25 minute read
Modern, Classic, Glam in East Grand Rapids
MODERN CLASSICCLASSIC GLAM
in east grand rapids
TEXT BY LAUREN CARLSON IMAGES BY ASHLEY AVILA
On San Lucia Avenue in East Grand Rapids, a classically glamorous home now graces the beloved neighborhood. The team that created this sometimes glitzy, sometimes conventional house worked in tandem to create a custom home that exuded the residents' penchant for open living spaces, surprising details, and unique material choices. Its larger than life presence doesn't skimp on the extras, yet invites you in for a casual visit in any of its specialized spaces. John Becker, owner of Becker & Sanders LLC, completed the build. “That house is total custom," said Becker, including the cabinets and the unique elliptical stairway (more on that later). Though he noted that his style is “More modern than anything," his team is no stranger to traditional projects.
The kitchen exemplifies open concept living, and is visible from almost every angle on the main floor. The space features two substantial islands topped with beautiful Quartz. Pops of glamour are seen everywhere including the twin, hanging light fixtures above the second island that feature a gold sputnik bulbs encased in a clean black cage.
COMING HOME
Becker has worked with both the homeowners, Sears Architects and interior designer Carly Visser in the past, and noted that the team was a "Good match all around." The team was assembled after owner Lauren Warner identified the original property as the perfect location for her and her husband's next custom build. Right next door to her brother (who happens to live in her childhood home) and just down the road from her mother, Warner sought an opportunity to return to the neighborhood where she grew up.
“[I have] always loved East Grand Rapids,” said Warner. And after completing two custom built homes, most recently in Ada, “We wanted something different.” So when the property next door to her brother was listed for sale, “I immediately called my husband and said, “Let's look at this lot.”
The Warners purchased the lot and initially planned on renovating the existing home. However, after touring the structure with the couple, Becker noted: “It's built like Fort Knox, but it's going to need a lot of help inside.” Ultimately, the couple decided to raze the home in favor of a brand new structure.
“We were able to start with a blank slate and get the house that we wanted,” said Warner.
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN
That blank slate was designed by the team at Sears Architects, including owner Robert Sears and Adam Ohlman. "They knew that our firm does a lot of work in EGR and throughout West Michigan," said Sears. "...and they knew that our work is historically and traditionally based."
Sears and his team developed a 5,300 square-foot home with a finished basement, and an expansive, open floor plan for the ground floor. The exterior design was inspired by French provincial styles, with a stone face and stucco siding. "We really wanted it to have a traditional feel," said Sears, who also added swooping eaves and historic bracket details throughout the exterior.
Despite this traditional first impression, there's no doubt that a modern family resides here. Sears added that the "House lives well for the family," because it includes numerous public spaces for family members to gather. These include the kitchen, breakfast area, living room and the fourseason sunroom toward the back of the home.
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS, IN
Many details throughout the home showcase Sears' desire to create a relationship between the inside and the outside of the house. Seamless transitions between these spaces — like full wrap windows on the sunroom, a carefully designed OPPOSITE PAGE: The butler's pantry is tucked away and allows for easy entertaining and out-of-the-way messes. This specialized room is a complete kitchen on its own.
ABOVE: The main kitchen features an eye-catching black-metal, over-the-range hood. The neighboring upper cabinetry in bright white further highlights this impressive feature, while the lower island cabinetry matches the hood color in Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black.
LEFT: The main floor powder room continues the glamour and includes gold and black hexagonal tile that coordinates beautifully with a black vanity and gold light fixtures.
The home lives well with exceptional furnishings from Klingman’s. The family has numerous spaces to gather including the comfortable living room and the fourseason sunroom toward the back of the home
The sunroom features classic brickwork and the family's very own pizza oven.. terrace in the backyard, and French doors opening onto the breakfast nook — accomplish an intimacy with outdoor spaces.
"That outdoor space was super important to them," said Sears, who understood the Warner's desire to frequently host neighboring family members. A bevy of windows on the back of the house also demonstrate the home's accessibility to extended family and friends.
Warner noted that this sunroom is one of her favorite spaces, one that incorporates both traditional elements — classic brickwork — and modern twists — the family's very own pizza oven by Terrace Precast in Holland, Mich. "It doesn't matter how messed up the pizza is...it still tastes good," she teased.
Spaces to work their culinary magic are abundant in the Warner family's home, with a main kitchen and a butler's pantry, in addition to the beloved pizza oven. This scullery, tucked away on the main floor, allows for limitless entertaining and getting messy with experimental cooking projects. Warner noted that her daughter likes to cook and bake, and this specialized room — complete with a countertop in Statuario Roma Quartz by Dwyer ‚ is a frequented destination for her and her friends. "They can mess that up as much as possible and
it doesn't effect the main kitchen...that was a feature that I really loved," she said.
The main kitchen exemplifies open concept living, and is visible from almost every angle on the main floor. Immediately, the eye is drawn to an impressive black metal over-the-range hood. The neighboring upper cabinetry in bright white further highlights this feature, while the lower island cabinetry matches the color in Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black.
Interior Designer Carly Visser also noted that the seamless surface created by the uninterrupted countertop and backsplash in Statuario Roma Quartz by Dwyer enhance the kitchen's modern appeal. “The kitchen has a unique feature as well...the quartz countertop actually runs up the wall and creates the back splash,” she said.
HINTS OF GLAMOUR
Elements such as these exude Visser's approach to the home's interior design — a style that she has dubbed “modern classic glam.” She noted that Warner “likes clean lines. She was attracted to blacks The dining room features dark walls, select white oak ceiling beams and a sparkly pendant chandelier over the dining room table from Klingman’s. It’s a perfectly chic oasis ideal for dinner parties or formal occasions.
For full-on glam, look no further than the home's elliptical staircase, an element that demanded precise mathematics and careful installation. The softly curving staircase extends from the lower level to the second floor, and serves as the center of the floor plan.
The laundry room offers plenty of space and is clearly more than a place to do laundry. With a wrapping station and a large central island, it’s a go to room for many tasks.
and whites and grays,” but with pops of sparkle and gold. For example, the twin hanging light fixtures above one of the kitchen islands feature a gold sputnik bulbs encased in a clean black cage.
“There's a lot to look at as far as light fixtures,” said Visser, who called these pieces "the jewelry of the home."
The homeowners' tile choices also allowed for a bit of fun and experimentation. In the main floor powder room, gold and black hexagonal tile coordinates with a black vanity and gold light fixtures. In the owner bathroom, 3 by 12 Statuario Honed, Herringbone tile pairs neatly with Straight Set, Statuario Honed, Bull Nose Piece tile in the walk-in shower and also flows effortlessly beneath a large, freestanding tub.
Perhaps one of the home's most stunning tile features is tucked away in the lower level kitchen. Paired with ceiling height cabinetry painted in Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, the backsplash is completed in WOW 6 by 7 mini Hexa Contract Steel. These dark, individual tiles look almost hammered in place, yielding a surprisingly chic industrial look for the lower level’s recreation room and lounge. The Warner's "Loud tile choices," said Visser, "...definitely feed into that glam aspect." In the owner bathroom, Statuario Honed, Herringbone tile flows effortlessly beneath a large, freestanding tub and pairs neatly with Straight Set, Statuario Honed, Bull Nose Piece tile in the walk-in shower.
The modern elements of this bathroom give a spalike appeal. The substantial countertop is beautifully contrasted with gold fixtures and the warm wood of the floating vanity.
For less formal moments, the home's lower level encompasses a casual living room, kitchen, and home gym.
The lower level kitchen features a striking tile feature paired with ceiling height black cabinetry. The backsplash is completed in mini Hexa Contract Steel tiles. These dark, individual tiles look almost hammered in place, yielding a surprisingly chic industrial look. “I kind of gave her free rein,” said Warner about Visser's interior design work. “She knew what I liked and what I needed and just went with it.”
For full-on glam, look no further than the home's elliptical staircase, an element that demanded precise mathematics and careful installation.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
"One of the best features is the stairs," said Warner. Originally designed as a square staircase, she was inspired to switch-up the concept after construction began. "I threw John and his team for a loop," she noted, adding, "It was a process. Thank God for John and his team being very flexible."
Sears noted that the generous and softly curving staircase extends from the lower level to the second floor, and serves as “the center of the floor plan.” In addition, with south-facing windows encasing the stairwell, “It gets a whole lot of light,” he added.
Becker commented that “It was fun and it's a good showcase of our talent.”
With solid wood, rounded treads by Becker and a perfectly fit runner by Prestige Fleetwood in Midnight, “They made that staircase spectacular,” said Warner.
Warner is also a big fan of the dining room, a dark, almost moody escape from the light, bright neutrals in the rest of the home. "I wanted to do something more fun in the dining room, with that space, with the light, she said. "It's more glam in that room...more colorful, yet inviting." With dark walls, select white oak ceiling beams and a sparkly pendant chandelier over the dining room table, Visser effortlessly achieved a chic oasis perfect for dinner parties or formal occasions.
FAMILY LIVING
For less formal moments, the home's lower level encompasses a casual living room, kitchen, and home gym. “The entire lower level is a space where the kids can go down and play and be out of the parents' hair,” said Sears. Unlike the majority of the home, which is finished with luxury vinyl plank flooring, this level is carpeted for floor-sitting comfort.
Complete with a popcorn machine, the lowest level has something for everyone. “We love to sit down there for family movie nights,” noted Warner.
And despite delays due to the pandemic, Warner was beyond pleased with the teamwork and results of her third custom-built home. "This was a year of learning to be really flexible and laughing throughout the process,” she said. “John and his team did everything he could to get us into our house when we needed to get in.”
A traditional yet modern house with both classic and glamorous styling, this home on San Lucia fits seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood while providing a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. ❂
RESOURCE INDEX
BUILDER
Becker & Sanders, LLC
ARCHITECT Sears Architects INTERIOR DESIGN CVI Design FURNISHINGS Klingman’s
Mike Rozzano • miker@CreatedControl.com cell: 616.808.1389 • office: 616.356.2660
faveflashback Spring 2016
HomeHomeCOSMOPOLITAN Grand Rapids
spring 2016 $3.00
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a NEWVIEWpublication
2016: It’s no surprise that most of our favorite home features throughout the years have the title: “The Cosmopolitan Home of the Year.” This home claimed the award in 2016 and it’s easy to see why. Designed by Visbeen Architects with a fabulous kitchen by Gallery Interiors and built by the impeccable Falcon Custom Homes, this beauty is exquisite. From its exceptional floorplan and luxurious finishes to it’s outdoor living space, we are still in awe. It’s the perfect mix of contemporary, warmth and livability. Check out “Not-So-Very Contemporary” again, it does not disappoint. Enjoy!
IN THE ALWAYS-EVOLVING WORLD OF HOME DESIGN, THE CONTEMPORARY FAMILY LIFESTYLE IS BEING MET WITH THE MOST INTELLIGENT OF DESIGNS —
designs that utilize every space, keep everyone organized, feel gracious and warm yet are clean-lined and substantial and, can accommodate large groups for entertaining without a hitch … all while looking fabulous at every angle. These customized, smart designs lead to an ease and joy in living and the 2016 Cosmopolitan Home of the Year demonstrates all of this and more with every space inside and out. Built by Falcon Custom Homes, architecture and design by Visbeen Architects and interior design by Gallery Interiors, this award-winning home exceeds superior standards in siting, construction and, of course, design.
Homeowners Mario and Lidia Piccione had a high level of involvement in the entire process. With three children, the Picciones wanted a home that was comfortable and intimate enough for family life but would also meet their needs for entertaining, both large groups and small. The exceptional floor plan, with its high regard to outdoor living, fits the bill and lives like a dream, giving them everything they wanted and then some.
“Our clients are always involved but Lidia and Mario took it to a higher level,” said Nathan Abbott, co-owner of Falcon Custom Homes. “They were great to work with, to bounce ideas off of — the rapport was always comfortable and that kept the ideas flowing.”
“It was a collaboration unlike many of homeowner, builder, architect, and designer,” said Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects. “And, even more unusual because Lidia, especially, has a great sense of interiors. She was instrumental in tons of what you see here.”
Lidia worked closely with interior designer, Mary Burns, ASID, of Gallery Interiors to achieve a warm, contemporary look, ideal for family life, both immediate and extended. "They have a large family that is very close — this, in large part, drove the design,” said Burns.
The contemporary design with its clean lines, monochromatic color schemes, and extensive windows and glass visually harmonizes with the natural, aged-look of the white oak flooring throughout. The flawless trim work and built-ins showcase the superior workmanship and precision that has become synonymous with Falcon Homes.
When entering through the front door, there is a center core view through the living room. The exterior back wall of Jeldwen windows from Standale Lumber is wider than the room itself allowing for a more dynamic view. The room's dual sided fireplace is shared with an intimate conversation space on the alternate side.
Visbeen's ability to effortlessly sketch out concepts is an exceptional starting point to all his designs. Ideas become a detailed drawing — an accurate visual of what was, just moments before, being imagined, giving the character and the physicality of what's being discussed.
“From a construction standpoint, we're very particular on symmetry and squareness — things being the same” said Abbott. “The cutting lines have to be perfect … when your eye is looking at it — especially on a contemporary home — it jumps at you even more because of the clean lines.”
“This home is a mix — it has a lot of contemporary elements but the textures and colors soften it up and make it warm so it's not sterile or stark,” said Visbeen. “It has a feeling of openness that is not representative of a lot of architecture in West Michigan but, that market is changing and this home is indicative of that.”
“It's exactly what we expected,” said Mario. “And that's because Wayne really brought it to life as we were throwing out ideas.”
Visbeen's ability to effortlessly sketch out concepts is an exceptional starting point to all his designs. The spoken word becomes a detailed drawing — an accurate visual of what was, just moments before, being imagined. “What I do when I draw live is give the character and the impression and the physicality of what's being discussed,” said Visbeen.
“It's a great starting point,” said Lidia. “It's interactive and happening live — it's exciting to see the beginnings, the concepts sketched out.”
The dual-sided fireplace has a horizontal, low profile that maximizes its linear effect with an extending, black surround and large stone work above. The alternate side of the living room offers a relaxing retreat that leads to the owners' suite or opens to the den through glass sliding doors.
The den, with it’s custom builtins, showcases the precision and workmanship that is synonymous with Falcon Custom Homes. Located off the foyer, it has an expanded view of the surrounding areas with a wall of glass sliding doors that allow for privacy or complete openness. Spacious and open, the home flows from area to area but there is a dynamic value found throughout. “There's not any wasted space,” said Visbeen. “When you walk through the front door you see this big, center core view through the living room but a ceiling change here gives the intimacy of a foyer — it feels like there's a room within a room.”
The living room is an exceptional space. The exterior back wall of windows is wider than the room itself allowing for a more dynamic view. The room's dual sided fireplace has a horizontal, low profile that maximizes its linear effect with an extending, black surround and large stone work above. The alternate side allows for an intimate conversation space before entering the owners' suite. The adjoining den also has an expanded view of the surrounding areas with a wall of glass sliding doors allowing for privacy or complete openness.
“There's a very inviting appeal,” said Burns. “It was important to have that warm feeling and we accomplished that with all the layers. The layering process — with all the different textures — gives it the cohesive feel and the warmth,” said Burns. “Texture is even more important than color — you feel texture.”
The owners' suite is framed with sliding wood doors that reinforce the warmth that is felt
throughout the home. The bedroom remains an intimate spot, separate from the bathroom and closet areas, and features a tray ceiling and unique chandelier above. The back wall of windows shares the view of the wooded valley surrounding the home. His and her closets maximize storage and keep wardrobes seasonally organized. The en suite bathroom features heated flooring and a vaulted ceiling. The tile work and large glass-enclosed shower add to the spa-like feel.
The home's kitchen is centrally located and features a symmetrical plan with large island and elegant custom cabinetry. The space opens to multiple surrounding areas that creates an ideal traffic flow when entertaining. Numerous focal points, all designed exquisitely, provide eye-catching views at every angle.
The home's kitchen is centrally located and features a symmetrical plan with large island and elegant custom cabinetry by Gallery Interiors. Contemporary surfaces are reflected in the smooth, quartz from Great Lakes Granite Works and marble back splash selections yet, the painted, inset door cabinets with exposed hinges add desired warmth.
"Sleek, contemporary surfaces in the kitchen are reflected in the smooth quartz and marble back splash selections yet, the painted, inset door cabinets with exposed hinges add a surprise of warmth," said Burns. "This pattern is the common design thread that resonates throughout the home."
The connecting dining room and adjoining bar are significant to the home's entertaining abilities. The bar features a wall of wine storage that adds visual interest and convenience. “When we have people over, this bar is a great area,” said Mario. “The ladies congregate in the kitchen area but the guys head over here and decide what drink we want.”
A large, screened porch takes advantage of the views of the surrounding valley and overlooks the back patio area. From an industry standpoint, outdoor living has become a huge focus of late and this home doesn't disappoint. The back patio is a spectacular space that enables entertaining at its finest. Enormous stamped concrete squares create a luxurious appeal as an
OPPOSITE PAGE: The dining room and adjoining bar are significant to the home's entertaining abilities. The bar features a wall of wine storage that adds visual interest and convenience. The dining room opens to a large, screened porch.
THIS PAGE: The screened porch includes a fireplace offering a cozy appeal on cooler days while taking advantage of the views of the surrounding valley and back patio area.
The view of the home’s rear elevation showcases the impeccable landscaping from Alfresco Landscapes. At dusk the home is a stunning example of the immense talent that contributed to every aspect of the home.
Extra-large, stamped-concrete squares create a luxurious appeal as an indestructible patio covering. Everything was chosen and designed to withstand the elements, including the thick limestone of the ledges that give a feel of both contemporary and rustic. A beautiful canopy of trees frames the landscaping by Alfresco Landscapes while providing privacy yet allows for plenty of sun throughout the day and stunning sunsets in the evening. The gracious area is ideal for future plans of an infinity edge pool. indestructible patio covering. Everything was chosen and designed to withstand the elements including the thick limestone of the ledges that give a feel of both contemporary and rustic. The outdoor kitchen/bar includes everything from favorite libations on tap to a must-have wood fired pizza oven. A Kalamazoo grill, as well as all the essential kitchen appliances, make going indoors for anything obsolete. A roaring fire surrounded by comfortable seating keeps cooler evenings cozy and invites relaxing conversation. A beautiful canopy of trees frames the landscaping while providing privacy yet allows for plenty of sun throughout the day and stunning sunsets in the evening.
“Landscaping and outdoor spacing are often the first things cut because they are last on the list when building a home and there are no resources left,” said Abbott. “We want to have those conversations up front to make sure we do a great job on the outdoor spaces,” said Abbott. “Six to 7 months out of the year, these spaces are used a lot!”
Siting the home presented some challenges with consideration to the placement of the outdoor living spaces. The most desirable vantage points need to be admired from the back patio and porch areas and Falcon Homes mastered the task beautifully. The driveway brings you down a hill to an elegant front elevation featuring sweeping facades with deep overhangs. However, upon entering the home, the view from the rear windows overlooks pristine landscaping surrounded by a lush, wooded valley. “Siting a house is one of my true talents,” said Abbott. “I really have a good feel for it — to be able to get on the lot and know what we have to do. We really balanced this lot well — only needed a couple loads of dirt.”
“You have to have a vision for it — Falcon did,” said Visbeen. “Not everyone has that eye. And, some of the best results come from the toughest or trickiest obstacles. This team was able to see the possibilities despite the challenges.”
“It's very important to have a good sub contractor base that can pull off the quality and details,” said Abbott. “That level of detail is what Falcon does such a great job with.”
The staircase to the upper level is an open and inviting climb, flooded with natural light from the enormous windows that grace the exterior
wall and expose the showpiece chandelier upon arrival in the evening hours. Windows below the landing fill the lower level stair case with significant natural light as well. Extra wide stairs offer a gracious feel. The upper level is dedicated to the family's three children. Three bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms give each child their privacy while an open common space offers a large, comfy sectional for movie viewing and hanging out. A unique step-up, cut out in the wall accesses a kids-only play room that encourages creativity and fun. The space is ideally tucked away so messiness is contained and is conducive to keeping the kids' bedrooms tidy.
The staircase chandelier is just a hint to the artistic lighting found throughout the home. Nearly every space is punctuated with the most elegant chandeliers and sophisticated light fixtures, works of art in and of themselves. “Light fixtures are the jewelry of the home — they're the bling — what people notice,” said Burns. “This home shows the importance of these highend selections beautifully.”
This family home would not be complete without the efficient design of the back entrance area. Here, lockers keep current day coats and items organized while an enormous walk in closet keeps other necessary items close at hand. A large mud room/ laundry room and an immaculate powder room complete the back area that leads to the heated garage that is really an extension of the house with extra high ceilings and an abundance of organized storage.
“If you design a space for everything, it's easier to stay organized in life,” noted Visbeen. This home clearly exemplifies organization at its finest.
There's an evolved style that resonates throughout the home that reveals a sophisticated design aesthetic. The careful balance of sleek and simple with the rustic yet classic elements meets the appeal of most contemporary families. It's easy to imagine living here — the embodiment of retreat, the 2016 Cosmopolitan Home of the Year. Congratulations to all involved. ❂ RESOURCE INDEX BUILDER Falcon Custom Homes ARCHITECT Visbeen Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Gallery Interiors
BUILDING SUPPLY Standale Lumber CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS Hard Topix COUNTERTOPS Great Lakes Granite FLOOR COVERINGS DeGraaf Interiors ELECTRICAL/AV Created Control GARAGE DOORS Discount Door HVAC Bel-Aire Heating & Cooling KITCHEN CABINETRY Gallery Interiors LANDSCAPING Alfresco Landscapes PAINTING Colors Painting PLUMBING FIXTURES Genzink Plumbing STAIRCASE & WOOD FLOOR INSTALLER RT Baldwin STONE Belden Brick
