Home COSMOPOLITAN
Grand Rapids
Lantern
An extraordinary Thornapple River home
HOUSE
SPRING 2020 $3.00 05
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a NEW VIEW publication
contents Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home SPRING 2020
features 14 Lantern House An exceptional rebuild on the Thornapple River by Insignia Homes 32 Layers of Exposure ... A modern home with timeless design by Raymar Homes and Lucid Architecture 53 Flashback Fave: Labor of Love A look back at one of the Great Camps of the Adirondacks meticulously restored by Maple Island Log Homes
departments 8 MONEY MATTERS The Importance of an Emergency Fund The why and how in uncertain times 10 CUISINE Lip-Smacking Snacking Healthier treats your kiddos will make 61 THE LIST The interactive directory for the home
on trend 13 31 51 52
Enjoy Your “Stay at Home” Custom Kitchens Bring the Outdoors In Summer Living
PICTURED HERE: Upper cabinetry in sleek white give this modern a kitchen a minimalist feel. See “The Beat Goes On...’ on n page 33.
cover photo by Ashley Avila
Volume XXXII Issue 2 No. 166 PUBLISHER
David J. Koning
EDITOR
Jennifer Vander Vliet
MANAGING EDITOR
Marie Kamp
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Cargill Jennifer Koning Lynn Bakeman
Go with the Original ...
Lauren Fay Carlson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Avila
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jennifer Koning Angie Brennan
ADVERTISING SALES
David J. Koning Michelle Ashley Olivia Rhoades
Unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Send to Editor, 6660 Old 28th SE. Ste. 106, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. ©2020 Summit Media. Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home is published by Summit Media Inc., 6660 Old 28th SE. Ste. 106, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Subscription Rate: 1 year, $18.00; single rate, $3.00 (includes third class postage). Postmaster: send changes to 6660 Old 28th SE. Ste. 106, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
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moneymatters
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
The Importance of an Emergency Fund
NO ONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED WITH CERTAINTY how quickly the COVID-19 pandemic would change the lives of so many around the world. Fear of infection, stay-at-home orders and a rallying cry to help “flatten the curve” have drastically changed how people behave in their daily lives. In the face of so much uncertainty, the need to have an emergency fund – a tool that can help your family manage the financial fallout in the case of a job loss or other unwelcome impact – has come to the forefront. What constitutes an emergency fund and why is it so important to have one, particularly in times like this? Here’s a primer. Financial solvency matters. Financial experts generally encourage you to set aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. Without it, you are at risk of losing what you’ve worked hard to achieve if life throws a curve ball. A stash of funds can help you meet your monthly obligations, keep your credit report clean and preserve your way of life. Put your priorities in order. An emergency fund deserves to be at the top of your list of financial priorities. Emergency reserves are designed to provide a safety net to prevent financial disaster. Saving for your retirement comes next, to help protect your financial future. Even better if you can save for both priorities at the same time. If you're currently saving for your future, consider allocating a portion of monthly contributions to go toward an emergency fund. Once your emergency account is funded at a satisfactory level and you regularly contribute to a retirement account, you can start setting money aside for discretionary items such as new furniture, a vacation or a vehicle upgrade. Set a goal. Determine how much you would need to stay afloat for an extended period of income disruption. At a minimum, how much would you need on hand to pay your bills and buy groceries each month if your paychecks stopped coming? Then multiply this amount by six. Start where you can. If you don’t have a large chunk of money available to establish your emergency fund right now, don’t let it pre-
8 | spring 2020
vent you from starting an account and working toward your target. Any amount is a step in the right direction – even if that’s $50 or $500. If you don’t need your stimulus check to cover immediate cash expenses, use it to start or supplement your emergency fund. Your tax refund is another potential source of cash to grow an emergency fund. Revisit your current budget to see where you can trim expenses and put more into savings. Create and stick to your guidelines. Your emergency fund should be reserved for times of financial crisis. It’s not an account to pay for life’s extras, however tempting that may be. With guidelines in place, you can avoid dipping into these funds unless necessary. Keep emergency funds within safe reach.When uncertainty strikes, you may need money in a hurry. For this reason, emergency savings should be held in cash or easy-to-access investments like a money market fund. You also may want to open a dedicated interestbearing savings account, potentially in a bank separate from your other accounts, to keep your emergency funds at a safe distance if you’re one who may be tempted to spend it. Working with a knowledgeable financial advisor who understands your savings goals can help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances that can change your life and your family’s life in an instant. ❂
Lisa Cargill, ChFC®, CLU®,CRPC®, CDFA™ is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
CASCADE FAMILY SMILES Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
DANIELLE BOUGIE Color Specialist Stylist
at THE COLOR LOUNGE (one block east of Forest Hills Foods)
in CASCADE Dr. Michel Marie Wicksall, 1996 University of Michigan Dental School graduate
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616.975.9700 Accepting New Patients Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 9
cuisine
THE TASTE OF HOME
Lip-Smacking Snacking kids in the kitchen
RED, WHITE AND BLUE GREEK YOGURT BARK Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 12 3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt 1/3 cup honey, plus additional for drizzling (optional) 1 teaspoon good vanilla extract 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced into rounds 1/2 cup blueberries 1/2 cup raspberries, halved In medium mixing bowl combine Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup honey and vanilla extract. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4-inch thickness. Press strawberries, blueberries and raspberries into yogurt. Freeze at least 3 hours. Break into pieces upon removing from freezer.
Snacks are a way of life for people of all ages, but especially children, who consume about 25 percent of their daily calories from snacks, according to research published in the "Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior." Providing nutritionally balanced snacks for your children at home can make for a happy and healthy day. Planning snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy is a winning solution, and snacks are a simple way to add more nutrition to your child's diet. For example, low-fat and fat-free dairy foods are essential to children's growth and overall wellness. They provide calcium and vitamin D, two nutrients kids don't get enough of, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines recommend 2-3 servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods every day, depending on the child's age. Giving kids a role in the preparation can give them added incentive to enjoy healthy treats, and these recipes are all easy enough that kids can make them on their own (or with minimal assistance). Giving your kids the ability to play a role in the kitchen and create is a gift that can last a lifetime. The culinary skills they develop early in life can give them the confidence and know-how to cook nutritious meals for themselves as teens and adults.
10 | spring 2020
â?‚ PEANUT BUTTER YOGURT DIP Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 4 3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1/4 cup peanut butter 1 dash cinnamon apples, graham crackers or other dipper of choice In bowl, six Greek yogurt, peanut butter and cinnamon until smooth. Serve with apples, graham crackers or another dipper of choice.
PICTURE PERFECT
Fine Carpentry • Custom Cabinetry
616.889.6516 Grand Rapids, MI
FROZEN BANANA POPS Prep time: 2 hours Servings: 8 4 large bananas, peeled 8 wooden ice pop sticks 2 cups vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
Keeping you warm from the inside out!
Cut each banana in half and carefully insert wooden ice pop stick in bottom of each, about one-third into banana. Place bananas on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze bananas until partially frozen, about 30 minutes. Carefully dip each banana in tall pint glass of vanilla yogurt to coat, leaving 1/2-inch at bottom of banana uncoated. Return yogurt-coated bananas to parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour. Microwave peanut butter until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. Drizzle peanut butter evenly over bananas then place on baking sheet to freeze until peanut butter is firm, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately or wrap each banana in plastic wrap and store in freezer up to 3 months. ❂
In-floor radiant heat
Snow-melt system
Chris Moberg Heating & Air Hudsonville, MI 49426 Open 24 hours (616) 915-3907 SPECIALIZING IN GAS PIPE WORK • HEATING REMODEL WORK • SERVICING AND REPLACEMENT OF FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONINGS SYSTEMS Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 11
12 | spring 2020
ON•TREND by Rivertown Landscaping
Enjoy Your “Stay at Home” Time Given for Improvements VIEW YOUR PROJECT AS AN ADDITION With all that has gone on lately there is a good reason to want to improve your stay at home. Remodeling your kitchen, a family room or other common areas have become popular home improvement projects. Adding a new patio or outdoor entertainment area has more appeal than ever before with more people working from home. Careful consideration of design and layout are paramount. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SITE AND HOME What are the best views that are the most advantageous? What views do you want to block? Will the outdoor area block a desired view from inside your home? How can the area be positioned best to be inviting from inside your home? If you are building a new home you may want to consider an opening glass wall system to be used to ease the transition between the inside and outside? Are there grades that need to be considered in the design? USE A PROFESSIONAL At a glance, a well-designed outdoor entertainment area may look simple and easy to pull off, but there are so many different questions and issues involved in creating a great space. It is always best to hire a landscape architect or designer to create a plan and build the outdoor entertainment area of your dreams. Enjoy this spring and summer as we all Stay at Home more!
TIE IN BUILDING MATERIALS Are there any needs for terracing with retaining walls? If so, what do you want to use as materials for these walls? Is there a stone or brick on the home that can be used for the retaining walls? The use of brick or stone from the home’s exterior will help to extend the home’s space to the outside often resulting in free-flowing patio and garden areas. Do you want a pergola or any other covering from the sun over your new area? Will the color of the paving draw too much heat from the sun making the space uncomfortable in the summer? Do you want to be able to throw a party in this space? Is there an area to cook and serve food? Do you want to watch TV or work on a laptop? What about having a swimming pool, water or fire feature? These are all very important questions in the design of your home’s outdoor areas.
Mike Mlnarik has a passion for creating distinctive landscapes and has been bringing his award-winning designs to life since 1983. A former founding partner of Grand Rapids Landscape, Mike attended Michigan State University’s program in landscape horticulture and is a Certified Michigan Nurseryman, member of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, and a certified Natural Shoreline Professional. A member of the Home and Builders’ Association of Greater Grand Rapids, Mike has won several awards from the MNLA, HBAGGR, and Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals for landscape design.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 13
INSIGNIA HOMES • J VISSER DESIGN • CANNARSA STRUCTURE AND DESIGN
Lantern HOUSE
An Escape from the Ordinary on the Thornapple
S
TEXT BY LAUREN FAY CARLSON IMAGES BY ASHLEY AVILA
Sometimes history inspires a home. Other times, it’s the utility of the occupants. Even more nowadays, it is efficiency driving the design, determining factors like space, cost and materials. For the “Lantern House” in Ada, it was the lot itself that inspired a brand new home, replacing a formerly dilapidated farmhouse with a modern design in a stunning reorientation on Thornapple River. Though the property sat empty for years, hidden from site with overgrowth, this address now hosts a modern home that delights in its riverfront location, and still maintains the traditional flare of both the historic lot and the home's occupants. “Everybody in Ada must have known this farmhouse,” said John Cannarsa, owner of Cannarsa Structure and Design and interior designer for the project. Cannarsa noted that the home was previously shielded with trees and the turn-of-the-century farmhouse that then occupied the grounds would have required a complete tear-down. “It was a real challenge for them,” he said, referring to the homeowners’ grapple with the decision to renovate or rebuild. “But it simply could not provide.”
The kitchen features a modern, custom hood in antique iron. The steel provides a welcome contrast against the white cabinetry from TruKitchens. The same steel is used on the island legs to add detail. The large island is topped with beautiful quartz from Great Lakes Granite Works. Narrower-style cabinet doors are another modern touch as are the Sonneman lights in clear recycled glass over the island. 16 | spring 2020
And, so, instead of renovating, the couple made the decision to rebuild. “It was a cute old farmhouse, but it had undergone a lot of expansion that wasn’t in keeping with the Victorian style of the house,” said the owner. Due to the previous orientation of the home — sitting somewhat diagonal to the river and the road — “You just couldn’t see the potential,” she added. From the very beginning of the project, the owners worked hand-in-hand with builder Dave Morren of Insignia Homes, architectural designer Jeff Visser of J. Visser Design, and Cannarsa in crafting a vision for a contemporary design that held true to the couple’s traditional aesthetic. Morren, who has been building homes throughout Greater West Michigan for almost 25 years, said that the biggest challenge with this home was: “working on a relatively small site right on the Thornapple River in a tight neighborhood.” But through creative design and teamwork, Morren executed the design of a house that neatly fit in with nearby homes. “We wanted the house to not look brand new, and not look overly large ... in scale and keeping with the rest of the neighborhood,” said the owner. This desire drove the design. The result is a classic home with a somewhat unassuming presence when viewed from the street. But, it’s the riverfront view that showcases the home’s spacious and grand appeal.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 17
Two sets of glass-panel doors in the kitchen lead to very different spaces. One set opens to a cozy study. Here, a 360-degree bookcase with built-in desks and storage offer ample space for collections and other items of inspiration. The second set of doors leads to a butler’s pantry that is a true extension of the kitchen housing more appliances — keeping clutter from the main area at bay. The breakfast nook features a calming river view that is complemented by the carefully chosen wallpaper: Estrella by Galbraith and Paul in Marine. The color complements the waterside setting and offers a welcome contrast against the room’s white accents and built-in banquet window seat.
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“The goal was to make it feel like it belongs to that street,” said Visser. The street view of the home offers a view of the upper level only, with neat, classic landscaping and an inviting wraparound driveway. Much of the classic look from the street view was accented with the design and colors chosen by Cannarsa, who collaborated with the team on everything from shades of siding to a carefully selected mailbox. What resulted is a sleek yet humble mixture of grays that are subtly inviting. The roof is a moire black landmark shingle accented by a standing seam copper accent roof on the shed and over the garage windows. This subtle use of copper — found also in the mailbox and the chimney flue and cap, expresses the home’s combination of both modern and traditional elements.
“The harmony between the way it was constructed, the design, and the architecture ... the three groups that were integral to this place resulted in a very serene home ...“
Some of these warmer and more traditional touches are also achieved with the wood elements found on both the exterior and interior of the home. The three-panel, solid wood front door in walnut with a natural distress finish and the front porch ceiling in a walnut stain are beautiful examples on the exterior. And, inside, these warm elements are noticed in the expertly placed cupola in the home’s entry way. This unique feature — placed at the center of the home when viewed from the street — gives the home its nickname: Lantern House. Upon entering, the interior of the cupola offers a refreshing wash of light accented by an artistic Marchfield Chandelier in wrought iron and contemporary gold leaf. If visitors can tear their eyes away from this immersive feature, they’ll quickly find themselves in the main level of this open concept home that clearly celebrates its eating and dining spaces. “The best space in the house is the main kitchen, dining room and living room,” said Visser, noting the space and natural light afforded in the main level. And, this area of the home is where the melding of traditional and modern ideas takes center stage. Here, a bright, mostly white kitchen is accented by warm grays, like the custom architectural dormers bordering the main dining area.
The kitchen, dining and living room spaces showcase open concept design at its finest. Hardwood floors from Sparta Town & Country are a beautiful contrast to the bright, airy space. Custom architectural dormers frame the areas beautifully without compromising the natural light. The entire space is a grand melding of traditional and modern elements.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 19
When crafting his interior design work, Cannarsa said that the kitchen “drives the feel of the whole home,” so this is where he begins: where families start the day with a cup of coffee, and cap off the evening with a midnight snack. Here in the “Lantern House,” food preparation is done beneath a modern, custom hood in antique iron. The steel provides a welcome contrast against the white cabinetry. The same steel is used on the island legs to add detail. “You definitely see modern elements here,” said Cannarsa, noting the narrower-style cabinet doors and Sonneman lights in clear recycled glass over the kitchen island. “They’re higher than we would normally put over an island,” he said. “We gave particular attention to the shape and height because these also provide general lighting for the room.” Visitors can pause at the island for a welcome respite, or turn right for an immersive view of blues; here the carefully chosen wallpaper of the breakfast nook and the calm river waters meet. Seeking a burst of color in a home of understated neutrals, Cannarsa noted that “We really wanted to make that special and inviting.” The ethereal blue wallpaper, Estrella by Galbraith and Paul in Marine, complements the waterside setting, all while remaining dreamlike and offering a stark contrast against the room’s bright white accents and built-in custom banquet window seat. Casual breakfasts and quiet mornings are met with natural light from tall, wrap around windows and an unfettered view of the Thornapple River. 20 | spring 2020
The couple finds tranquility in the owner suite, where inviting Sherwin Williams Repose Grey walls and Invincible wood flooring in Dark Lager offer a serene feel. The owner bathroom contains a “Soho” Freestanding tub by Wyndham, with classic marbled Vallelunga & Co Calcatta VI tile in various sizes on the floor and in the shower.
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Just beyond one of two glass-panel wooden doors lies one of the owner’s favorite elements: the study. “It’s just inspirational,” said the owner, of the room that contains a 360-degree bookcase and built-in desk and storage. “You go in there, and you just feel smart,” he adds. “It feels grand yet cozy.” The couple also finds tranquility in the owner suite, where three-panel walnut French doors open up to inviting Sherwin Williams Repose Grey walls and Invincible wood flooring in Dark Lager. The room’s sitting area is complete with a Kingsman fireplace with custom panelized wood wall in Sherwin Williams Guantlet Grey. The owner bedroom and bathroom, noted the owner, “are really the sanctuary for us and one of our most loved parts of the house.” And it’s easy to see why. The bathroom contains a “Soho” Freestanding tub by Wyndham, with classic marbled Vallelunga & Co Calcatta VI tile in various sizes on the floor and in the shower.
“We wanted the house to not look brand new, and ... in scale and keeping with the rest of the neighborhood.”
The main level houses much of the daily necessities of life, but the lower level is where the owners pursue their hobbies. Here, a black, baby grand piano sits neatly adjacent to the stairs near the couple’s pool table, and a specialized craft room can be found just beyond French doors that, when open, allow for a perfect view of the river. The lower level also contains a full bar complete with custom hanging shelves, a Perlick undercounter beverage refrigerator and beer dispenser. In addition to the home’s second living area, the lower level also contains two additional bedrooms and a custom photo wall of the owners and their children. “I always look for an opportunity to add an artistic family photo wall using black and white photos,” said Cannarsa. Though the home has plenty of square footage, “There isn’t a lot of extraneous space,” said the owner. “The flow is perfect.”
A unique cupola, placed at the center of the home when viewed from the street (see page 15), gives the home its nickname: The Lantern House. Inside, warm elements are noticed within and around the cupola that highlight the entryway and stairway. There is a refreshing wash of light accented by an artistic Marchfield Chandelier in wrought iron and contemporary gold leaf. 22 | spring 2020
The lower level is home to a full bar complete with custom hanging shelves, a Perlick under-counter beverage refrigerator and beer dispenser. This level also includes additional bedrooms, bathrooms, a craft room and a built-in walkway that connects to the boathouse as well as access to the outdoor amenities and property along the Thornapple River.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 23
Squarely facing the Thornapple River, the lower level of the home expresses the efficient juxtaposition of indoor comfort and outdoor living. With an additional dining area, hot tub, and yard just steps away from the water, the backyard serves as the main focal point of the home’s exterior. The backyard is also where the home’s meticulous landscaping — completed by Tom Rooks of Rooks Landscaping — shines. “The property is not only for beautiful water views but also for nature,” said Rooks. Taking advantage of the home’s river setting, Tom worked to maintain existing wildlife, adding native plants while removing invasive species and creating lowimpact features like a foot path through the woods. He also took the unique ecosystem’s animal life into account.
“The property is not only for beautiful water views but also for nature.” “A river corridor is a very important wildlife habitat so we always try to plant things that animals love and that people love too,” said Rooks. Working hand-in-hand with the owners to choose plants that would complement the home and property all year long, Rooks was impressed with the end result. "From what that lot was, and what it is now, is one of the biggest transformations I have ever seen,” he said.
An important wildlife habitat, a river setting needs particular attention. Tom Rooks of Rooks Landscaping created the ideal, riverside back yard. By taking the unique ecosystem’s animal life into account, Rooks added native plants and removed invasive species and included low-impact features like a foot path through the woods.
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Combining traditional style with modern design and an innovative site layout, the team that completed the Lantern House — including its owners — saw potential in a property that could have easily remained empty and overgrown for years. “It’s a piece of property that everybody drives by because it’s right by the bridge in Ada,” said Visser. “Nobody really thought it was much of a lot.” But with determination and teamwork, the Lantern House transformed its environment while seamlessly fitting into its surroundings. “The harmony between the way it was constructed, the design, and the architecture ... the three groups that were integral to this place resulted in a very serene home ... and a very functional home,” said the owner. “We really had a lot of fun working on this project,” said Morren. And this delight in exploration showed through, not just in the main structure of the home, but in the extra, unique elements of the design and construction — like the boathouse which will soon contain an extra studio/office/living space and the built-in walkway between the house and the boathouse that the owners have since finished with a wine cellar. Described as “a more modern cottage look,” the Lantern House effortlessly combines history and style in a home that offers utility, peace and an escape from the ordinary. ❂
ROOKS LANDSCAPING Design Installation Maintenance
9244 36th St., S.E., Ada, MI 49301 (616) 897-4287 F (616) 897-5121 26 | spring 2020
BUILDER Insignia Homes ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN J Visser Design INTERIOR DESIGN Cannarsa Structure and Design CABINETRY TruKitchens COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite Works FLOORING Sparta Town & Country GARAGE DOORS Overhead Door Company LANDSCAPING Rooks Landscaping MASONRY Ophoff Masonry MILLWORK Philip Elenbaas
Primary home. Vacation home. Forever home.
John Cannarsa 616.610.0907 cannarsadesign.com
Interior Design
•
Design/Build Management
•
Exterior Design
Hardwood • Carpet • Luxury Vinyl Tile & Plank • Tile
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9660 Sparta Ave. Sparta, MI 616.887.1767
1259 Leonard St. Grand Rapids, MI 616.288.7598 Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 27
A garage that will get your neighbors talking.
Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids
www.overheaddoorgr.com
28 | spring 2020
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Custom Home Building and Remodeling
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CLEAR STREAM title FAST, FRIENDLY & FLEXIBLE CLOSING SERVICES • ON STAFF ATTORNEY • WEEKEND & EVENING APPOINTMENTS • MOBILE CLOSINGS • ONLINE ORDERING • MEMBER
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Mike Rozzano • miker@CreatedControl.com cell: 616.808.1389 • office: 616.356.2660
30 | spring 2020
ON•TREND by TruKitchens
Custom Kitchens for the Lakefront Home
LAKEFRONT LIVING LENDS ITSELF to a relaxed pace filled with sunshine, delicious meals, ice cold beverages and large gatherings of family and friends. There is something so winsome about lake houses themselves… they have a way of calming your spirit and beckoning you to stay a while. On their foundation memories are made, relived and cherished. Today, there is no “one-style-fits-all” when it comes to the look and feel of a lakefront home’s kitchen. However, the functionality considerations that are applied to these spaces are unique to the waterfront lifestyle.
their feet too. An open layout with plenty of seating keeps the conversation going while food is being prepared. Appliances with unique bells and whistles that make cooking easier or duplicate essential appliances bring truth to the mantra “many hands make light work.” A unique workstation called The Galley even allows the host to prep, cook, serve, entertain, and clean-up, all in one convenient place. A bar in or near the kitchen space moves the beverage traffic away from the main cooking area and allows guests to help themselves.
Make the Most of the Views In today’s culture, everyone ends up in the kitchen. No longer is food prepared and enjoyed in separate spaces; cooking is social. This rings especially true at a lake house. Accordingly, a lakefront home’s kitchen layout should make the most of the views as time is spent together in the space. Wash stations, prep areas, appliances, storage and seating should all exist beautifully alongside the windows and doors that frame the views. In some homes, this may mean minimizing the upper cabinets in favor of storage in a large pantry opposite of the windows. A sink placed under a large bank of windows looking out towards the water makes cleanup more enjoyable. Excellence in lakefront kitchen design offers a functional layout with emphasis on the sparkling water landscapes just beyond the walls. Embrace Indoor-Outdoor Living The constant opening and shutting of doors that drives every mom crazy is embraced at the lake. Guests are always welcome, food is plentiful and cold beverages are ready to be sipped. The most functional lakefront kitchen design extends the kitchen space into the outdoors. Methods to do this range in price, function and style. Pass-through kitchen windows to the outdoors create a walk-up bar. Swinging French doors pair nicely with traditional cottage homes. Sliding patio doors maximize views while minimizing the footprint needed for a swinging door. For a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, bi-fold moving glass walls, stacking glass walls or pocket glass walls are a modern way to open up entire rooms to the outdoors. Ease Entertaining Efforts There is always a reason to celebrate at the lake and in Michigan that celebration may simply be in honor of the sun shining. Custom kitchens in waterfront homes should lighten the load of the host so they can kick up
Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor kitchens are another way to provide kitchen functionality accessible outdoors and make entertaining easier. Many advances have been made to the products available for outdoor kitchens. Revolutionary weatherproof and fadeproof cabinets available in many different styles are manufactured by NatureKast. Their unique construction ensures that cabinets last in the elements with minimal maintenance. With their products, outdoor kitchen designs can feature everything from built-in grill stations and mini fridges to TV cabinets and range hoods. Durability is Key No one wants to spend time fussing over the wear and tear of their lakefront home. Finishes need to be able to stand up to water, sand and many hands. Luckily, there are many beautiful and durable kitchen design products available today. Flooring should be waterproof, scratchproof and able to hide a little mess here and there. Countertops need to be beautiful while standing up to heat, sand and constant use. Cabinets are available in a range of finishes designed to last. Custom cabinetmaker Grabill Cabinets uses an armored, UV protected topcoat that is designed to last. Eclipse Cabinetry by Shiloh offers extremely durable laminate finishes that suit a range of looks from real wood to modern high-gloss. At TruKitchens, we know the recipe for the perfect kitchen is the combination of beauty and function. Let us apply our expertise to your dream lakefront kitchen and create a space where memories will be made. It all starts with the initial consultation.
Brent Weesies Senior Designer, TruKitchens 616.957.1969 hello@trukitchens.com trukitchens.com Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 31
LAYERS
of exposure
TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN IMAGES BY ASHLEY AVILA
RAYMAR HOMES • LUCID ARCHITECTURE • VIA DESIGN
MODERNiSM BEGAN iN THE LATE 1800S WiTH AN EMPHASiS ON SiMPLiCiTY AND FUNCTiON, OFFERiNG TiMELESS DESiGN WiTH STAYiNG POWER. USiNG NATURAL MATERiALS LiKE WOOD AND STONE, MODERNiST HOMES EMBRACE THE LANDSCAPE WiTH AN iDEA OF LiViNG THAT iS MUCH MORE FLUiD THAN A TRADiTiONAL, ENCLOSED HOME.
A self-made entrepreneur and adventure travel enthusiast, the homeowner initiated the architectural design process with an out-of-state custom prefab outfit, but became frustrated with the project’s pace. Builder Mark Pung of Raymar Homes was asked to bid on the design and knew that a local team who shared the homeowner’s vision was better suited to achieve the scope of this ambitious lakeside refuge. Mark attributed this instinct to his engineering background: by wanting to know what the end result is supposed to look like, he is able to orchestrate all the decisions required to propel a project toward a common goal. Introducing principal and architect Eric De Witt of Lucid Architecture to the homeowner was the catalyst needed to challenge the status quo of architectural ideas trending in Michigan.
“Lucid” means expressed clearly or suffused with light, both perfectly descriptive of the architectural language spoken by Eric’s high-performance residential specialists. The homeowner fit Lucid Architecture’s unique profile: a client trusting enough to take architectural risks fully welcoming work as intentional and functional as it is beautiful and provoking. The homeowner did his research and selected Via Design, Inc. for their skill and expertise in executing interior design details that cohesively integrate with exterior architecture. MODERN DESiGN SOLVES PROBLEMS iN A SiMPLE AND ELEGANT WAY
Emily VanderLaan, project manager/interior designer, and Matt Maher, product designer, complemented the team without a ripple and spearheaded so many of the home’s striking focal points.
The outdoor living areas are an example of Lucid Architecture’s “layers of exposure” design strategy for Michigan living. The outdoor fire pit offers full exposure to an open sky; and in less inclement seasons of spring and fall, or for shade from the full summer sun, the big cantilevered roof creates a covered outdoor living area unencumbered by supports.
34 | spring 2020
Having an architect who can walk you through the design process from a blank sheet of paper to a finished project is invaluable. “Architects are responsible for more than just the exterior look,” explained Eric. “We work to ensure that the project is melding with the site perfectly, exceeding the client’s needs, is a high performance structure, all while making sure there are incredible moments and experiences within.
Edgy and minimalist, Crittall-style doors offer a sturdy, slim-profile way to cleverly partition open areas, without compromising on light or space. A charred poplar wood finish surrounds the ovens and refrigerator offering an almost metallic look that nicely complements the tile floor and walnut cabinets. A custom-designed chandelier over the dining table utilizes handcrafted Hubberton Forge Lighting — an artistic complement to the sleek space.
36 | spring 2020
“On this project we balanced all of the inputs for an advantageous site orientation considering the driveway approach, roads, topography, privacy, and water views, all while factoring in the sun’s path to maximize solar panels exposure. “Our client was concerned with the environmental aspects of his home, and that is something we are sensitive to on all of our projects,” continued Eric. “We like to use environmental design strategies that don’t cost the client anything to implement or maintain. It doesn’t increase costs at all to capture proper site orientation to the sun, utilize natural ventilation and breezes, or be strategic with the size of overhangs to provide shading.” Due to the solar panels, the home needed a metal roof and that required Mark and his metal fabricator to engineer a custom, hidden gutter profile while keeping the solar panels parallel to the very low pitch roof for aesthetic reasons; just two examples of his ability to meet this project’s unique design challenges. A GREAT TEAM WORKS iN CONCERT
Via Design carried the exterior cedar wall into the home to seamlessly integrate the inside with the home’s exterior elements. Immediately, you appreciate the design team’s execution in home placement neatly capturing the lake view. Edgy and minimalist, Crittall-style doors offer a sturdy, slim-profile way to cleverly partition open areas, without compromising on light or space. The homeowner wanted to be able to close off the lower level from the upper which would separate the foyer from the main living space. Via Design imagined doors that hinge and rotate out resolving that function while adding visually to the space and used Elemental Artistry LLC, a Grand Rapids-based metal fabricator,to create the striking custom metal and glass door. Despite their on-trend, industrial appearance, Crittall made its first appearance in 1860 when Francis Henry Crittall, an ironmonger in Essex, used this method to create steel-framed windows.
“We work to eliminate extraneous detail providing very simple, elegant forms with a little bit of magic mixed in like this home’s large roof cantilevers.” – Eric De Witt, Lucid Architecture The powder room abuts the front entry so Via Design ran the same exterior cedar wall into the bathroom. The back wall tile is a version of the floor tile in a stacked format. “We were careful,” noted Emily. “We wanted to keep it simple while celebrating the natural materials.”
Similar to the fireplace, the kitchen island features walnut and a raised concrete bar top supported by a metal work piece. Via Design’s detailed drawings of the cabinets came to life in the kitchen, laundry room, and powder room. The attention to detailing is reflected in the perfect veneer match-up and joinery. Integrated hardware from Progressive Hardware honored the craftsmanship allowing form to follow function.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 37
Rather than order expensive custom doors, Mark found rift cut white oak doors and his talented staff carpenters created horizontal cuts for a distinctive modern detail. Mark added, “One other thing that sets Raymar apart is that our carpenters are involved from start to finish. They get to know our clients and are very motivated and invested to do things right.” The walnut tread floating stairway, located off the entry, was quite an engineering feat. Usually supported by a solid metal tube — or stringer — running through the center, the homeowner preferred individual metal plates 12 inches apart. It took a collaborative effort from the entire team, but the end result reveals the skill and dedication of all involved.
The centerpiece of the open floor plan is the fireplace that divides the main floor into separate zones. Essentially a big cantilever, the structure is supported with steel beams in the floor. Constructed of beautiful walnut, metal and visually seamless concrete, it is an impressive focal point. A speaker system frames the TV surrounded by rift cut oak cabinets in the lower level family room. The stacked stone wall echoes the exterior architecture. Streamlined and free of bulkheads, this level has turned floor trusses to hide the HVAC in the floor system. The powder room abuts the front entry and features the same cedar wall as the exterior. The back wall tile is a version of the floor tile in a stacked format. The space is simple and highlights natural materials. The walnut tread floating stairway, located off the entry, was an engineering feat as it is supported by individual metal plates 12 inches apart. 38 | spring 2020
The centerpiece of the open floor plan is the fireplace that divides the area into separate zones. Essentially a big cantilever, it took Mark’s engineering to support the structure with steel beams in the floor. Matt’s design specs really made it the focal point. He dictated everything from the walnut species, to the reveals between the boards, the metal fabrication, and the concrete’s appearance. “Matt didn’t want any joints in that concrete surround so we built that shape out of two pieces with additional work done on site to make the seams disappear,” explained Mark. Mark’s carpenters executed the architectural millwork details and cabinetry that house the homeowner’s world-class audio system. Although not visible to the eye, this home required state-of-the-art acoustical specifications to support an audiophile’s lifelong passion for high-fidelity
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 39
sound reproduction. Attuned to the purest pitch and the slightest wayward vibration, the team was tasked with the additional acoustical challenge of installing high-performance materials. Guided by the homeowner’s knowledge, Raymar Homes isolated part of the floor from the rest of the house to limit unwanted vibration and several walls were treated with a soundabsorbing rubber membrane behind the drywall. A tile floor was used throughout the main floor because it doesn’t absorb any sound. Emily did quite a bit of research on that particular selection, and suggested 48- by 48-inch porcelain floor tiles; the oversized scale is a new trend emerging in tile. Matt worked on an exact layout of how the tiles should line up in the house aligning them with the front door. Mark’s tile setter was initially concerned having never worked with the product and specified when it should be installed to avoid having to cut around tight spaces.
“It was a good team effort and we each did our best at what we do best!”
12865 Poplar Grant, MI 49327
– Emily VanderLaan, Via Design
231.834.9576 Underfoot is a horizontal loop or geothermal system with radiant distribution on both floors. Also in line with the homeowner’s desire for energy efficiency, the 20 kilowatt solar array roof system creates an amazingly efficient home. In keeping with the minimalist design, oversized windows eschew any fussy window treatments in favor of integrated, motorized window screens for privacy. Similar to the exterior elements, this lets the eye travel outside to take in the views. The best team works in true collaboration and all worked hard to honor the architect’s design. Eric handled the architecture and drafted the interior; Emily and Matt fleshed out the cabinetry, millwork, interior finishes, and custom interior elements; and Mark’s team brought it to reality. No one had an ego at stake, and everyone was respectful of the expertise each brought to the project. “Lucid Architecture has a tight vision of how they design their homes, and we wanted to be sensitive to that to make sure that vision was cohesive through to the interior design,” added Matt. Located through an office space and rotated so it feels like a separate wing of the main floor, the owner’s suite offers sweeping water views and was treated with the visual warmth of bamboo wood flooring. The owner’s en suite bathroom provides a spa-like oasis. The Kohler rain overhead panel in the shower enclosed by Glass Concepts creates everything from a gentle summer rain to an invigorating deluge.
ELECTRICAL SERVICE Place your trust in 35 years of solid experience in residential and commercial electrical services. You can rely on our 24/7 emergency support. GENERATORS Get emergency power systems that can support your entire home or business effortlessly. Call the professionals at ENS Electric Inc. for a FREE estimate. LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Create a beautiful living space in your backyard with our lighting. Enjoy your landscape being lit up 24/7. Trust in a locally owned and operated company based in West Olive.
616.836.6360 www.enselectric.com Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 41
Many of the same natural elements were continued into the adjoining kitchen. Similar to the fireplace, the island features walnut and a raised concrete bar supported by a metal work piece also fabricated by Elemental Artistry. The island has a cooktop so the chef can interact with guests while preparing meals with a down vent nestled in the concrete slab for subtle ventilation. Via Design’s detailed drawings of the cabinets in the kitchen, laundry room, and powder room were executed beautifully. The homeowner appreciated the attention to detailing reflected in the perfect veneer match-up and joinery. Integrated hardware honored the craftsmanship allowing form to follow function.
1140 Jackson Ave. • suite B • Grand Haven, MI 49417
A charred poplar wood finish surrounds the ovens and refrigerator offering an almost metallic look that nicely complements the tile floor and walnut cabinets. “We wanted it to look rich and real, while keeping it modern, fresh and clean,” noted Emily. “That's why we also chose white upper cabinets for a minimalist feel.”
“There’s nothing else you buy that has as much emotion as your home, but that’s also the beauty of being part of the process to create this for people; it wouldn’t be as rewarding if it wasn’t.” – Mark Pung, Raymar Homes
616.607.7373 www.pro-hardware.com
Home Never Felt so Good!
An oversized pantry off the kitchen serves as a functional prep area. Housing appliances and plenty of storage, this keeps the main kitchen space uncluttered and streamlined. The homeowner was open to artistic lighting and since the ceilings were tricky to hang lighting from, Emily and Matt designed customized chandeliers over both the dining room table and the stairway using handcrafted Hubberton Forge Lighting. Hubberton Forge are modern American blacksmiths operating one of the country’s oldest commercial forges. They shared this project’s sensibilities with their respect for high-quality craftsmanship and an innate sense of form and function. Emily had suggested the custom circular design of the Hubberton Forge stairway piece because it evokes bicycles and the homeowner is an avid road biker.
The advantageous site orientation was achieved by consideration to the driveway approach, road, topography, privacy, and water views, while factoring in the sun’s path to maximize solar panels.
616.988.2115
www.northwind-insulating.com steve@northwind-insulating.com Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 43
Located through an office space and rotated so it feels like a separate wing of the main floor, the owner’s suite offers sweeping water views and was treated with the visual warmth of bamboo wood flooring. The owner’s en suite bathroom provides a spa-like oasis. Being an outdoorsy guy, the homeowner appreciated the oversized Kohler rain overhead panel that creates everything from a gentle summer rain to an invigorating deluge. The pebble shower floor has a trench drain and zero-step entry doors giving the space an open, seamless appearance. The floating teak cabinetry was crafted by Mark’s talented carpenters. Although the staircase originally had a solid wall leading downstairs, it was decided to remove the wall to allow for more light to flood the downstairs family room. Here, the speaker system frames the TV screen within the lighter rift cut oak cabinets. The stacked stone wall echoes the exterior architecture. To keep the downstairs streamlined and free of bulkheads, Mark turned the floor trusses to hide the HVAC in the floor system. The outdoor living area is an example of Lucid Architecture’s “layers of exposure” design strategy for Michigan. There is an outdoor fire pit for full exposure to an open sky; and in less inclement seasons of spring and fall, or for shade from the full summer sun, the big cantilevered roof creates a covered outdoor living area unencumbered by supports. Lastly, a large sliding door opens up the inside of the house to the outdoors. Eric added, “So this is our design language when we think about designing our spaces from the inside through to the outside with layers or levels of exposure. “Our agenda is always in last place; it’s really about what the client wants. We want happy clients who are as thrilled to be living in their houses as we are thrilled for having been able to work on the project. It’s a success when everyone — including the entire project team and the tradespeople — are still excited to see each other at the end of the project as they were at the beginning.” ❂
BUILDER Raymar Homes ARCHITECT Lucid Architecture INTERIOR DESIGN Via Design CLOSET SYSTEMS ORG West Michigan COUNTERTOPS Top of the World Granite ELECTRICAL ENS Electric FINISH HARDWARE Progressive Hardware INSULATOR Northwind Insulating Systems INTERIOR TRIM & DOORS Elenbaas Hardwood LIGHTING Kendall Lighting Center METAL ROOF/GUTTERS Versatile Roofing System STONE VENEER PAVER INSTALLER Ophoff
44 | spring 2020
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Since 1948
JENISON 616-669-3085 KALAMAZOO 269-343-7791
• Manufacturers of Quality Wood Mouldings •Distributors of Plywood, Doors & Stairway Systems •Family owned and operated for 3 generations
46 | spring 2020
Granite Solid Surface Engineered Stone Fabrication and Installation
Top of the World GRANITE, Inc. 616.791.7444 Topoftheworldgranite.com At Top of the World Granite we focus on quality and customer satisfaction. From the beginning to the very end we work to make your dream countertop come to life. Our showroom staff has extensive knowledge on color and countertop design. We pride ourselves on having stock granite and quartz colors at price points that are affordable and can connect with any design or style that meets your needs. Looking to do a small remodel? No problem! We have a large selection of unique granite and quartz remnant pieces.
We fabricate granite, quartz, and solid surface materials; we do kitchens, bathrooms, bars, outdoor grills and fire place surrounds.You can customize your counters to fit your needs with sinks, edge profiles and finishes. Our state-of-the-art fabrication equipment cuts and polishes your countertops with top notch quality. Every job is complete with the quality and satisfaction we would want in our own homes.
3311 3 Mile Rd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Building Your Dreams With A Craftsman’s Touch New Construction • Renovation
616.291.2329
6464 Bauer Rd. Hudsonville, MI.
mark@raymarhomes.com
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The Magazine West Michigan Lives By 50 | spring 2020
ON•TREND by Standale Home Studio
Bringing the Outdoors In Freshen Up for Spring It’s spring! The sun in West Michigan is finally shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming After so much time cooped up indoors, most of us are eager to get started on something new and fresh by either adding small touches to our existing space or going into full remodel mode to create new spaces. Some statistics put our daily time spent indoors as high as 90 percent, so it’s no wonder we crave the freshness of greenery, the tactile sensation of natural textures, and the brightness of natural light in our homes. One of the places we spend the most time in our homes is our kitchen. The kitchen is often considered the hub of the home. Open floor plans and modern family lifestyles only reinforce this. In a traditional kitchen, food storage was key. However, now that the kitchen has become more of a social gathering space, people are taking cabinets off the wall in favor of open shelving and windows to bring openness and natural light into the space. A traditional kitchen layout sports a single window above the sink. New kitchen layouts are showcasing whole walls of windows to let in the natural light and expand the feel of the space. If you don’t like your view, you can consider instead adding a transom window or skylight. Transoms and skylights are also great options for bathrooms or bedrooms where more privacy is desired. printed and glazed rather than blended aggregate, like quartz panels, they have higher gloss and greater clarity. Ultra-compact surface countertops, which are simular, are UV resistant and frost resistant. Even in Michigan, ultra-compact countertop will allow you to bring your indoor cooking spaces outside. If you are not ready commit to blasting a hole in your wall for a new window, reworking your shower or resurfacing your countertop, there are many small walls to bring the outdoors in. Adding natural materials like leather, linen, or pottery accents can transform a space from sterile to organic. Small changes, like switching out the hardware on your cabinets, can make a big impact in your space. Muted metals like satin gold and brushed copper carry a warmth and depth that more neutral finishes, like satin nickel, tend to lack. Live greenery is also strongly suggested by experts to improve not only air quality, but also your emotional state. I’m one who can kill a cactus, so I feel your pain here, but let’s do our best. Open a window, pick some flowers, or add a fresh element to an old recipe. It’s finally spring and time for something new.
You can also bring the outdoors in by enhancing your space with natural textures and materials. Wallpaper with organic motifs or natural texture, like grass cloth, is making a comeback. It is a great way to add natural elements without major changes. Wallpaper can be used in almost any room, where some natural materials traditionally cannot. Previously, homeowners would have been cautioned against putting natural wood in their bathroom, either on the floor or on the wall. However, new enhancements like high-definition printing on porcelain tile and highly textured vinyl plank surfaces, are allowing the look of wood even in the dampest spaces. Porcelain is also expanding in size and scope. Manufactures are producing sheets strong enough and large enough to panel shower walls, provide full height fireplace surrounds, and be used in kitchens for seamless backsplash and countertop. Because they are
Anneke Huisman has been designing stunning projects with Standale Home Studio for the last 3 years. She has over 15 years industry experience working on remodels and new construction with both DIY’ers and builders. Native to Boston, Anneke is a Calvin College graduate and has called Grand Rapids home for the last 12 years.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 51
ON•TREND by Klingman’s
Summer Living Making the Most of Your Time Outside
High quality outdoor furniture from brands like Lloyd Flanders and Brown Jordan will not only function and be comfortable for many years but will also look fabulous for decades if taken care of properly. In your search for outdoor pieces, keep on the lookout for Sunbrella fabrics which are fade and mold resistant, aluminum frames that don’t rust and high-oil content woods that weather well such as Teak.
HELLO SUNSHINE! Our lives have changed recently and much is left unknown, however, there is one thing we can certainly count on in the coming days, and that is warmer weather here in Michigan. As we spend more time at home, the importance of comfortable, quality furnishings is even more essential (no pun intended). Giving thought to our outdoor spaces as we move into summer, we want to think about getting the most use of these spaces in the few months the weather allows. Our outdoor spaces are really an extension of our home and are used for entertaining, relaxing and gathering. A single outdoor space could function as the kitchen, dining and living room at all once. Because of this, you want to offer the same amount of thought and care into your outdoor furniture as your indoor pieces along with some additional considerations. As with choosing indoor furnishings, you must consider the shape and size of usable space. Are you dealing with a long, narrow space, a small balcony or something more broad with extra room? Outdoor spaces are often used for gatherings and more casual living, so make sure you have extra space for movement around the furniture. Plan your outdoor living space with as much thought as you gave the interior, really think about traffic flow and best amount of seating for function and space. The next thing to consider is the elements and this is a enormous consideration when it comes to outdoor furniture. Will your new furniture be exposed to the sun, rain and wind or under cover? Will it sit on a hard surface such as a deck or patio or in the grass? Knowing these answers will help you select the right materials and finishes. At this point in your search for the perfect outdoor furniture, you will notice that quality outdoor pieces are priced at or above your indoor furniture. This is due to two main factors. The first being materials and the second is construction. When exposed to the elements, low quality pieces will experience fading, rust, cracks, mildew and staining. Cushion fill can break down and natural wicker will split. The construction of any furniture, whether indoors or outdoors is important but more so when you consider that it will be subjected to wind and rain. Here in Michigan, we have to plan for cold snaps that can crack plastic furniture and think about pine needles and other leafy trees that can fall and get worked into the weaves of wicker. 52 | spring 2020
The old adage "you get what you pay for" cannot be more true when it comes to patio furniture. In the long run, you’re going to get the most out of your money by selecting quality pieces at the start instead of items that will need to be replaced in just a couple of seasons. Consider the last time you shopped for a sofa or mattress, you wanted to feel the materials and test it out before deciding to purchase, right? The same is true when choosing your outdoor furniture. Don’t skip the sit test when your purchasing items you plan to use for relaxation. Designer Tip : Ground your outdoor space and add a pop of color with all weather, quick-drying rugs such as those from Dash & Albert and Company C which can both be found at Klingman’s Furniture & Design.
For 123 years, Klingman's has offered the very finest in quality home furnishings. We take pride in tailoring projects to our client's needs, style and budget. Now with locations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Lansing. For more information visit Klingmans.com
flashbackfave May/June 2006
Home COSMOPOLITAN
Grand Rapids
Labor
Love of
A historical renovation by Maple Island Log Homes
2006: In the early 1920s, heiress to the Post cereal fortune, Marjorie Merriweather Post, chose the scenic banks of New York’s Upper St. Regis Lake as the site to build her own massive and remarkable getaway: Camp Topridge, a Great Camp of the Adirondacks. Over the many decades, this exquisite example of the Adirondack style fell into disrepair ... until the current owner contacted Michigan-based Maple Island Log Homes.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 53
Labor
Love of
WRITTEN BY HOLDEN SMITH PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MAPLE ISLAND LOG HOMES
C
ereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, business-minded philanthropist and art collector. The deep forests and pristine lakes of upper New York state. A Michigan-based log home builder. At first, these three items may seem to have little in common, but they are all linked in one awe-inspiring way: the former Camp Topridge, a Great Camp of the Adirondacks. The story that brings these seemingly disparate entities together begins at the turn of the last century, when the rich from New York City embraced the wilds of New York state as their personal playground. The pure air, rolling hills and sparkling lakes were a siren’s call for the city-weary wealthy—yet just because they yearned for a taste of the wilderness didn’t mean they were looking to “rough it.” Accordingly, they had fabulous estates built that offered all the comforts they were accustomed to ... but rather than attempting to bring the flavor of the big city to the country, these resorts drew inspiration from and complemented their verdant backdrop. In the construction of these sprawling multi-building complexes, drastic modifications of the existing woodland environment were avoided; buildings were constructed primarily of timber, stone and other natural materials gathered from the immediate surrounding area, then decorated with a rustic—albeit grand—motif. Together, these spectacular north woods retreats gave rise to the Adirondack Great Camp, a style that majestically blends the elegance of the era with rugged natural beauty. In 1923, heiress to the Post cereal fortune Marjorie Merriweather Post chose the scenic banks of New York’s Upper St. Regis Lake as the site to build her own massive and remarkable getaway. The many incredible features of her Camp Topridge include a grand main lodge, a boathouse accented with tree roots and limbs and an onion-domed structure inspired by the Russian architecture Post encountered while living in the Soviet Union. Today, this breathtaking camp is one of only 10 Adirondack Great Camps on the National Register of Historic Places—yet there was a time when this exquisite example of the Adirondack style fell into disrepair. That’s where Maple Island Log Homes enters into the tale.
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 55 Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 55
“This was an opportunity to push the envelope and try new things.� 56 | spring 2020
Designers and builders of innovative and unique handcrafted log homes, Maple Island Log Homes was hand-picked by the current owner—a Texas real estate magnate—as he undertook the task of rescuing the camp from its dilapidated state and restoring it to its former glory. “This was an opportunity to push the envelope,” says architect Gordon Hughes, now retired from the Twin Lake, Mich.-based Maple Island. “It was an opportunity to try new things and not be restricted on a budget.” Founded in 1977, Maple Island is a leader in the log home industry; they are unique among builders of log homes in that nearly every step of the process is done by hand. Maple Island’s employees are responsible for handling every part of the construction process, from choosing the logs them-
selves to the final reassembly on the job site. Whether restoring a national treasure or building a new home, “it starts with the plans—everything we do starts from scratch,” explains Maple Island vice president Eric Gordon. The logs used by Maple Island are hand-peeled of their bark, a process which brings out the natural grain of the wood. Logs retain their unique “personalities” and are left naturally tapered and full-length, sometimes reaching up to 50 or 60 feet. The selected logs are then skillfully fitted into place by hand. Maple Island’s expertise came into play as they produced new log structures on the property; their sister company, American Log Restoration, was responsible for restoring the original buildings. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 57
Local crafters, architects and historians all collaborated in order assure that the camp would be correctly restored while retaining its original spirit and character. The blending of old and new was not a simple undertaking, says Gordon. “It was a totally different sort of project. You had totally unique structures being worked on by different entities—an architect in Lake Placid, New York, another in Maryland, and an interior designer in Dallas, Texas.” The architects came to Hughes and Gordon with designs, who in turn worked to express those designs in log construction. To produce successful results, Maple Island’s team had to work closely with the architects and historians; Hughes recalls many singleengine plane rides from Twin Lake to the Adirondack Camp job site. “I guess it’s somewhat akin to portions of New England; access can be difficult.” In the end, Maple Island was able to blend the historic elements of the camp with new construction, breathing new life into the Great Camp while remaining true to the celebrated Adirondack style. The final result is fantastic, thanks in part to the owner’s desire to “go all-out with everything they did,” says Gordon.
“There were struggles bringing all the voices—architects, historians and craftsmen— together,but the result is one of the truly great camps of the Adirondacks.” The restored camp is truly a wonder to behold. The boathouse is one of the camp’s most striking designs, featuring a boat launch set into its mammoth split-stone foundation. Being landlocked on a peninsula, all of the materials necessary for the boathouse’s construction had to be taken across the lake by barge before being assembled. Today, lucky guests staying in either of the boathouse’s two wellappointed bedrooms can enjoy the contrasting stains of the interior logs while soaking up views of the glittering lake. The Russian guest cabin, topped with five massive cedar-shingled “onion” domes, looks every bit like it was appointed for a czar. Designed by Richard Giegengack—whom Hughes describes as a “Frank Lloyd Wright-style genius”—the 24-sided structure features hand-flattened interior walls with the exterior logs left full-round. The melding of the rustic Adirondack style with traditional Russian influences results in one of the most distinctive logbuildings in the nation. Looking back on the Adirondack Camp project, Hughes calls it unique in both its breadth and scope. “It was an opportunity for us to grow as a company,” he says. “We never knew exactly where it was going. Watching it evolve was exciting.” Says Gordon, “There were struggles bringing all the voices— architects, historians and craftsmen—together, but the result is one of the truly great camps in the Adirondacks.” ❂
58 | spring 2020
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 59
An Interactive Directory for the Home APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE
Bekins Audio/Video & Appliances (616) 957-2333 Decker & Sons (616) 456-5121 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery (616) 248-0605 Gerrit's Appliance, Inc. (616) 532-3626 www.gerritsappliances.com ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS
42 North Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047 David C. Bos Construction Co. (616) 842-2248 x116 DeHaan Homes (616) 896-8300 www.dehaanhomes.com Fitzpatrick Custom Design (616) 532-2000 J. Visser Design (616) 954-2509 Lucid Architecture, Inc (616) 741-0044 Mathison Mathison Architects (616) 920-0545 Visbeen Architects, Inc. (616) 285-9901 x2 AUDIO-VIDEO RETAILER
Created Control (616) 356-2660 Decker & Sons (616) 456-5121 Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com AWNINGS
Action Awning LLC (616) 874-7400 www.actionawning.com www.facebook.com/pages/ Action-AwningLLC/479665515420452 BRICK, STONE & MASONRY
Belden Brick & Supply Co. (616) 459-8367 Bultema Bros. Builders Supply, Inc. (616) 245-1125 BUILDER
Ashby Builders (616) 893-6284 Aukeman Development Co. (616) 669-4363 B.D.D. Construction Co. LLC (616) 696-1226 BDR Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 458-8505 Berghuis Construction LLC (616) 217-6565
Celebrity Builders LLC (616) 291-1808 Christin Homes (616) 874-2694 www.christinhomes.com chad@christinhomes.com Colonial Builders LLC (616) 534-2030 Curt Moran Builders, Inc. (616) 293-0660 Daeco Builders, Inc. (616) 682-2422 Dan Vis Builders LLC (616) 293-3597 Dan Vos Construction Co., Inc. (616) 676-9169 Dave Dusendang Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 874-7085 www.dusendanghomes.com Dave Visser Builder LLC (616) 791-8899 David C. Bos Construction Co. (616) 842-2248 x116 DBC Custom Homes (616) 878-5400 www.dbccustomhomes.com www.facebook.com/DBCcust omhomes/ www.instagram.com/dbccustomhomes DeHaan Homes (616) 896-8300 www.dehaanhomes.com Diephuis Builders, Inc. (616) 956-7441 Eastbrook Homes, Inc. (616) 988-1324 Epique Homes, Inc. (616) 437-1767 Falcon Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 682-1700 Forest Hills Homes LLC (616) 940-9015 Habitat For Humanity of Kent County (616) 588-5220 Infiniti Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 322-3005 Insignia Homes (616) 940-1703 Interra Homes (616) 862-1292 J & J Concepts LLC (616) 540-3560 J. Peterson Homes LLC (616) 291-1816 Jim Tibbe Homes (616) 916-8895 John L. Koetje Builder, Inc. (616) 538-4241 Kenowa Associates, Inc. (616) 531-0069 KLH Custom Homes LLC (269) 823-8041 Koetje Builders, Inc. (616) 457-3450 LeBlanc Custom Homes (616) 723-1467 www.leblanccustomhome.com www.facebook.com/LeBlanc-CustomHomes-1546652642282852/ Drew@leblanccustomhome.com
Let Us, Inc. (616) 893-2341 Lown Homes LLC (616) 366-3436 Makuski Builders, Inc. (616) 299-1725 Maplewood Homes (616) 499-5054 www.maplewoodhomes.com Mike Schaap Builders, Inc. (616) 399-9925 www.mikeschaapbuilders.com Mosaic Properties & Homes (616) 235-0711 x201 Muston Construction, Inc. (616) 887-9088 www.mustonconstruction.com www.facebook.com/mustonconstruction www.houzz.com/pro/muston/__public office@mustonconstruction.com New Urban Home Builders LLC (616) 401-5669 Nugent Builders, Inc. (616) 866-7663 P.A. DeHaan LLC (616) 299-1329 Raymar Homes (616) 299-7664 Schultz Builders LLC (616) 405-9316 Scott Christopher Homes (616) 784-4500 Scott Lamaire Custom Homes (616) 802-8850 Sherwood Custom Homes LLC (616) 891-1865 www.sherwoodcustomhomes.com jeff@sherwoodcustomhomes.com Snellink Builders (616) 437-4527 Snowden Builders LLC (616) 299-8455 Solomon Homes LLC (616) 437-1179 Sytsma Construction LLC (616) 437-4966 www.sytsmaconstruction.com sytsmaconstllc@gmail.com Tim Schollaart Builder LLC (616) 890-1381 Tim VerStrate Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 677-6062 www.timverstratecustomhomes.com Tom Montsma Builders, Inc. (616) 662-0229 V.H. Construction, Inc. (616) 723-4243 Viersen Properties LLC (616) 299-6846 Whitmore Homes LLC (616) 446-3482 Woods Builders Homes, Inc. (616) 272-3468 BUILDING MATERIALS
Eikenhout Building Supplies (616)-459-4523 Foundation Building Materials (616) 534-4903
THELIST
CABINETRY
DECORATIVE HARDWARE
Benchmark Wood Studio (616)994-7374 benchmark-studios.com Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com Rivershores Building Products, Inc. (616) 738-8440 Rivershores Hardwood Flooring & Cabinetry Company (616) 243-7000 -EGR (616) 738-8440 - Holland www.facebook.com/Rivershore sHardwoodFlooringCompany/ www.houzz.com/pro/rivershoreshardwoodflooring/rive rshores-hardwood-flooring sales@rivershores.com
Modern Hardware (616) 241-2655 www.modernhardware.com www.facebook.com/ModernHardware www.houzz.com/browseRevie ws/modernhardwaregr https://instagram.com/modernhardwaregr?igshid=jq4pmumhl0vb Progressive Hardware (616) 607-7373 www.pro-hardware.com prohdw@sbcglobal.net FLOOR COVERING
Century (616) 988-4524
DeGraaf Interiors (616) 669-1621 Johnson Carpet One Standale Home Studio (616) 531-3100 (616) 453-8201 Klingman's Furniture www.standalehomestudio.com (616) 942-7300 www.facebook.com/stanRivershores Hardwood daleinteriors Flooring & Cabinetry www.houzz.com/pro/stanCompany daleinteriors (616) 243-7000 -EGR www.pinterest.com/stan(616) 738-8440 - Holland daleint www.facebook.com/Rivershore sHardwoodFlooringCompany/ Starlite Kitchens www.houzz.com/pro/river(616) 583-9304 shoreshardwoodflooring/riverwww.StarliteKitchens.com shores-hardwood-flooring www.facebook.com/StarliteK sales@rivershores.com itchensandBaths www.houzz.com/pro/rbron- Standale Home Studio sink/starlite(616) 453-8201 Tru Kitchens www.standalehomestudio.com (616) 957-1969 www.facebook.com/standaleinteriors The Williams Studio www.houzz.com/pro/stan(616) 771-0530 daleinteriors www.thewilliamsstudio.com www.pinterest.com/standaleint www.facebook.com/TheWilli amsStudio GARAGE ORGANIZERS www.houzz.com/pro/william Closet & Room Solutions sstudio1/williams-studio#8 (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com CLOSET ORGANIZERS
Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com
Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com
Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com Closet Design (616) 772-1119 Michigan Shelf West, Inc. (616) 863-6481
Glass Concepts Inc. (616) 994-7050 www.glassconceptsinc.com www.glassconceptsinc.com/gallery
Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closetand-glass
Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass sarahc@slighdesign.com GLASS & MIRROR PRODUCTS
Closet Design (616) 772-1119
Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 61
THELIST Glass Concepts Inc. (616) 994-7050 www.glassconceptsinc.com www.glassconceptsinc.com/gallery Norbert's Glass & Mirror Co. (616) 531-1110 www.norbertsglassandmirror.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass sarahc@slighdesign.com HOME AUTOMATION
Created Control (616) 356-2660 Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com HOME ELECTRONICS INSTALLATION
Bekins Audio/Video & Appliances (616) 957-2333 Bekins Audio/Video & Appliances (616) 957-2333 Created Control (616) 356-2660 Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com HOME ORGANIZATION
Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 Systematic (616) 350-9597 INTERIOR DESIGN
42 North - Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047 Dwellings, Inc. (616) 532-7897 Great American Spaces (877) 553-9945 www.greatamericanspaces.com Rock Kauffman Design (616) 956-3008 Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300 Standale Interiors (616) 453-8201 www.standaleinteriors.com Joseph Szymczak www.studioatslate.com KITCHEN & BATH
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Greater Grand Rapids (616) 632-2284 www.dreammakergr.com
An Interactive Directory for the Home
Granite Transformations (616) 726-1388 Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/greatlakes-granite-works www.instagram.com/great_lak es_granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Infusion Showrooms by Etna Supply (616) 514-5177 www.infusionshowrooms.com www.facebook.com/infusion.s howrooms www.instagram.com/infusionkitchenbathshowrooms/?hl=en Mont Granite (616) 647-0700 www.montsurfaces.com www.facebook.com/montgranite www.pinterest.com/montgranite/ www.youtube.com/channel/UC phAqTXwVEvQ9CDL1xiJ2iQ Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com Richards Kitchen & Bath Showroom (616) 247-0965 Re-Bath of Grand Rapids (616) 949-8827 www.Rebathgr.com www.facebook.com/ReBath-of-Grand-Rapids399202116792753/ info@rebathgr.com Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 www.standalehomestudio.com Starlite Kitchens (616) 583-9304 www.StarliteKitchens.com www.facebook.com/StarliteKi tchensandBaths www.houzz.com/pro/rbronsink/starliteTru Kitchens (616) 957-1969 The Williams Studio (616) 771-0530 www.thewilliamsstudio.com www.facebook.com/TheWilli amsStudio www.houzz.com/pro/williams studio1/williams-studio#8 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Alfresco Landcapes LLC (616) 453-2530 www.alfresco-landscapes.com
Landscape Design Services, Inc (616) 399-1734 www.landscapeds.com Rivertown Landscapes LLC (616) 866-1700 www.rivertownlandscapes.com LANDSCAPING & LAWN SPRINKLING
Alfresco Landcapes LLC (616) 453-2530 www.alfresco-landscapes.com Landscape Design Services, Inc (616) 399-1734 www.landscapeds.com
Re-Bath of Grand Rapids (616) 949-8827 www.Rebathgr.com www.facebook.com/ReBath-of-Grand-Rapids399202116792753/ info@rebathgr.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass SIDING & ROOFING
Rivertown Landscapes LLC (616) 866-1700 www.rivertownlandscapes.com
Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com www.facebook.com/standalelumber
LIGHTING FIXTURES
SOLAR SCREENS
The Lighting Corner (616) 534-8560 (616) 842-1650 (G. Haven) www.thelightingcorner.com www.facebook.com/thelightingcorner/?fref=ts www.pinterest.com/TLC_1984
Action Awning LLC (616) 874-7400 http://actionawning.com https://www.facebook.com/pag es/Action-AwningLLC/479665515420452
MORTGAGE SERVICES
Adventure Credit Union (616) 243-0125 xx1207 www.adventurecu.org Chemical Bank (616) 588-7438 www.chemicalbankmi.com First United Credit Union (616) 532-9067 www.firstunitedcu.org Independent Bank (800) 285-3111 Old National Bank (616) 802-3921 www.oldnational.com SECURITY
EPS Security/Engineered Protection Systems (616) 459-0281 www.facebook.com/EpsSecurity https://twitter.com/EPS_Security www.linkedin.com/company/ep s-security-inc-/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCP NhObLZqFHqhuYODhVTo9O/ www.houzz.com/pro/epssecurity/eps-security-systems SHOWER & TUB ENCLOSURES
Closet Design (616) 772-1119 Godwin Hardware & Plumbing, Inc. (616) 243-3131 Norbert's Glass & Mirror Co. (616) 531-1110 www.norbertsglassandmirror.com
SOLID SURFACE, GRANITE, FABRICATION/ INSTALLATION
Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/great-lakesgranite-works www.instagram.com/great_lakes _granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com Starlite Kitchens (616) 583-9304 www.StarliteKitchens.com www.facebook.com/StarliteKit chensandBaths www.houzz.com/pro/rbronsink/starliteTop of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444 Williams Kitchen & Bath (616) 771-0505 STONE & TILE
Certified Tile and Stone Installers (616) 437-3520 Genesee Ceramic Tile Dist (616) 243-5811
Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/great-lakesgranite-works www.instagram.com/great_lakes _granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Mont Granite (616) 647-0700 www.montsurfaces.com www.facebook.com/montgranite www.pinterest.com/montgranite/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCp hAqTXwVEvQ9CDL1xiJ2iQ Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com Top of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444 STORAGE
Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 WINDOW COVERINGS
Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300 Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 www.standalehomestudio.com www.facebook.com/standaleinteriors www.houzz.com/pro/standaleinteriors www.pinterest.com/standaleint/ WINDOWS & DOORS
Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523 Pella Windows & Doors by HORNE (616) 889-5857 www.pellabranch.com/western-michigan www.facebook.com/pellawindowsanddoorswm www.instagram.com/pellawestmichigan www.pinterest.com/pellawestmichigan www.linkedin.com/company/pe lla-windows-&-doors-by-horne www.twitter.com/PellaWestMich R J Raven Corporation (616) 245-5684 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com
