COSMOPOLITAN HOME MAGAZINE ISSUE THREE 2023

COSMOPOLITAN COSMOPOLITAN

trend

Volume XXXV

Issue 3

No. 182

PUBLISHER

David J. Koning

EDITOR

Jennifer Vander Vliet

MANAGING EDITOR

Marie Kamp

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynn Bakeman

Lisa Cargill

Jennifer Koning

Erinn Finlan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

William Waldron

Mike Schwartz

Ashley Avila

Melissa Ouwinga

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jennifer Koning

Angie Brennan

ADVERTISING SALES

David J. Koning

Michelle Ashley

Olivia Rhoades

Unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Send to Editor, newvieweditor@gmail.com.

©2023 Summit Media.

Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home is published by Summit Media Inc. Subscription Rate: 1 year, $18.00; single rate, $3.00 (includes third class postage).

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.

cover photo by William Waldron

moneymatters

CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Saving for a Short-Term Goal

Advice for immediate financial objectives

Those of us who are serious about planning for our financial lives tend to focus most of our attention on strategies to reach our key, long-term goals such as retirement or a child’s higher education. We may not put much strategic thought into how we set money aside to meet more immediate needs. While short-term goals don’t usually carry as big of price tags, reaching them can require the same principles of planning that are essential with achieving long-term goals.

What are short-term goals?

As the name implies, short-term goals have to do with more immediate financial objectives, needs and opportunities. It can be as simple as setting aside enough money each month to pay down certain debts. For example, most people realize that holding credit card debt is very expensive because of the significant related financing costs. Paying off that debt might be an important short-term goal. So is building up an emergency fund to cover unanticipated expenses like a major car or home repair.

You may also set aside money for a down payment on a car or house that you’d like to purchase in the next six months to two years. This, too, is a short-term goal that can benefit from a savings strategy.

Setting your priorities

Short-term goals may not require the significant dollars or the time commitment required for a long-term objective like retirement.Yet it’s still important to determine how these goals fit into your overall budget and savings priorities.

For many people, having an emergency fund with three-to-six months' worth of income in place is important.This provides a financial cushion should you suddenly lose a job or suffer an injury or illness that makes it impossible to work. If you work independently or own your own business, consider building an even larger financial safety net.

Paying down debts is another important priority. Whether it’s a car loan, student loan or credit card debt, interest charges may be costing you money each month. A starting point is to make sure you stay current with payments. Finding ways to set aside extra money to pay off these debts more quickly can prove to be beneficial to your long-term financial well-being.

Short-term vs. long-term: it’s not an either/or

How will you budget for goals like these with all of the other demands on your finances? Your long-term goals, like retirement or building an education fund, should remain top priorities – but it’s not an all-ornothing proposition. With thoughtful planning, you can continue to make progress toward your long-term goals while also meeting shorter-term priorities.

Talk to your financial advisor about how to incorporate short-term goals into your comprehensive financial plan.

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. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Both recipes can be easily enhanced with a simple concept: just pair Tajín Clásico seasoning with either or both of the sauces to create unique flavor combinations, a tasty “mix it” tactic to add to your warm-weather menu and make it uniquely yours.

Turn Up the Heat and spice things up

It’s time to get our flavor on and spice our way to delicious warm-weather recipes by using subtle ingredients that bring out bold flavors in your favorite foods. Adding a taste-enhancing option to your repertoire – Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce – can make your summer gettogethers the talk of the neighborhood.

Cool off while enjoying mildly spicy dishes. Made with 100 percent natural chiles, lime juice, sea salt and a hint of apricot, Tajín Fruity Chamoy Sauce offers a unique sweet-and-spicy flavor without too much heat. Perfect for drizzling over fresh fruits and veggies like mango, pineapple, watermelon and more, it’s also commonly used to bring fruity, subtle spice to a wide variety of recipes including beverages and snacks, like smoothies, mangonadas, ice pops and cold drinks.

For example, in this Savory Mango Chamoy Daiquiri, the apricots create a fruity, tangy flavor that’s a nice, refreshing twist on a traditional drink.

Bringing a touch of heat to summer cookouts can be a breeze with mild hot sauces added to dishes like these Spiced Pork Ribs, which can be created start-to-finish in the oven or taken outside to sear on the grill. Just a handful of ingredients are required to season the ribs to spicy perfection before wrapping them in foil and letting your oven do the work.

The key ingredient for the right touch of subtle heat without being overwhelming is Tajín Mild Hot Sauce, a unique, flavorful addition to your cabinet that pairs well with savory snacks like tortilla chips, chicken wings, pizza and even micheladas. The lime is what makes it different from other hot sauces.

Made with 100 percent natural mild chiles, lime juice and sea salt without added sugars or coloring, it can be enjoyed by the whole family as a versatile way to enhance favorite foods with a mild but wild flavor.

SPICED PORK RIBS

Total time: 3 hours, 10 minutes

Servings: 6

2 racks (about 4 pounds) baby back ribs

1/4 cup Tajín Clásíco Seasoning

1/4 cup Tajín Mild Hot Sauce, plus additional for serving, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons brown sugar

lime wedges, for serving mashed potatoes or steamed rice, for serving (optional)

Rub ribs with seasoning. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator to ensure the most flavor.

Preheat oven to 300 F. Combine hot sauce, oil and brown sugar; brush over both rib racks.

Line baking sheet with double layer of aluminum foil with enough overhang to wrap foil around ribs.

Lay ribs, bone side down, on foil-lined baking sheet.Wrap foil around ribs and seal. Place on baking sheet.

Fill large baking dish or roasting pan with 2 inches of boiling water. Place on lower oven rack to keep ribs moist as they bake. Place ribs on middle oven rack.

Bake 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and just starting to fall off bone.

Preheat broiler. Unwrap ribs and place on foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 46 minutes on middle oven rack, or until lightly charred and caramelized.

Serve with lime wedges and additional hot sauce.

Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed white rice, if desired.

SAVORY MANGO CHAMOY DAQUIRI

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2

Rim Glass:

2 tablespoons Tajín Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce

2 tablespoons Tajín Clásico Seasoning

Drink:

4 tablespoons Tajín Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce, divided

1 cup frozen mango cubes, plus additional for garnish, divided

1/3 cup natural syrup

3 ice cubes

1/3 cup orange juice

1.5 ounces vodka (optional)

1 tablespoon Tajín Clásico Seasoning, for garnish

To rim glass: Rim glass in chamoy hot sauce then seasoning.

To make drink: Blend 3 tablespoons chamoy hot sauce, mango cubes, syrup, ice cubes, vodka (optional) and orange juice.

In glass, pour remaining chamoy hot sauce.

To serve, garnish with additional mango cubes and sprinkle with seasoning. Enjoy! ❂

by TruKitchens

Transitional Kitchen Design

Transitional style is the perfect design aesthetic for those looking to bend the design rules a bit and create a home that is all their own. It combines traditional design elements with modern or contemporary design elements to create a unique look that “transitions” between the two aesthetics. Transitional design creates a home that is flexible, creative, personal, relaxed, and balanced.

From some, this lack of rules is freeing, but to others its overwhelming. And rightfully so; transitional design isn’t always easy to achieve. There is a certain finesse to creating a balanced interior which is equal parts classic and modern. Check out the tips below to achieve a transitional kitchen design.

Use transitional perimeter cabinetry as the base layer. In kitchen design, cabinetry is considered the base layer upon which other design elements are applied. Keeping this element of the space neutral, in both door style and color palette, gives the space a timeless foundation. A door style featuring clean lines and limited ornamentation, like the shaker, is a great place to start. The use of neutral colors like grays, whites, and beiges as well as wood tones creates a calming backdrop upon which to build in personality.

Balance cabinetry with unexpected accent materials. Layering timeless cabinetry with unexpected materials in places like range areas, islands, and open shelving deepens the design. Use a contrasting color, texture, or more contemporary door style in the island cabinetry. Hang glass and metal shelves in place of traditional upper cabinetry. Utilize unique materials like patinated metal or reclaimed wood to build a custom range hood.

Anchor the space with traditional flooring. In transitional design, the flooring shouldn’t necessarily draw the eye. Wood or wood-look plank flooring in a finish that works well with the perimeter cabinetry specifically is preferred. Timeless, rich finishes that read neither too light nor too dark bring timeless warmth to the space.

Get creative with modern or contemporary hardware. Adorning a neutral cabinet with a trendy pull or knob creates the balance transitional design is known for. Hardware is a great place to add in a little personality in the kitchen. It is less of an investment than cabinetry and is easy to change as design trends change in the future. Select a finish that pops against the cabinetry and a design that is proportionate to the size of the cabinet or drawer.

Use natural countertop materials. Timeless and traditional in their aesthetic are natural countertop

materials like marble, granite, wood, soapstone, and quartzite. In transitional kitchen design, sticking to neutral countertops with a streamlined profile continues the classic base layer initiated by the cabinetry. Today’s quartz or large format porcelain countertops so closely mimic natural materials that they are also a great option for transitional kitchens.

Add personality with light fixtures. Much like hardware, light fixtures are a great place to get a little creative because they can easily be changed as the trends do. Placement of fixtures in the space should be in traditional locations, for example pendants over the island or a sconce over the sink, but the style should reflect the personality of the client. Oversized, modern pendants look very striking hanging over an island topped with a marble countertop with lots of movement. Delicate, traditional metal lantern pendants work well with a patinated metal range hood with clean lines.

Stick with a transitional backsplash. The backsplash can either be a focal point or a base layer in a kitchen depending on the materials and colors selected. A transitional kitchen most benefits from a backsplash that continues the neutral foundation created by the timeless perimeter cabinetry and natural countertop materials. It’s a great place to add texture into the design. Hand cut tiles in natural

materials lend an organic feel to the space. The continuation of the countertop material up the wall is a great way to keep the look streamlined.

At TruKitchens we have executed many beautiful, transitional kitchen designs to suit our clients’ various needs.

With a full spectrum of design expertise and talented team of designers and installers, we can achieve the balance that transitional design requires. We help our clients create stunning spaces through our carefully curated custom cabinetry lines and other design products. Our love of creativity and focus on functionality helps our clients create a space perfectly tailored to their unique style preferences. ❂

Todd Wiley Senior Designer, TruKitchens 616.957.1969

Flexible, creative, personal, relaxed, balanced

Freshwater Farmhouse Farmhouse

BBeyond the gated entry, 2,200 feet of winding driveway leads to a welcoming estate nestled within 48 acres of bucolic living; ideal for a family that cherishes their time outdoors. More than seven years in the making, starting with its impeccable design and strategic development, this meticulously crafted home appears deeply rooted to the earth, as though it rose stone-by-stone over a century’s time.

TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN

PHOTOS BY WILLIAM WALDRON & MIKE SCHWARTZ

Blok Builders • Michael Abraham Architecture • Elizabeth Krueger Design

IT IS A MARVEL OF GRACEFUL SCALE and craftsmanship, the hallmark of Chicago-based Michael Abraham Architecture and Kalamazoo’s Blok Builders. The homeowners had seen this team’s work on a nearby Gull Lake project and knew that by giving free rein to their creativity, they could watch their home grow organically into something uniquely special.

Michael Abraham’s distinctive architecture offers a nod toward history, melding traditional forms with a contemporary edge. He and his team, including architectural designer Jason Thakor, begin their creative process with rough hand sketches that become more refined as concepts solidify.

“The homeowners initially wanted to do a number of interconnected buildings and we had the room to spread out,” explained Michael. “With the right scale, we kept the feel of smaller buildings built over time communicating a sense of generational history.”

The use of copper ridge caps which widen on the ends lends a turn-of-the-century aesthetic to the roof. The roof’s ridgeline also tapers up where the caps end creating eye-catching changes in pitch. Architectural details like the roofline presented framing challenges for the builder which were compounded by numerous curves and cuts in the roof such as those needed to make the inverted dormer windows.

For Blok Builders, these challenges are typical of this architect’s work and something they are genetically equipped to handle. Many family members begin work in the trade as soon as they

are old enough to push a broom at a work site. “We are currently the 4th generation of builders in a business started by my great-grandfather after he emigrated from the Netherlands,” said Arnie Blok. “We view ourselves as stewards of the legacy and we do all the framing, carpentry, and finish work in every house. This home was a multi-generational family affair, tapping the deeply ingrained skills of fathers, sons, and cousins. This makes us very hands-on and gives us control over the end result.

“Michael is an incredibly talented architect,” Arnie continued, “with a unique style and a compelling

“There’s movement from full bed Wisconsin limestone to an organic, 3-coat stucco finish which is cool because it changes color with the weather conditions.”

– Brady Blok

Michael Abraham Architecture believes that the interior of a home is where life truly happens. They produce detailed, interior architectural plans as well as full scale models and renderings of fireplaces, beams and arched openings, doorways and stairs that allow for a complete vision of the end result.

The innovative kitchen design showcases the talents of designer Mick De Giulio — a favorite of the homeowner. De Giulio’s unconventional use of mixed metals juxtaposed with the wood creates a striking contrast. Often the metals will have some texture or pattern like the herringbone on the end of the island.

overall vision for creating space that feels comfortable and warm. He uses a neat blend of traditional materials in timeless, classic design but at the same time, best practices of modern techniques.”

“One of Michael’s trademarks are unique material transitions like those on the limestone-capped chimney exterior,” added Brady Blok. “There’s movement from full bed Wisconsin limestone to an organic, 3-coat stucco finish which is cool because it changes color with the weather conditions. Even though we’re using an old-world material and technique, we incorporate modern best practice using a drainage plane with a rain screen underneath for superior performance. You’ll also notice little diamond-shaped cut-outs in the stucco gables which are functional vents and another example of Michael’s custom touches.

“We intentionally used a wide grout joint applied flush to the stone face that looks less precise and we acid-washed all the stone afterward to turn the mortar from cool grey to brown,” continued Brady. “It is not something most people would notice but we wanted that warmer color.”

“De Giulio can do a range of styles, but his ability to marry so many different materials: brushed and polished stainless, even bronze and still get a sense of harmony, is poignant. Nobody, in my opinion, is doing what he is doing, and I can see why the homeowner was drawn to his design.”

– Elizabeth Krueger

Michael Abraham Architecture believes that the interior of a home is where life truly happens. “We produce detailed interior architectural plans — full scale models and renderings of fireplaces, beams and arched openings, doorways and stairs — a complete vision to craft living spaces that are both stunning and functional,” said Jason.

To breathe color and life into the interior architectural plans, Michael introduced Elizabeth Krueger, owner of Elizabeth Krueger Design, to the homeowner. “We had worked with her on several Chicago-area projects, and she had the right vibe for this project,” stated Michael. “They wanted a house that looked like it had been there for a while, but they didn’t want a period piece. Elizabeth nailed it with funky and modern furnishings that are still warm and tactful, usable and durable; not cold.”

“My philosophy is that we’re building your home which is a collaborative process,” declared Elizabeth. “Our design is never formulaic; we’re on

a quest to discover what is important to each person in the spaces they occupy, whether is it a sprawling estate or a city apartment. The client came to us with exceptional taste and great ideas, and we fed off that energy — it ups the pressure in a good way and makes everyone bring their best work.

“When the architectural design is so exceptional, there’s the opportunity to experience vast spaces which still feel intimate, and that’s what Michael captured,” she added. “This is a very family centric home, and even in areas like the great room, which is so tall and expansive, we were able to make the space feel cozy and inviting.

“When you are building on textures in neutral shades, that exercise in restraint can be harder to achieve because you have to focus on lines and materials, and how layering various shades of a similar color will pop,” explained Elizabeth. “It is grounded but there is a modern edge to it which is reflected in the light fixtures and other avantgarde accessories.”

“The homeowners had a clear vision of what they wanted, yet they allowed us to experiment and execute our own flair on the home details knowing they would get a fun result. They trusted the process and having that trust challenges and energizes us, allowing us to showcase the depth of our skills,”

– Jason Thakor, Michael Abraham Architecture

The exceptional architectural design includes several vast areas that still feel intimate due to the impeccable details and furnishings. As a family home, it was important to make the spaces feel inviting.

The two main staircases in the home span several floors and reflect the architect’s opinion that stairs should be more than just a mode of transportation. Although intended to appear simple, each had its own unique engineering challenges that the Bloks were instrumental in solving.

Michael referenced the innovative kitchen design as lighting a creative spark in the heart of the home. “The homeowner had seen Mick De Giulio’s work in other homes and after visiting his showroom, she loved his approach.” De Giulio has been recognized as one of the 50 most influential people in the kitchen and bath industry over the last 50 years by Kitchen and Bath Business magazine and his work can be seen throughout the U.S. and abroad. “His unconventional use of mixed metals juxtaposed with the wood is a striking contrast,” continued Michael, “and even the metals have some sort of texture or pattern on them like the herringbone pattern on the end cabinets of the island. This

became a motif carried through the house with the foyer floor, on doors, and even air vents.”

“The kitchen design was established before I came on board and I took my cue from that and wove that story through the house using unlacquered brass and bronze, which will both patina over time,” noted Elizabeth. “De Giulio can do a range of styles, but his ability to marry so many different materials: brushed and polished stainless, even bronze and still get a sense of harmony, is poignant. Nobody, in my opinion, is doing what he is doing, and I can see why the homeowner was drawn to his design.”

“We are currently the 4th generation of builders in a business started by my greatgrandfather after he emigrated from the Netherlands. We view ourselves as stewards of the legacy and we do all the framing, carpentry, and finish work in every house.

– Arnie Blok

The round ceiling of the porch started as a computer-generated design from the architect but, due to the ingenious skills of Blok Builders, it became a reality. The nearly impossible feat was achieved with a custom jig with three different routers.

LDW 2.0 designed the pool and collaborated with the architects to blend the patio stone to flow through the doors of the pool house and out to the pool deck. The pool and patio terraces alone are 3,000 square feet.

The two main staircases in the home span several floors and reflect the architect’s opinion that stairs should be more than just a mode of transportation. Although intended to appear simple, each had its own unique engineering challenges that the Bloks were instrumental in solving. According to Jason, “Working with Blok Builders is such an enjoyable collaboration because they are skilled at resolving mechanical solutions in a complicated build, plus they are also artisans with an experienced eye toward accomplishing a creative aesthetic.”

“[The staircase off the great room] was a unique feat because there is quite a bit of steel necessary to support the floating structure and the large spans of glass, yet the plans required us to keep it all hidden,” said Brady. “An additional challenge was that the iron stair balusters often have a shoe where they meet the wooden riser; this decorative piece hides any imperfections around the base of the baluster after drilling holes for installation. This is a shoeless design so every single one of those spindles needed to be fit into a square hole exactly the same size as the baluster.

“The Bloks carved this all out of a few big chunks of wood and made it come alive in the field with their jigs ... to the Bloks, this home is an 8,500square-foot piece of detailed custom furniture.”

– Michael Abraham

“The other staircase was also particularly challenging because it connects to the outside wall at only one little point. The rest of that entire structure hangs on that connection point with a structural steel stringer traveling through that landing and down the pitch of the stairs and connecting to the next landing down,” explained Brady.

“That explains how Blok Builders made it happen,” added Michael, “but their ability to make it elegant by cladding it in curving swoops of plaster or drywall is a whole different level of skill. To be able to communicate through simple sketches and for them to use their skill set to execute such a beautiful work of art is significant.”

Michael’s praise continues for what amounts to the Sistine Chapel of Blok Building lore: “We gave them a computer-generated design for the

round ceiling of the porch; what we asked for defies physics,” laughed Michael. “It is impossible to bend a board to curve in two planes, then meet the wall and have the reveals line up. Well, Brady and his dad, Bruce, solved this mathematical impossibility by calculating the difference in radius for each board and creating a custom jig with a router.

“One of my favorite features of the house is the transitions between the outdoor spaces — the loggia and the porch — on into the great room and this is due to these spectacular ceiling transitions,” continued Michael. “The Bloks carved this all out of a few big chunks of wood and made it come alive in the field with their jigs ... to the Bloks, this home is an 8,500-square-foot piece of detailed custom furniture.”

“I love working with them, they are extremely team oriented. They respect all the other trades and they're great collaborators ... they are team-oriented and goaloriented enough to make it all come together. Just a great, great family to work with.”

– Troy Stefl, LDW 2.0

One of the reasons this home feels so organic in its setting is due to the efforts of LDW 2.0. The landscaping alone took a full year and 10,000 man-hours to install and includes roughly 2 football fields of sod and well over 2 acres of intensely designed and manicured space.

To architects like Michael, technology allows for light-filled transitions through the home with oversized expanses of steel and glass. “How each of those metal frames, sashes, and structural elements came together took a bit of back and forth, but we’re happy with how it came out,” said Michael. “That contradiction of the limestone arch with the more modern steel frame all works together.”

One of the reasons this home feels so organic in its setting is due to the efforts of Tammy and Troy Stefl, owners of LDW 2.0. “Since the structure was underway, we had the luxury of visiting the site with the plans and were able to sense its impressive scale; something that is hard to grasp from a piece of paper,” said Troy. There was a rough framework in place for the driveway and sidewalks but not a clear vision for the pool location and the flow of the outdoor entertainment areas. Designing some of these concepts involved scratching a foot in the dirt and spraying paint lines on the ground until it felt right, according to Troy.

To provide context, landscaping for this project took a full year and 10,000 man-hours and they installed roughly 2 football fields of sod; well over 2 acres of intensely designed and manicured space.

As a landscape architect, Troy ensures that the exterior spaces are a seamless extension of the interior space. “Regardless of the scale, every project has the same goal: to make sure that the design elements are cohesive; the hardscaping and the proportions of the plantings are appropriate for the style of house. It must appear that the architect, interior designer, builder, and landscape architect are on the same page.”

To complement the home’s caramel-colored limestone and bluestone sidewalks and patios, Troy travelled to a Pennsylvania quarry to source stone that would meld these colors and textures into his hardscape design. “For the enormous steps connecting the herb garden and the upper and lower terraces to the pool, I watched them blast the stone out of the ground, then marked which enormous slabs I wanted.”

“Getting to work with great partners like Michael and the Blok team allows for that vision to come to fruition. Michael is definitive and also collaborative, and he and his team are fun to work with. They are approachable and don’t take themselves too seriously … I don’t think they know how good they are.”

– Elizabeth Krueger

LDW 2.0 designed the pool and collaborated with the architects to blend the patio stone to flow through the doors of the pool house and out to the pool deck. The pool and patio terraces alone are 3,000 square feet. “We drew at least 6 different pool area designs until we landed on one that worked from the perspective of size, shape, grades, the drainage,” said Troy.

Brady summed up the experience of devoting so much to a project like this beautiful home: “Things get pretty hectic toward the end. There are countless details and final touches that have to come together so you almost feel a sense of

relief when it is finished. In equal measures, it feels strange because you’ve been going to the same location every day for 3 or 4 years. Ultimately, it is super rewarding and fulfilling to see something tangible getting done and knowing we did that. To be clear, it is not just the Blok family members, we have incredibly hard-working and talented carpenters on our team.

“After a build is complete and we are doing a final walk-through, it is striking to us how everything was imagined and lined up so perfectly–all the various elements were thought through to create an overall feeling of cohesive-

“When the architectural design is so exceptional, there’s the opportunity to experience vast spaces which still feel intimate, and that’s what Michael captured.”

– Elizabeth Krueger

ness. The architect designed pages and pages of plans ... even complete drawings of all the wood floors and exactly which section would run which way and where each transition would take place. That is why it is awesome to collaborate with an architect like Michael; many architects do not envision that level of detail. We had an excellent team of highly skilled and creative people working on this project.””

“The stars aligned for a dream collaboration: clients who are trusting and willing to go for it; an architect who wants to partner with you out of all options available; then craftsmen like Blok Builders who are able to overdeliver,” added Elizabeth.

RESOURCE INDEX

BUILDER Blok Builders

ARCHITECT Michael Abraham Architecture

INTERIOR DESIGN Elizabeth Krueger Design

AUDIO/VIDEO, SECURITY, LIGHTING & SMART HOME Automation Design + Entertainment

FULL SERVICE BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIER

Woodwork Specialties

HVAC Metzger’s Heating & Cooling

MIRRORS & GLASS Dave’s Glass

SPECIALTY WOOD Black Lake Wood Products

FAST, FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE CLOSING SERVICES

• ON STAFF ATTORNEY

• WEEKEND & EVENING APPOINTMENTS

• MOBILE CLOSINGS

• ONLINE ORDERING

• MEMBER OF GRAND RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

616.285.9300

2618 EAST PARIS AVE. SE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546

“Working with Blok Builders is such an enjoyable collaboration because they are skilled at resolving mechanical solutions in a complicated build, plus they are also artisans with an experienced eye toward accomplishing a creative aesthetic.”

– Jason Thakor, Michael Abraham Architecture

The Freshwater Farmhouse The Extended Tour

BLACK LAKE Wood Products, LLC

269-303-4933

E-mail: donnaygbb@aol.com

Black Lake Wood Products is a small locally owned Michigan business that takes great pride in satisfying our customers’ goals. We are very proud to have been a supplier to Blok Builders for flooring, timbers, beams, siding, stair case parts, and decking for the featured home. We provide specialty wood species for:

& much more.

269-385-3562 www.metzgers.biz

Building the Right Remodeling Team

as renovations are on the rise

The market has started to shift. Demand for new construction is cooling as temperatures rise on interest rates, leading to a boom in home renovations. If you are one of many whose home equity has increased over the last 5 years, now may be the perfect time for YOUR home remodel. Despite a loosened supply chain, everything from lumber to labor costs remains high. How can you make the most of your dollar while getting the refreshed space you dream of? An excess of internet advice is available to you, so is the premium cost of project management and design support necessary?

What are you looking for? What help do you need? Often, more than you think. You can be too close to the problems you are trying to solve with your home, overwhelmed by the size of the project or the surplus of choices. Professionals with high levels of experience and knowledge can help guide your project selections, scope, and prevent costly mistakes. If you have a large project, you will need a level of comfort with your construction or design partners. They will be sharing your home and calendar for a while. Ask for pictures, references, and referrals. Read company reviews and business ratings if available.

Where are you looking for help? Online shopping can be great for some things, but there are no free returns with renovation projects. Rework can be costly, so working with skilled local individuals is often best. Big box stores can

offer buying power, but local dealers can be better. They tend to have more specialized products and highly trained staff with more time to dedicate to our project. Look for someone familiar with your market. They can help you get the most return on your investment based on your location and homes value in the area.

Who are you looking for? Who you are looking for may depend on the scope of your project. With many trades filling only specialty niches, like plumbing, electrical, painting, or trim installation, it can mean many people coming and going. Hiring a GC (general contractor) to manage all those teams can save you from having to coordinate everything and guarantee that project moves smoothly. Quality tradespeople are still in high demand. Many GC's have long-standing connections. They can achieve timelines and discounts that homeowners alone can't.

When do you need help? Measure twice and cut once! Get a professional involved early to review the project. They can stop you from becoming attached to tearing down walls or moving plumbing that might be cost-prohibitive or simply impossible. Professionals can often offer better solutions to your home's irks and irritations than you might have considered since they have navigated this road before. The best local contractors and designers often have wait lists, with good reason.

Why do you need professional help? Home remodeling projects are expensive! Aside from the monetary cost, they disrupt your main living space, lifestyle, and mental energy. With professional planning, advice, and guidance, you can have fewer delays and smoother solutions for those unexpected surprises that a remodel tends to reveal.

Make the most of your remodel by using professional help. Allow a trusted team of craftsmen, designers, and trades to assist with your renovation. It can help you spend your money how you wanted – achieving a beautifully renovated space. At Standale Home Studio we are a trusted onestop shopping experience, from start to finish. We look forward to helping you navigate the remodeling industry. ❂

Anneke Huisman Standale Home Studio

NKBA

Cabinetry Specialist

NKBA West MI Chapter Communications

Officer

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A SPACE YOU’LL LOVE

And you should! It’s time to live in a kitchen you’ll love. Discover the best of the best and get to work on your new, beautiful kitchen.

Why is it called the heart of the home? Because it truly is. The kitchen has the most impact on how a home lives for it’s inhabitants. It needs to function well for all who use it and because it’s a central focal point of the home, it should be a space you love to look at and be in all the time. West Michigan has an abundance of talented professionals to help you reimagine your existing kitchen or design a new one all together for your new build. But, with so many companies to choose from, it can be overwhelming. The following pages reveal the best companies to work with when you’re ready for the kitchen you’ve always wanted. From enhanced technology to bold colors and more multifunctional spaces, your new kitchen will be all about increasing convenience, comfort, and personal style.

GERRIT’S APPLIANCE

Gerrit's Appliance is a local, family owned business, offering the largest selection of appliances in the area. Celebrating a 75th anniversary this year with their fourth generation of family members (pictured above), Gerrit’s carries on a tradition of excellence.

To give you an idea how the appliances will look and function in your home, they offer many of the latest appliances in kitchen vignette settings. Gerrit’s prides themselves in offering great value to their customers, in all aspects of the business; including full delivery, professional installation services, and their own in-house parts and service departments. Gerrit's belongs to the Nationwide Buying Group which allows them to purchase products at very competitive prices and therefore pass the savings on to their customers. Gerrit’s Appliance would appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Check us out at our two locations: in Wyoming on the corner of 28th Street and Byron Center Avenue as well as in Kentwood on 29th Street just West of East Paris Avenue.

VERHEY CARPETS

Verhey Carpets is a family owned business celebrating our 74th year in business this year. We pride our self in selling top quality carpets, hardwoods, ceramic tile, resilient floorcovering, area rugs, and window treatments. We also have complimentary interior design and a highly educated sales team. Our installation team is a group of true craftsman, who will leave your home better than when they enter it. Estimates are always in home and free.

We are proudly featuring our signature wood line from Mirage, a Canadian based company that has been in business since 1983. Verhey has been successfully selling Mirage wood flooring since 2010. Their quality is consistent and have a wide range of species, colors, widths and finishes. Mirage is proudly made in North America and their products meet the highest environmental standards in the industry. We are proud to sell such a high quality product while giving our clients a piece of mind about the flooring they are purchasing. We have 2 locations: 1113 Wealthy St. SE and 3850 29th St. SE and would love to be your floor covering providers.

www.verheycarpets.com

3850 29th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49508 616.957.0430

1113 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616.459.7344

Hardwood Floors

TRUKITCHENS

Established in 2007, TruKitchens is a custom cabinetry design studio employing a talented, creative, and experienced team of designers and installers. To put it simply, if a project includes cabinetry, we want to be a part of it. Our services include kitchen and bathroom design, complete home remodeling, custom closets, and outdoor kitchens.

TruKitchens’ design process allows us to work successfully with clients, builders, and interior designers alike to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. Our top-of-the-line products and extensive industry knowledge translate into a depth of custom solutions for any project. We have experience designing across a variety of interior design aesthetics, including modern, traditional, transitional, eclectic, contemporary, mid-century modern, cottage, farmhouse, and more.

It’s our goal to help each client feel comfortable at every step of the process. From the initial design consultation to the final cleaning, we follow through every step of the project to successful completion, down to the smallest detail. We communicate with our clients every step of the way until, together, we get to share in the excitement of your new space.

COSMOPLAY

The TruKitchens team is passionate about excellence in design, understanding that the marriage of beauty and functionality equates to the highest quality final product. We are certain that if you can dream it, we can do it.

www.trukitchens.com

616.957.1969

hello@trukitchens.com

6744 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

GREAT LAKES GRANITE WORKS

Known for its quality stone, expert craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, Great Lakes Granite Works has served builders and homeowners throughout West Michigan since 1992. The most knowledgable fabricator and installer of granite and quartz in West Michigan, the company designs and installs dramatic countertops, vanities, fireplaces, and tabletops to client specifications.

GLGW has access to more than 500 spectacular granite colors, as well as an extensive variety of other natural and man-made materials, including a variety of quartz and porcelain products. You’re welcome to visit their showroom, located in Comstock Park, and choose your color or inspect your slab and approve it prior to the cutting and polishing process. In addition to their continued access of new material, the company maintains an inventory of over 1,500 remnants for use in various smaller projects.

With an impeccable, hard-earned reputation, Great Lakes Granite Works takes great pride in their hard earned reputation, and works tirelessly to main-

COSMOPLAY

tain it. Their entire team, from sales to installation, cares about each project. They acquire the best material for each project, and invest in the area’s finest craftsmen and machinery. You can find comprehensive information about granite on their website: www.greatlakesgranite.com.

STANDALE HOME STUDIO

When finishing your home, Standale Home Studio will provide you with top tier design, products, and installation. From your cabinets and counters to your flooring & custom showers. We will create a customized solution to create the homes of your dreams.

Standale Home Studio is a legacy company with over 70 years in the Walker area. Starting early on with a few carpets and a lumber yard, we quickly became a to-go provider of many interior finishes. As years have passed, our lumber yard has grown into a foundational business in downtown Grandville. While the Studio has grown deep roots with many builders, designers, and homeowners of the Grand Rapids area.

Combining our legacy with a brand-new showroom, remodeled in 2020/2021, we are proud to be the go-to design studio in the area. Our showroom has been designed with the homeowner in mind, one stop shopping! We now offer cabinets, flooring, doors, windows, and countertops all under one roof.

The Standale Home Studio family is grateful for all the blessings that have kept us going and we look forward to continued growth and new lessons to be learned while working together as a devotes team ready to serve our customers. We take pride in the fact that we are there for our customers every step of the way.

Stop in today to see us on Lake Michigan Drive.

Welcome to HardTopix Precast concrete. We specialize in high performance concrete surfaces. From fireplace surrounds to exterior cooktops; there is only your imagination that will restrict the possibilities. We fabricate your custom items with a high level of artisan craftsmanship. Our staff takes pride in the product we produce to help our customers’ dreams and visions come to fruition. We have been in the industry for over 20 years and continue to improve our products to meet the demands and quality required for our clientele. Due to our focus on our customers and our attention to quality we have become a leader in the industry and support the local community and abroad.

Every project we work on with the client is treated with love and care to achieve the dreams of our clients. We pride ourselves on our customer satisfaction and the quality of our product. If you are dreaming of updating, building your forever home, or interested in setting apart your commercial space, reach out to us. We would be glad to help your dreams come into existence. For additional inspiration follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We are excited to meet you!

ASCENT FINE CABINETRY

What began in a Grand Rapids area garage has grown into a highly automated woodshop and stunning showroom in Ada, Michigan. Our gifted team of craftsmen create beautiful, seamless cabinetry that fulfills each client’s unique specifications. We value collaboration and customization and believe a well-constructed and thoughtfully planned cabinetry layout is the foundation of a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.

At Ascent Fine Cabinetry, we work hard to maintain our reputation of reliability, quality, and service. These core principles coupled with over 30 years of experience in trim carpentry and the construction process are what set us apart in the industry. Our standard process of on-site measuring is an integral part of the custom manufacturing process. Ascent Fine Cabinetry offers delivery and installation of custom cabinetry to ensure the finished product meets our cabinetry standards.

Our recent expansion of products includes a semi-custom vanity collection. This collection was created to assist builders, designers, and client direct customers in sourcing a quality vanity at a lower price point than a fully customized product.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss cabinetry plans with you. It would be an honor to help make your cabinetry vision a reality.

Appointment Only Showroom: 6306 Fulton St. E Ada, MI 49301

ADVANCED INTERIORS

When it comes to flooring, cabinets, countertops and tile, Advanced Interiors is West Michigan's best one stop shop.

For more than 20 years, Advanced Interiors has built their business and reputation on service. The long leading choice of home builders in West Michigan, AI recently expanded their retail department putting their years of experience, expertise, extensive labor force and buying power to work for home owners as well.

All of Advanced Interiors' knowledgeable designers are non-commissioned. They're paid not by what they sell you, but simply to help you. Their goal was to create a no pressure environment where designers could 'partner' with home builders and homeowners to find the best fit and value for each of their individual needs, desires and budgets. AI designers also offer oneon-one consulting appointments at absolutely no cost to you.

Advanced Interiors has two separate showrooms. Their new Cabinet Showroom features more than a dozen full kitchen and bath displays so you can see how different cabinets and countertops look and function with each other, different tiles, appliances and more.

Unlike most of their competitors, Advanced Interiors also has its own on-site, high tech stone fabrication facility. They design, cut, shape and polish all of their own stone counters, giving better quality control and making it more time and cost effective for you.

Experience the difference. Advance Interiors in Jenison. Your one stop shop, from showroom to YOUR room.

www.Ainteriors.net

616.457.4818

Main Showroom: 6656 Pine Ridge Court, Jenison

Cabinet Showroom: 2243 Port Sheldon, Jenison

PREMIER GRANITE & STONE

At Premier Granite & Stone, we fabricate, install and repair a full range of granite, quartz and natural stone countertops and hard surfaces throughout West Michigan. Because of our dedication to quality and customer service, our exceptional reputation extends to over 420 active accounts including builders, designers, kitchen & bath and commercial clientele.

We use state-of-the-art fabricating equipment to measure, cut, and finish a variety of applications into a true masterpiece. Every countertop that leaves our warehouse has been given a thorough inspection to ensure that we install only the highest quality surfaces.

Premier proudly offers Vicostone as an Exclusive Quartz line which has become a staple for many local designers. With 130 beautiful designs and finishes to choose from, Vicostone continues to grow in demand and popularity.

For over 15 years, designers and builders have chosen Premier Granite & Stone to provide them with high quality countertops, showers, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens in their homes and commercial spaces.

If you are looking for beautiful, quality countertops to upgrade a kitchen, bar or bathroom vanity, stop by our beautiful showroom and experience why we are the industry leader in countertop fabrication and installation.

DEGRAAF INTERIORS

DeGraaf Interiors began as a flooring store in May 1993. It was started by Daryll DeGraaf, the father of its two current owners – Deb and Dean DeGraaf. From 1993 to 2023, the business has expanded from one employee to over 50. DeGraaf Interiors has been helping clients in Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, and surrounding areas turn their vision for their homes into reality with high-quality carpet, flooring, tile and window treatments. We are proud to be a familyowned business and to be the only flooring company in the state of Michigan that is a member of the National Flooring Alliance. With two conveniently located showrooms in Hudsonville and Cascade, we are always “around the corner” for your convenience.

616.662.0140 Cascade Flooring • Tile • Window Treatments

From knowledgeable salespeople who provide you with the latest ideas, trends and textures, to trained installation specialists whose job it is to make every selection look beautiful in your home, the experienced DeGraaf Interiors team stands poised to lend our special expertise to your individual project. Just bring your ideas and challenges to DeGraaf Interiors. From a single room to an entire home, they will help you explore types, textures and tints to find the perfect complement for your décor.

DeGraaf Interiors wants you to feel completely at ease about your purchase, which is why they offer a retail lifetime installation warranty, a rare find among carpet stores and flooring companies. This warranty covers services performed in your residence and covers installation-related problems. They will come and correct the issue free of charge.

“Throughout the years, we have held true to tradition by moving forward with the legacy that our father began. We attribute our growth and success to God who has blessed us repeatedly, and to the hard-working employees He’s sent to join the DeGraaf Interiors team.”

– Deb and Dean DeGraaf

www.degraafinteriors.com

•

Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. We began as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and smart home electronics across West Michigan.

As the premier showroom for luxury appliances in Michigan, Bekins is a shopping destination. The appliances are live so that you can try beforeyou buy and draw inspiration from our displays designed by some of the best kitchen designers in the state. Receive concierge service while our knowledgeable Sales Professionals help you determine the right products for your needs.

At Bekins we sell what we consider to be the best appliances—those that are built to last, and support service with parts and training. Your appliances are an investment, not a disposable commodity. Our own highly trained Installation and Service teams will provide you with a red carpet experience, giving you and your home the utmost respect.

No matter what level of appliance you’re looking for, you will never pay more at Bekins. We offer you the same price with better service—always.

fave flashback

RENOVATE RENOVATE

by Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design & Insignia Homes

’70s RANCH Abby

Manchesky’s

2017: A total renovation takes this family home from dated to extremely livable and happy. With a spirited palette and spaces filled with art, texture and pattern, this reimagined home is just what the doctor ordered! Easy to see why it’s a fave. Enjoy!

A top-to-bottom RENOVATION for the

of joy living

If you were to gather into stacks all of the vibrantly encased books sprinkled throughout this newly renovated home, you would eventually need a rolling library ladder and reliable calf muscles. What you wouldn’t need is a more playful and telling window in to the colorful joie de vivre that Dr. Brad Bengtson and his wife Anna Bengtson embrace in both their family life and in design.

Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design • Insignia Homes • Tru Kitchens

TEXT BY ERINN FINLAN • PHOTOS BY ASHLEY AVILA & MELISSA OUWINGA

Ever adventurous with stylizing hue and pattern, the couple revels in a spirited palette. “I’m typically drawn to really happy design spaces that are also functional; places where we can do life, but are still beautiful,” said Anna.

This duality of purpose between the dynamic and the invitingly structured follows the family from their last home. In deciding to simplify their lives by moving closer to their son’s schools just over a year ago, Bengtson describes the choice as an incredible game changer.

“We’re such a busy family. We have two older daughters that are in Detroit and Nashville, as well as our two boys that are 13 and nineyear’s-old. This move really improves the quality of our lives,” she said of the roughly 2,500 square-foot decrease from their prior home.

To tackle the top-to-bottom renovation, the couple teamed up with designer Kathryn Chaplow of Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design. The designer has been a mainstay through several previous projects with the couple, including two other homes and the husband’s plastic surgery office — the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery — where Anna is also the marketing director.

“They like life to be really fun. And, they’re able to enjoy that unrestricted fun in their home because the structure and order that Anna appreciates is already in place. So, in a way, it allows for the perfect amount of organized chaos,” said the designer.

To give the home a fresh floor plan and personality that belies its original 1964 birthdate, the couple and Chaplow worked with builders Dave Morren and Brian Miedema of Insignia Homes, and Todd Wiley of TruKitchens.

“Although we’re all from completely different disciplines, it’s just as good as it gets as far as the chemistry between client, designer and builder,” said Miedema in reference to the multiple projects they’ve now collaborated on together.

Drawing on that intersecting belief that a home can be both lived in and looked at, the homeowners wanted efficient spaces that were informal, without sacrificing style. What quickly emerges in this renovation is cosmo-

politan comfort — a deft mix of low-key, yet witty sophistication and panache.

“They wanted to live in all of the real estate of this home and maximize the use of the space,” Chaplow said of the team’s decision to absorb the old formal living and dining rooms in to the new main level footprint for a larger kitchen, breezeway, storage spaces, garage entrance and new powder room.

In service to the couple’s desire for one large, cohesive living space with three high-functioning zones, the new kitchen layout provides a larger, open springboard in to the adjacent informal dining and family living areas.

Smoked white oak flooring - chosen for it’s durable and forgiving nature amidst dogs and kids - is seen throughout the bulk of these public spaces.

Grounding the kitchen, and over 13-feet in length, a Bianco Oro quartz island becomes the solution in defining one of the zones. Finishes

“ I’m typically drawn to really happy design spaces that are also functional; places where we can do life but are still beautiful.”

including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf oven and custom Grabill cabinetry — with a punchy mix of metal hardware — all lead to the biggest splash found at the end of the space; the stylized butler pantry.

By utilizing square footage and a window once appropriated for the previous owner’s formal dining room, this truly captivating pantry houses a treasure trove of vivid glassware, Marvel refrigerator drawers and a collection of serve ware for entertaining.

“Anna and Brad have a priority where beauty and function are partners, and they simply love joyful spaces,” Chaplow said. With that philosophy in mind, it’s an easy leap to, why not also make the pantry beautiful? Just a quick peek upward at the graphic wallpaper on the pantry ceiling, and it’s obvious that there’s dynamic, upbeat life to everything in this home.

Newly-custom, white built-ins surrounding the family room’s updated fireplace read as an architectural element that could easily fit in to the original blueprint of the home. The homage to the traditional ends there and makes way for a current take on bookshelf design. A boldly patterned wallpaper is a shimmering

NEW

ADA’S PREMIER COLOR SPECIALIST

backdrop for the owner’s collection of accessories and beloved books.

“We didn’t want things to give off a brand new, we just took the wrapper off, kind of feel,” the designer said of the decor. “So, we like to mix in art and other things that clients already have. It makes the space feel authentic.”

That authenticity is peppered throughout the home in the form of the children’s framed drawings, treasures from the much-loved Fishs Eddy shop in New York, and colorful finds from local shops as well.

The open transition from the family room to the sun room — located at the back of the home — also adds livable square footage to what is an earlier addition to the original home.

“We decided to keep it, and after shoring it up, reconfiguring the windows and adding a sliding door and staircase down to the backyard, this became a fun room for them,” Miedema said. A former three-season room, the builder added HVAC and also constructed a custom, lengthy bench with additional storage for a unique, kid-frequented spot.

While the first floor owner suite remains off of the kitchen, it is also the recipient of a truly covetous and completely remodeled owner bathroom and set of walk-in closets.

Perhaps the most challenging and talked about of the main level changes came in the reconfiguring of the once formal living room at the front of the home. Located just off an impeccably updated foyer staircase — one that’s punctuated with a crystal finial (a Chaplow signature) and lit from above with a Circa Lighting chandelier statement piece — the new breezeway and massive barn door-encased storage closets sing with form and function.

“The hallway closet additions were very specific to what they needed. Amazingly, you have this beautiful window that would usually be reserved for a space like a living

“Anna and Brad have a priority where beauty and function are partners, and they simply love joyful spaces.”

CLIENTS ONLY: 20% off cut and color and complimentary conditioning treatment with blowout.

room, but now it’s a wonderful way to make the hall feel special and surprising,” Chaplow said of the conversion.

An essential space for the family, and one with positioning to the other side of the foyer is the room lovingly dubbed “Mission Control” by the designer.

“It’s our dog’s room, my office, the laundry room — it’s where our boys do homework, and it’s why I love having really efficient spaces, because it’s where life happens,” said Anna of the major overhaul this multi-function command center received.

The second level, once five bedrooms for the previous owner’s six children, became a completely updated footprint when the decision was made to knock out two of the bedrooms for the husband’s office. TruKitchens also set about the reinvention of the main bathroom.

“They challenged me to incorporate modern amenities and lots of storage in the spaces I worked within,” Wiley said of the significant before-and-after found in the largest of the upstairs bathrooms.

The updates continue on the lower level where the curved descending stairs were reoriented and made straight, while freeing up extra space and creating a better flow in the process. The builders converted a portion of the lower level area in to a bathroom, a small launderette and an exercise zone.

By centering the seating around the television, the once long and narrow room took on a new life where a game table by the fireplace, billiards, ping pong and arcade games usher in a new era of entertainment. Previously the only entrance and exit to-and-from the completely updated pool, the lower level now functions as an enjoyable extension into the outdoor space.

Outside, the grounds went through a masterful redesign with help from Gary Kappes of Kappes Landscapes. The removal of a white metal pool fence and addition of an automatic pool cover meant that the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of the backyard wouldn’t require fencing after the owner’s obtained a special permit.

The prior choppy view suddenly opens to incorporate the perimeter wood line and newly added basketball court. A gas fire pit, casual dining area, and outdoor pizza oven provide spatial definition throughout the extensive terrace work.

By better connecting the house to its surroundings, the owners are now able to enjoy a complete inside-and-out reimagining of their dwelling. Through their penchant for fun and functional design, they’ve truly infused the lively nature of the family in to the framework and style of each room. A beautiful convergence of spontaneity in both aesthetics and in their home life make this renovation an imaginative and inviting oasis.

RESOURCE INDEX

BUILDER Insignia Homes

INTERIOR DESIGN Kathryn

Chaplow Interior Design

APPLIANCES Bekins

CABINETRY TruKitchens

COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite Works

DOORS Phillip Elenbaas Millwork

FLOORING Town & Country

LANDSCAPING Kappes Landscapes

“They wanted to live in all of the real estate of this home and maximize the use of the space.”

THE L IST An Interactive Directory for the Home

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

Created Control (616) 356-2660

Streamline Systems (616)457-5460

www.streamlinesystemsmi.com

HOME ORGANIZATION Closet Concepts (616) 913-9148

www.facebook.com/Closetconce ptsofgr/

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021

www.closetandroomsolutions.com sales@closetandroomsolutions.com

Studio G (616) 994-7050

/www.instagram.com/studiogwmi www.facebook.com/studioginc www.studioginc.com

Sligh Closets & Glass (616) 422-4321

https://www.facebook.com/Sligh Design/

INTERIOR DESIGN

42 North - Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047

Dwellings, Inc. (616) 532-7897

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

Granite Transformations (616) 726-1388

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088

www.greatlakesgranite.com

www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works

www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/greatlakes-granite-works

www.instagram.com/great_lak

es_granite_works

DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com

Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538

www.premiergranitetops.com

Standale Home Studio

(616) 453-8201

www.standalehomestudio.com

TruKitchens (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

LIGHTING FIXTURES

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

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

Inlanta Mortgage

(616) 581-2374

www.MoveUpMi.com

Old National Bank

(616) 802-3921

www.oldnational.com

PNC Bank

(616) 446-9632

www.pnc.com

SHOWER & TUB ENCLOSURES

Closet Design

(616) 772-1119

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

SIDING & ROOFING

Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523

Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200

www.standalelumber.com

www.facebook.com/standalelumber

SOLAR SCREENS

Action Awning LLC

(616) 874-7400

http://actionawning.com

https://www.facebook.com/pag es/Action-AwningLLC/479665515420452

SOLID SURFACE, GRANITE, FABRICATION/ INSTALLATION

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088

www.greatlakesgranite.com

www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works 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

Top of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444

Williams Kitchen & Bath (616) 771-0505

STONE & TILE

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

Top of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444

STORAGE

Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148

www.closetconceptsofgr.com

info@closetconceptsofgr.com

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021

www.closetandroomsolutions.com

sales@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

R J Raven Corporation (616) 245-5684

Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200

www.standalelumber.com