creating paths and gardens worthy of an historic English estate.

With a site that includes three lots, the home commands a belonging presence to the natural surroundings. Gary Kappes of Kappes Landscapes integrated the landscaping ideally —- surrounded by some of Ada‘s preserved lush woods, it‘s like a beautiful framed picture on a grand, natural scale.

From inception, Ron Wassenaar Builder, Inc. facilitated the creative process so ideally that the final project exceeded the expectations of everyone involved. Wassenaar has been building custom homes since the ’70s when he then partnered with his dad forming Norm Wassenaar & Son Builders, Inc., carrying the family building tradition into the third generation. After his father retired in the late ’80s, Wassenaar renamed the company to Ron Wassenaar Builder, Inc., and continues to build some of the finest custom homes in West Michigan.

“The very large screened porch has nice southern exposure. It’s positioned so it does not block views or sunlight to the back of the house.”

“Ron is very much in control —- he drives the project but is very mindful of the creative process,” said interior designer Kathryn Chaplow. “He’s not afraid to be unique which allows everyone to bring their best to the table.” And the best was brought indeed: Along with Wassenaar, architectural designer Jeff Visser, interior designer Kathryn Chaplow, kitchen and bath designer Todd Wiley and landscape designer Gary Kappes, as well as many talented others, brought their A-game to the project. “The [homeowners] gave me a general direction for what they liked but for the most part were pretty open to the look and layout of the house,” said Visser. “We took our cue from the site itself and the fact that they planned on living here for a long time, so we wanted it to work for all stages of life that a growing family goes through.”

{

“Jeff knew we liked a lot of natural light. And, we wanted it to have the character of a traditional, older home.”

}

“Jeff knew we liked a lot of natural light,” said the homeowner. “And we wanted it to have the character of a traditional, older home.” With a site that includes three lots, the home commands a belonging presence to the natural surroundings. Gary Kappes of Kappes Landscapes integrated the landscaping ideally — surrounded by some of Ada‘s preserved lush woods, it‘s like a beautiful framed picture on a grand, natural scale. Chilton stone walls anchor areas and create garden plateaus offering exceptional color and interest. Varying levels and radiuses lead guests to the front door. The surrounding thick of trees offers complete privacy and scenic beauty. “It was a heavily wooded site so it presented the typical challenges of how to bring sunlight into the home,” said Visser. “We made sure that the Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 51

Functional as it may be, the home’s back side is a true testament to outdoor living at its finest. New York blue stone walkways and patios are punctuated by trees and plants of immense beauty. More Chilton stone walls emphasize the feel that the landscape is truly an extension of the home. Comfortable seating areas offer places to dine and relax. Here, Ada’s beauty is fully enjoyed as the lush tree line acts as a cozy barrier and offers glimpses of wildlife in a pristine setting. A large screened porch also takes advantage of the home’s wooded and landscaped views. Brick pavers under foot lead to a posh seating area and fireplace, allowing for year- ’round use. “The very large screened porch has nice south sunlight,” notes Visser. “It’s positioned so it does not block views or sunlight to the back of the house. As with most homes, the kitchen is not only the springboard for the home’s interior design, but is where family and guests undoubtedly gather. “This is where we find ourselves the most,” said the homeowner. “We wanted the space to be big enough to entertain but still feel cozy.” Mission accomplished. Beautiful oak floors feature a warm stain underfoot. Vintage, hand-knotted wool rugs define areas and offer comfort. Two large islands create a functional galley space in the center while traffic flow continues with ease around the perimeter. A hoodless venting system keeps the view open above the centrally-located range. Honed black granite countertops, knotty alder cabinetry and aged-bronze hardware give the space a timeworn, lived-in feel. Seeded leaded glass reveals slight peeks into upper cabinets while a hand-finished tin-tile ceiling spans the entire space and features a whimsical pattern. A free-standing, armoire refrigerator might have first-time guests thinking “where’s the fridge?” —- a beautiful contrasting piece that truly looks like furniture. Contemporary black and white photography on the walls keeps the space fresh and unpredictable. A stylish scullery is tucked to the side and offers more workspace — an ideal pastry area that houses the kitchen’s two ovens (a safety feature as well), another sink and a full pantry. Mahogany cabinetry tailors the space while another vintage rug adorns the floor.

A hoodless venting system keeps the view open above the centrally-located range. The breakfast nook overlooks the front landscaping while Roman shades filter bright morning rays.

“The appliances for the kitchen were carefully chosen to meet the clients’ needs and the design criteria,” said Wiley. Along with the “disguised” Sub-Zero refrigerator is a Miele steam oven and a Wolf cook top. main stairway and breakfast space to the east brought an abundance of sunlight.”

{

“All the window coverings were chosen to give warmth rather than inhibit the view. They frame the natural beauty outside.”

52 | early winter 2019

}

The spacious covered front porch features a cozy table and chairs, the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee as the sun awakens the day. A viewing garden not only greets guests but offers pleasing scenery to this start-of-the-day scenario.

Multiple dining options within the kitchen space also facilitate cozy family life or space for entertaining. An informal dining area features a round table and offers views of the beautiful surrounding property. One of the two islands offers bar-height seating, ideal for a quick lunch or a place to sit when conversing with those in the kitchen’s “functional” galley. A breakfast nook

TOP: Honed black granite countertops from Top of the World Granite, aged-bronze hardware by US10B, and knotty alder cabinetry give the kitchen, designed by Todd Wiley, a time-worn, livedin feel. Seeded leaded glass reveals slight peeks into upper cabinets while a hand-finished tin-tile ceiling spans the entire space. LEFT: A stylish scullery offers more workspace — an ideal pastry area that houses the kitchen’s two ovens, another sink and a full pantry. Mahogany cabinetry tailors the space while another vintage rug adorns the floor. RIGHT: A breakfast table features a custom bench by Wassenaar’s talented craftsmen. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 53

ABOVE LEFT: Another staircase leads from the kitchen area to the upper level and features Chaplow’s trademark antique newel post. ABOVE RIGHT: The grand, main staircase was completely engineered on site and is a showcase of detailed artistry and beauty. CENTER: A hearth area also shares the kitchen space. Hand-molded brick gives a rustic feel while alder woodwork wraps around to the dual side family room fireplace. features a custom bench by one of Wassenaar’s talented craftsmen while a wing-back chair at the table’s head punctuates the space with charm. Here views of the front landscaping are the backdrop. Always-stylish Roman shades add interest and filter bright morning rays. “All the window coverings were chosen to give warmth rather than inhibit the view,” said Chaplow. “They frame the natural beauty outside.” 54 | early winter 2019

Painted woodwork around stained mahogany windows adds depth and character to various spaces, accomplishing the “older-home feel” with new construction. Diamond-patterned mullions grace the panes and add a timeless style to the home, both inside and out. A hearth area also shares the kitchen space and includes four chairs around an ottoman atop another vintage rug. Hand-molded brick gives a rustic feel to the hearth while

{

“We made sure that the main stairway and breakfast space to the east brought an abundance of sunlight.”

}

alder woodwork wraps around to the dual side family room fireplace where a custom limestone surround creates the hearth. Gothic-shaped arches form entrances to various spaces with the shape repeated in cabinet doors and cut outs of the multiple built-ins and custom furniture Wassenaar’s team crafted. Notably, the

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“Ultimately, the family is so warm and generous and that’s why the house has such a special feel.”

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family room features a beautiful built-in entertainment center that not only hides the home theater system but also separates the space from the home office. Truly showcasing impeccable craftsmanship, the “entertainment wall” is a testament to the superior talent of Wassenaar’s team and attention to detail, as are all the built-ins throughout the home. The grand, main staircase also raises Wassenaar’s team high above the bar. A focal point from inside and out, the staircase greets visitors through the large windows as they approach the front of the house. Completely engineered on site, it’s a showcase of detailed artistry and beauty. A second back staircase leads from the kitchen area to the upper level. Inspired from a story book and sketched by Chaplow, the back staircase design shares a Swiss whimsey and features an antique glass newel post (a most-likely trademark of a Chaplow design). The expansive upper level is where the family’s private areas are found. The owners’ suite features another fireplace and French doors that lead to a private balcony. The elegant bath includes two quarter-sawn oak vanities with recessed furniture bases topped with Michelangelo marble counters. The attention to detail throughout the home is unmistakable. The results are not only beautiful but there is a real sense of comfort and livability. “Ultimately, the family is so warm and generous and that’s why the house has such a special feel,” said Chaplow. And special feel, it does.❂

BUILDER . . . . . . . . .Ron Wassenaar Builder, Inc. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN. . . Jeff Visser Design INTERIOR DESIGN. . . . . . . . . Kathryn Chaplow

CLEAR STREAM title FAST, FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE CLOSING SERVICES • ON STAFF ATTORNEY • WEEKEND & EVENING APPOINTMENTS

KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN . . . . . . .Todd Wiley LANDSCAPING. . . . . . . . . . . Kappes Landscapes STONE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belden Brick GRANITE. . . . . . . . . . . Top of the World Granite APPLIANCES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bekins Appliance DECORATIVE HARDWARE. . . . . . . . . . . . US10B HOME SECURITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EPS HEATING & COOLING. . . . .Home Heating Inc

• MOBILE CLOSINGS • ONLINE ORDERING • MEMBER

GRAND RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER

COMMERCE

616.285.9300 2618 EAST PARIS AVE. SE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 55

DANIELLE BOUGIE Color Specialist Stylist

at THE COLOR LOUNGE (one block east of Forest Hills Foods)

in CASCADE

616.481.5554

New clients only: 20% off cut and color and complimentary conditioning treatment with blowout.

An Interactive Directory for the Home APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE

Bekins Audio/Video & Appliances (616) 957-2333 Decker & Sons (616) 456-5121 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (616) 248-0605 Gerrit's Appliance, Inc. (616) 532-3626 www.gerritsappliances.com ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

42 North Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047 David C. Bos Construction Co. (616) 842-2248 x116 DeHaan Homes (616) 896-8300 www.dehaanhomes.com Fitzpatrick Custom Design (616) 532-2000 J. Visser Design (616) 954-2509 Lucid Architecture, Inc (616) 741-0044 Mathison Mathison Architects (616) 920-0545 Visbeen Architects, Inc. (616) 285-9901 x2 AUDIO-VIDEO RETAILER

Created Control (616) 356-2660 Decker & Sons (616) 456-5121 Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com AWNINGS

Action Awning LLC (616) 874-7400 www.actionawning.com www.facebook.com/pages/ Action-AwningLLC/479665515420452 BRICK, STONE & MASONRY

Belden Brick & Supply Co. (616) 459-8367 Bultema Bros. Builders Supply, Inc. (616) 245-1125 BUILDER

Ashby Builders (616) 893-6284 Aukeman Development Co. (616) 669-4363 B.D.D. Construction Co. LLC (616) 696-1226 BDR Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 458-8505 Berghuis Construction LLC (616) 217-6565

Celebrity Builders LLC (616) 291-1808 Christin Homes (616) 874-2694 www.christinhomes.com chad@christinhomes.com Colonial Builders LLC (616) 534-2030 Curt Moran Builders, Inc. (616) 293-0660 Daeco Builders, Inc. (616) 682-2422 Dan Vis Builders LLC (616) 293-3597 Dan Vos Construction Co., Inc. (616) 676-9169 Dave Dusendang Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 874-7085 www.dusendanghomes.com Dave Visser Builder LLC (616) 791-8899 David C. Bos Construction Co. (616) 842-2248 x116 DBC Custom Homes (616) 878-5400 www.dbccustomhomes.com www.facebook.com/DBCcust omhomes/ www.instagram.com/dbccustomhomes DeHaan Homes (616) 896-8300 www.dehaanhomes.com Diephuis Builders, Inc. (616) 956-7441 Eastbrook Homes, Inc. (616) 988-1324 Epique Homes, Inc. (616) 437-1767 Falcon Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 682-1700 Forest Hills Homes LLC (616) 940-9015 Habitat For Humanity of Kent County (616) 588-5220 Infiniti Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 322-3005 Insignia Homes (616) 940-1703 Interra Homes (616) 862-1292 J & J Concepts LLC (616) 540-3560 J. Peterson Homes LLC (616) 291-1816 Jim Tibbe Homes (616) 916-8895 John L. Koetje Builder, Inc. (616) 538-4241 Kenowa Associates, Inc. (616) 531-0069 KLH Custom Homes LLC (269) 823-8041 Koetje Builders, Inc. (616) 457-3450 LeBlanc Custom Homes (616) 723-1467 www.leblanccustomhome.com www.facebook.com/LeBlanc-CustomHomes-1546652642282852/ Drew@leblanccustomhome.com

Let Us, Inc. (616) 893-2341 Lown Homes LLC (616) 366-3436 Makuski Builders, Inc. (616) 299-1725 Maplewood Homes (616) 499-5054 www.maplewoodhomes.com Mike Schaap Builders, Inc. (616) 399-9925 www.mikeschaapbuilders.com Mosaic Properties & Homes (616) 235-0711 x201 Muston Construction, Inc. (616) 887-9088 www.mustonconstruction.com www.facebook.com/mustonconstruction www.houzz.com/pro/muston/__public office@mustonconstruction.com New Urban Home Builders LLC (616) 401-5669 Nugent Builders, Inc. (616) 866-7663 P.A. DeHaan LLC (616) 299-1329 Raymar Homes (616) 299-7664 Schultz Builders LLC (616) 405-9316 Scott Christopher Homes (616) 784-4500 Scott Lamaire Custom Homes (616) 802-8850 Sherwood Custom Homes LLC (616) 891-1865 www.sherwoodcustomhomes.com jeff@sherwoodcustomhomes.com Snellink Builders (616) 437-4527 Snowden Builders LLC (616) 299-8455 Solomon Homes LLC (616) 437-1179 Sytsma Construction LLC (616) 437-4966 www.sytsmaconstruction.com sytsmaconstllc@gmail.com Tim Schollaart Builder LLC (616) 890-1381 Tim VerStrate Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 677-6062 www.timverstratecustomhomes.com Tom Montsma Builders, Inc. (616) 662-0229 V.H. Construction, Inc. (616) 723-4243 Viersen Properties LLC (616) 299-6846 Whitmore Homes LLC (616) 446-3482 Woods Builders Homes, Inc. (616) 272-3468 BUILDING MATERIALS

Eikenhout Building Supplies (616)-459-4523 Foundation Building Materials (616) 534-4903

THELIST

CABINETRY

FLOOR COVERING

Benchmark Wood Studio (616)994-7374 benchmark-studios.com

Century (616) 988-4524 Certified Tile & Stone Installers (616) 437-3520 www.certifiedtilewm.com www.certifiedtilewm.com/back splashes/ www.certifiedtilewm.com/tileflooring/ DeGraaf Interiors (616) 669-1621 Johnson Carpet One (616) 531-3100 Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300 Rivershores Hardwood Flooring & Cabinetry Company (616) 243-7000 -EGR (616) 738-8440 - Holland www.facebook.com/Rivershore sHardwoodFlooringCompany/ www.houzz.com/pro/rivershoreshardwoodflooring/rivershores-hardwood-flooring sales@rivershores.com

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com Rivershores Building Products, Inc. (616) 738-8440 Rivershores Hardwood Flooring & Cabinetry Company (616) 243-7000 -EGR (616) 738-8440 - Holland www.facebook.com/Rivershore sHardwoodFlooringCompany/ www.houzz.com/pro/rivershoreshardwoodflooring/rive rshores-hardwood-flooring sales@rivershores.com Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 www.standalehomestudio.com www.facebook.com/standaleinteriors www.houzz.com/pro/standaleinteriors www.pinterest.com/standaleint Starlite Kitchens (616) 583-9304 www.StarliteKitchens.com www.facebook.com/StarliteK itchensandBaths www.houzz.com/pro/rbronsink/starliteTru Kitchens (616) 957-1969 The Williams Studio (616) 771-0530 www.thewilliamsstudio.com www.facebook.com/TheWilli amsStudio www.houzz.com/pro/william sstudio1/williams-studio#8 CLOSET ORGANIZERS

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com Closet Design (616) 772-1119 Michigan Shelf West, Inc. (616) 863-6481 Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closetand-glass

Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 www.standalehomestudio.com www.facebook.com/standaleinteriors www.houzz.com/pro/standaleinteriors www.pinterest.com/standaleint GARAGE DOORS

Overhead Door Co. of Grand Rapids (616) 261-0300 www.overheaddoorgr.com Zylstra Door, Inc. (616) 698-7242 GARAGE ORGANIZERS

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com Glass Concepts Inc. (616) 994-7050 www.glassconceptsinc.com www.glassconceptsinc.com/gallery Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass sarahc@slighdesign.com GLASS & MIRROR PRODUCTS

Closet Design (616) 772-1119

THELIST Glass Concepts Inc. (616) 994-7050 www.glassconceptsinc.com www.glassconceptsinc.com/gallery Norbert's Glass & Mirror Co. (616) 531-1110 www.norbertsglassandmirror.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass sarahc@slighdesign.com HOME AUTOMATION

Created Control (616) 356-2660 Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com HOME ELECTRONICS INSTALLATION

Bekins Audio/Video & Appliances (616) 957-2333 Bekins Audio/Video & Appliances (616) 957-2333 Created Control (616) 356-2660 Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com HOME ORGANIZATION

Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 Systematic (616) 350-9597 INTERIOR DESIGN

42 North - Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047 Dwellings, Inc. (616) 532-7897 Great American Spaces (877) 553-9945 www.greatamericanspaces.com Rock Kauffman Design (616) 956-3008 Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300 Standale Interiors (616) 453-8201 www.standaleinteriors.com Joseph Szymczak www.studioatslate.com KITCHEN & BATH

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greater Grand Rapids (616) 632-2284 www.dreammakergr.com

An Interactive Directory for the Home

Granite Transformations (616) 726-1388 Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/greatlakes-granite-works www.instagram.com/great_lak es_granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Infusion Showrooms by Etna Supply (616) 514-5177 www.infusionshowrooms.com www.facebook.com/infusion.s howrooms www.instagram.com/infusionkitchenbathshowrooms/?hl=en Mont Granite (616) 647-0700 www.montsurfaces.com www.facebook.com/montgranite www.pinterest.com/montgranite/ www.youtube.com/channel/UC phAqTXwVEvQ9CDL1xiJ2iQ Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com Richards Kitchen & Bath Showroom (616) 247-0965 Re-Bath of Grand Rapids (616) 949-8827 www.Rebathgr.com www.facebook.com/ReBath-of-Grand-Rapids399202116792753/ info@rebathgr.com Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 www.standalehomestudio.com Starlite Kitchens (616) 583-9304 www.StarliteKitchens.com www.facebook.com/StarliteKi tchensandBaths www.houzz.com/pro/rbronsink/starliteTru Kitchens (616) 957-1969 The Williams Studio (616) 771-0530 www.thewilliamsstudio.com www.facebook.com/TheWilli amsStudio www.houzz.com/pro/williams studio1/williams-studio#8 LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Alfresco Landcapes LLC (616) 453-2530 www.alfresco-landscapes.com

Landscape Design Services, Inc (616) 399-1734 www.landscapeds.com Rivertown Landscapes LLC (616) 866-1700 www.rivertownlandscapes.com LANDSCAPING & LAWN SPRINKLING

Alfresco Landcapes LLC (616) 453-2530 www.alfresco-landscapes.com Landscape Design Services, Inc (616) 399-1734 www.landscapeds.com

Re-Bath of Grand Rapids (616) 949-8827 www.Rebathgr.com www.facebook.com/ReBath-of-Grand-Rapids399202116792753/ info@rebathgr.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass SIDING & ROOFING

Rivertown Landscapes LLC (616) 866-1700 www.rivertownlandscapes.com

Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com www.facebook.com/standalelumber

LIGHTING FIXTURES

SOLAR SCREENS

The Lighting Corner (616) 534-8560 (616) 842-1650 (G. Haven) www.thelightingcorner.com www.facebook.com/thelightingcorner/?fref=ts www.pinterest.com/TLC_1984

Action Awning LLC (616) 874-7400 http://actionawning.com https://www.facebook.com/pag es/Action-AwningLLC/479665515420452

MORTGAGE SERVICES

Adventure Credit Union (616) 243-0125 xx1207 www.adventurecu.org Chemical Bank (616) 588-7438 www.chemicalbankmi.com First United Credit Union (616) 532-9067 www.firstunitedcu.org Independent Bank (800) 285-3111 Old National Bank (616) 802-3921 www.oldnational.com SECURITY

EPS Security/Engineered Protection Systems (616) 459-0281 www.facebook.com/EpsSecurity https://twitter.com/EPS_Security www.linkedin.com/company/ep s-security-inc-/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCP NhObLZqFHqhuYODhVTo9O/ www.houzz.com/pro/epssecurity/eps-security-systems SHOWER & TUB ENCLOSURES

Closet Design (616) 772-1119 Godwin Hardware & Plumbing, Inc. (616) 243-3131 Norbert's Glass & Mirror Co. (616) 531-1110 www.norbertsglassandmirror.com

SOLID SURFACE, GRANITE, FABRICATION/ INSTALLATION

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/great-lakesgranite-works www.instagram.com/great_lakes _granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com Starlite Kitchens (616) 583-9304 www.StarliteKitchens.com www.facebook.com/StarliteKit chensandBaths www.houzz.com/pro/rbronsink/starliteTop of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444 Williams Kitchen & Bath (616) 771-0505 STONE & TILE

Certified Tile and Stone Installers (616) 437-3520 Genesee Ceramic Tile Dist (616) 243-5811

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/great-lakesgranite-works www.instagram.com/great_lakes _granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Mont Granite (616) 647-0700 www.montsurfaces.com www.facebook.com/montgranite www.pinterest.com/montgranite/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCp hAqTXwVEvQ9CDL1xiJ2iQ Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com Top of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444 STORAGE

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 WINDOW COVERINGS

Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300 Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 www.standalehomestudio.com www.facebook.com/standaleinteriors www.houzz.com/pro/standaleinteriors www.pinterest.com/standaleint/ WINDOWS & DOORS

Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523 Pella Windows & Doors by HORNE (616) 889-5857 www.pellawestmichigan.com www.facebook.com/pellawindowsanddoors R J Raven Corporation (616) 245-5684 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com

RENOVATE GRAND RAPIDS

EXTENDING HISTORY THE 2019 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR

a NEWVIEW publication

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas season.

degraafinteriors.com

60 | early winter 2019

ALWAYS GREENER

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Warm,Cozy and Eco-Friendly Kinder Home Improvements for Winter

lustery winds raging outdoors may leave you struggling to find a balance between making sure your family stays warm and maintaining an earth-friendly home. Keeping your home cozy and honoring your sustainable sensibilities can actually go hand-in-hand. Making green upgrades to your home can add value, too. These sustainable home improvements can go a long way toward boosting your comfort, so you have an inviting oasis to linger where you’re well protected from the elements. Energy-Efficient Heating Systems An efficient option like Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions uses energy smartly by actively heating specific areas of your home where you need it. The system monitors the conditions in each room and adjusts automatically to maintain the desired temperatures. The system’s ductless indoor units offer reusable, longlife, washable filters to improve your indoor air quality while minimizing impact on landfills. Plus, advanced filters on some models offer enhanced odor control to help ensure fresher air during winter months when air tends to stagnate inside due to closed windows and doors. Ceiling Fan Adjustment You may naturally turn off your ceiling fans when winter arrives, but the same fans that provide refreshing cool air in the summer can actually help keep your room warm, too. Simply switching the fans to run clockwise helps draw warm air upward and distribute it throughout the home. This little circulation-boosting move can reduce your energy bill by as much as 10%. Tankless Water Heaters Make leaving the warmth of your bed each morning more appealing with the assurance of a steaming hot shower that doesn’t needlessly burden the environment. Traditional water heaters run a continuous power cycle to maintain a tank full of hot water, regardless if you’re using it or not. However, a tankless version heats what

you need when you need it. It’s important to ensure your tankless unit is sized with the proper gallons-per-minute rating to handle demand for multiple simultaneous uses, like a load of laundry and a shower at the same time. Smart Controls The wide range of smart-enabled home products, appliances and entertainment devices make life more convenient and enjoyable, but they can also play a role in managing your environmental footprint. Helpful tools, like Mitsubishi Electric’s kumo cloud mobile app, ensure you’re not wasting energy to perform functions when you’re not even home. These programs allow you to schedule your daily routines and even make adjustments remotely when your day gets off track. For example, it allows you to program and adjust your heating and cooling system from a smartphone or tablet so you won’t come home to a house that’s freezing cold. Better Lighting Winter isn’t just cold; it’s often dark and dreary, too. That means you’re more likely to rely on energy to illuminate your home, especially since an alternative like throwing open the curtains to let in natural light can have the unintended consequence of allowing cold air to seep in. You can curb your energy reliance and the impact on your energy bills by swapping out your bulbs for light emitting diode lights, compact fluorescent lamps or energy-saving LED lights, which can reduce your energy needs by up to 80%.

Use Zones to Reduce Energy Heating your home zone-by-zone can be much more energy efficient and serve as a better means of maintaining your home’s temperature and comfort level. Consider these benefits: A zoned system allows you to control each area in your home independently and even turn off ones that are not in use. This means you’re only using energy where you need it. Conventional HVAC systems are either on or off. An option like Mitsubishi Electric’s Zoned Comfort Solutions compressors ramp up or down based on the needs of each room to maintain comfort and conserve energy. ❂

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 61

The 2019 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR by Zahn Builders • Sears Architects • Cannarsa Structure and Design

extending

istory

The Restoration of McColl’s McColl

J. Alexander McColl (1891-1967) was a prolific architect of gracious, high-end homes throughout the Midwest, and nowhere more than in his hometown of Grand Rapids. As a graduate from the University of Michigan in 1916 with a degree in architectural engineering, McColl is credited with designing many East Grand Rapids homes, most notably the Hollis Baker House on Robinson Road, now owned by Aquinas College.

TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN PHOTOS BY ASHLEY AVILA

When you seek to renovate the 1928 landmark home of a renowned architect, such an undertaking is not for the faint of heart; especially for first-time home buyers ...

In a 1929 article for The Western Architect, McColl pondered what home style was most fitting for the Midwest and wrote: “The successful designing of a house demands more than just reproduction of some style. […] as the tastes and background of the owner are considered, the site upon which the house will stand will bring up visions of what will naturally grow there. If the natural development is hampered with too much consideration of exact following of style there will be a lack of fitness.” McColl conducted extensive research to create authentic design and applied this to his own Tudor home which eventually housed his office. Today, McColl’s personal home stands as an immaculate beauty, updated to today’s standards without losing its historical authenticity. Fortunately, McColl’s grandson was in possession of the original hand-drawn blueprints which proved invaluable as a frame of reference. It was an immensely thoughtful renovation and painstaking restoration, resulting in the title: “2019 Renovation of the Year.”

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 63

“We didn’t want this to look like an updated, modern house of today, but that it had a period feel. A lot of the specifications, trims, and moldings match the original.”

The new owners of McColl’s McColl were aware that over the home’s ninety year lifespan, it had been subjected to well-intentioned remodeling attempts, but many rooms were 1980 time capsules. Seeking advice, they turned to the trusted creative team of Cannarsa Structure & Design, Sears Architects, and Zahn Builders, Inc., the same team who had built their parent’s lake house. When John Cannarsa walked through the front door, he anticipated what he calls a “fluff and buff ” remodel: a little updating and maybe some paint. “We love doing historical renovations and I knew I wanted to be involved because I could see the potential buried beneath all the bad choices made over the years. I didn’t immediately realize how far beyond redecorating this project would go.

The foyer features the original front door and the original leaded glass windows. The door was stained darker and glazed versus sanding to avoid losing the wood’s character. The original, crumbling, ceiling light fixture was beautifully restored. New, iron-design spindles, custom-made by a local fabricator, stairway was marred by colonial spindles that most likely were not original in McColl’s home. and manages to felt new yet old at the same time. Installing a downlight in the stairway niche captures the shadows of the hammered steel. The fireplace mantle in the living room was painted dark to frame and contrast the marble tiles installed for simple texture.

“It’s amazing how many times and how many people told me they looked at this house when it was for sale. It could have belonged to anybody, but the exact, right, open-minded, wonderful people bought it who supported creating a legacy home.”

places. “This home needed to be rebuilt for the next hundred years with new electrical, plumbing, windows, roof, and insulation,” Cannarsa explained. “A lot of trust was given to our team by the homeowners to remodel to this extent, and good things come out of that kind of trust. I believe this will be a forever home for this young family and it needed to be timeless and crisp.”

As the build/design team pulled back more layers, it became apparent that a true renovation was required, taking the home down to the studs in many

Having drawn several historic architectural restoration projects, including other McColl homes, Rob Sears explained the difference in this type of work. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 65

“Details and simplicity aren’t a contradiction when you think in terms of layers.” “We really looked at the design intent of the original architect and builder. We referenced the original drawings to understand the inspiration behind the trim detail of the soffits and the eaves; for example: when putting in new windows, what are the mutton patterns or the size of the windows? To me, a renovation is considered ‘fixing,’ whereas restoration is a deeper appreciation and understanding of the historical context and architectural value of the house.” A house of that era would normally have a detached garage so that was the intent behind the redesigned connecting breezeway and carriage house garage. Sears focused on duplicating the rich palette of textures and materials from the main house including the distinctive Tudor stucco and angled wood slat attributes and original specifications which included shake siding. The entire team reviewed much of the exterior timber detailing until everyone felt they achieved the right combination.

Copper gutters, drip edges, and copper flashing around the chimneys and between the roof angles, tie into other copper accents of the home. Elements that seamlessly abut the brick exterior like the porches , walkways, and stone terraces were carefully selected. After removing the drywall in the sunroom, the distressed character of the original, arched brickwork was revealed. A dark-painted tongue-and-groove ceiling and a light, porcelain, herringbone tile floor grounds the natural light. Although new, the tile floor has texture and chips that look old.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 67

68 | early winter 2019

The white kitchen includes subway tile, dark windows, and cabinets that blend into the ceiling. The inclusion of a butler’s pantry keeps clutter at bay. The dining room was positioned for privacy so heavy trim and draperies were removed from the widows and the corner cabinet was squared off and finished with lighting and glass shelves to display special collections. Van Enk Woodcrafters also made the live edge table and bench.

“It could have belonged to anybody, but the exact, right, open-minded, wonderful people bought it who supported creating a legacy home.”

Inside, this multi-purpose space includes an office which doubles as a guest apartment and is handsomely appointed with dark stained tongue and groove ceilings and complementary stained floors for warmth and character. Outside, a covered porch provides a grill and dining area for shelter on sunny days.

Copper gutters, drip edges, and copper flashing around the chimneys and between the roof angles, tie into other copper accents including window boxes, exterior lights, and the mailbox. Cannarsa thoughtfully selected elements that seamlessly abutted the brick exterior like the porch, walkways, and stone terraces.

The exterior of the main house required tuckpointing the original brickwork and fortunately the team had a stash of old bricks to replace any that had deteriorated. The staggered shake roof shingle was a huge undertaking and since the roof is so prevalent in proportion to the house, Cannarsa points out that it was worth the expense and will add to the historic appearance as it ages.

Wherever possible, unique original elements were restored and the foyer is the perfect example of those efforts. The original front door was stained darker and glazed versus sanding which would have removed much of the wood’s character. They kept the original leaded glass windows and had the crumbling original ceiling light fixture restored by Bridge Street Electric. Wall sconces with shades casting a warm glow were used here and set the lighting tone over glass or recessed cans throughout the rest of the home.

Another carefully considered, major-replacement expense were the windows. Original windows in the 1920s were called “true divided-light” with multiple panes of glass each reflecting light, so each pane appears to wink in passing. Cannarsa selected simulated divided light, high-quality windows in iron ore cladding which visually united the exterior.

Doors and floors took on a dark stain over the dated and prevalent honey oak tones. Highlighting the skill of Zahn’s craftsmen, the base trim in the foyer is the same trim that’s been on those walls for 100 years. Any place where a wall moved and new flooring was added required “feathering,” a process where they Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 69

Although constrained by space and angles, each bathroom uses cues from the 1920s which were reflected in traditional but updated custom mosaic tile patterns. The details extend to the dark bronze hardware which is used for every switch plate and outlet cover. Although modern in function with a push-button dimmer, the dark light switches are styled after those from the 1920s.

to African art; Cannarsa and his team had their pick from a treasure trove when it came time to finish the house with unique decorative artwork.

“This home needed to be rebuilt for the next hundred years with new electrical, plumbing, windows, roof, and insulation.” subtly match new flooring pieces to the existing and add stain until it’s impossible to distinguish original from new.

The stairway was marred by colonial spindles that most likely were not original in McColl’s home. Cannarsa’s new iron design was custom-made by a local fabricator and manages to felt new yet old at the same time. Installing a downlight in the stairway niche captures the shadows of the hammered steel. Oddly enough, it was Cannarsa’s recommendation that every switch plate and plug be converted to dark bronze hardware that flipped a switch for the homeowners who then got excited about the level of detail possible in the restoration. Although modern in function with a push-button dimmer, the dark light switches are styled after those from the 1920s.

This main area of the house retained its plaster ceiling and walls, and Cannarsa immediately envisioned that a single neutral palette was needed to unite those surfaces. Since the windows had dark casement, this was also carried through by drywall-wrapped windows with minimal trim. This also served as the perfect backdrop to highlight the homeowner’s intriguing collection of art.

That same visual concept of dark contrast against the neutral paint tones was carried out on all the doors which were glazed by Van Enk Woodcrafters. They were also responsible for crafting the kitchen cabinets, built-in banquette, and nursery and master window seats.

As a child, the homeowner was not allowed to watch television during summer vacation, and was challenged instead to collect ten butterflies. An extra incentive was added to motivate him to expand his search which translated into a lifelong passion to collect beautiful objects: everything from insects

One of the true gems in this house was uncovered in the sunroom which was originally a boring afterthought. Once the drywall was removed, they revealed distressed character in the original arched brickwork which Cannarsa cleaned up and framed with new windows. In this room, he reversed the elements to

70 | early winter 2019

ground the natural light with a dark painted tongue-and groove ceiling and light porcelain herringbone tile floor. Although new, the tile floor has texture and chips that look old. He loves the juxtaposition of the owner’s eclectic finds like the antique safe and Herman Miller Noguchi table. The dining room was positioned for privacy so heavy trim and draperies were removed from the widows and the corner cabinet was squared off and finished with lighting and glass shelves to display special collections. Van Enk Woodcrafters also made the live edge table and bench.

72 | early winter 2019

Although Cannarsa was unsure if the fireplace mantle in the living room was original, once it was painted dark it popped to frame the marble tiles installed for simple texture. The kitchen was a 1990s’ remodel that was previously a garage and it presented the biggest challenge for Cannarsa because of its very awkward step down, low ceilings, and proximity in the flow of the house. He built in a butler’s pantry to keep the kitchen uncluttered and determined that it had to be a white kitchen. Subway tile, dark windows, and cabinets blend into the ceiling. “I like the simplicity and continuity where everything feels like it is part of

A house of that era would normally have a detached garage so that was the intent behind the carriage house garage. The rich palette of textures was duplicated with materials from the main house including the distinctive Tudor stucco, angled wood slat attributes and shake siding. Inside, this multi-purpose space includes an office which doubles as a guest apartment and is handsomely appointed with dark stained tongue and groove ceilings and complementary stained floors from Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carpet One for warmth and character. Outside, a covered porch provides a grill and dining area for shelter on sunny days. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 73

74 | early winter 2019

A single, neutral palette was used throughout the home and serves as the perfect backdrop to highlight the homeowner’s intriguing collection of art. The visual concept of dark contrast against the neutral paint tones was carried out on all the doors which were glazed for the perfect contrast. the same house,” explained Cannarsa. “Details and simplicity aren’t a contradiction when you think in terms of layers. “Spaces stripped back produce constraints, but I consciously look for those because they lead to problem-solving creativity. From the universe of options, we narrow down three choices for our clients based on what the space is telling us, their taste, and budget. We only present options that we can live with and they are in a predetermined order that we can build on because each decision influences the next. “This home had one of those old basements that you’re kind of scared to go down into,” laughed Cannarsa. “With its low ceilings, a drywall ceiling would have felt confining, so we cleaned it up, left it exposed, and created an inviting wine room with beautiful built-ins and cabinets by Van Enk Woodcrafters.” “We always talk about what makes a great client,” explained Sears. “It is the clients who trust the professionals; whether the professional is the architect, the interior designer, the carpenter, or the guy doing the final coat on the floors. That’s what makes a great project and that’s what makes it fun.

“Zahn has done a lot of old house renovations as well and he brought that expertise to the table,” added Sears. “Where the architect or interior designer may have a certain vision or component that we wanted on the house, we looked to Zahn for his technical and mechanical expertise because he knows how the building should perform. He also provides a full-time, onsite project manager devoted to each project which is a huge asset, particularly during the deconstruction and discovery phase of the project.” “If Alexander McColl could see what we’ve accomplished, I sincerely believe he would be happy with our efforts,” stated Cannarsa. “We were able to work without compromise and it was one of those perfect storms of teamwork.” ❂

RESOURCE INDEX BUILDER Zahn Builders ARCHITECT Sears Architects INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DESIGN Cannarsa Structure and Design COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite Works CABINETRY Van Enk Woodcrafters LIGHTING Bridgestreet Electric MOULDINGS & MILLWORK Philip Elenbaas Millwork FLOORING Johnson’s Carpet One

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 75

Mike Rozzano • miker@CreatedControl.com cell: 616.808.1389 • office: 616.356.2660

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78 | early winter 2019