AUTUMN--2018 RENOVATE

RENOVATE GRAND RAPIDS

TO REDUX or NOT REDUX ...

THE 2018 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR

flashbackfave

A LOOK BACK AT TIMELESS DESIGN a NEWVIEW publication

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4100 Lake Michigan Drive, NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534

616.453.8207 • 800.968.8201

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HEALTHY AT HOME

Breathe Easy Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

M

ore efficient, tightly built homes than those constructed in previous generations are generally well-regarded, for the most part with good reason. However, when you consider people spend 90 percent of their time indoors on average, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), such airtight environments raise some concerns.

Limited fresh air and light during the day can negatively impact mood, sleep and performance. Air pollution can also pose a health risk through irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; headaches, dizziness and fatigue; and respiratory conditions, heart disease and cancer. To help alleviate some of these concerns, consider these tips.

All that efficiency cuts down on airflow, effectively trapping allergens and toxins inside. According to estimates from the EPA, the air inside the average home may be as much as five times more polluted than the air outdoors, even in a bustling city.

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN. Even a small step like adding some potted plants, which are known to purify air, can improve your indoor environment. In addition, think of how you could create a better view to the outside through smart use of windows and doors that bring in fresh air and daylight.

“We know instinctively that spending so many hours in stuffy places isn’t good for us,” said Peter Foldbjerg, head of daylight energy and indoor climate at Velux.

“According to research, living in damp and moldy homes increases our risk of asthma by 40 percent and leaves us vulnerable to developing other ailments.”

RELY ON NATURAL AIR FLOW. Open your windows 3-4 times a day, at least 10 minutes at a time, to allow fresh air in. To complement natural light and fresh air from vertical windows, consider adding skylights to rooms you use most often. Skylights that can be opened, such as those offered by Velux, contribute to greater indoor comfort

and ventilation by removing excess heat, moisture, odors and other indoor pollutants. They can also help reduce the need for air-conditioning due to the chimney effect, which occurs when skylights and vertical windows are both opened, allowing warm, stale air to rise and escape through the roof, replaced by fresh air drawn in through traditional windows.

ELIMINATE POTENTIAL OBSTACLES. Avoid blocking fresh air with drapes, blinds and other hindrances, like heavy furniture placed too close to windows. Also consider other aspects of your home that could be thwarting your efforts to improve air circulation and quality, such as dust, dirt and mold.

Regular and thorough cleaning can help keep those irritants at bay and make your quest for cleaner air easier. b

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY: 1 Year ONLY $18 The Magazine West Michigan Lives By

Home Home Home COSMOPOLITAN

COSMOPOLITAN

Grand Rapids

COSMOPOLITAN

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

2016

THE COSMOPOLITAN HOME OF THE YEAR

once upon a

DUNE

by Scott Christopher Homes

10

FARMHOUSE EVOLUTION

10

03

by BDR Custom Homes a NEW VIEW publication

a NEW VIEW publication

a NEW VIEW publication

cosmogr.com RENOVATE Grand Rapids | 5

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TO REDUX or NOT REDUX ... that is the question

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THE 2018 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR

Y You’ve found a beautiful home in a stunning setting but it just doesn’t fit the way you live.

When considering an extensive remodeling project, where do you begin?

“We bought this to be our forever home,” shared the homeowner. “We knew it had to work for us with two teenagers; more importantly, for just the two of us as emptynesters; then continue to function down the road as we aged and our kids came back with their families to visit.”

Fortunately, these homeowners had experienced new construction and remodeling projects and knew who to call for advice.

Scott Branc, owner of New Urban Home Builders explains, “The more we build in West Michigan, the more we’re seeing people who understand the importance of assembling a strong team. A good architect or residential designer, interior designer, and builder all involved up front can take what they’re envisioning and pull it together. In the end, they get a better value – not necessarily less expensive – but it’s a much more successful process. We had a really strong team which made this a fun process plus great homeowners who gave us the opportunity to put in the right elements for a beautiful outcome.”

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TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN IMAGES BY ASHLEY AVILA

Jeff Visser, owner of J. Visser Design, had designed the homeowners’ Pentwater cottage and created the overarching vision for this home. “I spent a lot of time sitting in their driveway and staring at the house,” said Visser, laughing. “Could we take the existing house and explore what it could be without tearing it down?

the way you want to live in it.” That’s the beauty of what a talented build-design team can do for you. They can look at an existing structure, strip it down to its bones in their mind and envision the potential, then show you the future of how you could live in it.

Although the family wanted a television in the kitchen, there wasn’t a suitable place for it in the cabinetry. Technology supplied a solution and it was engineered to disappear into the kitchen table banquette area when not in use.

The kitchen by O’Brien Harris reveals stunning cabinetry crafted in Grand Rapids. It is heirloom furniture with a walnut interior and classic, pure lines.

Miele appliances from Bekins are spaciously appointed with a wide alleyway between the range, island and sink.

“The easy solution is always ‘make it bigger,’ but often it’s not about square feet, the space is just configured wrong for today’s lifestyle. The most intriguing challenge of a renovation is figuring out how to make the existing space work without adding on and that’s the fun part of the puzzle for me to figure out.”

Kathy Waite, owner of Kathy Waite Interior Design, rounded out the team by absorbing all the accumulated desires and dreams of the owners, lining up the resources to make those dreams a reality, and being key to keeping the project on track.

Branc points out that homes typically have a 15 to 20-year life cycle. “The way we live has changed in two decades and if you’ll live in the home for that window of time, build the house

The team began meeting to explore ideas, looking at different sketches Visser presented. He explains, “The home started its life as a simple walkout ranch with a low-pitched roof. Almost two decades ago, it was freshened with a steeperpitched roof and cedar shake shingles. Especially when it’s a relatively simple structure to begin with, the shake’s texture is an important addition to the home’s character. My fear was that if we messed with the roof lines, we’d open up a can of worms and have to replace some of the shingles, and it might not make sense to preserve them.”

Like Visser, the homeowners were anxious to update but still honor what was a beloved home by trying to preserve the shakes, the home’s footprint, and how it was situated on the lot. “So often these beautiful old homes get torn down and enormous, out-of-place homes take their place,” she stated. “There’s so much character and so many different architecture styles on this street and we wanted to keep its quaintness and beauty.”

The last renovation interestingly resulted in a roof over a roof. Installing roof trusses over the top of the existing roof was most likely done to reduce cost and project complexity, but it left the home with 8-foot ceilings and a broken up floor plan. “Initially, we understood what we were seeing, but once we opened it up, we saw how extensive it was,” stated Branc. “We had to basically gut from the inside out and remove the old asphalt shingles from the inside, but fortunately that didn’t result in any structural issues. It also allowed us to raise the ceiling height to a more contemporary 9 feet plus vault the living room and owner’s sitting room.”

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What used to be a three-season octagonal sunroom was opened up to the home to become the dining room. Continuing the clean lines of the paneling all the way into the cupola helped soften the feel of the room and united it with the rest of the home.

An inspirational trip to Chicago resulted in the decision that hardware and lighting would be prominent statement pieces.

The homeowners were struggling with the entrance and Visser was able to give the traditional arched and pillared entrance a more modern twist, and move the front door where it really wanted to be in the first place which opened up a host of inside possibilities. Full-stone quarried in Wisconsin added even more exterior texture and by cutting at a consistent height but varying the length into a custom, random pattern, it gave the home a more contemporary feel.

Once inside the entry, floor-to-ceiling windows and a vaulted ceiling draw your eye to the peaceful view of the river. The beauty of Waite’s richly layered details is immediately apparent. “Kathy and I had an image of what I wanted: a transitional home of sophisticated comfort with an organic feeling that complements the park-like setting,” shared the homeowner. She achieved this with clean lines, a neutral palette, and layers of textures, colors, and fabrics with pops of the owners’ favorite cognac color.

It’s a large home that doesn’t feel large partly because of the warmth underfoot from the fumed white oak flooring, a process that uses ammonia fumes and heat to give the wood a rich depth of color. Waite also divided up the larger

living room into two more intimate seating areas.

One with a limestone fireplace with a floating bookcase and another less formal gathering spot with a sectional and television.

Handwoven rugs made by the Scott Group Studio grace the entry and help define the living room areas. This local Ada-based company has an international reputation and created rugs that grace the Oval Office. “We are so amazed at the caliber of local skill here from Grand Rapids artisans,” says the homeowner, “including Dan Carlson’s ironwork on the deck and stairway railings. We have a whole new appreciation for their time, energy, and passion to make things just right for us and I have tremendous respect for what they do.”

An overall goal was to make the floor plan more open to flow really well for extended family and entertaining. Another priority was to do away with rooms the homeowners never used and have bigger, more functional common spaces especially the kitchen. She and her husband are both cooks and it’s not unusual to have 14 guests for dinner. After 20 years, they’ve learned how their kitchen needs to function and flow and not a single detail was left out here.

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A stylish powder room showcases a deep, navy blue, wave-textured wallcovering framed by highly lacquered gloss paint on the ceiling, trim, and door. Custom-made wall sconces flank the mirror.

The couple had admired an O’Brien Harris kitchen and although they have a Chicago showroom, their stunning cabinetry is crafted in Grand Rapids. It is heirloom furniture with a walnut interior and classic, pure lines. O’Brien Harris made room for both cooks with Miele appliances and a wide alleyway between the range, island and sink; and all heating elements and warming drawers are functional but not in the main space.

An inspirational trip with Waite to Chicago resulted in the decision that hardware and lighting would be statement pieces and not skimped on. Designed in 1922 by Walter Gropius, a German architect who founded the Bauhaus school and is the master of modernist architecture, the kitchen hardware is robust and built to take a beating while serving as a beautiful conversation piece.

Waite complemented the cabinetry with marblelike solid surfaces in Brazilian Da Vinci white quartzite. Honed and mitered edges were selected in 2 1/2-inch thickness for durability. The island legs have 6-inch tall stainless caps; a unique detail that is protective and beautiful.

“... I had an image of what I wanted: a transitional home of sophisticated comfort with an organic feeling that complements the park-like setting.”

The butler’s pantry was created as a hard-working space for the cooks with an industrial-looking stainless steel counter top and backsplash. Since the homeowner is petite, the design team created a sliding corkboard that hides a frequently used step stool.

Although the family wanted a television in the kitchen, there wasn’t a suitable place for it in the cabinetry. Technology supplied a solution and it was engineered to disappear into the kitchen table banquette area when not in use.

What used to be a three-season octagonal sunroom was opened up to the home to become the dining room. Continuing the same clean lines of the paneling all the way into the cupola softened the feel of the room and united it with the rest of the home.

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The spacious home has a comfortable feel because of the warmth of the fumed, white oak flooring throughout. The greater living room area was separated into two more intimate seating areas, one with a limestone fireplace by Belden Brick and another less formal gathering spot with a sectional and television. Handwoven rugs made by the Scott Group Studio grace the entry and help define the living room areas.

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Floor-to-ceiling windows in the owner suite bathroom reveal a gorgeous river view. A glass-topped privacy wall around the shower keeps the owners visually in touch with the calming view and provides an ideal spot for the luxurious bathtub from Richards. Porcelain herringbone-patterned floor tile and 12- by 24-inch horizontal wall tile look like Carrera marble.

The owner suite sitting room is a cozy oasis with floor-to-vaulted-ceiling woodwork, and an ingeniously hidden Murphy bed for guests. The fireplace features the same marble-like quartzite used for the countertops from Great Lakes Granite Works for simple, but elegant sophistication.

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The owners were originally concerned that a deck off the back of the house would disrupt the water view, but were convinced by the design team that the combination of the oversized windows and the outdoor living space actually expands the feeling of indoor living space and beckons family and guests outside.

An open floor plan is great for entertaining informally, but it’s nice to carve out private spaces for retreat and the owner suite sitting area is a cozy oasis. Branc’s team filled the room with floor-tovaulted-ceiling woodwork, and an ingeniously hidden Murphy bed for guests. Waite designed the fireplace out of the same marble-like quartzite for simple, but elegant sophistication.

“The strength of this team and their collaborative process generated better ideas that made this project come together in a way that is astonishing.”

The floor-to-ceiling windows in the owner suite bathroom reveal a gorgeous river view. A glasstopped privacy wall in the shower keeps the owners visually in touch with the calming view.

Porcelain herringbone-patterned floor tile and 12- by 24-inch horizontal wall tile looks like Carrera marble and Waite used wall-mounted faucets to keep surfaces uncluttered.

Visser was comfortable with New Urban Home Builders’ ability to execute engineering issues because of Branc’s reputation for attending to — and caring about — the smallest details; including the below grade load level from the large stands of windows above. “A renovation is challenging and very time-consuming when you’re piecemealing old materials which may not be perfectly level or square with new materials, and trying to get everything to look like a brand new house,” Branc noted. “What’s important to us is to build good architecture with sound engineering.”

By moving the original location of the downstairs stairway to the entry and changing the windows and slider size, Visser was able to flood the lower level family room and three bedrooms with natural light alleviating the owner’s concerns with the 7 1/2-foot ceilings. The team also worked to max-

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The traditional arched and pillared exterior entrance was given a more modern twist. Full-stone, quarried in Wisconsin, from Belden Brick adds exterior texture and by cutting it at a consistent height but varying the length into a custom, random pattern, gives the home a more contemporary feel.

The combination of the oversized windows with the deck overlooking the shaded yard and Thornapple River expands the feeling of indoor living space and beckons family and guests outside.

The pristine landscaping by Rooks Landscaping frames the house beautifully without overwhelming the “park-like” feel.

imize ceiling height by minimizing duct work, and excavating down to grade level offering an expansive view down to the river.

“Every inch of this house has been utilized so well,” stated the owner. “My husband and I went into this with hundreds and hundreds of inspirational images we had collected over the years, and we never imagined the beauty of the finished home.

The strength of this team and their collaborative process generated better ideas that made this project come together in a way that is astonishing.”b

RESOURCE INDEX BUILDER New Urban Home Builders ARCHITECT J.Visser Design INTERIOR DESIGN Kathy Waite Interior Design APPLIANCES Bekins CONCRETE Concrete Revival FRONT ENTRY DOOR RJ Raven KITCHEN O’Brien Harris COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite Works CARPET Century Flooring LANDSCAPING Rooks Landscaping MOULDING & MILLWORK Phillip Elenbaas PLUMBING FIXTURES Richards STONE Belden Brick

For side-by-side before and after photos of this renovation, see the Autumn 2018 digital version at: www.cosmogr.com or issuu.com

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V8 CONCRETE FLOOR COATINGS featured by Concrete Revival CUSTOM WOOD DOOR featured by RJ Raven Doors & Windows Serving discerning homeowners, designers and architects since 1972 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, R&J Raven designs and builds custom wood doors, entryways, windows, and architectural elements. From traditional to modern designs, they work with you to create the perfect aesthetic to distinguish your project. All custom made, from a nearly unlimited choice of woods.

616-245-5684 www.rjraven.com

Our most popular residential application is an industrial strength concrete coating system offering a decorative look.These full flake systems can be installed in garages, basements and outside patios. Flakes come in an array of color blend combination and size and can be installed as a random (sprinkled) or full (complete coverage) broadcast.The V8 Floor coating materials offer superior long-term performance and the colors will not fade.We install in garages all year around. The product line also includes Colored Quartz coatings, Metallic Floor coatings and more.

YOUR HOME, YOUR STYLE featured by Belden Brick & Supply

616.443.6848 www.concreterevival.net

616.459.8367 www.beldenbrickandsupply.com

Your home is the single greatest expression of your personal style and one of your largest investments. Make an impact and accent your walls with masonry.There s no style in drywall but there s certainly flair in brick and stone.This room is welcoming and sets the stage for sophistication and intrigue. Visit our showrooms to view our vast assortment of options such as the Buechel stone line featured.

ProductSpotlight Model Number DGC6765XXL

sign

THE MAKING OF A HOME featured by Century Flooring

MIELE COMBI-STEAM OVEN featured by Bekins

BRIZO FAUCET featured by Richards Kitchen & Bath

Floors that will make your home warm and inviting! Century offers all flooring types including carpet, rugs, hardwood, LVT, and tile.

You re sure to find the right product to fit your family and lifestyle.Visit our showroom and see endless selections. Come meet our team and be treated like you deserve.

SIMPLY. BEAUTIFUL. FLOORS.

Combining innovative features with gourmet results, the Combi-Steam oven from Miele allows use of both convection and steam in a single, large capacity unit.The moisture created from the steam helps offset the drying effects of convection, allowing crisp foods without over-drying.Whether you re baking bread, roasting proteins, steaming vegetables, or reheating leftovers, everything comes out better in a Combi-Steam oven.

Taking its inspiration from factories in the early 20th century, the fashion forward Brizo Artesso creates an industrial evolution with warmer and more-refined features. This alluring faucet will be the focal point of any room, whether in a downtown high rise or country farmhouse. Create the perfect custom look with the multiple finishes and configurations while pushing the limits on design and craftsmanship.

616.988.4524 www.century-gr.com

616.288.1020 www.bekins.us

616.828.0177 www.rkbexperience.com

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Often copied never duplicated.

Solid Granite and Marble

West Michigan’s leader in quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Offering full service design, fabrication and installation.

COMSTOCK PARK 3970 West River Dr., P.O. Box 427 (616) 785.3088

www.great lakesgranite.com

ROOKS LANDSCAPING Design • Installation • Maintenance

9244 36th St., S.E., Ada, MI 49301 (616) 897-4287 F (616) 897-5121

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RENOVATE Grand Rapids | 21

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22 | autumn 2018

Bennett before spread

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Page 1

before

and

after

The

2018

RENOVATION of the Year

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

1:15 PM

KITCHEN: An overall goal was to make the floor plan more open to flow really well for extended family and entertaining. Another priority was to do away with rooms the homeowners never used and have bigger, more functional common spaces especially the kitchen. She and her husband are both cooks and it’s not unusual to have 14 guests for dinner. The new kitchen allows space for both cooks with Meile appliances and a wide alleyway between the range, island and sink; and all heating elements and warming drawers are functional but not in the main space.

Page 2

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

1:15 PM

Page 3

BANQUETTE: Although the family wanted a television in the kitchen, there wasn’t a suitable place for it in the cabinetry. Technology supplied a solution and it was engineered to disappear into the kitchen table banquet area when not in use.

DINING ROOM:

What used to be a three-season octagonal sunroom was opened up to the home to become the dining room. Continuing the same clean lines of the paneling all the way into the cupola softened the feel of the room and united it with the rest of the home.

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

1:16 PM

OWNER SUITE:

An open floor plan is great for entertaining informally, but it’s nice to carve out private spaces for retreat and the owner suite sitting room (previously a home office) is a cozy oasis. The room is filled with floor-to-vaulted ceiling woodwork, and an ingeniously hidden Murphy bed for guests. The fireplace features the same marble-like quartzite used for countertops for simple, but elegant sophistication.

The floor-to-ceiling windows in the owner suite bathroom reveal a gorgeous river view. Porcelain herringbone-patterned floor tile and 12- by 24inch horizontal wall tile looks like Carrera marble and Waite used wall-mounted faucets to keep surfaces uncluttered.

Page 4

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

1:16 PM

EXTERIOR:

The traditional arched and pillared entrance was given a modern twist.

Full-stone, quarried in Wisconsin, added exterior texture and by cutting at a consistent height but varying the length into a custom, random pattern, it gave the home a more contemporary feel.

The owners were originally concerned that a deck off the back of the house would disrupt the water view, but were convinced by the design team that the combination of the oversized windows and the outdoor living space actually expands the feeling of indoor living space and beckons family and guests outside.

Page 5

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

1:17 PM

Page 6

FOYER: Inside the entry, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. By moving the original location of the downstairs stairway to the entry, the lower level benefits with more natural light as well. Fumed white oak flooring, a process that uses ammonia fumes and heat to give the wood a rich depth of color, adds warmth to the design.Handwoven rugs made by the Scott Group Studio grace the entry and help define the living room areas.

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

LIVING ROOM:

1:17 PM

The beauty of the richly layered details is immediately apparent in the living room. The larger main space was separated into two more intimate seating areas. One with a limestone fireplace with a floating bookcase and another less formal gathering spot with a sectional and television.

The owner wanted a transitional home of sophisticated comfort with an organic feeling.

This was achieved with clean lines, a neutral palette, and layers of textures, colors, and fabrics.

Page 7

Bennett before spread

10/1/18

1:18 PM

Page 8

Home Home COSMOPOLITAN

RENOVATE

COSMOPOLITAN

GRAND RAPIDS

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

once upon a

DUNE

by Scott Christopher Homes

TO REDUX or NOT REDUX ...

10

FARMHOUSE EVOLUTION

by BDR Custom Homes

a NEW VIEW publication

THE 2018 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR 10

Michigan’s Original Home Magazine for over years

30

616.828.6016

flashbackfave

A LOOK BACK AT TIMELESS DESIGN a NEW VIEW publication

a NEWVIEW publication

flashbackfave Early Summer 2011

RENOVATE GRAND RAPIDS

Serenit ynow

A Thornapple River gem gets a makeover

a NEWVIEW publication

2011: Take a peek back at this Thornapple River home originally built in the mid-eighties. After a big dose of “refreshing,� this classic beauty reveals its true elegance with countless architectural details and a welcoming, traditional design, it remains one of our faves. Enjoy!

RENOVATE Grand Rapids | 23

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Serenit ynow TEXT BY JENNIFER KONING PHOTOS BY ASHLEY AVILA

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B

uying a new home was never a priority for the Andersons but throughout the years, a realtor friend would show them properties that he felt were a little more special than most.

And, as it goes, it was the last one he showed them, high on the banks of the Thornapple River, that caught their attention.

“At first glance we thought it was too big, too formal,” remembered the owner. “But then we saw the view. The water is so peaceful and tranquil. When the sun hits it in the late afternoon, it’s gorgeous. I knew this was a place we’d want to come home to.”

But, before it was a place to come home to, it was a place that needed a complete makeover.

The existing home, though architecturally appealing, had become outdated and certainly did not reflect the livable style the Andersons desired.

So, who better to bring complete livability to a home than interior designer Wendy Finch of StyleCoach Studio. With a notable ability to bring out a homeowner’s own unique style, Finch was excited to tackle the dramatic project — taking something formal and outdated and making it completely livable and fresh, specific to the Andersons’ lifestyle.

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llc

Originally built in the mid-’80s, the classic exterior remains stately with its exceptional architectural components.

The living room features elaborate moldings and a comforting palette of color. Layers of interest keep it intriguing and draw you into the space. The grand area also features a custom dining table and chairs — an ideal space for memorable dinners.

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But what makes a home livable? “The starting point is to gain an understanding of the people who live there,” said Finch. “How they live and how each area of the home will be used is crucial.

Then, finding the pleasing aesthetic falls into place one layer at a time — it’s about asking the right questions and having a mutual trust with the client.”

And so the process began. The large living room with its elaborate moldings and hearth was the most enticing of spaces. The beautiful fireplace came from an old estate outside of Chicago, one of many special components the previous owners put into the home that makes it so exceptional (other elements of interest include brick pavers from Grand Rapids’ old Pearl Street Bridge and stately lanterns from Jonestown, IN). The twostory view of the river and surrounding nature captures attention. And now, the room itself features a comforting palette of color as layers of interest keep it from becoming stale — an

RefreshYourNest wendy finch 616.581.3300 www.stylecoachstudio.com

CLEAR STREAM title FAST, FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE CLOSING SERVICES

“The layers of details bring depth to the space,” notes Finch. “And, give it a sense of organization which is so important.”

• WEEKEND & EVENING APPOINTMENTS • MOBILE CLOSINGS • ONLINE ORDERING OF

GRAND RAPIDS AREA CHAMBER

OF

COMMERCE

616.285.9300 2618 EAST PARIS AVE. SE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 RENOVATE Grand Rapids | 27

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• MEMBER

1:24 PM

The foyer is an impressive testament to how extraordinary the home truly is. A beautiful, grand staircase under a cathedral ceiling with complementing beam work gives the entry area a stately feel. However, through the creative process of bouncing ideas back and forth (a scenario that Finch believes essential to reach the ultimate goal), the cathedral above received a faux finish that mimics the dining room dome.

This, coupled with new, posh tile flooring underfoot, makes an alluring introduction to the immense style and thought-out detail the home now embraces.

• ON STAFF ATTORNEY

9/24/18

intriguing space that truly draws you into it.

Floor-to-ceiling window coverings frame the view ideally. An inviting seating area provides comfort and style while taking in the scenery. A large Buddha head rests proudly on a side table, emphasizing the serene feeling the room now offers. The grand area also features a custom dining table and chairs (seats 10 comfortably) under a substantial chandelier suspended from a recessed dome. The small curved-out niche called for a unique touch and Finch envisioned a faux-finish paint application — a little artistry to punctuate the magnificent space. The elongated table below necessitates the room’s balance and immediately draws images of fabulous dinner parties and the making of wonderful memories.

interior design

Autumn 18

“The layers of details bring depth to the space and give it a sense of organization which is so important.”

STYLECOACHSTUDIO

A cozy hearth area features a river rock wall and emphasizes the natural feel of the home while a sofa in bright fabric ideally contrasts the stone’s neutrality. The kitchen needed only slight cosmetic alterations including new finishes to the SubZero refrigerator and the canopy over stove top as well as a new tile backsplash. A chic lighting fixture above the granite island gives the room a timeless style.

The kitchen maintained exceptional quality and needed only slight cosmetic alterations to give it a cohesive feel with the surrounding spaces. French Blue wood on the Sub-Zero refrigerator, the canopy over stove top, and the built-in, open-through bar (in front of informal dining table) all received new finishes to modernize their appearance. A new tile backsplash now complements the existing top-of-theline appliances and granite countertops, while a chic lighting fixture above the island gives the room a timeless style.

A cozy hearth area offers a place to relax aside the kitchen. The river rock wall emphasizes the natural feel of the home while a comfy sofa in bright fabric ideally contrasts the neutrality of the stone.

A family dining table sets along side a wall of built-in display cabinetry that features doors with lattice framework. Finch’s idea to replace the interior solid shelving with glass shelving and illuminate

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A family dining table sets along side a wall of built-in display cabinetry that features doors with lattice framework. Finch’s idea to replace the interior solid shelving with glass shelving and illuminate the inside gives the once-dated china cabinets a fresh yet unique charm. The built-in, open-through bar (may also be accessed through the formal dining room on the other side) also received a new finish modernizing its appearance.

the inside gives the once-dated china cabinets a fresh yet unique charm — the ideal space to display favorite items.

Past the informal dining area is a four-season sunroom — a favorite spot to relax and enjoy the river’s beauty and the immense natural light. Slate tile underfoot keeps feet warm year ‘round with in-floor radiant heating while a cozy area rug offers softness and texture.

The owners’ suite continues the serene feel of the home. Another fireplace gives a romantic, cozy feel while a soothing color palette and view of the river enhance its relaxing effects. The owners’ bath features a new sunken tub with surrounding tile and fixtures.

The lower level is a tribute to casual living at its finest. The once rustic looking space now has a welcoming appeal. With renovations made to the corner bar as well as new paint colors and a fireplace

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The owner suite continues the serene feel of the home with its soothing color palette and view of the river.

The wine cellar, designed and built by Let Us, Inc., is visible from the lower level’s main area and features custom, stained-cedar racks contrasted by a beautiful slate floor.

A four-season sunroom is a favorite spot to enjoy the river’s beauty. Slate tile underfoot keeps feet warm year ‘round with in-floor radiant heating while a cozy area rug offers softness and texture.

makeover, the lower level is a space that invites fun. A small game closet gained space from the adjoining ping pong room to transform into a beautiful wine cellar designed and built by Let Us, Inc. Visible from the lower level’s main area (insulated glass was used to showcase the impressive space), the wine cellar is a stunning display of custom, stained-cedar racks contrasted by a beautiful slate floor. A small mural replicates the label of a favorite wine while a fun lighting fixture illuminates over a small sampling table. Special back lighting gives the room the ideal glow.

The river view is again alluring from the lower level as more relaxing outside areas are revealed. A quaint little patio offers comfortable seating below the sunroom. Covered and cozy, the Andersons discovered it’s a fun spot to watch a storm roll in over the river. A recreation/pingpong room, another bedroom and bath — ideal for overnight guests — complete the level.

“We find ourselves sitting in different areas all the time,” said Linda. “There are so many nooks and inviting spaces to sit back and have a glass of wine and take in the view.”

A truly livable home — there’s no place like it.

And, thanks to an amazing renovation transformation, the Andersons sincerely mean it when they say … “Ahhh, it’s good to be home.”

INTERIOR DESIGN. . . . . . . . . . . .StyleCoach Studio,Wendy Finch FLOOR COVERINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .Rockford Floor Covering WINE CELLAR. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Let Us, Inc.

RENOVATE Grand Rapids | 30

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