Summer 2019 Cosmopolitan Home

Page 1

Home COSMOPOLITAN

Grand Rapids

vision

ACCOMPLISHED SUMMER 2019 $3.00 07

07

a NEW VIEW publication





D E S I G N , F O R T H E WAY Y O U L I V E .

616.874.7000 6585 Belding Rd NE • Suite A • Rockford, MI 49341


Situated steps from the University of Michigan athletic campus and just minutes from downtown ANN ARBOR, these Airbnb properties are sleek, comfortable and luxurious. Each stunning property is newly renovated and professionally staffed. Ample parking included. Easy freeway access. Unit sizes include studio (1 bath), 2-bedroom (2 bath) and 4-bedroom (3 bath), 6-bedroom (6.5 bath). Don’t let your stay in Ann Arbor be anything less! www.prenticepartnersllc.net

Take your next Airbnb stay to the next level with www.a2luxstay.com Contact adam@prenticepartnersllc.com or call 734-263-9966 for more information.


contents

Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home SUMMER 2019

features 16 Vision Accomplished A fresh-vibe home that is balanced with style and rich in details by Daeco Builders 36 A Light Within Artist Jacqueline Gilmore talks candidly about her career 43 Soft Coastal Flair A lake home that checks all the boxes for its art collector owner

departments 10 MONEY MATTERS An Inheritance A five step strategy 12 CUISINE The Salad Scene Simple, fresh and delicious 61 THE LIST The professional, licensed and insured resource for the home

on trend 15 33 35 41 57 59

Outdoor Entertainment Areas Luxury Vinyl Flooring Buying From Your Designer Timeless Trends Appliance Technology Choosing a Stone/Quartz Fabricator

PICTURED HERE: This butler’s pantry was given a moody, high-contrast treatment with slate cabinets, grey quartz counters and an antique mirrored backsplash. See full story on page 16.


cover photo by Ashley Avila

Volume XXXI Issue 3 No. 162 PUBLISHER

David J. Koning

EDITOR

Jennifer Vander Vliet

MANAGING EDITOR

Marie Kamp

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynn Bakeman Lisa Cargill Jennifer Koning

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

DANIELLE BOUGIE stylist & level 5 color specialist

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

in CASCADE

Ashley Avila Betsy Bee Photography

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jennifer Koning Angie Brennan

ADVERTISING SALES

David J. Koning Michelle Ashley Olivia Rhoades

616.481.5554 Unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Send to Editor, 6660 Old 28th SE. Ste. 106, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. ©2019 Summit Media.

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

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. 616.828.6016 www.cosmogr.com No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

8 | summer 2019



moneymatters

CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

An Inheritance The five-step strategy

Over the next 30 years, in what is anticipated to be the largest wealth transfer in American history, an estimated $30 trillion is expected to be passed from baby boomers to their children and grandchildren.1 While the size of inheritances will vary, 53 percent of Americans between ages 25-70 who expect to receive assets are anticipating it to be more than $100,000, according to recent research from Ameriprise Financial.2 No matter the size of the assets, managing an inheritance can be emotional and overwhelming as the recipient deals with the loss of a loved one. If you have received or expect to receive an inheritance, the following five-step strategy can help you decide how to manage and spend the newfound assets: DON’T MAKE RASH DECISIONS You may be tempted to buy the luxury car you’ve always wanted, take a dream vacation or quit your job.While any of these goals may be possible depending on the size of inheritance you receive, none of them should happen without careful planning. Give yourself time to work through the logistics of receiving the inheritance before deciding how to allocate the money. UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE OR WILL RECEIVE Inheritances can come in many forms, so it’s important to understand what type of assets you will receive and their estimated value.You may inherit cash, but it is also common for a loved one to gift securities (stocks and bonds), retirement plan savings, real estate, life insurance or other types of assets. Certain assets, such as retirement accounts, may allow you to receive payments over time rather than taking control of the money all at once. Your loved one may have specified in a will or in trust documents how the money will be dispersed. In the absence of instructions, you may be able to choose how you’d like to receive the money. UNDERSTAND THE TAX IMPLICATIONS Tax consequences can vary dramatically depending on the type and amount of the assets you inherit. For example, if you receive stock (in a non-retirement account) that your loved one owned for a long time, you can take advantage of a step-up in cost basis.That means when you decide to sell the stock, any capital gains (and tax you owe on those gains) will generally be determined based on the value of the stock on the date the decedent passed away, not when it was originally purchased. Be sure to consult with a tax advisor to clarify any tax implications from your inheritance.

10 | summer 2019

UPDATE YOUR INSURANCE AND ESTATE PLANS Insurance and estate planning needs will likely arise as a result of your added wealth. Consider meeting with a financial advisor and an attorney right away to sort out what actions you may need to take. Common steps after receiving an inheritance include updating your will to reflect any changed wishes or creating an estate plan if you don’t have one; assigning beneficiaries to newly received accounts; and potentially purchasing additional insurance to cover certain inherited assets. DECIDE HOW TO SAVE – OR SPEND – THE MONEY Think about your financial goals and how these newfound assets could help make one or more of them a reality. Even a modest inheritance can make a meaningful difference in helping you save enough for a child or grandchild’s college education, pay off a home mortgage, retire when you want to, or achieve another important milestone. If you inherited from a loved one or close friend, you may want to consider how to honor his or her legacy with a charitable gift. There is no question that an inheritance can represent a significant new opportunity in your financial life. Taking a prudent, thoughtful approach can help preserve your wealth, add to your sense of financial security and open doors to pursue your most important dreams and goals.

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


Dr. Michel Marie Wicksall Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

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

4500 Cascade Road SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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

Accepting New Patients Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 11


cuisine THE TASTE OF HOME

The Salad Scene Simple, Fresh and Delicious Adding more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to make at-home meals healthier for your family. Focusing your plate on more of the good stuff – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins and fish – can help you cut back on the not-so-good stuff, including refined carbohydrates, added sugars, processed meats, sodium and saturated and trans fats, according to the American Heart Association. While some may think meat makes the meal and it can be part of an overall healthy eating pattern, a survey from Aramark, the largest U.S. based food service company, found many people want to ease up on meat consumption, and 2 out of 3 want to eat more fruits and vegetables. The company made sweeping changes to incorporate more plants into its menus, resulting in meals with fewer calories, less saturated fat and reduced sodium. Punching up the plants on your plate can lead to better nutrition in your house, too. Try putting vegetables and fruits center-stage with these heart-healthy salads. To help encourage healthier communities, the American Heart Association and Aramark have made it simple for you to learn better nutrition and lifestyle habits and to share that information. For more recipes, tips and resources, visit heart.org/healthyforlife. 12 | summer 2019

MAKE THE MOST OF SEASONAL FRUITS AND VEGGIES For many people, warmer weather means more time outdoors and food cooked on the grill. To help make your meals more nutritious, consider these ideas to choose, store and enjoy warm-weather fruits and veggies: Corn Straight from the cob, sweet corn is packed with fiber and antioxidants and can be grilled, boiled or even microwaved. Try tossing it with a small amount of light mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a simple version of Mexican Street Corn. Cucumbers Prep is a breeze with cucumbers, which can be eaten raw with or without the peel. For a no-fuss salad, toss together cucumbers, onion and fresh dill then add a dash of sugar, salt and pepper plus a splash of cider vinegar. Tomatoes Full of nutrients, including vitamins A and C and the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes are a popular option for seasonal dishes. Store them stem-up on the counter, rather than in the fridge, to prevent bruising and enhance the flavor.


TANGY KALE SLAW WITH CILANTRO AND HONEY Recipe courtesy of Aramark Servings: 6 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise 1 tablespoon honey 1 1/2 teaspoons cilantro leaves, washed and chopped 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups kale leaves, washed, shredded and stems removed 1/2 cup red cabbage leaves, washed and shredded 1/2 cup carrot, trimmed and shredded 1/4 cup green onion, trimmed and thinly sliced In bowl, combine vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add kale, red cabbage, carrot and onion. Toss to coat. Cover and keep chilled prior to serving. Nutritional information per serving: 40 calories; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber. BLACK-EYED PEA, CORN AND RICE SALAD Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 6 2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 1/4 ounces) low-sodium whole-kernel corn 1 package (8 1/2 ounces) brown rice, microwaved according to package directions and broken into small pieces 2 medium ribs celery, chopped 1 medium bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon water 1/8 teaspoon black pepper In large bowl, stir peas, corn, rice, celery, pepper, parsley, olive oil, water and black pepper until combined. Nutritional information per serving: 231 calories; 10 g protein; 7 g fiber.

SIMPLE PERSIAN SALAD Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 2 medium cucumbers, seeded and diced 4 medium tomatoes, diced 1 medium red onion, diced 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint or parsley 2 tablespoons fat-free feta cheese, crumbled 2 medium limes, juice only 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon black pepper In bowl, stir cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mint and feta. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes. In small bowl, whisk lime juice, oil and pepper until well blended. Pour dressing over salad, tossing gently to coat. Nutritional information per serving: 88 calories; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber. â?‚

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 13


14 | summer 2019


ON•TREND

more comfortable and gives them the ability to truly relax without feeling on display to the neighbors. If your outdoor entertainment space is going to be located a significant distance from the main house, additional amenities such as storage and beverage centers may make more sense. The opposite is true if your outdoor area is really an extension of the indoor space and only a couple steps away. The smell of a nice steak or hamburger on the grill can make your mouth water but smoke from the grill constantly blowing inside the house is a nuisance. Your outdoor kitchen should be located properly to take advantage of prevailing winds on a site to limit this kind of occurrence.

Outdoor Entertainment Areas Take the Party Outside In recent years, outdoor entertaining areas have grown in popularity. With the busy lifestyles of this day and age, these areas have become a place for people to unwind after a long day. They also offer an opportunity to extend our living areas outside our homes. And, as with the interior space of your home, kitchens are often the hub of activity and focal point in many outdoor gatherings. Whether it is an outdoor dinner party, a relaxing meal with the family, or a romantic dinner for two, an outdoor kitchen and entertainment area naturally brings people together and can be a valuable addition to any home. A cool breeze, the smell of fresh flowers, and the many soothing sounds of nature or favorite music are among the many elements enjoyed outside. But being outside does not mean we have to sacrifice comfort, privacy, or the amenities of indoor rooms or kitchens. Today (yes, even in Michigan) outdoor entertainment areas can feature full kitchens including working sinks, weather proof cabinetry, refrigerators, icemakers, warming drawers, and trash and recycling centers. The cooking options are not lacking either. From charcoal grills and infrared burners to wood-fired ovens and smokers,

today’s outdoor spaces can provide the right tools for all of your favorite meals. While the possibilities for your outdoor entertainment areas are nearly endless, there are a few things to keep in mind with any project. Planning ahead and thinking through the details will pay big dividends in the end and help eliminate headaches along the way. Think about the last barbeque party you attended. Where did everyone gather? Was there enough room for serving? Food preparation? Eating? Even walking back and forth between these areas? All of these things may seem obvious but are often overlooked in the design of entertainment areas. The best outdoor spaces foster the natural flow between the outdoor kitchen and patio with the indoor kitchen and dining room, seamlessly. In addition to allowing yourself enough space, there are several other items to consider to get the most out of your outdoor area. Structures such as overhead roof areas, awnings or shade pergolas can provide relief from the sun or rain. They also help enclose and define the scale of a space. A somewhat enclosed or protected area tends to make people feel

Designing a space that is both comfortable and functional may seem overwhelming. A well planned and carefully thought out design can accomplish all of these things in any space. With homeowners placing a greater value on the outdoor experience, there are endless opportunities to create that special spot. It’s always a good idea to enlist the talents of a landscape architect or designer when you’re interested in designing and building an outdoor entertainment area. So until next time ... let’s get cooking and enjoy our beautiful summer weather on the patio! 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 | 15



TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN IMAGES BY ASHLEY AVILA

vision

ACCOMPLISHED

W

When building your dream home, it often comes down to finding the right people who can interpret your vision and bring it to reality; sometimes that takes a little trial and error. These homeowners had a distinct vision of what they wanted for their new home. So, when a lot came up for sale in their neighborhood that captured their imagination, it was time to build. “We were inspired by contemporary, French country design and knew what we wanted to see come to fruition in our family’s home,” they stated. “Doug and Amy McKee of Daeco Builders owned the lot and with the recommendation of friends who had used Kerry Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Design to draft their own build, we set up an initial meeting.” “The homeowners were originally drawn to Modern Farmhouse design,” explained McKee. “Their love for this style started us on the journey to designing a home that would complement their needs as well as abiding by the architectural design requirements of the development.” Their dream home now had to fit the homeowner’s association guidelines without compromising on their vision. “In my 30 years of building,” said McKee, “my passion is to keep the small ideas as important as the big ideas and to pay attention to how the home feels during the design process. We believe in developing true partnerships where full participation in the process is not only welcomed, but encouraged. Daeco Builders has the experience and expertise to provide the guidance needed to help transform dreams into reality; and to translate personal vision into the home of your dreams.”


Childhood friend Colleen Raye Dawson of Raye Design was a natural choice to guide the interior design of the home as she was quite familiar with the owner’s hopes and dreams and had helped immensely with a previous home update. “I had never worked with Daeco until this project,” said Raye. When we met, it was like a puzzle that came together perfectly. Everyone was on the same page which made for great communication on design concepts and implementation. It was very much a team effort. “Kerry Fitzpatrick listened to every single thing that was important to the home owners which was so refreshing after what they had experienced before,” she added. Fitzpatrick explained his design process which his firm uses on every project: “Every homeowner has their personal vision of a dream home; once I’ve heard their desires and wishes, I facilitate putting together a set of structural prints. 18 | summer 2019


An expansive open-plan living and kitchen area has a lofty feel with a ceiling that soars over 16 feet above. The scale is in perfect balance as the beautiful beams, built-ins framing the fireplace, and cabinetry give dimension to the grand space. Exquisite furnishings from The Home Studio complete the vision. Sculptural Kelly Wearstler art deco chandeliers stand out in the dining and great room areas without overpowering the space.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 19


20 | summer 2019


“My job is to make sure that the house is efficient to build, and that its layout is functional and practical for the way they live. Sometimes I need to educate people as to what works and what doesn't from past experience. Once the process begins, we’re constantly evolving and refining; sometimes with the builder because of cost, or maybe the interior designer because of looks.” One refinement to the preliminary drawings was that the original board and batten exterior morphed into stucco to flow better with the more traditional neighborhood facades. A cement stucco product called Sto was selected to provide a continuous air and moisture barrier, drainage, and low-maintenance finish. With the input of the build/design team and the homeowners, the home is neither contemporary, French country, nor Old-world, but has a fresh vibe that defies labels. Fitzpatrick describes McKee as a hands-on builder who has a very good understanding of what the end product is going to look like and one who continues to give his input throughout the process not only because of cost, but because of aesthetics.

The centerpiece of the kitchen is the hood. Its massive six-foot-long scale is softened by its brass, matte-finish. An integrated convection cooking surface contributes to the clean, streamlined space with its polished quartz counters and backsplash from Premier Granite and Stone. The muted colors of the oiled, white oak floors from Century and the radiant heat below foot provide a comfortable backdrop to the home.

“A side-loading garage helped us site the home to capture that view of the woods out the back of Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 21


The aesthetic of mixing old with new is appreciated in the checkerboard marble floor from Century in the six-foot wide hallway. Colleen of Raye Design has known the owner since she was 5 years old and knew she’d appreciate the space’s unique artwork. The butler’s pantry was given a moody, high-contrast treatment with slate cabinets, grey quartz counters from Premier Granite and Stone, and an antique mirrored backsplash. Originally the office space was completely walled-off. What would have felt like a tight hallway is now made to feel spacious and flooded with light from the framed glass wall.It was very important to the homeowner to have all of the spaces in the house be open, accessible, and usable.

the house. Doing a project of this caliber, we’re focused on getting a substantial amount of glass where it counts. Once a structural set of prints comes together including: roof system, heels (truss height), foundation, footings, beams, and windows, I’ve run my race and I hand off the baton. On the inside, the front door opens up to a structural cavity consisting only of plywood studs. That’s where Colleen comes in to fill the cavity with all the finished touches. She’s selecting everything from the type of trim and floor coverings; to cabinets and hardware, and she's making it come alive.” McKee points out that carefully watching how the floor plan is laid out and considering the front approach to the home is critical. This home’s expansive front porch is gracious and welcoming while the side entry is spacious and bright for family members. “I have always enjoyed building homes with balance–streamlined design with rich and unique details,” McKee added. “Colleen was instrumental in these areas among so many more. She had fresh and original ideas and knew how to work with different spaces and views that certainly ben-

22 | summer 2019




efited the way our teams collaborated. Together, we created a home that is comfortable and welcoming while not too plush and sumptuous.” In contrast to the very horizontal lines of the home, the custom-designed, solid white oak front door is gently arched. Its hand-applied limed oak finish makes a dramatic statement and its white-washed appearance looks like something from a vintage, French country house. The doors open into an expansive open-plan main floor living and kitchen area. The ceiling soars over 16 feet overhead. It’s a true credit to Colleen and McKee and his team that the scale and enormous size go undetected. Instead, the beautiful beams, built-ins framing the fireplace, and cabinetry are a display of the unique workmanship at which Daeco excels.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The owner’s suite is again right-sized and a sitting area offers the couple a place to relax and enjoy their peaceful wooded view with coffee in the morning. The iron canopy bed was custom-built and makes a striking centerpiece in the room. Large porcelain faux marble tiles and a beautiful white oak vanity with the big brass mirrors creates an oasis of luxury in the en suite bathroom. ABOVE: A colorful interplay of textures and patterns in the child’s room and a wall of smoky mirrored closets created a hip bedroom that a young child can comfortably grow into.

“We wanted a space that both met the needs of our family of three, while incorporating some level uniqueness that reflected our gravitation toward simplicity but with a measure of grandeur,” the homeowner added. “The great room with its tall, beamed ceilings and clean stucco on the front of the house reflect our vision well. We wanted to use texture, patterns, and a simple color palette (or lack of color) to keep the home elegant and timeless.” The home is “right-sized” with no wasted space. It was very important to the homeowner to have all of the spaces in the house be open, accessible, and usable. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 25


The contemporary backyard hardscape by Kappes Landscapes features blue stone planking. Boulder retaining walls were grouped to create pockets holding plantings of boxwood, unique grasses, and dogwood for visual interest viewing from the home. Ghost wood was used to create a beautiful and economical fireplace surround on the porch. The wood looks reclaimed, but is actually created in a six-step eco-friendly process using wood salvaged from wildfire and beetledestroyed forests.

26 | summer 2019


The custom-designed, solid, white oak front door from RJ Raven is gently arched. Its hand-applied, limed oak finish makes a dramatic statement and its white-washed appearance looks like something from a vintage, French country home. The home’s expansive front porch is gracious and welcoming.

This smaller footprint allowed the homeowner to invest in stunning custom details. “McKee and his entire team personify the definition of what a custom builder does. Everything in the home is custom built; there is no prefabricated trim work or cabinetry. The sky was the limit and whatever we designed they were able to implement so flawlessly,” Colleen stated. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the hood. Its massive six-foot-long scale is softened by its brass laminate, matte-finish — typically used in commercial applications. An integrated convection cooking surface contributes to the clean, streamlined kitchen space with its polished quartz counters and backsplash. The muted colors of the oiled, white oak floors and the radiant heat below foot provide a comfortable backdrop to the home. “Because I’ve known the homeowner since we were little girls, I know she is fashion-forward and has a keen sense of style,” notes Colleen. “She gave us free rein, which is rare, and that is when the magic happens. We would present concepts in the meetings, and the owners would leave us with concrete decisions; there wasn't a lot of mulling.” Colleen’s aesthetic is the ability to mix old with new which is appreciated in the checkerboard marble floor in the six-foot wide hallway. She also likes to mix metals to create a layered dynamic although she tends to stick to one of two tones like the matte, antique and burnished brass used throughout this home. Colleen repeats this vivid graphic interplay of light and dark throughout the interior to add edge and glamour.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 27


Crafting Beauty Since 1980

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

“Lighting is probably my most favorite part of the design process,” Colleen shares. “Our studio has opened a lot of different lighting lines that aren’t readily available or easily purchased. That gives a different vibe to our projects. The right fixtures play off each other and make for a very cohesive space. It is like jewelry for an outfit; it finishes it off and pulls it together.” A great example is the sculptural Kelly Wearstler art deco chandeliers that stand out in the dining and great room, but do not overpower this space. The butler’s pantry was given a moody, high-contrast treatment with slate cabinets, grey quartz counters, and an antique mirrored backsplash. “Special mention needs to be made of the cabinetry here and in the owner’s suite and half bathrooms,” noted Colleen. “We designed this beautiful thin perimeter with the slight bevel which is really hard to find and Doug McKee’s team built all of the doors and floating vanity furniture by hand. It was so fun working with him because there was a sense that anything was possible!”

Let RJ Raven design and build your perfect door!

RJ Raven

255 Cottage Grove SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Custom doors and windows

616.245.5684 www.rjraven.com

The owner’s suite is again right-sized and a sitting area offers the couple a place to relax and enjoy their peaceful wooded view with coffee in the morning. The iron canopy bed was custom-built and makes a striking centerpiece in the room.

“I have always enjoyed building homes with balance–streamlined design with rich and unique details”

A DIVISION OF SUMMERLAND ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS, LLC

Keeping you warm from the inside out!

Large porcelain faux marble tiles and a beautiful white oak vanity with the big brass mirrors creates an oasis of luxury in the en suite bathroom. Custom built-ins in the large walk-in closet create a place to pamper and organize. A colorful interplay of textures and patterns in the child’s room and a wall of smoky mirrored closets created a hip bedroom that a young child can comfortably grow into. The en suite bathroom features a custom-built vanity, sophisticated white peony wallpaper and penny tile flooring.

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 28 | summer 2019

The downstairs is warmed by natural light and radiant heated floors. Originally the office space was completely walled-off. What would have felt like a tight hallway is now made to feel spacious and flooded with light from the framed glass wall. Opposite is a workout room also rich with light because Colleen designed a custom-built, seven foot wide, sliding white oak door with glass panes. The graphically dark and dramatic bar area features high-gloss painted cabinets, onyx stonelooking quartz and a textured grasscloth backslash. Gold piping shelving provides an unexpected contrast.


RETAIL & TO THE TRADE SHOWROOMS

the

S

HOME

TUDIO

&

furniture design accessories www.thehomestudio.net

616.774.9200 3850 29TH ST. SE KENTWOOD, MI 49512

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 29


McKee used ghost wood to create a beautiful and economical fireplace surround on the porch. The wood looks reclaimed, but is actually created in a six-step eco-friendly process using wood salvaged from wildfire and beetle-destroyed forests. Perennially favorite landscape architect Gary Kappes of Kappes Landscapes was brought in after the home was well underway to frame its features in the best light. “The hardscapes were very important to me with this home,” explained Kappes. “An expansive motor courtyard needed enclosure, so I used the simple linear design of a painted brick wall and capped it in bluestone. Japanese maples straddle the entrance and add a burst of burgundy color against the soft, neutral house color. Millennium allium will offer large globes of lavender-pink flowers. “There's very little room between the driveway and the house, so we kept it very simple and contemporary with linear plantings. We relied more on evergreen than deciduous so there’s yearround interest. “We created a very contemporary backyard hardscape with blue stone planking. Boulder retaining walls were grouped to create pockets holding plantings of boxwood, unique grasses, and dogwood for visual interest viewing from the home.” “Landscape design is often overlooked because it’s the last itemized expense of most builds,” stated the homeowner. “Gary made it clear that landscaping was instrumental in making a house a home. We had some ideas when we first met with Gary, but frankly, his vision and design blew our ideas out of the water, while yet incorporating them!” The home turned out even better than we could have ever envisioned,” declared the homeowner. “We always looked forward to our design meetings with Colleen as she made the design process so collaborative. She is an extremely talented designer who understood our vision in terms of functionality, aesthetics and timelessness. “The material finishes, landscape/hardscape, and beautiful setting all contribute to a very cohesive home. Doug McKee was our advocate throughout the design and build process and his team brought Kerry Fitzpatrick’s renderings to life in a way that only a custom builder can.” ❂

REGISTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 4353 THREE MILE RD. NE GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49505

616.363.6400 www.kappeslandscapes.com

Beautifying West Michigan for two generations ... 30 | summer 2019

BUILDER Daeco Builders INTERIOR DESIGN Raye Design BUILDING MATERIALS Standard Lumber FINISH HARDWARE Modern Hardware FLOORING Century FRONT DOOR RJ Raven FURNISHINGS The Home Studio LANDSCAPING Kappes Landscapes QUARTZ Premier Granite & Stone WINDOWS Standard Lumber


Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 31


Crafting the Extraordinary in Timeless Style

616-682-2422 Daecobuilders.com

Creating innovative and comfortable homes of superior quality and exceptional value. Inside and out, from top to bottom, beyond what you can see — and what you can't see — a Daeco home is known by its uncompromising testament to quality.


ON•TREND

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Installation Considerations by Standale Home Studio Choosing flooring products of any kind, can be a challenge. There are many options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) are waterproof flooring options that are gaining in popularity every day because of their durability, ease of maintenance, “look-alike” qualities and budget friendly price points. But, what is the best installation method for your conditions? I would like to discuss some installation factors to consider when deciding on the floor that’s right for you. There are many manufacturers of vinyl plank flooring. Each have their own finishes and cores, all claiming to be the best, but they fail to make the consumer aware that the site conditions have some very strict requirements. When determining the installation method used, Mannington Mills does an excellent job giving multiple options within the same product style. The most common method of installing a vinyl plank or tile is “floating.” Mannington’s version of the floating floor installation is called AduraMax. The sizes can vary in width, length, and thickness and are installed using a fold and lock method. Many will have an attached pad to help reduce noise. Most manufacturers require that the subfloor be no more that 3/16-inch in a 10-foot span. Any crowns or dips in the floor will need to be repaired to fit within those tolerances. It’s surprising how this type of flooring has been promoted to float over subfloor imperfections when there are such strict guidelines. Mannington’s answer to this subfloor imperfection problem gives customers an option to the floating installation method. Many of their vinyl plank, and vinyl tiles may be purchased in a glue-down format called “FLEX.” This is a vinyl plank that is a square-edged product that can be glued directly to the floor. In most cases it is necessary to install an approved ¼-inch underlayment for best results. Mannington also offers a substitution to the ¼-inch plywood underlayment, called “MUL.” This is a thin layer of what I call “sheet felt vinyl” underlayment. This can be laid over the existing subfloor to which the FLEX style can be glued. This will help bridge some imperfections, but it is still important to have your floors clean and dry with minimal variances. The biggest advantage of this system that it is less costly than ½-inch plywood underlayment. There is one more option with Mannington’s Adura collection of vinyl called “Rigid Core.” This is a thinner version of the AduraMax but can withstand a wider temperature variance due to its core construction, so it is used mainly in places like cottages where the heat may be reduced at times when not in use. I hope this helps you to understand the guidelines we use everyday to help clients choose the right floor for their conditions. As a retailer, we strive to offer floors that are installed using the correct method, as we warrant not only the materials, but the installation as well. It is very important to find a retailer you can trust. Standale Home Studio also offers on-site measurements at no cost to help you determine what floor is best for you. Since 1987, Brent Hart has been immersed in the flooring industry. He started as an installer and worked diligently to perfect the craft under a very patient and meticulous mentor. With considerable installation experience under his belt, Brent moved into flooring sales and has been a huge asset to both retail clients and builders with his extensive knowledge of both product and installation methods.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 33


GRANITE, MARBLE, QUARTZ & OTHER NATURAL STONE

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.

3970 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park 34 | summer 2019

(616) 785.3088

www.great lakesgranite.com


ON•TREND Designers source from businesses that are sustainable, minimizing their impacts on the environment at the micro and macro levels. For example, a designer is more likely to source products that are manufactured by businesses that limit the use of chemicals and destructive by-products, so that what you place in your home will maintain a better measure of indoor air quality. Because designers care about these factors, and not just price, they might suggest products at a higher cost than “comparable” products. But remember, so much of what you purchase is invisible. Designers are mindful of a product's unseen characteristics, and provide a clear conscience for clients every step of the way.

Buying From Your Designer: Discounts, Exclusivity and Integrity Do you believe you’re saving money by buying products directly, instead of through a designer? Perhaps you've been persuaded by the misconception that it is more costly to purchase through a designer. But simply put, this is false — a common misunderstanding among consumers. When you harness the relationships and buying power of an experienced design team, everyone wins, and you actually obtain more value in many ways. So if you’re wondering, “What are these advantages?”, let us help you make sense of the process in three easy ideas: Discounts, Exclusivity and Integrity 1. DISCOUNTS: YOU PAY LESS

Designers give discounts to clients – prices lower than any obtainable by the general public. They can manage this because, as businesses themselves, designers have buying power not available to just anyone. Most designers compare their purchase pricing to what a consumer would pay retail. Retail is a term used to describe the cost of goods sold to the general public, and is often noted as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). “Retail” is the method that most people use for making an off-the-shelf or online purchase.

cally for design professionals). This is how they can pass on savings to you, the client. 2. EXCLUSIVITY: YOU ACCESS THE BEST

Designers have exclusive access to quality goods that are not available to the general public anywhere. That means utilizing a designer is the only way to buy some of the most beautifully crafted furnishings and interior goods available. These makers and vendors are known as to-the-trade sources. There are many manufacturers that sell wholesale – only to other businesses. Every industry has evolved into a rich network of makers and sellers who rely on each other, to ensure that goods are made, transported and sold with the highest levels of respect for the consumer. Trade only sources are a part of this history. They trust that designers are excellent sales people, and will continue to be repeat customers. They spend time and money cultivating their relationships with trade professionals. They do not publish pricing, or make goods available to the public in a retail setting; clients are treated to exclusive access by working with a trade professional.

Designers are businesses. Even when a designer discount passes to a client, the designer also profits from that exchange, and the value of their work is 100 percent worth it. Designers save time by avoiding costly mistakes, and bring years of experience to the acquisition of large, expensive pieces for your project. Generally, there is a deep ethical sense to do right by the client, and that personalized approach is priceless. THE BOTTOM LINE: EVERYONE WINS

Designers want clients to purchase through them to obtain the best price and highest levels of client care and satisfaction; however, it is still possible that the designer price might not be the absolute “lowest” price for a product. Most firms try to be competitive and avoid these sourcing conflicts by buying to-the-trade only. Designers are uniquely transparent about costs and purchase management fees. Contracts always spell out the terms of purchasing through a designer, and should explain the advantages to the client. The idea that designers “price gouge” or are “greedy” is an absolute myth. An ethical designer will always charge with fairness, openness and honesty. Designers simply want clients to have the best possible products at the best possible prices. By placing trust with a designer, clients can take home a more personalized and luxurious product. Instead of paying a commission to a stranger, it is directed toward the trusted professional you hired to complete your project and specify the goods. So, the next time you consider purchasing furniture, fixtures or fabrics on your own, why not check out your options through a qualified designer who will work in your best interest? We suspect you will be delighted that you did!

3. INTEGRITY: YOU BUY ETHICAL PRODUCTS

Most retail stores are vendors, and do not make the products they sell. The cost of a product from manufacturer to retailer is hidden, and is based on several factors that vary widely by store, supplier and industry. Designers have the option of buying wholesale (direct from the manufacturer) or at a discount from retail (a price from vendors that sell to the public, but lower, thanks to special trade programs and incentives specifi-

Designers purchase ethically sourced products and materials. Discerning designers are mindful of the labor practices of their manufacturing partners, ensuring that workers have not been endangered or exploited. An astute designer will make sure they understand the origin of all products they specify and purchase – from the source of raw materials, to who made it, how it was made, and how it arrives at its final destination.

Jennifer Butler Design is a full-service commercial and residential interior design firm in Michigan. They improve the lives of their clients with elevated style in sustainable, sophisticated spaces. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 35


a

light within

Grand Rapids native and renowned artist Jacqueline Gilmore is playing with fire. Literally. For her ongoing series of lit matchsticks, Playing with Fire, she has been studying flames of varying shapes, sizes and intensities. It has garnered her critical and commercial success. While honoring the accuracy of Realism, the paintings also encourage one to think more critically about our current social climate. Titles such as “Flamer,” “Hottie,” and “Match.com” evoke, with wit, controversial topics that have, she says, ignited deep divisions in our society. “We have to hold ourselves accountable for what we say,” she explains. “Our words can do real harm, and cause real hurt. If we aren’t critically thinking about what we say — at cocktail parties, on social media, wherever we are — we are playing with fire.” The combination oil and mixed media paintings of flaming matchsticks have been pouring out of Gilmore for over a year. Admittedly, she’s kind of obsessed. When she digs her heels in, she’s committed to an idea. She curls into herself in an oversized leather club chair in her graciously warm studio on her family’s forty acre property, just north of Grand Rapids. The vaulted walls are lined with knotty pine; full-height windows overlook the sylvan ravine and pond beyond. The air smells of sandalwood and fresh linen. It’s reminiscent of a mountain lodge interior, but without any forced effort to emulate authenticity. This is a space well curated, and deeply personal.

TEXT BY ANDY YATES PHOTOS BY BETSY BEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Her rich eyes sparkle simultaneously with the intensity of her creativity, and the kindness of her spirit. Instantly you comprehend her depth. It is refreshing that she is absolutely not a cliche; she does not slip into self deprecation or cynicism. For an artist, one might say, a rare quality. Her outlook is overwhelmingly compassionate and optimistic. Her sincerity is as striking as the bold style of her diverse body of work. Surrounded by her work, she recounts the beginnings of her artistic life. AN ARTIST IS BORN ... (ARE THEY?) Gilmore believes that her artistic nature is intrinsic. Growing up in Ada, she recounts the variety of handmade gifts she created for friends and family as a


child: custom holiday and birthday cards, t-shirts, ornaments, toss pillows, etc. A raw talent, for sure, she credits her parents for fostering her exploration, and giving her the tools and freedom to create — in her opinion, a dwindling concept in our society. “A lot of people say you’re born with it. Probably some of that’s true,” she says. “But I think it’s what tools you give children. Think about how early in life we pull art class out of education. How many times do we see young parents handing tablets to little kids, instead of something to draw or color with? A lot more people could be more creative if given the tools.” She is quick to note that her parents not only encouraged her talent, but also gave her the practical skills to transform it into a vocation. She recalls working in tandem with her father - when the “country” look was en vogue — to sand, paint and sell wooden ducks he would carve on his table saw. “Both of my parents were entrepreneurial business people, so they taught me how to market, sell and

make a living with art,” she says. “I think that’s why I was able to represent my own work, and own my own gallery, rather than always need to look for another gallery to speak for me.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: Artist portrait Hottie Oil on canvas 48"x48"

HER FORMATIVE YEARS She began more seriously painting and studying the masters when she was fourteen. After graduating high school in West Michigan, she set out for London, on a scholarship, to study at the American College of Art & Design. Traveling throughout Europe and immersing herself in the Masters, she also studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Perugia, Italy. Returning to the States, she landed in New York, where she had previously attended one year of high school. While there, she turned to waitressing and other odd jobs — what most eager young artists experience — to fund herself. She was stopped on the street in the city one unsuspecting afternoon, and almost immediately signed with a major modeling agency. The schedule was grueling, juggling the demands of high fashion and working toward her degree, trying to find her way as a budding artist. While she was deeply interested in the cre-

ABOVE: Playing with Fire collection Oil on canvas

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 37


THIS PAGE: Ashes to Ashes Oil on canvas 180"x90" Lessons of the Bamboo Oil on canvas 180"x90" OPPOSITE PAGE: ART-ECTURE Enamel on Steel with digital media

“You certainly don’t graduate from art school with a demand higher than your worth. You really earn your reputation through your portfolio,” she says. “My first paintings were very Impressionistic. I was influenced by my trip to Gervernes, Monet’s garden. I would tweak colors to a client’s palette with their designer. Concessions that I am grateful that I don’t have to make now.” Admittedly, those early days could be rough. Though doors might have opened to her because of her position and reputation as a gallerist, she still faced harsh criticism from respected voices. These critiques, though difficult, only propelled her to re-examine her work, reform her strategy, and to leverage the feedback to her advantage as an entrepreneur. ative side of the industry, the work exposed her to the more unpalatable aspects of its commercial appetites. Her personality and humanity, she recalls, took a back seat to her continually-critiqued physical appearance. “I kept trying to talk to people, be funny and sell myself, as an artist. But it was not about what was inside. What I look like is the least important part of who I am. It does not define me.” HOME AGAIN AND NEW BEGINNINGS After returning to Grand Rapids and completing her BFA in Sculpture at Kendall College of Art and Design, Gilmore set out to make a name for herself on her home turf. In 1997, she opened her own art gallery, Riley Galleries, with her then partner. They were met with almost immediate success, and focused on curating a different art viewing and buying experience. “We wanted to create a gallery that was not the typical, intimidating four white walls, with an icy receptionist, and no prices anywhere,” she recounts. “We wanted to breakdown that vibe of a pretentious, out-of-reach art world, and make it more comfortable.” 38 | summer 2019

They represented dozens of diverse artists from around the world, turning different solo shows virtually every thirty days. But the demands of the administrative, sales and inventory pressures usurped her personal creativity. For years, she sacrificed her own productivity to run the business, cultivating and mentoring artists at the cost of her own career. So when life gave her the opportunity to leave the business, enter into a new marriage and start a family, she knew it was the right time to make the change. For the last 17 years, she has been a full-time fine artist, living and working from her wooded sanctuary, creating the art that burns inside her. BUILDING THE BRAND Though Gilmore was very experienced in the art world, and well-connected through her gallery work, she recalls still having to pay her dues in her solo career, working her way up the ranks. Early on, the necessity to sell and build a personal brand forced her to act as a “painter for hire,” which helped to establish her reputation and worth. In those early days, it was just about the fulfillment of painting and the joy of personal expression — even if it was at the whim of the buyer.

“I’ve faced a lot of “no thank yous” and “you're not ready,” she recalls. “You do what you have to do to climb the ladder. Just like any job, you earn your position. You get promoted by the world. Thank god artists keep going, despite the criticism.” These days, the wife and mother of four spends her time painting year round, to show annually at Art Basel, the Miami arm of the wildly successful International program exported to Miami from its home in Germany. Through accolades, awards and several high-profile shows, she has earned the ability to do this, not taking for granted how hard and long she has worked to achieve this goal. Her showings —often of a large scale, indicative of her ability to create large inventories and massive, intricate projects —draw celebrity admiration and critical acclaim (for the most part, she says). It is a testament to cutting her teeth in the traditional art world, bringing along the lessons instilled by her parents (work hard, keep an inventory, always look ahead). “If you’re fortunate enough to sell art that you believe expresses your message, and you’ve made no concessions to make it, it may be more prof-


itable at these shows,” she explains. “At this stage in the game, I want to paint what I believe in.” She has also shown at SOFO Chicago, Art Aspen, and right here in her home town, at ArtPrize. She applauds the festival for engaging the public of West Michigan with artists and creators from all over the world. Her large scale, avant garde installations can often be seen at the B.O.B., incorporating a wide variety of media. Her goal is not to compete for the prize, now, as much as it is to expose new ideas and innovative techniques to the audience. It can be an expensive endeavor, and admittedly the prolific creator has a cadre of unrealized installations in her vault, still awaiting the financing and opportunity to be realized. PROCESS, IDEAS When asked about her process, Gilmore smirks and shifts in her seat. It isn’t that it makes her uncomfortable; she is eager to share the inner workings of her mind, grateful to be asked — that people want to know and understand how a fine artist operates behind the scenes. “When I sit in front of a blank white canvas, it is intimidating. I think, ‘Here we go again.’ Then I start with the idea, the research, the sketch, the underpainting. I hope that maybe it will come alive like it did before.” More often than not, it does. But Gilmore still spends the requisite time on the fundamentals; scale, light, proportion, form, shape, and color. Allowing herself to explore in a structured way helps organize her schedule, and treat the process like any other occupation. This is also an intrinsic part of sourcing inspiration for her. “My palate has changed so much. I hope you would never recognize a color out of the tube on any of my paintings,” she expounds. “They are all custom-mixed. I’ll just spend a day mixing different colors sometimes. It might sound weird to outsiders, but I just see it and work through it, before I put anything to canvas.” So where do her ideas originate? The sources, she says, can be as random as a color she notices outside her studio, or as intentional as the social and political issues about which she is intensely concerned. And sometimes those ideas imbue themselves with a life of their own, and become deeply embedded in Gilmore’s psyche. This was the case with one of her recent successes, the large format forest fire painting entitled Ashes to Ashes. She recalls that every day, she could not wait to get into her studio to continue the journey.

forests to meet the needs of human animal consumption (she is an avid vegetarian) — finally sold at Art Basel, she was thrilled, but understandably in tears. It was an honor, but a bittersweet realization that she would (likely) never see the work again. Thankfully, her husband consoled her in that moment. He helped her realize the inevitable for all artists; you paint to speak a message, and when it resonates with someone, hopefully they purchase your work. One cannot keep everything one creates.

“It is like reading a great book,” she says of the experience. “You can’t wait to see what happens next. [That painting] happened so fast and furious. I saw it in my mind for so long. When I finally began, it came out in about two months which is very fast for a work of that scale.”

Some paintings, she admits, have a much less sentimental pull; they go nowhere. She routinely trashes her share of bad ideas, and has no trouble admitting to it, despite her longevity and success. Self-representation, she notes, is a difficult position to be in. Without a gallery as a buffer and backer, Gilmore must make the tough decisions on what makes the cut, and what does not.

And when the painting — her statement on the astounding rate of deforestation of the rain

“There are years I do very well, even making my quota with one show,” she explains. “And then

there are years I do not sell a thing. That can be heavy — you take a dive and start to question your value. It can be hard on your soul.” She relates the feeling to a recent vacation to Alaska where she and her husband leaped from a helicopter onto a mountain, to ski blindly down a treacherous pass, guided almost entirely by the voice of an instructor on the radio, somewhere in the white vastness below. Was she slightly terrified? Sure. Would she do it again? Absolutely, without hesitation. Jacqueline Gilmore is a force. Her work and life are imbued with the powerful energy that fuels a lit flame. She has built a thick skin and successful brand in a challenging (to say the least) industry. This accomplished woman is certainly adept at navigating everything life throws at her. Rest assured, there is no chance of this bright beacon burning out anytime soon. ❂

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 39


40 | summer 2019


TimelessTrends Design that Makes Sense by Visbeen Architects Looking at past trends in home design can leave you wondering: why did I ever think that was a good idea? Imagine a homebuyer thinking, “Gee, I hope there are laminate countertops.” Or the family of three begging, pleading for separation, for more walls instead of open-concept living. Trends come and go, though, some concepts will never die. Today, we’ll share five hot trends we’re seeing in home design and how we incorporate them into our own projects.

ON•TREND THE USE OF FIRE When designing a space, we like to use fireplaces to add a sense of warmth and relaxation. With the way that the hearth category continues to evolve, it’s allowing designers to put fireplaces in places they could only dream of. With the use of electric fireplaces, we can economically integrate fireplaces into places like kitchens and master bathrooms to add ambiance and comfort. With electric, the heat feature can be turned off or even run as a fan instead. This also enables a wider range of possibilities when it comes time to choose a surround. Unlike wood burning and most gas fireplaces, we can choose surrounds that use materials like wood or drywall and even hang televisions and artwork much closer to the fireplace itself.

RIGHTSIZING Rightsizing is taking the space you have and making the best use of it. It involves a careful analysis of places in the home, how they are used and how they could be better used. A large family may not need a massive home but a well thought out design instead. A larger home requires more furnishings, more expense and higher energy consumption. One example of rightsizing we often see while designing a home for clients is the declining desire for a traditional dining room. Let’s be real, how often do we actually use a formal dining space? Instead, these square feet are being utilized to create a larger great room with an eat-in kitchen. While preparing the meal, the host can stay involved rather than be cloistered on the other side of the house. This space is great for entertaining and is also utilized by the family every day. FLEX ROOMS Flex rooms are a great way to strategically furnish and design a room for a plethora of purposes. If designing a guest bedroom, for example, we can use a Murphy bed to disguise this “bedroom” as an office or even an inhome theater. Slide over the couch or desk and fold down the bed to convert for the in-law’s visit from out of town. Using flex rooms is a great way to give your space versatility while minimizing square footage.

OUTDOOR LIVING Today, more of our fondest memories with good friends, good food and good times, occur outdoors. The typical patio or deck with chairs, a table and grill are now being upgraded to complete outdoor rooms that incorporate many indoor amenities. The integration for indoors to outdoors is architecturally seamless, and includes full outdoor kitchens, dining spaces, overhead lighting and ceilings and more. It’s about creating a total experience, so we’ve been incorporating amenities such as fireplaces and fire tables into home designs. They add beauty and heat that extend seasonal usage. These spaces are great for entertaining large parties without the claustrophobia of the indoors. Once a homeowner has an outdoor living space, they wonder why they didn’t add one sooner. We continue to embrace these emerging trends when designing homes for clients. Though they are “trends,” we can’t imagine any homebuyer complaining about too much storage, a fireplace or an outdoor kitchen space. Whatever the future of home design holds, these five trends are sure to stand the test of time.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS Unsightly clutter has a way of making a space feel small and disruptive. Even the smallest rooms can be packed with storage solutions, it’s just a matter of being creative. One solution, especially helpful with kids, is to incorporate a variety of built-in cabinetry to maximize out-of-sight storage. Built-in shelving in bedrooms provides a place for kids to store and organize their toys. Fabric totes added to these shelves keep clutter at bay. Fairly inexpensive, these drawers can be replaced as the kids age and their color choices mature. Another idea is to integrate pull-out drawers, for clothing, beneath a bed – you’ll be able to utilize otherwise wasted space while eliminating the need for space consuming dressers.

Wayne Visbeen AIA, IIDA, President of Visbeen Architects, Inc., is an architect with more than 30 years experience in retail, residential, commercial design and visual merchandising. After spending much of his life on construction sites, Visbeen went on to study architecture at Lawrence Technological University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and a Master of Architecture degree. He spent time as a senior designer at the Taubman Companies designing more than 100 national prototypes for leading retailers across the nation before launching his own firm specializing in residential and commercial projects in June of 1992. Since the establishment of Visbeen Architects, the firm has received hundreds of national awards, including dozens of Best in American Living Awards and more than 100 American Residential Design Awards. The firm has completed residential and commercial projects throughout the nation, worked in more than 20 countries, and continues to expand internationally with a focus on custom residential home design. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 41


soft

After 25 years, it was time for this home to fully embrace its Lake Macatawa setting. A typical 1990s lake house, it had an adequate footprint, but a very choppy floor plan that needed to be brought up to today’s open concept living.

A

An avid art collector who had curated an impressive collection, it was equally important that the owner’s art find a new home. Although they had no preconceived ideas of how their home should look, they knew what they liked. “The biggest influence was the location and it needed to look like it belonged on the lake without being a beach house,” stated the homeowner. “I want my house to look like me and I want to be comfortable. I don’t care if it isn’t the coolest trend and I’m not afraid of color.” There was no doubt in the owner’s mind who should be on the dream build/design team. The homeowner had known Amanda Huizenga of Amanda Christine Design since she was in middle school and had seen her talent blossom. “So often, you can immediately identify who was the interior designer in a home,” said the homeowner. “The thing that I love about my house is that it looks like me, not Amanda. She doesn’t force her design sensibilities on her clients.” Amanda explains her approach: “I love to make each project special and unique; even down to finishes such as tile, for example. I do not want to repeat that look, but keep it special for that particular project. I have worked on myriad designs ranging from modern contemporary to traditional or historical designs. This variety keeps my look fresh and I am constantly going to shows seeking inspiration.” John Horn of Horn Construction had stepped in to save the homeowner’s cottage project when the previous builder oversold his skills and that quickly became apparent. “Not only is John a wonderful builder; he’s an artist!” enthused the owner. “He can look at the building plans and envision unique possibilities ... he’s a perfectionist and so detailed in his work.”

coastal

flair


TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN PHOTOS BY ASHLEY AVILA


The exterior was reclad with stone and low-maintenance Hardie board. Construction started in May and the owners were able to move in before Christmas which is quite impressive considering that the old stucco home was essentially stripped to its skeleton. Landscape Design Services designed new patio spaces, as well as hardscape connections to the existing walks and pool deck. The planting design navigates drainage concerns, and utilized some salvaged materials from the existing landscape. To create a more spacious feel and open up lakeside views, LDS incorporated a fire pit gathering area.

44 | summer 2019


Amanda teamed with Paul Schneider Architectural Design to flesh out the architectural design. Paul and Amanda have worked together for over ten years and knew the home had to be site-driven to capture the lake views, which also dictated where additions could be placed. “It was very important to create great spaces for entertaining and viewing the lake,” explained Paul. “Once we created the open concept on the main floor including the addition of a four-season porch and expansion of the owner’s suite, the project grew to incorporate designing an open concept lower level with another kitchen, as well.” “It is so huge to have an architect who thinks ahead with layouts and how things should look,” noted Amanda. “Paul is very detailed and had a lot of the wood and trim work sketched in drawings from the beginning of the project.” “Amanda is very adaptable. She's very good at listening to the client, and then giving them what they're looking for and what best suits them stylistically,” added Paul. The home can best be described as soft coastal with punches of artistic flair. John Horn was genetically predisposed to his profession with a lifetime of exposure to the construction trades from his grandfather to his father. Horn Construction grew naturally from those beginnings. Although John has a talented crew of subs, he much prefers working in the field to pushing papers around on his desk. Construction started in May and the owners were able to move in before Christmas which is quite impressive considering that the old stucco home Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 45


46 | summer 2019


was essentially stripped to its skeleton. The transformation required a complex work crew of 35 to 40 people on site at the same time. This home presented several engineering challenges. John had to pour a new concrete floor system over the floor of the old house to ensure everything was straight and level. The low basement ceiling heights required running all of the mechanicals into the attic to keep the limited space free of duct work. Also, with new lake zoning restrictions, they had to determine what structural changes could be made without sacrificing their position on the lake. New roof trusses changed the home’s shape and allowed more dramatic main floor ceiling heights. The exterior was reclad with stone and low-maintenance Hardie board. The homeowners didn’t want to know the details of how the home took shape. They wanted to walk into a brand new home that didn’t resemble the old one and they trusted John and Amanda to make decisions on their behalf.

The home’s best views are found in the four-season porch addition that added another 1,000 square feet to the home. A vaulted shiplap ceiling and walls reveals striking knotty timber cross-bracing. Engineered, wide-plank, white oak floors throughout the home provide a neutral backdrop to allow the art, patterns, and textures to pop in each room. The circular dining room table softens the rectangular effect of the coffered ceilings and transom windows.

The homeowner accompanied Amanda on several shopping trips and with her decisive nature and artistic eye, fell in love with fabrics and tile. It was then Amanda’s job to make sure that their selections flowed together into a whole, cohesive design. A custom mahogany front door opens onto handcut stone tile that defines the foyer. Once inside, Amanda’s ability to mix patterns and subtly repeat Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 47



themes that offer continuity becomes apparent. An example of this is the circular, organic look of the tile that is repeated in lighting fixtures. “Those elements are like jewelry for the home and are such an important finishing element to create a common thread that pulls the home together and creates visual comfort,” noted Amanda. Engineered, wide-plank white oak floors throughout the home provide a neutral backdrop to allow the art, patterns, and textures to pop in each room. Although the plans offered a starting point, it was up to John to lay out the design details at the job site; many of which evolved as the build happened. The living room and kitchen offer lake views but the owners wanted to have divisions of space. Intricate millwork and beams were used to create more intimate seating areas. The owner marveled at how different the home looks from what she and her husband saw in the plans. “I didn’t really know what I was looking at but agreed that it looked good, then John creates this absolutely gorgeous ceiling in my living room!” Coffered beam ceilings with ogee trims and

The oversized 13-foot island is topped with quartzite, hand-selected by the owner. Above the island, an accent paint color was used to highlight the pendant lighting from Kendall Lighting Center and pull the area together. A custom metal hood was created above the Wolf range to add a nautical look to the lakeside kitchen. Adjacent to the space are three sets of doors with antique mirrored glass that house ample pantry storage.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 49


beading surround contrasting color panel insets. A shiplap wall frames the fireplace that features an intricate mosaic Walker Zanger tile surround that tonally plays well with the iridescent kitchen backsplash tile. Arched headers separate the living room from the dining room and kitchen which is designed to be the entertaining hotspot in the home. The work spaces are situated so both the cook and guests have lake views while plenty of light floods in through transom windows. The oversized 13-foot island is topped with quartzite. Honoring her love for art, it was important to the homeowner to select natural stone so she hand-selected the slabs used throughout the home. Above the island, an accent paint color was used to highlight the pendant lighting and pull the area together. A custom metal hood was created above the Wolf range to add a nautical touch to the lakeside kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen are three sets of doors with antique mirrored glass that house ample pantry storage. ABOVE: A shiplap wall frames the fireplace and features an intricate mosaic Walker Zanger tile surround from Duca Tile that tonally plays well with the iridescent kitchen backsplash tile. The living room and kitchen offer lake views but the owners wanted to have divisions of space. Intricate millwork and beams were used to create more intimate seating areas. OPPOSITE PAGE: The lower ceiling height of the lower level is offset by horizontal elements such as the beam work and the tongue and groove ceiling that extend the feel of the space. Durable finishes like porcelain wood-look tile and quartzite counters hold up to guests and family coming inside from the pool or lake adventures. A second kitchen complements food prep for grilled foods coming in from the outdoor patio. 50 | summer 2019

Using that same circular and arched theme, John built the custom cabinet that graces the kitchen with a burst of cheery blue color. The circular dining room table also breaks up and softens the rectangular effect of the coffered ceilings and transom windows. The best views are found in the four-season porch addition that added another 1,000 square feet to the home. Vaulted ceiling with shiplap walls and ceilings reveals striking knotty timber cross-bracing.


French doors and an interior transom window mark the entrance to the owner’s suite and yet another room uniting the textural elements from Amanda’s finish palette. The vaulted shiplap clad ceiling is warmed by the natural-finished knotty cedar beams in this bright, spacious room. The owner’s suite bathroom tile is a reflection of the owner’s mosaic tile hobby and a design element that captures the iridescent qualities of seashells. Arranged in a floral pattern, the tile makes a dramatic feature wall in the shower which is repeated in the insets in the shower and above the free-standing bathtub. The femine flair of this tile is beautifully balanced by darker cabinets. “When you select what you love, especially at the start of a project it becomes the inspiration and driving force for design. For example, we started the tile selection for its artistic beauty early on in the process and that dictated how everything came together,” explained Amanda. Working with the lower ceiling height on the lower level, attention was paid to horizontal elements like the beam work and the tongue and groove ceiling to widen the area Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 51


and vertical lines that push the ceiling up. Durable finishes like porcelain wood-look tile and quartzite counters were used to hold up to guests and family coming inside from the pool or lake adventures. A second kitchen complements food prep for grilled foods coming in from the outdoor patio. Much of the construction was carried out very gingerly to protect the site’s established landscaping. As the architecture took shape, the owners decided to bring in a professional landscape architect, and Jeremy Bakker of Landscape Design Services brought his impressive skills and expertise to complement the lake setting. Landscape Design Services has been a Bakker family business for over a century and Bakker’s roots in the industry are well-established. Bakker’s role was to collaborate with the homeowner and build/design team to design new patio spaces, hardscape connections to the existing walks and pool deck, and the front entry space. This project also required planting design, helping to navigate drainage concerns, and determining materials to salvage from the existing landscape. Using pavers and masonry that echoed the stone work on the home, the front walk, landing, and main entry was transformed into a grand, more inviting space. As much as possible, Bakker reused existing plant materials. Notably, a striking weeping Japanese maple was relocated to the front entry space. To create a more spacious feel and open up lakeside views, Bakker salvaged outcropping slabs and large slab pavers for the patio and incorporated a fire pit gathering area. “I believe the landscape really is an extension of the home,” explained Bakker. “It provides an inviting welcome, creates functional and attractive outdoor entertaining spaces, and offers a smooth transition to the lake, visually and physically.

Paul Schneider ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

616.430.1575 pr-schneider@sbcglobal.net

for

52 | summer 2019

DISTINCTIVE HOME DESIGN

“I really appreciated the teamwork of those involved with this project. I really got the sense that all were pulling in the same direction and the final product shows it.” Plants were chosen to define spaces, flower throughout the summer, maintain winter interest, and provide some privacy as possible without sacrificing views.The owners are thrilled with the artistic sensibility of their color-filled new home. “When I talk about my house now, I tell people that this is how it was supposed to look,” shared the owner. “Everyone captured the vision that I had for me. It really ended up exactly how I hoped it would be.”❂ BUILDER John Horn, Horn Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Amanda Christine ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Paul Schneider APPLIANCES Gerrit’s LANDSCAPING Landscape Design Services LIGHTING Kendall Lighting Center PLUMBING & HVAC CONTRACTOR Parker-Arntz Plumbing & Heating TILE Duca Tile WINDOWS DeLeeuw Lumber


The vaulted, shiplap-clad ceiling in the owner’s suite is warmed by natural-finished, knotty cedar beams. The owner’s bathroom features tile arranged in a floral pattern from Duca Tile and makes a dramatic statement wall in the shower and is repeated in the insets. The femine flair of this tile is beautifully balanced by the space’s darker cabinets.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 53


616.392.7191

HORN CONSTRUCTION exceptional craftsmanship with attention to every detail

The Hunting Lodge

988.560.9120 johnh9120@gmail.com

54 | summer 2019

888.641.3907

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL A full-service plumbing & HVAC company



GRANITE/NATURAL STONE/QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS •countertops • vanities • fireplaces

•Custom tile showers •Kitchen tile back splashes •Tile fireplaces

238 N 120th Avenue, Holland, MI 49424 www.ducatile.com 616.494.0404 Check us out on Houzz!

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

56 | summer 2019


ON•TREND

Appliance Technology Your Perfect Scenario by Bekins While technology can often make life easier, it can also come with some drawbacks. The same is true in appliance technology and it’s important to fully understand how some of the newer smart appliances work in your home before you make your purchase. What is a smart appliance? A smart appliance has Wi-Fi connectivity and performs certain commands from devices like a smartphone or tablet. On the positive side, some of the smart appliance features could come in handy for your day to day life such as getting alerts if your refrigerator stops cooling, having a camera inside your refrigerator for those spur of the moment grocery runs, starting a dishwasher cycle before you get home or starting your morning cup of coffee before you get out of bed. On the other hand, smart appliances are generally more expensive to purchase, can cost more to maintain and many of these features require the perfect scenario for them to work the way they’re intended. Will the camera inside your refrigerator be able to show all angles? What if something is in front of an item you want to see? What if your dishwasher isn’t fully closed and ready for a cycle or what if you forgot to place a cup on your coffee machine for the next morning? We always encourage our customers to think, “Will this truly make my life easier?” It’s an important question to ask yourself because the more features your appliance has, the more that can potentially go wrong. Not only will this cause more of a headache than it solves, but it can also lead to costly repairs. One of the biggest challenges with repairing appliances today is specialized parts. In the past, many universal parts were able to be stocked on the truck and ready at your initial service call. Now, many parts require special ordering. You may be surprised to learn that our technicians must connect their laptop to some newer appliances in order diagnose issues, which is similar to what an auto mechanic would do to fix your car. With so many circuit boards involved, it is becoming more and more rare for a single part to work across a variety of brands or models. As a matter of fact, we sometimes have to dig past your model number and order parts for your unique serial number. If you do feel like one of the smart appliance features is worth it and will improve your daily life, follow these few guidelines to help ensure the best possible outcome. First, make sure to purchase a smart appliance from a reputable brand with quality made products and good part availability. Hopefully, you won’t experience many issues with the smart features of the appliance but if you do, at least you know that parts are readily available to fix it in a timely manner. Secondly, make sure that you purchase the smart appliance from a company that has their own service department. Again, if you do run into problems with the technology, you want to make sure that you can get a trained professional out to fix it for you. If the company only offers an 800 number, has no trained service technicians in your area to complete the repair, or it will take them 4-6 weeks to even get to you, you may feel desperate and replace the appliance instead of waiting for the repair. Technology can offer some great benefits for our day to day lives, but it often comes at a premium. As more and more smart appliances enter the market, the more aware we need to become for the possible increase in cost, and the more we need to ask ourselves: “Will this truly make my life easier?” If you’re still unsure, stop by one of the Bekins state-of-the-art interactive showrooms to test some of these features for yourself. Our trained sales professionals have firsthand knowledge on many of today’s smart appliances and receive valuable feedback from our service department on which products require costly repairs due to the technology they entail.

Erin Hulbert is a Sales Professional at Bekins who specializes in home appliances. She has been in the industry for over 6 years and enjoys using her design background to help her customers through their selection process. Outside of work, she enjoys decorating and design, DIY projects, and spending time with her family. You can visit Erin in the state-of-the-art, interactive Bekins Grand Haven showroom at 735 Washington Avenue. Bekins also has a showroom in Grand Rapids, located at 6275 28th Street SE. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 57



ON•TREND

Choosing a Stone/Quartz Fabricator? What to Consider by Great Lakes Granite Works Not all granite fabricators are alike. The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” definitely applies when purchasing granite countertops. There are many things that can be done to cut corners and install an inferior product. Most customers would not recognize the differences without some schooling, so do your homework and take the time to educate yourself. Your countertop will be a focal point in your home — don’t settle for a less-than-professional fabricated and installed product. Choose your granite fabricator based on research, including references and the length of time the company has been in business. A company with a large inventory of remnant stock is a good place to start. Depending on your project, remnants can be cut to order and polished at considerable savings for smaller projects. Quality fabricators will allow you to view your material before the cutting starts. Visually inspecting the slab you choose allows you to see if there are any unwanted variations in the grain of the granite and if the color is the exact shade you expect. Additional questions to consider before choosing a fabricator: • Do they have access to the very best material or are they buying cheaper material to cut costs? • Do they hand finish the exposed edges, or are the edges waxed, only to wear off in a short time and look dull instead of shiny? • Do they finish the bottom edges and the underside of overhangs so they are smooth to the touch? • Do they have quality equipment that increases the accuracy and quality of the finish? For instance, a digital templater or a water jet saw? • Does the fabricator add extra seams so they can save themselves money by using smaller pieces of granite and sending less installers to carry smaller pieces? • Are the seams consistent and tight? • Do they scribe to the wall so the granite fits the wall correctly? • Do they use a quality sealer? • Do they mill and install ¾” thick backsplash, or do they keep it the same 1 ¼” thickness as the counter? • Do they have a friendly staff with interior design experience, that can assist with selections at no charge if needed? • If there is a problem after installation will they stand behind their product? All of these questions should be researched and answered while planning for new counter installation. When making the decision to grace your home with granite or quartz, remember to do your homework first. Every fabricator has a customer they will serve. It is all about your expectations and which fabricator will serve those the best.

Dawn Burgess has been with Great Lakes Granite Works since 2004. She has an associates degree in interior design and enjoys interacting with clients, designers and builders alike to find the perfect product and style for a project. She and her husband Steve have two daughters, one son, one son-in-law and a granddaughter. Dawn loves traveling to warm climates and scuba diving any chance she gets. Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 59


Home COSMOPOLITAN

presents

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS Miles Builders, Home 9

The best of the best from the 2019 Spring Parade of Homes pictured below want your vote ... Celebrity Builders, Home 2 Muston Construction, Home 41

Tim Verstrate Custom Homes, Home 43

Muston Construction, Home 40

Lown Homes, Home 52 Nugent Builders, Home V2

Sherwood Custom Homes, Home 56 Design Build Concepts, Home 45

LIKE COSMOPOLITAN HOME ON FACEBOOK AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

• https://www.facebook.com/Cosmopolitan-Home-615923745108443/ Best Exterior • Best Interior • Best Site Harmony • Best Kitchen • Best Over-All Voting starts mid-August at www.facebook.com/Cosmopolitan-Home


An Interactive Directory for the Home APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THELIST

CABINETRY

FLOOR COVERING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closet Design (616) 772-1119

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.pellawestmichigan.com www.facebook.com/pellawindowsanddoors R J Raven Corporation (616) 245-5684 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com


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



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.