Detroit Design Spring 2022

THE MAGAZINE FOR FINE INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

Come On In! FABULOUS HOMES FOR EVERYONE FROM GROWING FAMILIES TO EMPTY-NESTERS

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Perfectly Installed Performance Guaranteed What to expect When you Work With us. After signing with most contractors, all you seem to hear are crickets. Sign with Performance Remodeling and we’ll be in contact every step of the way. Delivery dates won’t be a surprise and neither will the installer. You’ll be meeting him when he comes out to measure. He’ll also be there to adjust to your special needs such as pets, landscape/property instructions and any other concerns.

Our workmanship is Lifetime Guaranteed… as are the multitude of premium products we install. This of course requires your complete satisfaction before we call the job complete. We also have a full-time service department to troubleshoot any problems that might arise later. Does that sound like the kind of home improvement

company you’d like to hire? Great. call us or scan the Qr code for your free design consultaion.

(586) 540-6000 14017 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315 windowsroofingsiding.com

ATTIC INSULATION

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Edge Collection

Schedule a Consultation 1977 E. West Rd, Walled Lake, MI, 48390 | (248) 669-7474 3740 Cass Ave. Detroit, MI, 48201 | (313) 831-7770

www.advanceplumbing.com

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Featuring Century Furniture

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TRUST At Gorman’s, we think Trust may be the most important element when furnishing your home.

TRUST Gorman’s has furnished tens of thousands of homes during the last 82 years.

TRUST Gorman’s is financially secure and can execute all your expectations.

TRUST Gorman’s has integrity and will be focused on your individual needs.

TRUST Gorman’s “Must Be Right” policy is a way of life at Gorman’s, not a slogan.

TRUST Gorman’s entire business is built on trying every day to exceed your expectations.

At Gorman’s we are proud of our history. But we know, we will be judged by your next visit. We pledge to make it outstanding.

Beautiful Homes Begin at Gorman’s - start yours today.

TROY Traditional/Transitional West Big Beaver at Crooks 248.649.2070 NOVI Traditional/Transitional Novi Road at 12 Mile Road 248.344.0880 SOUTHFIELD CONTEMPORARY Telegraph at 12 Mile 248.353.9880

www.gormans.com

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This moment

started here.

The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom will help you bring your creative vision to life. It’s an inviting, collaborative space built to inspire you throughout your kitchen project – from planning with our product experts and your designers to making delicious memories in your home.

SCH E DUL E A S H O W R O O M APPOI NTM ENT 1295 N Opdyke Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 • 800-482-1948 • subzero-wolf.com/auburnhills

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THE PAXTON COLLECTION Product availability may vary by location. ©2021 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

Flawless functionality. Superior craftsmanship. Exclusive design.

BIRMINGHAM 33238 Woodward Ave COMMERCE 3260 Old Farm Ln

MICHIGAN DESIGN CENTER Ste 25

248.624.1234 californiaclosets.com

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ON THE COVER

FEATURES

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Family Affair

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New Beginnings

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Michigan on the Move

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Downtown Delight

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California Dreamin’

Bright Future

Cloth & Kind makes over a once-dark and dated Ann Arbor Tudor.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY CLOTH & KIND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO

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A Grosse Pointe Farms-based designer transforms living spaces for young families in two east-side homes.

Noteworthy dwelling offers Bloomfield Hills couple a fresh start.

Birmingham resident finds a slice of paradise in the Sunshine State.

A big part of the draw for this new home is its proximity to the quaint charms of Northville.

West Coast transplants lighten up a 1940s Birmingham Colonial.

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Embracing Change

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Modern Meets Tudor

A pair of empty-nesters crafted a tailored Contemporary for their next act.

This Birmingham new-build features 21st century amenities and all the charm and style of the 1920s.

106 Mistress of the Mix

Annie Kordas blended traditional materials with eye-catching art, captivating colors, and a slight French accent to create her soulful nest.

PHOTOS BY, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MARTIN VECCHIO, KAT STEVENSON, BETH SINGER

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DETROIT DESIGN | SPRING 2022

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virginiatile.com

Product Shown: WOW Grace

BIGGER. BETTER. BOLDER. Visit one of our showrooms for the latest tile and stone trends.

FA R M I N G T O N H I L L S

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GRAND RAPIDS

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ACCENTS

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Botanical Expressions

Cultivate a garden of earthly delights with these decorative elements.

Very Peri Perfect

The 2022 Pantone Color of the Year evokes a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit.

Step Outside

The best part about good weather?

Outdoor entertaining. Here are some ideas for freshening up your party.

LIFESTYLES

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Renovation and expansion result in user-friendly rooms.

Snapshot: Polished Gem

A jewel of a kitchen gleams with dramatic blacks and whites, interspersed with splashes of elegance.

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Snapshot: New Life

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Designs On Regional Beauty

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Snapshot: The Right Fit

This kitchen’s footprint is the same as it was, but the brand-new look is vibrant and ready for entertaining.

Ranch Dressing: Dryden landscape takes its cues from the rocky expanses and purple hues of the West.

Seasons

A bathroom design that’s as refreshing as a spring rain.

IN EVERY ISSUE

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16 Editor’s Letter As Good as Gold

116 Design Resources

Product information.

120 Bravo!

A traditional-but-eclectic parlor features a captivating mix of art and a unique focal wall.

PHOTOS BY: TOP LEFT, BETH SINGER; TOP RIGHT, JEFF GARLAND

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INSPIRED DESIGN to make your dream a reality

Cabinetry: Dura Bria | Door Style: Reese Cherry wood in Toast finish Paintable maple in Naval from Sherwin Williams Countertops: Seville Quartz & Rugged Concrete Quartz Installed by Karmikel Construction KSIKITCHENS.COM | ANN ARBOR

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I BIRMINGHAM I BRIGHTON I BYRON CENTER I GRAND RAPIDS | LIMA I LIVONIA I MACOMB I TOLEDO

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EDITOR’S LETTER

W

hen interviewing interior designer Annie Kordas for this issue’s Bravo page, I couldn’t help but take away some tips that struck me deeply. As I typed her thoughts about wanting to uncover a treasure trove of paintings in her client’s basement, it seemed like she was sharing solutions for my own art challenges.

“They had this insane art in their basement. I told them they were sitting on a gold mine!” Kordas shared with me. The subject matter of the original artwork ranged from people and landscapes to hunting scenes.

Kordas dusted off, reframed, and artfully hung (gallery-style) the fascinating collection on a wall in the couple’s sitting room.

When Kordas referred to the collection as a “gold mine,” she was speaking figuratively, as in having good design opportunities and pulling together a great display using meaningful, heirloom items in a traditional-with-a-twist look.

My mind continued to wander later on, remembering what she’d said. I think I’m sitting on a gold mine, too, I thought to myself, contemplating some of the items I inherited when my siblings and I sold my parents’ home a few years back.

One of my favorite paintings from my parents’ home is now in my possession, but it’s been out of sight and out of mind for a few years. I had relegated it to a spot on the basement floor, leaning up against other forgotten paintings, because it just didn’t seem to fit anywhere in my home.

An original watercolor framed in old barn wood, the painting, by late Flint-area artist Rudy LaRiviere, had gone from center stage in a busy home to a stack of rejects on the floor, with its front facing a wall.

And yet, this countryside snow scene is no reject! Dramatic skies, freshly fallen snow, a charming mailbox, a captivating distant tree line — lovely! My mom and dad had adored this painting, yet I couldn’t seem to find a place to hang it.

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As the days passed, Kordas’ “gold mine of art” phrase continued to swirl around in my thoughts. That’s when I remembered a bronze replica of a Frederic Remington sculpture called Cheyenne. The piece, featuring a mighty Native American riding a fierce horse, had held court in my family’s living room while I was growing up. Now it sits in my unfinished basement, not far from Fedra, a white alabaster — or is it marble? — bust of a woman that graced the top of our shiny-black piano and always seemed to smile at me. The elegant lady, with the bunned hair and her carved-in name, is a super-heavy sculpture that had been my musical companion since I was a young girl learning to play the piano. I didn’t know anything about her. Yet when the time came to distribute items from my parents’ collection, I wanted Fedra. Today, poor Fedra also sits in my basement, and I only notice her when I’m looking for, say, giftwrap or for a stashed-away box of Easter décor.

This must stop, I thought to myself. It’s time for the “gold mine” to surface!

First up, the Rudy LaRiviere painting, which I’ve decided to hang in our new guest room (my husband and I officially became empty-nesters last May, and we now have a real guest room). As for the Remington replicate? It’s got a spot right beneath the painting. I’m not sure about Fedra yet. Perhaps in the garden? Better outdoors in the elements, where I’ll see her often, than hidden away in the basement.

And lest you think I’m the only one sitting on a “gold mine,” my other half also has his dust-collecting favorites.

After purchasing several original animal paintings during a trip in Africa a few years ago, he’s trying to decide which wall he’ll finally hang them on. Yes, the lion, giraffe, elephant, and zebra are all rolled up, tucked in a tube, awaiting tender loving care and a special place in which to be adored. Off to Milford’s Main Street Art we went, to see what the expert framing folks there could dream up for our animal collection. Any day now, that wild theme will awaken our family room vibe.

It feels good to uncover, dust off, frame or reframe, and finally display these meaningful pieces.

They say if walls could talk, you’d hear all kinds of intriguing this-and-that on what goes on in a home. I say, if paintings and artwork could talk, it would be even more interesting. I’m betting our recently added pieces, once forgotten — as well as those that now grace Kordas’ client’s sitting room — would say thank you!

VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER

John Balardo

EDITORIAL

Megan Swoyer Anne Berry Daugherty CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Donohue, Jamie Fabbri, Jeanine Matlow, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Patty LaNoue Stearns, Khristi Zimmeth EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

ART

Austin Phillips Michaela Bunger CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS John Carlson, Jeff Garland, Jean Lannen, Marta Xochilt Perez, Beth Singer, Kat Stevenson, Stylish Detroit, Martin Vecchio ART DIRECTOR

EDITORIAL DESIGNER

ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jason Hosko

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Barnhart, Regan Blissett,

Karli Brown, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely and Associates

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jenine Rhoades SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTISTS Stephanie Daniel,

Robert Gorczyca DIGITAL AND PRINT ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Jill Berry GRAPHIC ARTISTS

Jim Bibart, Colin McKinney

WEB

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nick Britsky DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Luanne Lim,

Kevin Pell, Bart Woinski Ken Bowery VIDEO EDITOR Taylor Lutz DIGITAL COORDINATOR Travis Cleveland VIDEO PRODUCER

IT IT DIRECTOR

Jeremy Leland

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Michelle VanAarman

Riley Meyers Barbie Baldwin, Elise Coyle, Nia Jones, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden

CIRCULATION MANAGER

CIRCULATION COORDINATORS

MARKETING AND EVENTS

Kelsey Cocke Drake Lambright MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR Ana Potter MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR Georgia Iden MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR MARKETING AND EVENTS ASSISTANT

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR

Hannah Thomas MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Alexandra Thompson

Shekinah Adams, Katherine Donnelly, Celeste Janson, Maryan Toma

MARKETING AND RESEARCH INTERNS

BUSINESS CEO

Stefan Wanczyk John Balardo

PRESIDENT

PUBLISHING AND SALES COORDINATOR

Kristin Mingo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Kathie Gorecki

Natasha Bajju Andrew Kotzian Sammi Dick, Estefano Lopez DISTRIBUTION Target Distribution, Troy

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

Postmaster: Send address changes to Detroit Design, 5750 New King Drive, Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 For advertising inquiries: 248-691-1800, ext. 126 To sell Detroit Design magazine or for subscription inquiries: 248-588-1851 Detroit Design is published by Hour Media. Copyright © 2022 Hour Media.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Detroit Design is a registered trademark of Hour Media.

PORTRAIT BY JEAN LANNEN

As Good as Gold

DETROIT DESIGN

DETROIT DESIGN | SPRING 2022

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BRING YOUR VISION TO US The experts at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery are here to help create a home that’s as extraordinary as you are.

Any project, any style, any dream—bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

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YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM: TROY

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Winifred

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7420 INNER CIRCLE DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS This magnificent estate offers ultimate privacy on 11.47 stunning acres in Bloomfield. Gated entry & private road lead to this Tringali designed masterpiece with unsurpassed quality, craftsmanship & use of the finest materials. Rouge River winds through the picturesque wooded & landscaped grounds with barn & garden. Fully automated “Smart Home”.

$5,699,000 | 17,056 TOTAL SF | 6 BEDROOMS | 4.4 BATHS Meredith Colburn +1 248 762 5319

380 LINDEN ROAD | BIRMINGHAM

Magnificent new construction by award winning Hunter Roberts Homes, boasts an open floor plan enhanced by premium finishes. Striking architecture combines with outstanding design in this stunning home. Gourmet chefs’ kitchen, eat in breakfast area, open great room, intimate dining room & study/office—no detail will be overlooked!

$3,295,000 | 6,807 TOTAL SF | 5 BEDROOMS | 5.2 BATHS Cindy Kahn +1 248 568 7309

330 FERNDALE AVENUE | BIRMINGHAM

3637 WALBRI DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Situated on a coveted street in Little San Francisco, this completely renovated & reconfigured stone colonial showcases spectacular quality & fine details. This major remodel left nothing untouched. Stunning 2 story foyer welcomes guests & showcases dramatic circular staircase. Finished 331 sq. ft. above garage.

Bloomfield Hills beauty! Spacious ranch, expanded and tastefully renovated. Chef’s delight kitchen features large island, stainless steel appliances & cozy hearth room. Spacious owners suite with spa-like bathroom & 2 walk-in closests. Luscious landscape on just over 3/4 acre provides year round versatility to outdoor living.

$2,395,000 | 6,205 TOTAL SF | 4 BEDROOMS | 5.2 BATHS Cindy Kahn +1 248 568 7309

3879 QUARTON ROAD | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Beautifully updated Cape Cod on private 0.70 acre deep lot. Newer kitchen, large living room with fireplace, charming sun room that lets in ample sunlight, 1st floor bedroom and large first floor laundry/mud room.

Take advantage of the 400+ sq. ft. bonus room, finished lower level. Enjoy the stunning views of Gilbert Lake.

$625,000 | 1,993 TOTAL SF | 3 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHS Dan Teahan +1 248 514 6046

$825,000 | 3,107 TOTAL SF | 3 BEDROOMS | 2.1 BATHS Sarah Cameron +1 248 895 7864

5738 PEBBLESHIRE ROAD | BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

This spacious home has it all in the heart of a great neighborhood! Abundant room sizes with wonderful gathering spaces, so much natural light! The kitchen is the center of it all with granite counters, a newer fridge, dishwasher, and a cooktop. Family room with door wall out to the stamped patio and huge yard. Birmingham schools.

$400,000 | 2,368 TOTAL SF | 4 BEDROOMS | 2.1 BATHS Shondell Patterson +1 248 765 0308

HALL & HUNTER REALTORS | 442 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM | +1 248 644 3500 | HALL ANDHUNTER.COM

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WISTERIA WISHES

Head down a garden path with Farrow & Ball’s Wisteria wallpaper. Turn the page for more flower-power accents.

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BOTANICAL EXPRESSIONS

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VERY PERI PERFECT

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STEP OUTSIDE

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ACCENTS

Botanical

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EXPRESSIONS

Cultivate a garden of earthly delights with these decorative elements STYLED BY JAMIE FABBRI

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1. CURREY & CO.’s

Huckleberry Chandelier is carefully handcrafted and finished in contemporary gold leaf. $2,290, Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion, curreyandcompany. com, pinetreelighting. com.

2. This Bloom Porcelain Flower by AERIN is a pretty addition to a vanity, nightstand, or other tabletop. $175, Neiman Marcus, Troy, aerin.com, neimanmarcus.com.

3. The Divya Two-Door Cabinet by ARHAUS features a mosaic floral motif hand-drawn by designer Douglas Davis. $2,699, Arhaus, Ann Arbor and Troy, arhaus. com.

4. ARHAUS’ Fenwick Chair in Springwood Olive is soft, luxurious, and bright. $3,299, Arhaus, Ann Arbor and Troy, arhaus.com.

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5. CLARKE & CLARKE’s

Avium fabric adds charm to a pillow or window treatment (shown in Chartreuse).

To the Trade, Kravet/ Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy, kravet.com, michigandesign.com.

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6. Get the original banana leaf print with CW STOCKWELL’s Martinique® indoor/ outdoor fabric by Sunbrella. $188/yard, cwstockwell.com.

7. The Wisteria wallpaper by FARROW & BALL showcases

softly trailing vines and abundant blooms.

Contact for pricing, O’Leary Paint, Ann Arbor, farrow-ball.com, olearypaint.com.

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L U X U RY I S A N E X P E R I E N C E N OT A P R I C E

WITH OVER $96 MILLION IN PENDING/SOLD 2021 248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

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ACCENTS

Very Peri

PERFECT

1

The 2022 Pantone Color of the Year evokes a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit

1. Get the look with Gentian by SHERWINWILLIAMS — a forwardthinking, whimsical purple that works well in any environment.

Multiple locations, sherwin-williams.com.

STYLED BY JAMIE FABBRI

2. Go retro with BIG CHILL’s beverage fridge

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in 4005 Blue Lilac (other custom colors available). Starting at $1,995, bigchill.com.

3. NEMO TILE & STONE’s Play Collection is fresh and fun, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. $29/square foot, nemotile.com.

4. The Adamo & Eva fabric by DEDAR is

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a soft cotton velvet of superb Italian quality. To the Trade, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy, dedar.com, michigandesign.com.

5. ROCHE BOBOIS’

Chess Occasional Table is bold, modern, and on-trend. Starting at $4,530, Roche Bobois, Birmingham, rochebobois.com.

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6. This Park Lane Sideboard by ROCHE BOBOIS offers style and function. Starting at $8,720, Roche Bobois, Birmingham, rochebobois.com.

7. A Faux Purple and

Green Eucalyptus Wreath by WILLIAMSSONOMA brightens your space with a pretty splash of color. $299.95-$499.95, multiple locations, williams-sonoma.com.

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DETROIT DESIGN | SpRING 2022

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THE DELIGHT IS IN THE DETAILS.

It’s the little touches that make your home comfortable, inviting and beautiful.

Fixtures, faucets, countertops, accessories and more—you’ll find all of the little details that make a big difference in the showrooms of Wittock Kitchen and Bath.

wittock.com BIRMINGHAM 950 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 283-8400

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GAYLORD 1100 Gornick Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 732-1690

SHELBY TOWNSHIP 50800 Corporate Drive Shelby Township, MI 48315 (586) 731-4111

TRAVERSE CITY 1610 W. South Airport Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) 946-5160

2/16/22 1:18 PM

ACCENTS

Step

1. Set the mood with this Fire Bowl from DETROIT

1

GARDEN WORKS.

OUTSIDE

$340, Detroit Garden Works, Sylvan Lake, detroitgardenworks. com.

The best part about good weather? Outdoor entertaining.

Here are some ideas for freshening up your parties.

2. Keep drink essentials

STYLED BY JAMIE FABBRI

2

3

on hand with the durable yet stylish Hamptons Outdoor Bar Cart from ARHAUS. $1,449, Arhaus, Ann Arbor and Troy, arhaus. com.

3. Sonora Outdoor Etched Tritan Stemless Wine Glasses by WILLIAMS-SONOMA

are lightweight and unbreakable. $77.95/ six, multiple locations, williams-sonoma.com.

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4. ANDREW MARTIN’s The Great Outdoors fabric collection provides durability and style (shown in Reef-Cloud). To the Trade, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy, kravet.com, michigandesign.com.

5. Sit back and relax in these Garden Armchairs from DETROIT GARDEN WORKS. $398, Detroit Garden Works, Sylvan Lake, detroitgardenworks. com.

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6. Gather ’round DETROIT GARDEN WORKS’ Round Teak

Table, available in a natural or lightened finish. $1,590-$3,490, Detroit Garden Works, Sylvan Lake, detroitgardenworks. com.

7. Light up the night

with these Hurricane Lanterns from FLEURDETROIT. $90$270, fleurdetroit, Bloomfield Hills, fleurdetroit.com.

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PHOTO BY BETH SINGER

LIFESTYLES

LIFE MADE EASIER

This mudroom, by Rita O’Brien Design Group, is oh-so-ready for spring!

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SNAPSHOT: THE RIGHT FIT

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SNAPSHOT: POLISHED GEM

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SNAPSHOT: NEW LIFE

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DESIGNS ON LANDSCAPING

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SEASONS REFRESH!

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SNAPSHOT

RIGHT THIS WAY

With two children and two dogs, a Milford couple’s goal was to create better flow in their kitchen and adjoining mudroom.

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SNAPSHOT

The Right Fit Renovation and expansion create user-friendly rooms TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH SINGER

F

or a young family in Milford in need of more space, a thoughtful remodel and addition did the trick. “They loved their home and the property,” Rita O’Brien, principal of Rita O’Brien Design Group in Troy, explains. Working with contractor Gardner Builders, O’Brien, who had previously refreshed the living room and foyer, created a spacious kitchen and an addition with a new side entrance to accommodate a mudroom, laundry room, and powder room that were lacking. “With two children and two dogs, this couple was looking for organization and neutral colors (that were) functional and practical for their lifestyle,” she says.

The updates are transitional in nature, with some eclectic touches. “The trend is to be very transitional; less is more,” O’Brien explains.

Black accents make an impact, like the durable wallpaper in the mudroom that sports a fun but sophisticated pattern as a backdrop to the baskets, hooks, and bench. In the laundry room, dark wood floors, black granite countertops, and a matte black faucet keep it streamlined. White cabinets echo the baseboard and trim.

In the powder room, black and white elements appear in sconces that make the modest space feel more polished. “The unique sconces were a bit over budget but added an unusual element to the room,” O’Brien says.

Soft gold details ensure a cohesive feel with the rest of the rooms, like the kitchen — where appliance handles and knobs mimic the other hardware. “We like to mix metals and finishes when appropriate,” O’Brien says. “With the black faucet and sink, all these touches just make the design so very warm, and less stuffy.”

GATHER ’ROUND

Transitional appointments and lots of island seating combine to create a stunning family-style kitchen.

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SNAPSHOT

A PLACE WITH SPACE

The homeowners wanted a great deal of storage. Goals met! Note the expansive drawers and convenient corner cabinet.

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Expansive drawers flank the range, while a corner cabinet in the kitchen adds more stylish storage. “It’s just so fun, especially with the pulls in different sizes and directions,” O’Brien says. A new bump-out window gives an open feel to the sink area and offers a better view of the backyard, while stacked backsplash tiles were used to keep all lines in unison with other elements in the room.

A sizable island with a classic black base welcomes faux leather stools that are kid-friendly.

Substantial pendants add a finishing touch to the

new space, which is large enough to accommodate a microwave, refrigerator, wine fridge, bar area, and pantry.

Erin Argy, who shares the home with her husband, Nick, and their two children, explains the project was about reimagining what they had. “We wanted to make it more practical for our family and our needs — and our needs for the future, too,” she says. “It’s beautiful and very functional, with all the storage. Working with Rita (and Rita’s associate, Colleen O’BrienSeitz ) was really wonderful. They supported our decisions and let us know what upgrades to make, and where to save money in other places.”

MORE INFORMATION: ritaobrien.com

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AUTHORIZED DEALER

FA R M I N G T O N H I L L S

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TROY

248-476-2333

616-534-2883

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248-649-5552

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COLOR CUES

A dash of green and hints of red create complementary beauty in this space.

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Polished Gem This jewel of a kitchen gleams with dramatic blacks and whites, interspersed with splashes of elegance TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTA XOCHILT PEREZ

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nterior designer Anne Strickland had become close with clients Archie and Anne Damman after working on two design projects for them, so when the couple asked her to help them with their recent first-floor renovation in a 1980s Bloomfield Hills home, Strickland was more than happy to jump in.

“They had lots of good furniture and accessories, and we worked to neutralize (the space) and showcase their beautiful items. We modernized it, but (didn’t want to) create too much fussiness,” Strickland says. “It’s layered with elements of tradition.” Without making any structural changes, Strickland pretty much reworked the existing space. Ron Laraia of Unique Remodeling Con-

cepts (Troy) was the contractor for the project.

The designer acknowledges that Anne Damman is quite creative in her own right, so much of the project was what Strickland calls “a wonderful collaboration.”

Strickland, who owns Anne Strickland Interiors, based in her home in Bloomfield Hills and at the Michigan Design Center in Troy, worked with Lauren Tolles of Maison Birmingham on the cabinetry in the renovated areas of the home, including the kitchen, which features a clean palette of light tones. “The homeowner wanted everything light and bright, as her other homes were more color-saturated,” Strickland says. That’s not to say the couple wasn’t flexible. In fact, they lived with a white range hood for about four months before deciding the kitchen was too light. “The client decided she wanted more drama and wanted to paint it black, and now it’s the focal point in the kitchen,” Strickland says. “That range (by Majestic) wall is my favorite part of the space,” Strickland continues. “I love the

DISHING UP CHIC

The kitchen has been stylishly modernized in this Bloomfield Hills home. What won’t you find?

Fussiness, says interior designer Anne Strickland.

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IS IT RED-Y YET?

The chef can take a load of his or her feet on a comfy bench in the kitchen’s cozy nook. A Guepard stripe velvet in red, by Schumacher, adds a zesty punch to the color scheme. The range hood was once white, but after living with it for a while, the client decided she wanted more drama. It’s now a focal point.

contrast and focal point in this space.”

Also contributing to the “clean” look is the fact that all of the homeowners’ small appliances are kept behind cabinetry.

A simple white backsplash and quartz countertops add to the beauty. Color, which absolutely pops amid the dark floors and cabinetry, comes in the way of the floral window treatment (Aurelia embroidery in navy, by Schumacher), wall art (beautiful plates), and the red-and-green bench cushions and pillows (Guepard stripe velvet in red, by Schumacher) in a cozy nook where one might browse a cookbook or sip a cup of coffee.

The natural-oak flooring was stained in ebony to complement the black cabinetry, while brass hardware from Russell Hardware in Bloomfield Hills is the perfect accessory. Hudson Valley pendants and Visual Comfort picture lights create a welcoming mood. “I think the homeowners really like the space,” Strickland says. “It flows so well with the rest of the home.”

More information: annestricklandinteriors.com

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VALUE IS THE NEW LUXURY

50+ YEARS OF KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELING BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER EVERY DAY KURTISKITCHEN.COM ANN ARBOR 734-412-6720 | CLARKSTON 248-707-5082 | LIVONIA 734-522-7600 ROYAL OAK 248-554-2439 | UTICA 586-354-9259

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New Life This kitchen’s footprint is the same as it was, but the renovated look is fresh and ready for entertaining TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STYLISH DETROIT

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hen Lisa Whitmore and her husband, Jeff, decided to stay in their 20-year-old Northville home, they knew they would need to update the main floor to better accommodate their lifestyle and taste.

“We bought the house in 2014, so we had a chance to live in it. It’s a nice, traditional house, but the kitchen was dated and not our style,” Lisa Whitmore explains. “We’re an active family, but we’re also homebodies and like entertaining. We wanted a lighter and more open first floor — something comfortable, and not stuffy. I tend to value both form and function, and don’t like clutter.”

The Whitmores hired Justin Sharer, owner of

Sharer Design Group in Plymouth, who previously renovated their master bathroom, and interior designer Nara Munro, of The Munro Project in Northville.

The original plan called for a remodel of the kitchen and family room, but during the demolition process, the homeowners decided to have the fireplace along the shared wall with the kitchen removed to create a more open, harmonized space. The wood floors were stained a darker tone and extended into the family room for a cohesive, seamless look.

“Once the fireplace wall was removed it left a big, open clean slate to create a comfortable, usable haven for the family to enjoy. The different earthy and wood tones, along with mixed metals, added dimension and interest to the blended space,” Munro says.

According to Sharer, the new kitchen design allowed the basic footprint of the kitchen to remain the same, but the center island was enlarged, new appliances were repositioned, and a corner pantry was removed. An unused desk area was replaced with a more practical coffee bar. As a twist on a

WISH LIST

Both pages: A Northville couple’s top kitchen renovation priorities included more light, an open feel, and lots of comfort.

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PALATABLE PALETTE

A coffee nook fills an area where there was once an unused desk. Contrasting wood and the eye-catching white quartz counterops (and backsplash) add to the kitchen’s overall appeal.

typical white kitchen, the Michigan-made Sharer Cabinetry is a contrast of walnut and painted white wood, and includes a custom-designed range hood.

The backsplash and countertops are engineered white quartz. The bottom cabinetry consists of large, functional drawers instead of traditional storage shelves with doors.

“We were going for a clean, modern Farmhouse design. Lisa likes clean surfaces without clutter, so the addition of the coffee bar with retractable doors was the perfect solution, since it can easily be hidden away,” Sharer notes.

Lisa Whitmore adds, “It’s amazing how open the space is now — we love it. The new kitchen functions so much better for our family, and the design is simple, classic, but modern, and will stand the test of time. In five years, I will still love this space.”

More information: sharerdesigngroup.com

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DESIGN

LANDSCAPE

GARDEN

CONTAINERS

INTERIORS

DECOR

FLORAL

EVENTS

Elevate your everyday.

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Photo Credit: ©2021 Beth Singer

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jane@janesynnestvedt.com @janesynnestvedt

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DESIGNS ON REGIONAL BEAUTY

Ranch Dressing This Dryden landscape takes its cues from the rocky expanses and purple hues of the West TEXT BY PATTY LANOUE STEARNS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GARLAND

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lents. “We worked with yucca, gro-low sumac, sedum, and catmint,” Youngblood says, adding ong before Ryan Youngblood was a that his main challenge was that the property was principal of his eponymous Roch- a wide-open space with full sun.

He planted natural pines, spruce, and river birch ester-based boutique landscape company, and before he had three trees — the latter to emulate the West’s quaking children (now between the ages of aspens. Large stone outcrops give the property a 6 and 12), he spent his free time in the saddle on his rugged feel, and even more texture is the result of mass plantings of purple, blue, white, and purhorse, roping steers in team-roping events.

“I fell in love with horses and cattle,” Young- ple-pink perennials and yellow sedum, which creblood recalls. That naturally made him the perfect ate dramatic waves in large swoops that look like a long-established meadow. guy for an interesting and very unusual FIRE UP! Another challenge was locating project: Creating a Western landscape out A Corten steel the key views on the property — what of a 110-acre spread in Dryden, in Michfire bowl is Youngblood calls “the magical spots” — igan’s Thumb. the outdoor “It was magnificent, a really cool piece centerpiece come and building around them. The front vista of property,” says Youngblood, who was evening at this offers a long view, like a prairie, while Dryden home. the back topography is rolling. On each brought on board just as the Ranch house of two exposed-aggregate patios, he inwas being framed. The clients own a largescale ranch in the southwest, and wanted their stalled oversized, 72-inch-diameter Corten steel Michigan property to have the same vibe. Working fire bowls that punctuate those magic spots.

Make no mistake: Although no cattle, buffalo, with Rochester architect William Thomas, who designed the Dryden Ranch house, Youngblood or prairie dogs roam the B-K Ranch in Dryden, it’s set about shipping in tons and tons of Canadian as authentic as they come in southeast Michigan. limestone to match the Montana stone masonry of the house. Then he brought in truckloads of More information: ryoungblood.com drought-tolerant, low-growing Michigan perennials and other Western-looking trees and succu-

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DESIGNS ON REGIONAL BEAUTY

ROCK ON

A variety of stone located in garden beds and situated around the property provides a rustic vibe.

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SEASONS

Making a Splash

This bathroom design is as refreshing as a spring rain

TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTO BY MARTIN VECCHIO

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“The bathroom is very refreshing,” Kasprowicz says. “I like to use different lighting elements, like the one in the wall inset as well as the nterior designer Armina Kasprowicz, of pendant lighting (Tech Lighting), which, with its pretty light, reflects off Rochester Hills-based Armina Interiors, the wallpaper and mirror.”

The contemporary/transitional wall mount-style sink (by is crazy about nature — so it’s Lacava) has an opening that’s cut in an egg shape. “It’s kind of no surprise that when she was CALMING Sea-green fun to have the sink entry off-center,” she says. Plus, she adds, the planning her new bathroom in her home’s lower level near her home office/ turquoise is said toilet (by Toto) complements the sink’s shape. The bent faucet’s (by to represent studio, she chose to go with an appealing tranquility.It’s the Lacava) profile evokes an organic shape, as well.

As for that water-inspired wallpaper, the designer says, “I’ve organic look. The bathroom, which was perfect shade for installed in her then-unfinished basement, a studio bath- known about that wallpaper (Blur in Turquoise on White Vinyl features a Phillip Jeffries wallcovering room’s wallpaper. Glam Grass) for a good while, and it was my choice right away.

I like that it feels like art and it’s unique. I like the different shades reminiscent of a revitalizing springtime of blue. And every time you walk into the space, it seems like you see new shower.

She also built a niche into the wall to add a little and different parts of it, depending on the light.

“I feel good there.” light, and to incorporate decorative accents like a tiny vase of flowers or greenery, hand towels, and objets d’art.

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248.240.3051

prmcustombuilders.com

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RELAX & RESTORE

Family Affair A Grosse Pointe Farms-based designer transforms living spaces for young families in two east-side homes TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT STEVENSON

Colorado Casual

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hen Alexis Elley, owner of Textures Design, was hired to design the family room and foyer in a Grosse Pointe Farms home during the summer of 2020, the new homeowners — who had bought the home sight-unseen — were still living in Chicago.

“My husband grew up in Grosse Pointe Farms and received a promotion in the Detroit area.

When we toured the home on FaceTime, we had already lost out on four homes,” the wife explains.

“The home was built in the early ’70s and it was outdated. I had a hard time visualizing how we were going to make this work; it felt very formal and I wanted comfortable, functional, and stylish.”

The Grosse Pointe Farms-based designer adds: “This is a young, growing family. They love an Aspen aesthetic, as the wife’s family has a home there. This was a super traditional home and the new owners don’t have super traditional tastes. It was important to update the home and bring light

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GO WEST

Both pages: An Aspen aesthetic is just what the homeowners were after for the gathering space in their Grosse Pointe Farms home.

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NATURAL VIBES

This page, above: Animal prints, brasses and golds, verdant greens, and rich blacks help make the foyer welcoming. Right: Freshly painted white trim and shelving together with navy walls (textured wallpaper) evoke a fresh, snowy, blue-sky day in Colorado.

Wood beams, wrapped with reclaimed white oak, and earthy accents add a rustic touch.

and warmth in.”

Elley says there was already textured wallpaper in both the family room (deep-blue) and foyer (yellow) and that remained, although the team decided to paint the yellow paper white.

The blue walls in the family room popped against freshly painted white trim, shelving, and a bar area, which received new lighting beneath the shelves. The fireplace was updated, wood floors were installed, and the ceiling beams were wrapped with reclaimed white oak to provide depth and character. “We wanted a cozy, comfortable, rustic look,” the homeowner says. “The blue patterned rug helps tie it all together.”

Elley used natural elements such as leather furniture and lamps, cowhide pillows, and accessories including a jute deer head to add texture, interest, and warmth to the room.

Part of the transformation involved opening the space by removing a wall between the kitchen and family room, enabling the homeowners to see their young children from the kitchen. This also lets light into both rooms.

The foyer had a stately crystal chandelier, which was kept to serve as a focal point in the space, but the overall feeling after the redesign is updated and polished. “We were able to blend modern, traditional, and contemporary styling

with paint, abstract art, and neutral drapery,” Elley says.

“At first, I couldn’t see that it could be different and that we could make it our own,” the homeowner says. “Thankfully, Alexis, the Realtor, and my husband could see it. It’s so bright and welcoming now.”

BEVERAGE, ANYONE?

Opposite page: A mini-bar in the family room features new lighting. The artwork, “Aspen Lone Skier” by Gray Malin Fine Art Photography, reminds the family of their treasured times in Colorado.

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Form & Function Interior designer Alexis Elley says she was delighted to work on a home design project for Jeff and Katie Marano, who relocated from Chicago to Grosse Pointe Farms with their young family in February 2020. Katie grew up in Grosse Pointe, and she and her husband moved back to Michigan to be closer to family.

The couple purchased a brick Colonial that was built in 1949 and had a large family room added in 1994. “The house was dated and clearly someone else’s aesthetic, so we had to look past those things,” Jeff says. “We fell in love with the family room. We knew we wanted the house updated to modern times, while keeping the historic 1949 details intact.”

Elley focused on the family room and living room for this part of the homeowner’s multi-phase home renovation plan. The couple now refers to

the living room as the “form,” and they call the family room the “function.”

“In the family room, we chose a gray sectional made with performance fabric and a leather ottoman. The homeowners also wanted touches of blue,” Elley says. “The rug is a custom-sized wool rug that was added because it was important to lighten up the space and bring the outside in with natural elements.”

The existing built-in shelves, which were dark, were painted white and the fireplace was updated.

As Jeff explains, the couple wanted something “pretty” above the fireplace, but they also wanted a TV. He and his wife settled on a Samsung The Frame TV, which can display artwork when the TV isn’t on. To further personalize the space, a wagon wheel chandelier anchors the room, giving a nod to the ski lodge vibe Jeff likes. Books about the couple’s interests — including skiing, wine, and Chicago — are prominently displayed.

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Says Katie: “I love the room now; it’s clean, crisp, bright, and family-friendly. There are builtins to store the kids’ toys and I can see them playing from the kitchen. The room opens to the backyard, so the view is green and lush in the summer, and beautiful in the winter when we can watch the snow fall.”

The living room is the first room seen upon entering the home. “It’s a very stylish, elegant grown-up room with soft neutrals and pops of blue,” the designer says. “The drapery is velvet, and brass elements were used to add warmth.

The white sofa and gray velvet chairs are upholstered using performance fabrics that are kid- and pet-friendly.”

“We love to entertain family and friends, and we’re still making the house our own. The work Alexis has done so far is everything we dreamed of — it’s pretty, but works for everyday life,” Katie shares.

COMFY TO COUTURE

Both pages, clockwise from far left: The homeowners chose a gray sectional made with performance fabric and a leather ottoman. The wagon wheel chandelier is reminiscent of a cozy ski lodge. Designer Alexis Elley adjusts the accent pillows. A close-up of a seating area. This living room vignette is more on the elegant side, with luxury wall art from Perigold and Ballard Designs lamps.

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BUYER’S GUIDE INTERIOR DESIGNER Alexis Elley, Textures Design, Grosse Pointe Farms, texturesinteriordesign.com HOME 1 FAMILY ROOM Artwork – ”Aspen Lone Skier,” Gray Malin Artwork – The Frame TV, Samsung Chair, Occasional – Oly Studio Hardware, Mini-Bar – Etsy Lamps, Floor – Rejuvenation Pillows, Accent – Wesley Hall, C.A.I. Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Rug – STARK Carpet, Troy Sculpture (Deer) – Pottery Barn Sofa – Wesley Hall, C.A.I Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Table, Coffee – Article Table, Tree Stump – Amazon Tables, End – Anthropologie Wall Treatment – Thibaut, Rozmallin, Michigan Design Center, Troy FOYER Accessories, Gold, on Chest – Bungalow 5

Table, Console – Frontgate

Chandelier – Wagon Wheel Chandelier,

Table, Display – Vanguard Furniture, C.A.I

Bench – Four Hands

HOME 2

Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse

Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Chest – RH

FAMILY ROOM

Fireplace – Black Slate

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, White Dove

Drapery – Schumacher

Armchair – Bernhardt Furniture, C.A.I.

Lamps – Target

Mirror – Kravet

Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Pillows, Accent – Bernhardt Furniture, C.A.I.

Pillows – Scalamandre

Candleholder (Flower) – Jan Barboglio

Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Rug – Fabrica, Crowther Carpet & Rugs, Grosse Pointe Woods Sofa – Bernhardt Furniture Table, Cement End – Target Table, Coffee – Four Hands Table, Display – Four Hands Table, Wooden Occasional – Target Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace LIVING ROOM Artwork – Perigold Drapery – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy Lamps – Ballard Designs Lamps, Floor – OKA Pillows, Accent – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy Rug – Eastern Rugs Sculpture (Bird) – Bungalow 5 Sofa – LEE Industries, C.A.I Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

COMING TOGETHER

Above: The Maranos’ living room is the first room seen upon entering the home.

“It’s a very stylish, elegant, grown-up room with soft neutrals,” designer Alexis Elley says. Note the luxurious velvet drapery.

Left: Decorative accents in the Maranos’ family room.

Table, Coffee – Woodbridge Furniture, C.A.I. Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

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Photo By Gene Meadows

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CUSTOM PERFECTION

New Beginnings Noteworthy dwelling offers Bloomfield Hills couple a fresh start TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH SINGER

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t takes a village to pull off a custom build like this sensational Shingle-style structure. “We had the dream team. It was such a nice collaboration,” Jennifer Asmar, of Asmar Interiors in Troy, relays about the alliance between the architect, builder, and designer who worked on this impressive project for a couple who was set to wed. “It was a second marriage for both, so they wanted a fresh start in a new home they could enjoy together,” Asmar says.

Situated on a wooded corner lot that they share with abundant wildlife, the location is especially fitting for the nature-loving couple. Fine finishes and unique architectural features can be found both inside and outside the residence, which has an effortless flow. “It’s such a nice circulation of space and a great floor plan,” Asmar says. The interiors feature “a transitional look with a mix of traditional and clean elements,” she adds. “We wanted to keep everything classic and timeless.”

The great room is the perfect example, with a marble fireplace flanked by walnut bookcases. Clever details include glass shelves with wood fronts that allow light to filter through. Sofas and chairs in a low-pile velvet sport a neutral palette that blends creams with emerald green. Full-height sheer ripple-folded drapery panels further soften the space.

A striking bar area off the great room overlooks a wine cellar through an interior window. Oyster marble covers the counter and backsplash, for a perfect contrast against the dark cabinetry, which is structured and thick. In the wine cellar, wall-mounted bottles supported by pegs installed on stacked

stone create a dramatic display.

Deluxe details continue in the kitchen, where thick quartzite countertops and an oversized glass backsplash play a prominent role. A 10-foot-wide island easily fits four counter stools. “It’s nice for entertaining,” Asmar says. Substantial lantern fixtures above keep the sightlines open to the white Shaker-style cabinets with polished nickel hardware.

Off the kitchen, a breakfast nook with a built-in banquette has a glass-top table with a metal base that echoes the shape of the ceiling. Blue upholstery and a wavy light fixture add a lighthearted touch to the seating area.

Cozy configurations define personal spaces like the master bedroom, where an upholstered headboard featuring fabric panels fits nicely into a custom niche, along with sconces that save surface space. The bench at the foot of the bed is made of a woodgrain-embossed leather, while a custom rug mimics the porcelain on the fireplace.

A nickel candelabra fixture hangs from the high ceiling, which is adorned with wood beams.

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CUSTOM PERFECTION

EYE ON DESIGN

This page: Who wouldn’t want to enjoy breakfast in this lovely breakfast nook?

Note how the shape of the table’s base echoes the ceiling’s design. Opposite page: The architect, builder, and designer, among others, made up “the dream team” for this new-build, says interior designer Jennifer Asmar.

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CUSTOM PERFECTION

A well-appointed closet for the wife features a convenient window seat and closed storage that can conceal seasonal items. Glass-front cabinets let vanities placed at an angle leave plenty of room her accessories shine. “I love doing for two.

BEAUTY THROUGHOUT (this type of cabinets) for display, On the property, there’s plenBoth pages, clockwise from far especially for shoes and handtiful space with deluxe amenities right: The inviting family room bags,” Asmar says. The designer that include an outdoor kitchen and with two comfortable Hickory clearly has an eye for lighting, like Chair sofas, the well-appointed a luxurious pool. The cool gray/ kitchen, the storage-filled the natural agate-and-nickel fixture blue exterior of the home suits the mud room (let’s take a dip in over the island that she says is “fun aesthetic. “The homeowners wantthe pool!), and chic bar area but sophisticated.” ed that Hamptons vibe,” Asmar stand ready for everything from In the master bathroom, a turret says. intimate family gatherings to houses a rounded tub with a globe The designer says the collabolarge parties. Fine finishes and pendant that glistens from above. unique architectural features add ration made the endeavor a pleaspecial touches.

“I wanted it to look like a big floatsure. “It really was a team effort. ing bubble over the tub,” Asmar Everyone was so well-seasoned says. Porcelain tile floors that mimic marble were and such a good fit,” Asmar says of the project, arranged in a herringbone pattern, while double throughout which she worked closely with the wife. “She knew what she wanted and she was wonderful to work with, and we had people who

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LUXURY APLENTY

Both pages, clockwise from left: The mosaic tile that forms an accent wall above the tub in the master bathroom also appears in the shower. The alabaster and aged brass pendant lights contribute to the dramatic powder room, which features a floating vanity and cream-and-gold textured wallpaper. The lady of the house’s lovely walk-in closet. Check out the marble wall in the master bedroom!

were all on the same plane.”

One key person was Corey Campbell, architect and owner of C-arc Design Group in Bloomfield Township, where clients come for one-of-a-kind designs. “We take pride in good quality, a nice flow, quality elevation, and a great floor plan with no wasted space. We dedicate every inch of space to the client, and work with the inside and the outside to capture all the views,” he explains.

“We were fortunate to have a wonderful client and there was a good working rapport. The entire process was enjoyable. It was a good experience.”

Builder Sean Gardella, general contractor for Sean D. Gardella & Associates (SDGA) in Birmingham, agrees. “The client respected us as the professionals and allowed us to collaborate to pull off a phenomenal product,” he says.

Gardella was inspired by the custom structure.

“It’s remarkably comfortable, yet very sophisticated at the same time,” he says. “It’s a fun home because of the way Corey designed it. (There’s) a formal entry, but as you step inside you see that casual lifestyle that we all live today.”

“(THE INTERIORS FEATURE) A TRANSITIONAL LOOK WITH A MIX OF TRADITIONAL AND CLEAN ELEMENTS. WE WANTED TO KEEP EVERYTHING CLASSIC AND TIMELESS.” — JENNIFER ASMAR

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CUSTOM PERFECTION

BUYER’S GUIDE

Interiors, Troy Ceiling Light – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Ceiling Treatment – Corey Campbell, C-Arc

INTERIOR DESIGN

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Jennifer Asmar, Asmar Interiors, Troy,

Centerpiece – Asmar Interiors, Troy

asmarinteriors.com

Chairs – The Designer Group Collection, Michigan Design Center, Troy

BAR

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry,

Table – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Farmington Hills

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Countertop and Backsplash – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy

FAMILY ROOM

Faucet – Kohler, Birmingham

Accent Pillows – Custom, Kravet, Asmar

Glass Shelving – Millennium Cabinetry,

Interiors, Troy

Farmington Hills

Armchairs – Hickory Chair, Asmar Interiors,

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Troy Built-in Wooden Shelves – Corey Campbell,

BATHROOM, MASTER

C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Bathtub – Bain Ultra, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Ceiling Treatment – Corey Campbell, C-Arc

Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry,

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Farmington Hills

Chandelier – Hudson Valley, Herald

Ceiling Light – Visual Comfort, Herald

Wholesale, Troy

Wholesale, Troy

Coffee Table – John Richards, Asmar

Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble &

Interiors, Troy

Granite, Troy

Drapery – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors,

Flooring – Porcelain tile, Virginia Tile, Troy

Troy

Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

Wholesale, Troy

Marble Wall – PMP Marble & Granite, Asmar

Tile Wall – Virginia Tile, Troy

Interiors, Trot; and Corey Campbell, C-Arc

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Ceiling Lights – Visual Comfort, Herald

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Sculptures – Asmar Interiors, Troy

Wholesale, Troy

Wall-mounted Wine Storage – Corey

BEDROOM, MASTER

Sofas – Hickory Chair, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble &

Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield

Area Rug – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Granite, Troy

Township

Crystal Planter – John Richards, Asmar

Wine Cabinet Storage – Custom, Asmar

Bed Frame – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy; and Corey Campbell C-Arc

KITCHEN

Interiors, Troy

Interiors, Troy; and Corey Campbell, C-Arc

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Bar Lighting – Visual Comfort, Herald

Faucet – Newport Brass, Herald Wholesale,

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Bedding – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors,

Wholesale, Troy

Troy

Troy

Bar Stools – The Designer Group Collection,

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

Bedside Tables – C.A.I. Designs, Michigan

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Mirror – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Design Center, Troy

Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry,

Star Wall Décor – John Richards, Asmar

Bench – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Farmington Hills

Interiors, Troy

Built-in Shelving – Corey Campbell, C-Arc

Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble &

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Granite, Troy

Chandelier – Herald Wholesale, Troy

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

WALK-IN CLOSET

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

Hood – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington

Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry,

Marble Wall – Virginia Tile, Asmar Interiors,

Hills

Farmington Hills

and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group,

Vases – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Chandelier – John Richards, Asmar

Bloomfield Township

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Interiors, Troy Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble &

Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy

MUD ROOM

Granite, Troy

Vases – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Cabinetry and Storage – Millennium

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Cabinetry, Farmington Hills

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

Cushion – Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Window Seat Cushion and Pillows –

ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLES

BREAKFAST NOOK

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Accent Pillows – Custom, Kravet, Asmar

Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

This page: Thanks to Millennium Cabinetry, the wine cellar is not only well-organized, but it also looks beautiful. Opposite page: The Shingle-style home, on a corner lot, features a stunning pool area.

WINE CELLAR

Interiors, Troy Bench – Custom, Corey Campbell, C-Arc

POWDER ROOM

Ceiling Light – Elk Lighting, Herald

Design Group, Bloomfield Township

Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry,

Wholesale, Troy

Bench Cushion – Custom, Kravet, Asmar

Farmington Hills

Flooring – Engineered White Oak

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CUSTOM PERFECTION

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COME RIGHT IN!

Warm woods and neutral tones ensure a welcoming aura at this Palm Beach County retreat.

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TRANSITIONS

The owner didn’t want the typical Florida look for her vacation home, located on the Loxahatchee River.

Michigan on the Move Birmingham resident finds a slice of paradise in the Sunshine State TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE KOVICH

L

ike many dream homes, there’s a story behind this Tequesta, Fla., dwelling. Ann Heath Templeton, owner of Birmingham-based Duncan Fuller Interiors, who worked on the vacation home, says her clientturned-friend discovered the waterfront property from aboard a boat going down the Loxahatchee River. “She said, ‘If that house is for sale, I’ll buy it,’ ” Templeton recalls. Upon closer inspection, the client noticed that there was, indeed, a “For Sale” sign.

“It has more than you get with a house on the ocean,” the designer says of the property, which is located on a peninsula. “There’s more visual (variety) on the river, and you can paddleboard on the water.”

For the interiors, her client envisioned filling the Southern Plantation-style house with repurposed pieces she already had. “She wanted to take all of the furniture from a lake home she sold

in Michigan, recover it, and put it in this house,” Templeton explains.

The owner didn’t want the typical Florida aesthetic for her Palm Beach County retreat. “She wanted the home to feel like a home,” the designer says. “She loves to entertain.”

An existing art collection and select antiques like African swords made the cut to accompany a few new pieces for the residence, which was reconfigured to suit the client’s needs. “She wanted to use the living room as a family room,” Templeton says about the homeowner, who has two grown daughters. “She didn’t want to waste that room, so she put a TV in there and a grand piano, (as well as) sectionals that can fit the whole family.”

The contents from the client’s former vacation home weren’t the only things that came from the Great Lakes State; Templeton brought the trades along, too. “Everyone (except the contractor, who did some remodeling) was from Michigan — all

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“IT HAS MORE THAN YOU GET WITH A HOUSE ON THE OCEAN. THERE’S MORE VISUAL (VARIETY) ON THE RIVER, AND YOU CAN PADDLEBOARD ON THE WATER.” — ANN HEATH TEMPLETON

FAMILY AFFAIR

Both pages, clockwise from far left: The homeowner chose to use her living room as one of the main gathering spots. The stairwell feels extra dramatic thanks to a bounty of light pouring in through large windows.

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GAME FOR ANYTHING

A nook in the kitchen, with antique chairs atop a sisal rug, often serves as a game room. Extra-special lighting gives the home a unique glow at different hours of the day.

the reupholstery was done here, and everyone went down there,” she says about the team behind the scenes, from the movers to the lighting company that made most of the fixtures and then went to Florida to supervise the installation.

When it comes to reworking what you have, Templeton says reupholstering isn’t that different from her normal routine. “In my mind, it’s just like ordering new furniture and picking out the fabric,” she says. The two-story living room combines a recovered custom chair and ottoman, an antique rug, and a buffet from the client’s previous home with a new light fixture that has a palm leaf motif.

Wood features, like the ceiling, stand out against water-blue accent colors.

A balcony that surrounds the space leads to the bedrooms, including the master suite — where white walls highlight the wood ceiling.

New additions include the four-poster bed with palm leaf details and custom-made matching bedside tables that set the stage for the seating, and accent pillows reupholstered in a palm print fabric. A fireplace mantel was relocated to better accommodate a flat-screen TV, and wall-to-wall carpet was installed in most of the bedrooms to add comfort underfoot.

In the main areas, there are lots of comfy places for the homeowner — who often hosts fundraisers

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THE OLD & THE NEW

Mixing antique furnishings with new appointments gives the home a refreshing vibe.

— and her guests to sit. A nook in the kitchen, with antique chairs atop a sisal rug, serves as a game room.

For the combination dining/sitting room, an expansive table with a bronze base from the client’s previous home now sports an onyx top, to better suit the setting. “It’s more practical,” Templeton says. The room’s leather chairs kept their look, while a new console accommodates a TV near a pair of sofas recovered in colorful stripes.

The outdoor spaces, like the existing pool and Jacuzzi that face the river, are just as striking.

Lounge furniture originally purchased for the homeowner’s Michigan lake house merges with a few new pieces.

Wood details throughout the home became more prominent. For instance, the front door and the covered porch now pop against the new exterior paint Templeton calls a “taupey bark color.”

“Just repainting the house and redoing the pool deck makes a world of difference,” she says. “I don’t think people understand how much that can do for the environment.”

The designer also knew when to hold back, as she did in the white kitchen that she says was very well done and not worth touching, and the bathrooms that already featured neutral palettes and high-end finishes.

For projects near and far, Michigan sources remain a priority for Templeton.

“You have better control, and you can have the trades go to the site with you, like the movers that go the extra mile to help hang art,” she says.

The designer will be the first to admit that she wasn’t convinced when it came to repurposing so many pieces, despite their high quality. “I wasn’t so sure at first, but I agree with my client now,” she says. “It really works.”

So did the timing of the unique project, which was finished just before the pandemic and wound up being the perfect getaway from the client’s home in Birmingham.

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BUYER’S GUIDE

Rug – Sisal, Stark Carpet

Designs, Detroit

Sofas, Striped – A. Rudin

Tables, Occasional – Custom, Andrew

Table, Coffee – Antique

Owens Designs, Detroit

Table, Dining – Custom, Bronze Base with Onyx Top, Andrew Owens Designs, Detroit

STAIRCASE Necklaces – Antique, Judy Frankel

Ann Heath Templeton, Duncan-Fuller GAME ROOM/KITHCEN

Antiques, Troy

Chairs, Dining – Antique, Judy Frankel

Sconces – Custom, Andy Owens Designs,

BEDROOM, MASTER

Antiques, Troy

Detroit

Bed – Ferrell Mittman, Tennant &

Chandelier – Custom, Andrew Owens

Sculptures – “African Swords,” Judy

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Designs, Troy

Frankel Antiques, Troy

Ceiling Treatment – Teak

Rug – Sisal, Stark Carpet

Chairs, Patterned – Holly Hunt, Pierre Frey

Table, Dining – Custom, Cole Wagner

ADDITIONAL PROJECT

Fans – Minka Aire

Cabinetry, Rochester Hills

CONTRIBUTORS

Lamps, Bedside – The Urban Electric Co.

Tables, Half-Round Decorative – Antique

Contractor – Island Contracting &

Interiors, Birmingham, duncanfuller.com

PALM-PRETTY

This page: The four-poster bed, which features palm leaf details, is a new addition for the master suite. Reupholstered palm-pattern accents also adorn the space. Opposite page: Furniture originally purchased for the homeowner’s Michigan lake house merges with new pieces around the spectacular pool.

Remodeling Inc., Michael and David Bills,

Ottoman – Holly Hunt Tables, Bedside – Custom, Distinctive

LIVING ROOM

Tequesta, Fla.

Custom Furniture, Oak Park

Buffet – Antique

Landscaping –D’Alessandro & Associates,

Chandelier – Paul Ferrante

Inc., Tom D’Alessandro, Jupiter, Fla.

DINING/SITTING ROOM

Chest – Antique

Ceiling Treatment – Teak

Ottoman (Armchair) – A. Rudin

Chairs, Dining – A. Rudin

Rug – Antique, Keivan Woven Arts

Chest – Ferrell Mittman, Tennant &

Sofas – A. Rudin

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Table, Coffee – Custom, Andrew Owens

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Downtown Delight A big part of the draw for this new home is its proximity to the quaint charms of Northville TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO

W

hen residential lots become available in historic downtown Northville, they’re snapped up quickly. Leighanne LaMarre, interior designer and owner of Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, was delighted to be involved from the beginning of a new construction project on a cov-

eted lot in this desirable community.

“It was an ideal situation to have the blank canvas of new construction. I was hired alongside the architect, so I was able to collaborate with the architectural designers prior to construction, to help create a home that met the goals of the homeowner. I’ve also worked with the builder before,” LaMarre says. In addition to the designer,

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COMFORT IS KEY

Both pages, clockwise from far left: The well-appointed den looks out to a pretty street in downtown Northville. Everyone loves the bar, where you can pull up a Moe’s Home Collection stool and enjoy a cold one.

The kitchen is warm and inviting, showcasing a variety of materials.

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the homeowners hired Presley Architecture and Mike Miller Building Co., both of Northville.

The homeowners were very familiar with the neighborhood, as they and their young family lived down the street from the new home’s location. This proved to be convenient during the two-year project.

According to the Brighton-based designer, one of the challenges of the project was the location. “The home is situated in a great area with so much to offer, next to the hustle and bustle of downtown Northville. Making the home

feel private was a challenge, but one we were able to achieve.”

Entertainment was an important factor for the homeowners, and they admit that was part of the draw to the location. “The owners love to have fun and entertain. The interior and outdoor spaces reflect this,” LaMarre says. “The house is built on a double lot, which helps with space and privacy.

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NAILING A STYLE

Both pages: The owners prefer a Contemporary look mixed with a warm feeling — all evident in these spaces.

The detached garage in the backyard includes a walkout lower-level entertainment space. In the backyard, there’s a beautiful hot tub and lots of seating. The front porch also has seating.”

As the designer explains, the overall goal for the 6,700-square-foot residential project was to create a Contemporary-style home that’s warm and inviting but also edgy and modern, with an emphasis on clean lines and upscale details. “A

challenge with transitional and contemporary design is to make it feel warm, cozy, and comfortable — like a family lives here,” LaMarre says.

Of the homeowners, LaMarre says, “She prefers contemporary and concrete, while he likes warm and welcoming. They have young children, so wear and tear was a consideration. It was a happy dialogue to create that polished but approachable look for them.”

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The designer says concrete (“and lots of it”) was another challenge, especially with delays due to the pandemic affecting many construction materials needed for the project. Concrete was utilized in unique ways in the home’s design, giving off a slightly industrial vibe. The main level features a concrete range hood in the kitchen and a suspended concrete sink in the powder room adjacent to the mud room. The lower-level flooring is made of polished concrete.

Another important element to the home’s design is an artistic mix of metals, which adds visual interest throughout the house. Weldwork, a local

custom builder of steel doors, fashioned distinctive metal designs for the office doors and lower-level bar area wine cellar enclosure. The house also features hardware and light fixtures with a striking blend of metal finishes, including notable hardware on the kitchen island and wet bar from Armac Martin, a luxury brass hardware company in England.

LaMarre says wood also played an important role in the home’s design, with unique millwork and a mix of warm, rich wood tones and finishes.

The primary wood used for the floors and doors is white oak, while the painted wood cabinetry

LET’S HEAD OUTSIDE

“The owners love to have fun and entertain. The interior and outdoor spaces reflect this,” says designer Leighanne LaMarre.

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is maple. The kitchen features white oak-stained cabinets with a contrasting island. “There’s very little crown molding in the house — the emphasis was on clean lines,” the designer says. “All interior doorways and passageways throughout the house are warm and simple, but had complicated engineering using a matte-washed, dry-rub cerused white oak.”

Since there’s not a strong presence of pattern in the home’s décor, warm tones in wood, metal, and leather, as well as plush fabrics, were used to add texture and warmth. One area that boldly showcases pattern is the lower-level bar area, where geometric tile provides contrast to the bleached walnut elements and concrete floors.

The den adjacent to the kitchen is a favorite of both the homeowners and LaMarre. “Hands down, it’s my favorite room in the house,” LaMarre says.

“It’s a smaller, more intimate space that the owners use all the time, and it’s a wonderful retreat for small gatherings. The room has a different feel; it’s very warm and relaxing.” The walls are lined with stained oak shiplap, which adds an element of coziness to the space. The comfortable seating includes a traditional Eames lounge chair.

“Projects are successful when there’s a trust relationship between the client and designer. This was especially important due to COVID-19, when quick decisions had to be made to get materials in and keep things moving, to give the clients the home they wanted,” LaMarre explains. “Despite any challenges, this home has a distinctive look and feel that was specifically designed for this family and the way they live.”

QUIRKY & COOL

The lower level has plenty of unique accents like the Clare Louise Frost blockprint pillows from Ann Arbor’s Cloth & Kind.

BUYER’S GUIDE

Design Center, Troy

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Interiors, Brighton

Leighanne LaMarre, Leighanne

Light, Ceiling – Visual Comfort, Leighanne

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton,

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

leighannelamarreinteriors.com

Pillows, Accent – Schumacher, A. Darling,

Flooring – Naturally Aged Flooring, Medallion Collection Arroyo, ProSource, Wixom Lamp – Visual Comfort, Leighanne LaMarre

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton BAR

Rug – Loloi, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors,

Bar Stools – Moe’s Home Collection,

Brighton

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Sofa – Lee Industries, Leighanne LaMarre

Cabinetry, Wooden – Natural Walnut

Interiors, Brighton

Finish, Emery Design|Build, Northville

Table, Coffee – Oly Studio, Leighanne

Countertop – Caesarstone, Pure White,

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Detroit Stone & Tile, Shelby Township

Table, Occasional – Gabby, Leighanne

Flooring – Concrete

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Lighting – Hudson Valley Lighting, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

DINING ROOM

Shelves, Hanging – Natural Walnut Finish,

Backsplash – Icon Starry White, 5-Studio

Emery Design|Build, Northville

Gazette, Beaver Tile & Stone, Michigan

Tile, Bar – Zia Tile

Design Center, Troy

Wallcovering – Phillip Jeffries, Vinyl

Cabinetry – Emery Design|Build, Northville

Belgian Linen II

Centerpiece – Carved Teak Root, Arteriors,

Wine Storage – Custom Iron, Weldwork,

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Royal Oak

Chairs, Dining Host – Hickory Chair, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

DEN

Chairs, Dining Side – Vanguard Furniture,

Armchairs – Lee Industries, Leighanne

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Chandelier – Visual Comfort, Leighanne

Chair, Reclining – Herman Miller,

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Countertop – Caesarstone, Mike Miller

Drapery – Custom, Fabricut, Michigan

Building Co., Northville

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Interiors, Brighton OFFICE Chair, Desk – Herman Miller, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton Desk – Hickory Chair, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton Flooring – Medallion Collection Arroyo, Naturally Aged Flooring, ProSource, Wixom Lighting, Shelf – Visual Comfort, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton Rug – Stark Carpet, Troy Shelving, Built-in – Emery Design|Build, Northville Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Midnight Blue PATIO Chairs – Lillian August for Hickory White, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton Fan – Monte Carlo, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton Ottoman – Made Goods, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton Rug – Dash + Albert, Leighanne LaMarre Faucet – California Faucets, Advance

Lace

Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Walled

Sofa (right) – Lee Industries, Leighanne

Interiors, Brighton

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Sofa – Southern Home, Leighanne

Lake

LAUNDRY ROOM

Sofa 2 – Vanguard Furniture, Leighanne

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Flooring – Medallion Collection Arroyo,

Cabinetry – Emery Design|Build,

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Table, Patio – Summer Classics,

Naturally Aged Flooring, ProSource, Wixom

Northville

Stools – Leighanne LaMarre Interiors,

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Rug – Endless Knot, Leighanne LaMarre

Door, Sliding – TruStile, Mans Lumber &

Brighton

Table, Stone Coffee – Currey & Co.,

Interiors, Brighton

Millwork, Canton; Color, Benjamin Moore,

Table, Display – Vanguard Furniture,

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Table, Dining – Vanguard Furniture,

Cheating Heart

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Flooring – Ice White Matte Trapezium,

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly

POWDER ROOM

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly

WowUSA, Virginia Tile, Farmington Hills

Lace

Flooring – Love Affairs Concrete Light

Lace

Light, Ceiling – Hudson Valley, Leighanne

Wall Treatment, Marble – Calacatta Gold

Grey Hexagon, WowUSA, Virginia Tile,

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Porcelain Slab, Envi, Detroit Stone & Tile,

Farmington Hills

KITCHEN

Shelves – Emery Design|Build, Northville

Shelby Township

Light – Visual Comfort, Leighanne LaMarre

Cabinetry – Emery Design|Build,

Wallcovering – Phillip Jeffries, Suit

Window Treatments – Fabricut, Michigan

Interiors, Brighton

Northville

Yourself, Ready Wear Grey

Design Center, Troy

Mirror – Renwil, Leighanne LaMarre

Countertop – Caesarstone

Window Treatment – Schumacher,

Faucet – California Faucets, Carbon,

Andromeda, Smoke, Leighanne LaMarre

MUD ROOM

Sink – Custom, Origins Concrete Design,

Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply Co.,

Interiors, Brighton

Cabinetry – Emery Design|Build,

Ferndale

Northville

Tile, Wall – Delray White Caps Subway Tile,

Walled Lake

Interiors, Brighton

Flooring – Medallion Collection Arroyo,

LOWER LEVEL

Flooring – Love Affairs Concrete Light

Ceramic Tiles International, Virginia Tile,

Naturally Aged Flooring, ProSource, Wixom

Armchairs, Swivel – Vanguard Furniture,

Grey Hexagon, WowUSA, Virginia Tile,

Farmington Hills

Hardware, Cabinet (Blue) – Armac Martin,

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton;

Farmington Hills

Towel Bar – Kohler, Matte Black, Advance

Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Fabric, Stroheim, Cavell Check, Moondust

Hardware, Cabinet – Top Knobs,

Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Walled

Hardware, Cabinet (Brown) – Top Knobs,

Chests, Display – Made Goods, Leighanne

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Lake

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Pillows, Accent – Loloi, Lee Industries,

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly

Hood – Custom, Origins Concrete Design,

Flooring – Concrete

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Lace

Ferndale

Lights, Ceiling – Visual Comfort,

Runner – Summer Classics, Leighanne

Lamp – Regina Andrew, Leighanne

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Ottoman, Cocktail – Vanguard Furniture,

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly

Lighting, Bar – Visual Comfort, Leighanne

Leighanne LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Lace

LaMarre Interiors, Brighton

Pillows, Sofa – Custom, Clare Louise Frost,

Window Seat Cushion – Custom,

Sink – Blanco, Advance Plumbing &

Block Print in Black Domino, Cloth & Kind,

Schumacher, Leighanne LaMarre Interiors,

Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake

Ann Arbor

Brighton

Stove – Wolf

Rug – Milliken, Independent Carpet One

Window Shade, Fabric – Schumacher,

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly

Floor & Home, Westland

Fauna, Natural, Leighanne LaMarre

LOVELY LANDSCAPE

Beauty beckons from the walk-out basement at this pretty Northville home. The building is the homeowners’ detached garage.

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UPLIFTING UPGRADE

California Dreamin’

“A

West Coast transplants lighten up a 1940s Birmingham Colonial TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH SINGER

74

lighter, more relaxed style” is what Dave and Jennifer Jennings had in mind when they contacted interior designer Margaret Skinner, of Margeaux Interiors, about renovating their four-bedroom, five-bath Birmingham Colonial, built in 1940. Originally from California, the couple dreamed of a brighter and more easygoing style in the 3,400-square-foot home they share with their three children.

There was definitely room for improvement.

Previous owners had remodeled and expanded in 2004, adding square footage on the home’s upper levels as well as in its basement. Upgrades included a more open kitchen connected to the family room, a large mud room and bathroom off the garage, and a master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, a bath, and a walk-in closet above the kitchen.

Unfortunately, the addition’s style just wasn’t what the couple wanted when they purchased the property in 2014. The family spends a lot of time in the kitchen, and they wanted it to be

HEART & SOUL

This page: Because the family spends a lot of time in the kitchen, designer Margaret Skinner made it the heart of the home.

Navy blue accents were used in the scullery and island, while walnut touches add warmth to the food pantry cabinet, range shelves, and banding on the hood. Opposite page: The living room is the perfect spot for a bar cart.

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YOU GOTTA HAVE ART

Above: The living room is welcoming with its comfy bench, bright art, and high-quality Ghiordes Knot rug. Right: Jason Wilson artwork is a nice backdrop for the breakfast nook’s Hubbardton Forge chandelier.

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the heart of their home. “The previous kitchen was very ornate and felt heavy and dark,” Jennifer says.

The Jennings had already begun working with John Morgan, of Perspectives Cabinetry, on the kitchen and mud room redesign. Morgan recommended they contact Skinner, which they did in the fall of 2019. Their goal was to keep the best of the past but bring it into the present. “We wanted to make sure to not deviate from the traditional, but we wanted an updated look,” Jennifer explains.

Skinner and the Jennings quickly hit it off. “We had a few initial conversations and (Margaret) asked a ton of questions,” Jennifer says. “We trusted her immediately. She seemed to really understand our style and what would look nice in the space.”

Skinner agreed that the 2004 addition didn’t quite live up to its potential. It “felt very compartmentalized, and didn’t utilize the floor plan efficiently,” she remembers. “A more open feel that would be conducive to family gatherings and entertaining” was what the homeowners had in mind, in addition to something that functioned better for everyday living.

The plan included taking the kitchen, powder

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“WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO NOT DEVIATE FROM THE TRADITIONAL, BUT WE WANTED AN UPDATED LOOK.” — JENNIFER JENNINGS

TRADITIONAL TOUCH

Above: The living room is a nod to the home’s classic roots, but is much fresher with updated elements.

Below: Hudson Valley sconces and a Caesarstone countertop in Pure White make this bathroom truly elegant.

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PRACTICAL GLAM

Left: Another angle of the most popular room in the house. A cabinet with a butcher block top, designed for entertaining, was added to the end of the island. Right: The mud room was taken down to the studs and now boasts lots of organized storage space and a handy bench.

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room, guest bath, and mudroom down to the studs, as well as refreshing the existing living and dining room, family room, and home office. Other changes included rethinking existing spaces and fixing floor plans and traffic patterns, and creating a new mud room and a combination office/first floor guest room and bath for out-of-state family members.

The new kitchen shows the most dramatic improvements. “It’s all about the details,” Skinner says of the space. Navy blue accents were used in the scullery and island, while walnut touches add warmth to the food pantry cabinet, range shelves, and banding on the hood. Opting for shelves instead of upper cabinets on the range wall opened the space. A cabinet with a butcher block top, designed for entertaining, was added to the end of the island and is now the perfect place for holding bottles of wine and a charcuterie board.

A spacious banquette satisfies Jennifer’s request for more seating, comfortably accommodating six to eight people and tying visually into the dish pantry and refrigerator, Skinner says. An underutilized walk-in pantry became the new scullery, incorporating a beverage refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker.

The former kitchen table moved to the redesigned living room and is now a favorite place for playing board games. “Previously, the formal dining room and living room were rarely used,” the designer explains. “The new placement of furniture, and new fabrics and accessories, allows this space to be part of

the kitchen and not feel closed-off. What was the walk-by room is now the gather-and-relax room.”

Skinner “encouraged us to take risks I may not have taken on my own,” Jennifer shares, adding, “those are now my favorite parts.” Unfortunately, the pandemic hit mid-renovation, causing a significant delay, but “the Jennings family rolled with the punches,” Skinner says.

It was worth the wait, Jennifer says, adding that the renovated home is now everything she and her husband knew it could be. They spend the most time in the kitchen/family room, with “lots of lively conversations around the large island.”

Jennifer says entertaining is now “much easier and enjoyable … the walk-in pantry was opened up, giving us a second prep area, sink, mini-fridge, and a place for overflow food presentation.”

Other than wishing they had been able to add a three-car garage, Jennifer admits to only one renovation regret: “We should have done it sooner,” she says.

MIX MASTER

The powder room has plenty of pretty appointments, from the Iron Ore (Sherwin-Williams) ceiling paint to the Hudson Valley light above the KubeBath sink. A Phillip Jeffries wallcovering is the icing on the cake.

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BUYER’S GUIDE

Pindler, Michigan Design Center, Troy

POWDER ROOM

Buffet – Ethan Allen

Artwork – Crate & Barrel

Drapery (Fabric) – Pindler, Michigan

Ceiling Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Iron Ore

Design Center, Troy

Light – Hudson Valley, Herald Wholesale,

Lamps – Regina Andrew Detroit,

Troy

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Wyandotte

Mirror – CB2

Margaret Skinner, Margeaux Interiors,

Pillow, Accent (Fabric) – Kravet,

Sink – KubeBath

Birmingham, margeauxinteriors.com

Pindler, Romo, Kravet, Pindler, Tennant &

Wallcovering – Phillip Jeffries, Tennant &

Associates; Michigan Design Center, Troy

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

BATHROOM

Rug – The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design

Artwork – John Azoni

Center, Troy

ADDITIONAL PROJECT

Cabinet – James Martin Vanities

Sofa – Knoll

CONTRIBUTORS

Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy

Table, Coffee – Ethan Allen

Art Installation – Robert Bitterburg Sr.,

Countertop – Caesarstone, Pure White

Table and Chairs, Dining – Bernhardt, RJ

Clarkston

Flooring – Vallelunga, Virginia Tile, Troy

Thomas, Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy

Contractor – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy

Mirrors – CB2

Table, Occasional – CB2

Drapery Fabrication – Gayle’s Drapery,

Sconces – Hudson Valley, Herald

Tables, End – Ethan Allen

Macomb

Wholesale, Troy

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Crushed Ice

Electrician – Eric Conn, Livonia Tile Installation – Dean Skewes, Quality

Tile, Shower – Vallelunga, Virginia Tile, Troy MUD ROOM

Tile Inc., Troy

Bench, Backsplash – Phillip Jeffries,

Wallpaper Installation – Ken Spurgeon

BREAKFAST NOOK

Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design

Custom Painting, Holly

Artwork – Jason Wilson

Center, Troy

Chairs, Dining – Calligaris

Bench, Built-In – Perspectives Cabinetry,

Chandelier – Hubbardton Forge, Herald

Troy

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Crushed Ice

ORGANIZED LIVING

Another mud room view, this time showcasing a vanity area and even more storage.

Wholesale, Troy Pillows, Accent – Kirby and Romo, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Crushed Ice Window Seat (Fabric) – Pindler, Michigan Design Center, Troy Window Seat and Drapery, Fabrication – Gayle’s Drapery, Macomb Window Treatment – Pindler, Michigan Design Center, Troy KITCHEN Backsplash – Terra Bella Marble, Virginia Tile, Troy Bench – Phillip Jeffries, Tennant Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy Countertop – Enigma Quartz, Dwyer Marble & Stone Supply, Farmington Hills; Fabrication, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Faucet – Brizo, Herald Wholesale, Troy Hood – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy Lights, Bar – Hubbardton Forge, Herald Wholesale, Troy Pantry, Wooden – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy Shelves, Floating – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy Stove – Wolf, Specialties Showroom, Berkley Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Crushed Ice, Troy LIVING ROOM Bar Cart – Caracole Bench, Upholstered – Bernhardt, Fabric,

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Designed To Make The Everyday Extraordinary Design + Build | Kitchen Remodels Bathroom Remodels | Home Additions

2516 S. Adams Road Rochester Hills, MI 48309 (248) 260-7639 www.renovationbydesign.org

RBD.FP.DD.Sp22 v2.indd 1

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EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Embracing Change A pair of emptynesters crafts a tailored Contemporary for their next act TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN CARLSON

“F

un” and “sexy” were among the goals newly-minted empty-nesters Eric and Sheila Werner set for the Oakland Township Contemporary they started building in 2019, after their youngest child graduated from high school.

The couple knew they wanted something completely different from the Tudor-style home they’d built for their family of four in 2011. That residence, designed with the help of Cranbrook Custom Homes and interior designer Cheryl Nestro, of Tutto Interiors in Northville, had “lots of gray, sparkling light fixtures, and a formal dining room,” Sheila explains. “We didn’t change anything about the layout of that home, so Cheryl just had the job of making it beautiful, which is easy for her, but not super challenging, which is where she shines.”

The couple gave Nestro a longer to-do list for their new residence, which they worked on with the designer and Cranbrook Custom Homes’ architect Stephen McKay. “Once we knew we

were on our way to being empty-nesters, our priorities changed,” Sheila says. “We wanted the home to have a presence, have a grand entrance, and have some height to it.” They also wanted “a Ranch home, more privacy, something a bit more modern, and to stay in the Rochester area,” the homeowner says. “The inside of the home needed to be open, and we wanted a completely different color palette and feel than our last home.” Also on the list: “A beautiful setting, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the views, and large areas for entertaining, inside and out,” Sheila says. “We wanted the master bedroom and a private guest suite on the main floor. We put two bedrooms, a workout room, home office, and gathering space for our adult children when they’re visiting on the lower level.”

Together, the team crafted a design that checks all the boxes. “It took longer because we had to develop the property, and this house is completely custom,” Sheila explains of the 18-month process.

“Our architect was patient with our back-and-forth

GRAND TIMES AHEAD

Both pages: The homeowners wanted their new house in Oakland Township to have a grand entrance.

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changing of the elevations and layout. We also ran every design by Cheryl, and she was invaluable.”

Nestro says the house has many highlights, including a 10-foot art niche in the foyer and 12- to 14-foot ceilings throughout, which enabled her to use a mix of materials and pendants that look like fine jewelry and “really command your attention.”

She also has a soft spot for the “swanky, moody” library, which she designed with a speakeasy vibe — the perfect spot for grown-up pleasures such as after-dinner drinks — and the “warm, cozy” great room with its dramatic fireplace, which features contrasting earth tones coupled with suede-textured tile, walnut wood, and gray accent niches. “The polished porcelain floor looks like glass when the sun shines in,” she says of the space. “Surprisingly, the Werners thought the great room wasn’t going to be used much, but they love it,” the designer says.

The homeowner calls the new build “very kitchen-centric,” adding “Cheryl gave me a kitchen she would love to cook in. We mostly eat at home, and we make our own meals, but we love entertaining. This home is so fun to entertain guests in.” While it accommodates guests well, it also works when their grown children come home.

“Cheryl knew we would still have young adults around part of the time, so she chose furniture and fabrics to accommodate our lifestyle. You can’t help but appreciate the attention to detail that Cheryl and her team put into this home.”

Although the couple moved in last winter, Sheila still can’t identify a favorite room. “It’s

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OPEN & AIRY

Both pages, clockwise from opposite page, top: The great room feels extra “great” with high ceilings. In fact, the home features 12- to 14-foot ceilings throughout. In the breakfast nook, kitchen, and four-season room, pendant lighting is like fine jewelry that adds just the right touch of glam.

hard for me to choose because we spend time in every room of this home. Eric says his favorite is the four-season room with the beautiful tile, natural fireplace, and modern light fixtures. And I have to say Cheryl outdid herself on our great room.”

Sheila also appreciates the beautiful fireplace and custom swivel chairs, where she enjoys morning coffee and watching wildlife in the backyard.

The designer admits she can’t identify just one standout room. “I don’t have a favorite because the entire home is so special,” she shares.

The new nest has been everything the Werners dreamed of, and more, they say. “This home has exceeded our expectations. It was very well thought out, and lends itself to our lifestyle. There’s nothing we would have done differently.”

“WE LOVE ENTERTAINING. THIS HOME IS SO FUN TO ENTERTAIN GUESTS IN.” — SHEILA WERNER

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THE ART OF LIVING

Both pages, clockwise from above: The library, four-season room, kitchen, and outdoor seating area all are adorned with artful touches, from the curvy office coffee table to the latest in fire pit designs.

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FOUR-SEASON BEAUTY “WE HAD OUR HEARTS SET ON A FOUR-SEASON ROOM that could be closed off with industrial-looking glass doors, and we wanted the home to be on grade, no walkout, to maximize views of the wildlife,” Sheila Werner says of her home’s wonderful room. Interior designer Cheryl Nestro says the room’s design inspired the rest of the residence.

“The entire home started with this room,” she says. Here are a few tips for your own four-season getaway: Go Big “The clients weren’t sure how much window they wanted in this room,” Nestro says, “but I quickly encouraged them to let nature in and designed the windows from floor to ceiling.”

Think Double-Duty “We don’t have a formal dining room, so Cheryl incorporated a beautiful table in one half of the room,” Werner says.

“The other side of the room has a natural wood-burning fireplace and a cozy sectional couch. We wanted this room to feel a bit more modern, due to the Weldworks doors that close the room off from the kitchen.

Cheryl went off of the design of the four-season windows and made the transition seamless when looking from the kitchen into the great room. We use the table in lieu of a formal dining room, and our family congregates there to watch movies and enjoy the natural fireplace.”

Black Magic Gray porcelain tile gives the room a more modern feel.

Black accents in the fireplace tile and dining room light fixture tie in the Weldworks doors and the dark windows, making the space modern and comfortable. — KZ

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BUYER’S GUIDE INTERIOR DESIGNER

Flooring – Craft, Superb Flooring & Design, Troy Table, Dining – Caracole Furniture Wall Paint – Sherwin Williams, Agreeable Gray

Cheryl Nestro, Tutto Interiors, Northville, tuttointeriors.com

FOUR-SEASON ROOM Armchairs – Wesley Hall, Hickory; Fabric,

BATHROOM, MASTER

Harrison Taupe

Bathtub – Soaking Tub, Victoria + Albert,

Artwork – Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting,

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting

Lake Orion

Gallery, Troy

Ceiling Trim – Custom Indirect LED Lights,

Cabinetry – Walnut Driftwood, Onyx Glaze,

Tutto Interiors, Northville; Installation,

Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills

Cranbrook Custom Homes, Shelby

Faucet – Levoir, Luxe Gold, Brizo, Ferguson

Township

Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Troy

Chairs, Dining (aux room) – Miranda Side

Flooring – Cerdomus, Supreme, Polished

Chair, Sonder Living, Hickory Chair

Ivory, Virginia Tile, Troy

Chairs, Dining (conjoined room) – Loretta

Mirror – Cranbrook

Side Chair, Hickory Chair, Hickory Chair

Sconces – Valencia, Aged Brass, Hudson

Interior Design Showroom, Michigan

Valley, Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake

Design Center, Troy; Fabric, Holly Hunt and

Orion

Hickory Chair

Wall Paint – Sherwin Williams, Agreeable

Chandelier, Glass – Custom, Blossom

Gray

Fixture, Hammerton Studio Flooring – Sassy Graphite, Polished,

SOAK IT IN

This page: In the master bath, a Victoria + Albert soaking tub is extra inviting, thanks to woodsy views. Opposite page: Night life.

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BREAKFAST NOOK

Cercan Tile, Cercan Tile Inc., Michigan

Booth – Custom, Tutto Interiors Custom

Design Center, Troy

Design by Tutto Interiors, Northville;

Lighting, Ceiling – Wac LED Light Stripe,

Margaret’s Upholstering, Keego Harbor;

Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion

Fabric, Taurus Saddle, Brentano Fabrics

Lighting, Table – Tech Lighting, Summit

and Hickory Chair

Grande Pendant, Black, Pine Tree Furniture

Chairs, Kitchen Nook – Miranda Side

& Lighting, Lake Orion

Chair, Sonder Living; Fabric, Hickory Chair

Ottoman – Union Ottoman, Wesley Hall

Chandelier – Custom, Hammerton Studio

Rug – Masland, Serene Touch, The

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LIBRARY Armchairs – Windham Chair, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy Chandelier – Modern Forms, Catalyst, Aged Brass, Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion Chest, Display – Chester Bar Cabinet, Sonder Living Flooring – Craft, Superb Flooring & Design, Troy Partition – Abacus 9-light Ceiling-to-Floor LED Pendant, Hubbardton Forge Rug – Fabrica, Declaration in Expression, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy Sofa – Boomerang Sofa, Opulent Citrine, Ambella Home Collection Table, Coffee – Piero Cocktail Table, Theodore Alexander Table, Occasional – XO Table, Arteriors Wallpaper, Accent – Set in Stone, Black Onyx, MDC Wallcoverings Wallpaper, Main – Vinyl Kimono Silk, Tatami Taupe, Phillip Jeffries, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center,

Natural, Wesley Hall and Theodore

Tables, End – Elements Chairside Table

Troy

Alexander

and Fusion Drum Table, Caracole

Sectional – Dapper Custom Sofa, Wesley

Ceiling Trim – Custom Indirect LED Lights,

Tables, Occasional – Tri-Pod Tables, Global

PATIO

Hall; Fabric, Chess Flax

Tutto Interiors, Northville; Cranbrook

Views

Chairs – Fitz Roy, Kettler USA, Pine Tree

Table, Dining (aux room) – Artisan Dining

Custom Homes, Shelby Township

Wall Paint – Sherwin Williams, Agreeable

Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion

Table, Caracole

Chairs, Swivel – Jazz Swivel Tub Chair, TCS

Gray

Fire Pit – Tavola 8, Ebony, Prism

Table, Dining (conjoined room) – Asher

Designs Inc.

Dining Table, Hickory White

Fireplace, Main Tile – Sepulveda Suede

KITCHEN

Lake Orion

Tile, Fireplace – Kronos Nero Natural,

Scraffito, Ann Sacks, Michigan Design

Bar Stools – Donegal Counter Stool,

Landscaping – Blu 60 Techo-Bloc in

Ciot, Troy

Center, Troy

Vanguard Furniture; Fabric, Crypton, Jude

Greyed Nickel, Onyx Black, Motor City

Wall Paint – Sherwin Williams, Agreeable

Fireplace, Mantle – Caesarstone,

Almond

Landscaping, Rochester

Gray

Statuario NuvAo

Cabinetry, Brown – Quartered Walnut

Pool and Hot Tub – Backyard Creations

Fireplace, Niches – Stone Tech Grigio,

Ashen Stain, Millennium Cabinetry,

Shelter – StruXure

FOYER

Cercan Tile, Troy

Farmington Hills

Sofa – Fitz Roy, Kettler USA, Pine Tree

Ceiling Trim – Custom Indirect LED Lights,

Fireplace, Reveals – Chemetal, Deep

Cabinetry, Tan – Textil Plata, Millennium

Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion

Tutto Interiors, Northville; Installation,

Bronze Aluminum

Cabinetry, Farmington Hills

Table – Timor, Kettler USA, Pine Tree

Cranbrook Custom Homes, Shelby

Fireplace, Wood Accents – DuChateau

Countertop – Sapienstone, Bright Onyx,

Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion

Township

Krescent Wallcovering, Brown Ash, Superb

Ciot, Troy

Wall Color and Steps – Raffinato

Chandelier – Custom, Hammerton Studio

Flooring & Design, Troy

Faucet – Franke Pull-Out Spray Faucet,

Techo-Bloc, Greyed Nickel, Motor City

Flooring – Craft, Superb Flooring &

Flooring – Craft, Superb Flooring &

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting

Landscaping, Rochester

Design, Troy

Design, Troy

Gallery, Troy

Lighting, Ceiling – Wac LED Light Stripe,

Lighting, Ceiling – Wac LED Light Stripe,

Flooring – Craft, Superb Flooring &

EXTERIOR

Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion

Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion

Design, Troy

Building Materials – Masonry Brick and

Mirror – Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting,

Pillows, Accent – Hickory Chair, Hickory

Hood – Quartered Walnut Ashen Stain,

Limestone

Lake Orion

Chair Interior Design Showroom, Michigan

Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills

Landscaping – Motor City Landscaping,

Sculpture – “The Dancer,” Vladimira

Design Center, Troy

Lighting, Bar – Il Pezzo, Pine Tree Furniture

Rochester

Klumpar, Habatat Galleries, Royal Oak

Rug – Fabrica, Barcelona in Pyrenees, The

& Lighting, Lake Orion

Manufacturer – Cranbrook Custom

Table, Display – Linea Console Table,

Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center,

Lighting, Cabinet – Wac LED Stripe

Homes, Shelby Township

Bernhardt Furniture Co.

Troy

Lighting, Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington

Masonry – Acme Winter Park

Wall Covering – Phillip Jeffries, Tennant &

Sofa – Wesley Hall; Fabric, Arlee Bisque,

Hills

Windows – Andersen Windows & Doors,

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Peretti

Wall Paint – Sherwin Williams, Agreeable

Quaker Residential Window & Doors

Table, Coffee – Auden Cocktail Table,

Gray

GREAT ROOM

Hickory Chair, Hickory Chair Interior Design

Armchairs – Wesley Hall; Fabric, Melvin

Showroom, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Hardscapes, Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting,

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Modern Meets Tudor This Birmingham new-build features 21st-century amenities and all the charm and style of the 1920s TEXT BY PATTY LANOUE STEARNS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH SINGER

“I

grew up loving Tudors,” says Amy Konja, who, with her husband, Steve, had been searching for Tudors in hopes of finding one for their growing family. The couple decided to look at some of the Tudors in Birmingham’s Quarton Lake area. They still couldn’t find what they were looking for.

For one thing, they discovered that while traditional Tudors are often gracious and filled with exquisite features and craftsmanship, they can also be dark and divided up into many small rooms, which is totally impractical by modern standards.

Like everyone else in the market today, the Konjas wanted a large living space. They also wanted a staircase off the front door, and a proper library, like those found in so many old Tudors.

The couple finally decided that to get exactly what they wanted, they had to build a new home — one with “1920s spirit; an open concept, but still cozy; and a place with moody moments,” Amy explains. She and Steve contacted Birmingham architect Brian Neeper.

“We asked (Neeper) to think ‘Palmer Park Tudor’ as the inspiration for this home,” Amy says. Neeper drew up the plans for what would become a three-level, four-bedroom, four-bath, two-powder-room home with 6,450 square feet of finished space, two working gas fireplaces, and one faux fireplace in the main office. There’s also a second-floor laundry and a lower level with an

entertainment area with a bar, as well as a gym.

Off the bedroom near the garage, a second office nook with a built-in desk and shelves serves as the study area for the Konjas’ two daughters.

The Konjas also got the stairway they wanted, right inside the front door, along with a foyer with wainscoting and an arched entryway to the library.

And for the modern lives they lead, the entire back of the house — which includes the kitchen, dining room, and great room — is wide open and full of light.

“When we started the process, I wanted to do the design myself,” says Amy, who has been partial to global design influences, particularly Asian, ever since she traveled with her parents as a child.

“I had been planning this house in my head for 44 years.”

ISLAND TIME

Uniquely patterned quartz countertops, comfortable Ballard Designs stools, and Newport Brass hardware, among other elements, make this kitchen super chic.

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

“WHEN WE STARTED THE PROCESS, I WANTED TO DO THE DESIGN MYSELF. I HAD BEEN PLANNING THIS HOUSE IN MY HEAD FOR 44 YEARS.” — AMY KONJA

But out of the blue, just as those plans were taking form, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had to find someone to carry out her dream-home plans as she went through intensive treatments (thankfully, she’s fine now). A trusted friend recommended Birmingham’s Ellwood Interiors and fate brought her the firm’s senior interior designer, Victoria Shelley. The two clicked, and they hit the ground running, selecting everything from the brick and stucco colors of the exterior to the playful wall coverings in the children’s office and the laundry room.

“I would create mini-powerpoint presentations for Victoria and say, ‘This is my inspiration for this room,’ ’’ Amy says, “and she would come back with samples. She nailed it time and time again. By the end of the process, she could read

A NEW SPIN

The laundry room’s pretty cabinetry, unique shelving, bright countertops, and Monocibec flooring from Virginia Tile make doing laundry a pleasure instead of a chore.

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

COLOR THEIR WORLD

Both pages, clockwise from upper left: The master bedroom, library, office, and hallway entrance to the library all ooze with inviting color combinations and a fresh approach to mixing darks and lights.

Each space features head-turning appeal.

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

my mind.”

Steve Konja had plenty of input into the design, as well. “Steve was the ‘modern’ to my ‘Tudor,’ ” Amy says. “He balanced things. I’d show him something dark and he’d say ‘No, something light.’ ” Designer Shelley used a light color palette with bold contrasts in wall coverings, accessories, and rugs. Wainscoting and other fine touches contribute to a sense of Tudor charm.

“While a typical wainscot, seen in the foyer, would be in a dark stain, this home was updated with bright white paint. A Tudor arch — a shallow arch that culminates at a distinctive center point — frames the proper library and is perfectly centered on the room’s carved silver limestone fireplace. Diamond-pane windows in a black finish speak to the caming (grooved metal

bars) that’s traditionally used,” the designer shares.

Asian-inspired prints and textures, which Amy adores, were incorporated into the modern/Tudor design in the draperies in the library, the wallpaper in several rooms, and in the master bath’s ottoman. Shelley also maximized space, storage, and function for the young family, with fabrics that are chic yet comfy and durable.

This home has everything the Konjas hoped for: It’s warm, welcoming, and wonderful.

What’s more, says Amy, it’s cool. “All the kids want to hang out at our house,” she says.

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BUYER’S GUIDE

Stone, Michigan Design Center, Troy Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Intellectual Gray Wall Paneling – Probuilt Woodworking, Macomb; Ellwood Interiors, Birmingham

INTERIOR DESIGNER Victoria Shelley, Ellwood Interiors,

BEDROOM, MASTER

Birmingham, ellwoodinteriors.com

Bedding – RH Ceiling Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Pure

BATHROOM, MASTER

White

Bathtub – Signature Hardware

Chairs – Charles Stewart Co.

Cabinetry – Hollywood Cabinets, Shelby

Drapery – Pindler, Michigan Design Center,

Township

Troy

Chandelier – Visual Comfort

Fabrication, Drapery and Pillow –

Drapery – Romo, Tennant & Associates,

Decoroom Workroom, Lake Orion

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Light, Bedside – Arteriors

Flooring – Timeless Silver Travertine,

Pillow, Accent – Great Plains, Tennant &

Cercan Tile, Inc., Michigan Design Center,

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Troy

Rug – STARK Carpet, Troy

Mirror – CVS Glass & Mirror, Clinton

Table, Bedside – RH

Township

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Elephant Ear

Ottoman – Custom, Ellwood Interiors,

Wallpaper – Phillip Jeffries, Tennant &

Birmingham, Laird’s Upholstery, Livonia;

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy Granite, Shelby Township

Table, Occasional – West Elm

Center, Troy

KITCHEN

Hardware – Newport Brass, Herald

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Pure White,

Sconces – Visual Comfort

Bar Stools – Ballard Designs

Wholesale, Troy

Naval, Elephant Ear

Shelving, Built-In – Probuilt Woodworking,

Cabinet Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Pure

Hood – Hollywood Cabinets, Shelby

Macomb; Design, Brian Neeper Architecture,

White

Township

OFFICE

Birmingham

Cabinetry – Hollywood Cabinets, Shelby

Stove – ILVE

Chair – Artistic Frame, Tennant &

Table, Occasional – Pottery Barn

Township

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Anew Gray

Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Tile (Inlay) – Olympia Tile, Beaver Tile and

Countertop – Mont Quartz, Diamond

Fabric, Kravet and Pindler, Michigan Design

Chandelier – Pottery Barn LAUNDRY ROOM

Desk and Shelving – Probuilt Woodworking,

Bins, Storage – Household Essentials

Macomb; Ellwood Interiors, Birmingham

Cabinetry – Hollywood Cabinets, Shelby

Ottoman – Target

Township

Sconces – Arteriors

Countertop – Diamond Granite, Shelby

Wall Inserts – Schumacher

Township

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Felted Wool

Flooring – Monocibec, Virginia Tile, Troy

Window Seat Cushion – Pindler, Michigan

Shelves and Ceiling Rack – Etsy

Design Center, Troy

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Worldly Gray

Window Shade – Schumacher, Michigan

Wallpaper – Astek

Design Center, Troy

Washer and Dryer – Maytag, Specialties Showroom, Berkley

STUDY AREA, CHILDREN’S Flooring – Ceramica, Virginia Tile, Troy

LIBRARY

Shelf and Desk Paint – Sherwin-Williams,

Armchairs – RH

Urbane Bronze

Ceiling Treatment – Probuilt Woodworking,

Shelves and Desk – Hollywood Cabinets,

Macomb

Shelby Township

Chandelier – Visual Comfort

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Silverplate

Drapery – Fabrication, Decoroom

Wallpaper – Lee Jofa, Kravet/Lee Jofa/

Workroom, Lake Orion; Fabric, Schumacher,

Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center,

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Troy

Fireplace – Genesee Cut Stone & Marble Co., Flint Lounger, Wingback – Theodore Alexander, Michigan Design Center, Troy Pillows, Accent – Ryan Studio Rug – STARK Carpet, Troy Shelves, Built-In – Probuilt Woodworking, Macomb; Ellwood Interiors, Birmingham

SPECIAL TOUCHES

Left: A children’s homework nook keeps school items organized. Above: Pretty drapery, a Visual Comfort chandelier, and a custom ottoman highlight the master bathroom.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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CUSTOM HOMES • RENOVATIONS • ADDITIONS

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Bright Future Cloth & Kind makes over a once-dark and dated Ann Arbor Tudor TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO

S

urprised. That’s the reaction people have when they discover that the classic Ann Arbor Tudor owned by Matthew and Jenna Romano is the work of well-known local architect Wells Ira Bennett.

Bennett, an instructor and one-time dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Architecture and Design, is better known for his later work, which included a striking Mid-century Modern residence a few doors away from the Romanos’ more traditional residence. The architect even lived in a Tudor-style home across the street while he designed their house.

The Romanos’ 1926 Tudor is “stunningly gorgeous,” Jenna says, “but no one knew he designed it.” Luckily for the Romanos, the original and subsequent owners kept records detailing the home’s history. Besides the blueprints, which now hang in the back hall, the Romanos also have specs for doors and trim, as well as the original landscape plans, which included an asparagus garden and a stone path — a feature the couple excavated and worked into their new garden.

The Romanos fell in love with the house after losing a bidding war for another nearby residence.

Originally from sunny Los Angeles (Jenna grew up in Kalamazoo), Matthew was initially concerned that the house would be too dark, his wife says.

Still, she saw its potential, despite the stucco

A 1926 BEAUTY

This gracious Ann Arbor Tudor was originally designed by local architect Wells Ira Bennett.

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exterior accented with dark wood trim. “It faces south and west, so it gets tons of natural light,” Jenna explains. She knew the home would work well for their family, which includes son Maximilian and daughter Allegra.

Once the house was theirs, the Romanos found their way to Krista Nye Nicholas of Ann Arbor’s Cloth & Kind. The designer owns a house not far from them, and Jenna had heard about her through friends. A walk-through cemented the relationship.

“Krista graciously let us tour her house,” Jenna says. “It had a great vibe — beautiful, yet livable.”

Jenna remembers their meeting as a magical moment. “Our personalities clicked,” she says of Nicholas, and Cloth & Kind. “They have great energy.”

The designer says her home served as an example of what was possible. It “was a historic home with beautiful bones that was in a state of total disrepair,” she says. “When they saw what I

POURING WITH STYLE

Thoughtful design runs from the nifty kitchen (durable enough for two young kids) to the adults’ handsome mini-bar area.

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TUDOR REIGN WHAT EXACTLY IS TUDOR STYLE? ACCORDING TO THE classic “A Field Guide to American Houses,” by Virginia and Lee McAlester, Tudor Revival style “is loosely based on a variety of early English building traditions ranging from simple folk houses to late Medieval palaces. Most houses in this style emphasize high-pitched, gabled roofs and elaborate chimneys of Medieval origin, but decorative detailing may draw from Renaissance or even the modern Craftsman traditions.”

The guide goes on to say that the style was seldom seen in the U.S. before World War I, but rose in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s and again in a modified form in the 1970s and ’80s. Common features include steeply pitched roofs; decorative half-timbering; tall, narrow windows; and large chimneys with ornate chimney pots. – KZ

had done with it — also a top-to-bottom renovation — they knew they had found their designer.”

Goals included “significantly lightening and brightening the entire home while keeping many of the pristine architectural components intact,” Nicholas explains. “They wanted a family-friendly home that was durable enough to stand up to two young children, but thoughtfully designed in order to satisfy Jenna’s passion for beautiful interiors.”

A three-story addition delivered on all fronts.

Built off of the side of the house, it incorporated a galley kitchen and small TV room that had been made from a winterized porch. The spaces were replaced with a new kitchen and family room on the first floor, a master bedroom suite with a bathroom and walk-in closets on the second, and a finished space with another bedroom and

LET’S PLAY!

These furnishings can stand up to the two energetic residents of the home — Allegra and Maximilian — who make the most of the comfortable surroundings, and take games and crafting to another level in the breakfast nook.

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Above: The living room’s Narnia table (Arteriors) is set for game night! Below: A child’s bedroom features a mix of cool materials.

LIVABLE & LOVELY

Above: A dressing room any woman would adore.

Below: The wallpaper in the powder room inspires instant happiness.

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CHOICE CHARM

Above: A masterful mix of elements in the dining room. Below: The adorable children’s bathroom features custom-made Young Cabinetry (Saline).

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SOAKING UP HISTORY

Both pages: Everyone’s goal during the process was to hold onto the past and yet make it new, like here in the master suite.

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family room in the lowest level. A new mud room replaced a former small patio in the back of the house.

The homeowners’ and designer’s shared goal for the renovation, which almost doubled the house’s square footage, was to “hold onto tradition and history, yet make it new,” says Jenna, who loves fabrics, textiles, and light fixtures. She also wanted the house to have color and energy — something Cloth & Kind is known for. “We both love wallpaper,” Jenna enthuses. The designer is partial to the new mud room, she says, adding, “It’s a light-filled space with ample storage, a Dutch door to the backyard, and a deep soapstone sink, all wrapped in the most beautiful color — Benjamin

Moore’s Beach Glass ... The inspiration for the room came from a vintage print our clients loved and wanted to incorporate.”

Jenna remembers what she calls their “big gulp moment,” when they painted the dark trim throughout. A friend recommended leaving the original dark wood in the foyer, and Jenna says she’s glad they did. When possible, they drew inspiration from and replicated many of the home’s original details, including the fireplace in the family room, a replica of the one in the living room; the newel post to the basement; and door knobs, trim, and windows.

Jenna “totally loved the renovation process,” she says. Once 2,900 square feet with five bedrooms and 3.5 baths, the house now has six bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and is just shy of 5,000 square feet. The Romanos moved very few walls, and much of the home’s original footprint stayed the same. “People who come through can’t tell what part is new,” Jenna says. “They often say ‘It’s just so beautiful, if you didn’t know you’d think it had all been here forever.’ ”

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BUYER’S GUIDE INTERIOR DESIGNER

Dresser – Newport Cottages

CLOSET, WALK-IN

Light, Ceiling – Rochester Pendant, Barn

Bench, Cushion, and Drapery – Custom,

Light Electric

Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Cushion Fabric,

Rug – Sisal and Chenille, Navy, Pottery

Autun Mohair Velvet, Brunschwig & Fils,

Barn

Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils,

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Whitestone

Michigan Design Center, Troy Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry,

Krista Nye Nicholas, Cloth & Kind, Ann BEDROOM, MASTER

Saline

Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Drapery Fabric, Weeping Willow, Clay

BATHROOM, CHILDREN‘S

Tables, Bedside – Noir, Cloth & Kind, Ann

McLaurin Studio, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry,

Arbor

Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Saline

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Gray Sky

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Pike’s Peak

Arbor, clothandkind.com

Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs,

Gray

Dexter; Fabric, Ball and Chain, Hable

BREAKFAST NOOK

Construction

Cabinet, Built-in – Custom, Young

DINING ROOM

Stool – Serena & Lily

Cabinetry, Saline

Artwork – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Blue Lace

Chair, White – Eames Molded Plastic

Ceiling Paint – Bohemia, Duchess Satin,

Chairs, Herman Miller, Zeeland

Sydney Harbour Paint Company Custom

BATHROOM, MASTER

Chairs, Black – Vintage, Cloth & Kind,

Colorway, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Cloth

Ann Arbor

Centerpiece – Vintage Moroccan Ceramic

& Kind, Ann Arbor

Chandelier – Olampia

Bowl, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Light, Ceiling – The Urban Electric Co.

Pillows, Accent – Custom, Lou Lou

Chairs, Dining – Vintage with Custom

Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Designs, Dexter; Fabric, Kettlewell

Cushions, 1stdibs; Cushion, Susan Connor

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Silver Satin

Collection, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

New York, Inlay in Lake/Natural

Window Treatment, Roman Shades –

Chandelier – Sea Urchin, Coup D’état,

BEDROOM, CHILD

Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Fabric,

Detroit

Chair, Rattan – Pottery Barn Teen;

seemakrish Glitterati Linen, Cloth & Kind,

Drapery – Custom, Peter Fasano Fabric,

Cushion, Custom, Jennifer Shorto Swing

Ann Arbor

Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Landscape, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

IN & OUT BEAUTY

Above: With soft Sea Glass (Benjamin Moore) paint, dollops of red, and a pretty Tumbleweed (Hable, Loomsource) bench fabric, the mud room showcases a creative combination of accents. Left: The family enjoys gathering on the inviting patio.

Opposite page: Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue cabinetry paint is an inky blue named after a beach in Norfolk, England.

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Table, Dining – Bunny Williams Home

Dexter; Fabric, Gray Lines Linen, Warsa

Shelving – Custom, Young Cabinetry,

Door, Sliding – Custom, Hal Lambert

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore,

Wheat

Saline

Custom Carpentry

Featherstone

Mirror – Carvers Guild

Tray – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Shelving – Custom, Young Cabinetry,

Pillow, Lumbar (Fabric) – Jim Thompson

Wall Treatment – Paneled Walnut

Saline Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, White Dove

KITCHEN

Opulence, Midnight, Tennant & Associates,

Artwork – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Michigan Design Center, Troy

MUD ROOM

Backsplash – Crossville Savoy Subway

Pillows, Floor – Madeline Weinrib, Cloth &

Bench, Cushion – Custom, Lou Lou

POWDER ROOM

Tile, Virginia Tile Company, Troy

Kind, Ann Arbor

Designs, Dexter, Cloth & Kind, Ann

Cabinet – J. Tribble Collection

Cabinetry, Blue – Farrow & Ball, Stiffkey

Rug – Fibreworks, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Arbor; Tumbleweed, Hable Construction,

Countertop – Statyrart White

Blue No. 281

Rug, Hide – Saddlemans

Momentum Loomsource

Faucet – SIGMA Rutherford Widespread

Cabinetry, Wood – Stained Walnut

Sofa (Fabric) – Allegra Hicks for Lee Jofa

Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry,

Faucet, Advance Plumbing & Heating

Counter Stools – Case Study Furniture,

Groundworks, Infinity, Beige/Midnight

Saline

Supply Co., Walled Lake

Modernica

Table, Coffee – Narnia Cocktail Table,

Countertops and Sink – Soapstone

Wallpaper – Osborne & Little, Maharani,

Lighting, Bar – Hicks Extra Large Pendant,

Arteriors

Runner – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Chartreuse

Visual Comfort, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Berber

Sconce – Yoke Pendant with Small Shade,

Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor

White

Visual Comfort, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Beach Glass

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, White Dove MINI-BAR LIVING ROOM

Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry,

PANTRY

Armchair – Bunny Williams Chair, Bunny

Saline

Cabinet Paint – Farrow & Ball Stiffkey,

Williams Home, Kettlewell Collection, Cloth

Countertop – Statyrart White,

Blue No. 281

& Kind, Ann Arbor

Faucet – Advance Plumbing & Heating

Cabinetry – Young Cabinetry, Saline

Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs,

Supply Co., Walled Lake

Countertop – Honed White Carrera Marble

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TRADITIONAL TWIST

Mistress of the Mix Annie Kordas blended traditional materials with eye-catching art, captivating colors, and a slight French accent to create her soulful nest TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GARLAND

I

nterior designer Annie Kordas says the “stars aligned” when she and her husband, George, found their dream home in 2013.

“We were living in a small Ranch-style home in Grosse Pointe Farms and had a baby at the time,” Kordas says. “We saw a traditional Colonial for sale, a dream house on a dream street. It had what my husband and I love — the whitewashed brick, and dark hunter-green shutters and front door. We looked through it, but weren’t in a position to sell ours.” As it turned out, some family friends learned of the Kordas’ home possibly being for sale. They wanted to purchase it, and the rest is history.

“Most everything was to our liking, and I couldn’t love it more,” Kordas says of her home, which is located on a cul-de-sac in Grosse Pointe Farms and was built in 1962. “We took down a wall and opened up the space between the kitchen and living room,” she says. One of their favorite elements is the size of the windows. “They’re so special, floor to ceiling! We’re lucky to have them.

I’ve got window washers here twice a year to keep them clean and pristine,” she says with a laugh.

Two years ago, the couple updated their kitchen. “The layout was great,” she says, “so we just did some aesthetic work, like adding a new backsplash.” The Wood-Mode cabinetry was in good shape, but the doors had been hand-painted white and were “pretty much trashed,” she says.

“The inside was perfection, so we replaced just the doors with factory-finish, more modern doors and new hardware.”

Upon entering the home, one immediately takes in a special table in the foyer. An Art Decostyle piece, it was discovered by Kordas at Judy Frankel Antiques in Troy. “I love her antiques and the condition they’re in,” Kordas says. A couple of Danish chairs Kordas purchased through another designer friend round out the foyer’s eclectic look.

The couple often uses the library for entertaining.

“We (like to) hang out there,” she says. “There’s a

little bar off that room, so we can fix a cocktail.”

Made cozy with a commissioned piece of wall art, a television, and a rich charcoal wall shade (Benjamin Moore’s Onyx), the library is “actually my favorite spot in the whole house. I sit in there all the time just because it’s cozy. I light the fire, drink my coffee, watch the birds flying around outside.

I tell clients that darker colors (like the one on the walls) provide a different energy.”

No doubt, an eye-catching piece in the fourbedroom home is the living room’s circular sofa.

“We put that round item in our living room because there are four doorways to the space, so you have to have open traffic flow — and that piece provides that.”

Like the library, the living room comes in handy for entertaining. Its large rug is crafted of hand-knotted wool with soft tan and light blue tones — an heirloom gifted from family. Two commissioned paintings of Marie Antoinette and Louis the XVI remind the couple of one of their favorite places in Europe, the Palace of Versailles.

FOR WORK & PLAY

Both pages, above and right: Benjamin Moore’s Onyx makes the library cozy. It’s a room the homeowners use often, whether enjoying coffee in the morning or entertaining guests at cocktail hour.

In designer Annie Kordas’ office, a pair of contemporary Jonathan Adler lamps illuminates four original paintings of faceless men.

The white Herman Miller soft-pad chairs are a nod to Mid-century Modern style.

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EXQUISITE TOUCHES

Both pages, clockwise from above: The master bedroom’s palette of easy-on-the-eye neutrals ensures sweet dreams.

Note the inviting Louis XVI bed. The living room’s circular sofa creates accommodating traffic flow in an area that has four entries to the space. The powder room underwent an aesthetic upgrade, with new hardware, wallpaper, and lighting.

When hosting a party, the couple often will hire a jazz pianist to set up in the space. The overall style evokes a Jay Gatsby feel, and “ ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a favorite book!” Kordas shares. It’s not surprising that her spaces have that “come have a gin cocktail and let’s listen to music for awhile” feel.

Indeed, this is a home in which one is constantly amazed by the clever mix of art, furnishings, and materials. One of the designer’s favorite elements in a home is marble, so the powder room, already brimming with beautiful marble, didn’t need to change much. “Marble is the only material I ever want to put in a bathroom,” Kordas says. “All of the existing bathrooms in the home (3.5) had marble.”

She admits that she did change the colors, though.

“The powder room cabinets were Kelly green, so I painted them white and then added wallpaper on the walls and ceiling, and sconces, and made minor aesthetic changes.” Kordas says one of the easiest fixes in a powder room is changing out the hardware. “That’s a favorite thing to do,” she says, adding that she used antiqued bronze pieces for her powder room. An ebonized, burled-wood

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STEP RIGHT IN

An Art Deco-style table in the foyer was discovered at Judy Frankel Antiques in Troy. Danish chairs round out the welcoming space.

“MOST EVERYTHING WAS TO OUR LIKING, AND I COULDN’T LOVE IT MORE.” — ANNIE KORDAS

mirror from Judy Frankel Antiques rounds out the sweet space.

More unique mixes come in the way of the home office, which was formerly a bedroom.

“I needed to have a home office,” says Kordas, whose children are 7 and 9. A pair of contemporary Jonathan Adler lamps illuminates four original paintings of faceless men, and the white Herman Miller soft-pad chairs are a nod to Mid-century Modern style. The walls and drapes are neutral, while antelope-print carpet and a dark green ceiling are head-turners. It’s a lovely nest in which to dream up fetching designs for her clients.

Kordas says she was a French teacher for several years before becoming a designer, and in some of her design schemes you can’t help but notice a touch of European flair. “I don’t know what makes my brain tick!” she says with a laugh. “The idea of that office is that I was motivated by the walls and drapery kind of melting into the background, so the accent is on the floor and ceiling. It’s a vintage-modern feel that’s kind of French,” she says. There’s also a bit more “French” in the way of Hermes pillows, while the antelope-pattern carpet is her nod to using animal prints in design. “I like a little bit of animal, but I like to mix it with something more feminine, like floral, for the juxtaposition of that pattern play.”

As for the home’s beautiful wall art, Kordas is quick to give credit to her husband. “He’s choosy about art and he’s got an incredible eye for artwork; his mother and sister are both artists.”

One wall in the dining room features several paintings by George’s mother. There’s also a map of the world in the mix. “I love that thrown in there,” Kordas says. The wallpaper, made of real wood, highlights the art well, and a burled-wood dining table takes center stage. “I have this weird thing about burled wood; (I love) the tones and the movement.” Some of the room’s chairs and

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BOLD & BRILLIANT

“We wanted something super sophisticated and dazzling, and I wanted to play with color,” says designer and homeowner Annie Kordas of her vibrant guest room.

the chandelier have that aforementioned French feel. As for the rug, she says, “I waited a long time for my dream rug and finally found it when I walked into The Ghiordes Knot.” With tones of blush, taupe, and ice blue, it picks up on many of the colors in the home.

The guest room is perhaps the wild card.

“We wanted something super sophisticated and dazzling, and I wanted to play with color,” Kordas explains. Featuring turquoise, orange, blues, and

greens — as well as dollops of yellow — “it was an experiment to work that much color in,” she says.

The designer admits that her clients would likely say “no way” to something as bold as this space.

But, after all, it’s Kordas’ own home, so she was able to play out her ideas in more unusual ways.

“It’s always nice when it’s your own home and you don’t have to OK it with a client,” she says. “You can do what’s in your heart and soul.”

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TRADITIONAL TWIST

BUYER’S GUIDE INTERIOR DESIGNER Annie Kordas, Annie Kordas Interiors, Grosse Pointe Farms, anniekordasinteriors. com BEDROOM, MASTER Artwork, Set of 3 – Sunburst Mirrors, Safavieh Bed Frame – Louis XVI Frame, Antique Bedding – Sferra Chest, Bedside – Century Furniture, C.A.I Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Chest, Display – Bernhardt Furniture Co., C.A.I. Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Drapery – ADO Ombre Fabric, Beige, Decoroom, Michigan Design Center, Troy Flooring – Masland Carpet, Crowther Carpet & Rugs, Grosse Pointe Woods Lamp – Julie Neill for Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy Runner – Tufenkian Handknotted Wool & Silk Rug, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan

Finials, Pointe Lamp & Lighting, St. Clair

Stove – Wolf

Light, Ceiling – Visual Comfort, City Lights

Design Center, Troy

Shores

Table – Room & Board

Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Ballet White

Ottoman, Blue – Kravet, Kravet/Lee

Table, Coffee – Lucite Waterfall Table

Pillows, Accent – Custom, Designer

Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray

Furniture Services, Michigan Design Center, Troy

DINING ROOM

Center, Troy

Art Prints – The Great Frame Up, Grosse

Pillows, Throw – Kravet and Schumacher,

LIBRARY

Shelf – Modern History, C.A.I. Designs,

Pointe Woods

Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils,

Armchair – Vintage, Baker Furniture;

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Artwork – “Gallery Wall,” Coleen Kordas

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Fabric, Black Leather Crocodile Hide

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Swiss Coffee

Artwork – “Sailor, Sun and the Sea,”

Rug – Hand-knotted Rug, The Ghiordes

Armchairs, Fur – Custom, Upholstered

Quadra Collective

Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy

in Kravet

POWDER ROOM

Chairs, Dining – Barbara Barry, Hickory

Tables, Bedside – Baker Furniture,

Drapery – Custom, Ethan Allen

Cabinet Paint – Benjamin Moore, Acadia

Chair, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Flooring – Masland Carpet, Crowther

White

Chandelier – Currey & Company

Tray, Crocodile – Impulse, Perigold

Carpet & Rugs, Grosse Pointe Woods

Ceiling Treatment – Schumacher,

Drapery – Decoroom, Michigan Design

Tray, Shagreen – Aerin

Lamp, Floor – Currey & Company

Fabulous Faux Embossed Crocodile, Brown

Center, Troy; Fabric, Schumacher

Vase, Pink – Raawii Danish Bowl, MoMA

Ottoman – Vintage, Kravet, Kravet/Lee

Faucet – Kohler

Dresser – Bernhardt Furniture Co., C.A.I.

Design Store

Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design

Mirror – Vintage, Judy Frankel Antiques,

Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Wallpaper – Schumacher, Yashinoki Crane

Center, Troy

Troy

Sofa – Vanguard Furniture, Gorman’s, Troy

Sconces – Ralph Lauren for Visual

Lamp – Lucite, Vintage Rug – Tamarian Tibetan Rug, The Ghiordes

KITCHEN

Table, End Wooden – Theodore Alexander,

Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan

Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Artwork, Framed – Vintage

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Design Center, Troy

Table, Dining – Burl Wood Veneer,

Benches – Pottery Barn

Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Onyx

Shade, Roman – Cole & Son, Decoroom,

Caracole, C.A.I Designs, Troy,

Blinds – Plantation Shutters, Hunter

Wall Treatment – “Inyo” Wood Veneer,

Douglas

Thibaut, Rozmallin, Michigan Design

Cabinetry – Wood-Mode

OFFICE

Cannes Accessories, The Well Appointed

Center, Troy

Countertop – Granite

Artwork – Original Prints, Tomoya Nakano,

House

Hood – Broan-NuTone

Saatchi Art

Vase – Dried Arrangement, Flowers by

GUEST ROOM

Lamp, Floor – Visual Comfort, City Lights

Ceiling Paint – Benjamin Moore, Regent

Gabrielle, Grosse Pointe Park

Bed – Serena & Lily

Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Green

Wallpaper – Schumacher, Fabulous Faux

Bedding – Sferra

Pillows, Accent – Chloe and Olive,

Chair, Desk – Eames Soft Pad Chair

Embossed Crocodile, White

Blanket Ladder – Vintage

Antelope, Etsy

Chest – Per Mare-Per-Terram, Perigold

Blankets, Throw – Cuddle Dreams

Rug – Couristan, The Ghiordes Knot,

Desk – Bernhardt Furniture Co., C.A.I.

LIVING ROOM

Flooring – Masland Carpet, Crowther

Michigan Design Center, Troy

Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Armchairs, Clear – Pace Chairs, Le

Carpet & Rugs, Grosse Pointe Woods

Sofa – Hickory Chair Furniture, Michigan

Flooring –Antelope Carpet, Karastan

Shoppe Too, Keego Harbor

Lamps – Stiffel with Custom Shades and

Design Center, Troy

Lamps, Floor – Jonathan Adler

Armchairs, Upholstered – Baker Furniture,

Michigan Design Center, Troy Tray and Dispenser – Pigeon & Poodle

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TRADITIONAL TWIST

Michigan Design Center, Troy Drapery – Nitsa’s Draperies & Interiors, Grosse Pointe Woods; Fabric, Robert Allen Fabric Ottoman – McGuire, Baker Furniture, Michigan Design Center, Troy Partitions – Baker Furniture, Michigan Design Center, Troy Rug – Moroccan Handknotted Wool Rug Sofa – Ralph Lauren, Hickory Chair Furniture, Michigan Design Center, Troy Table, Coffee – Century Furniture, C.A.I Designs, Michigan Design Center, Table, End Geometric – Kravet, Kravet/ Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy Table, End Wooden – Antique, Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip Table, 1st Dibs Vases – Antique, Chinoiserie Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace SITTING AREA IN LIVING ROOM Bust, Glass – Vintage, Le Shoppe Too, Keego Harbor Chandelier – Aerin for Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy Mirror – Ballard Designs Pillows, Accent – Lee Jofa, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy Sofa, Circular – Custom, Fifi & Coco Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy; Fabric, Duralee Table, Display – Century Furniture, Gorman’s, Troy Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace STAIRCASE Artwork – “City of Prague,” Lauren Moyer Chairs – Danish Chairs, Antique, Hans Olsen for Frem Rojle Stair Treads – Nourison Carpet, McLeod Carpet One Floor & Home, Bloomfield Hills Table, Display – Vintage Art Deco, Judy Frankel Antiques, Troy Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Winter Orchard

CHIC APPOINTMENTS

Both pages, clockwise from opposite page: Large windows add charm and lots of light in the living room. The homeowners didn’t have to change much in the kitchen, although a new backsplash and new cupboard doors/ hardware were added. Many a guest has enjoyed dining in this special, art-filled room.

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SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT

MEG CORLEY PREMIER INTERIORS Meg Corley, an award-winning designer, creates detail-focused premier homes in close collaboration with her clients. With nearly 20 years of experience, Corley is an accomplished designer who excels in high-end residential design and works with her clients to unfold their personal style as they navigate through their discovery of home. Her trademark style of mixed media intertwining with classic interior architecture lends a timeless and innovative appeal to livable luxury.

GORMAN’S HOME FURNISHINGS & INTERIOR DESIGN For more than 80 years, Gorman’s has been recognized as the original Michigan style leader in home furnishings.

With a reputation built on a commitment to quality — quality merchandise and quality design — Gorman’s delivers all the best brands at the best prices, regardless of price point, including Bernhardt, Lexington Home Brands, Stickley, Hooker Furniture, Smith Brothers, Natuzzi, W. Schillig, Ekornes, Sherrill, Palliser, Century, Caracole, Vanguard, and a host of others.

Your space reimagined

2051 Villa Rd., Ste. 105 Birmingham, MI 48009 248-303-5443 megcorley.com

Join us for our 18th annual Detroit Design Awards in summer 2022.

DETROIT DESIGN AWARDS Presented by DOBI Real Estate

Both designers and clients can rest assured when working with Gorman’s. Everything is backed by Gorman’s “Must Be Right” policy and their National Low-Price Guarantee, all accompanied by the best design assistance from experienced designers and talented support staff every& Blinds Commercial & Residential Drapery Workroom step of the way, from order entry delivery.

Serving the Design Trade & through Homeowners for 40 years When you furnish your home with Gorman’s, you’ll understand why there’s no reason to shop anywhere else. Gorman’s will help you turn your house into a beautiful home.

Thank You To Our Sponsors Presenting Sponsor

Major Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

DETROIT DESIGN AWARDS WINNER

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Troy | Southfield | Novi 248-649-2070 | 248-353-9880 | 248-344-0880

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SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT

GORMAN’S HOME FURNISHINGS & INTERIOR DESIGN For more than 80 years, Gorman’s has been recognized as the original Michigan style leader in home furnishings.

With a reputation built on a commitment to quality — quality merchandise and quality design — Gorman’s delivers all the best brands at the best prices, regardless of price point, including Bernhardt, Lexington Home Brands, Stickley, Hooker Furniture, Smith Brothers, Natuzzi, W. Schillig, Ekornes, Sherrill, Palliser, Century, Caracole, Vanguard, and a host of others.

Both designers and clients can rest assured when working with Gorman’s. Everything is backed by Gorman’s “Must Be Right” policy and their National Low-Price Guarantee, all accompanied by the best design assistance from experienced designers and talented support staff every step of the way, from order entry through delivery.

When you furnish your home with Gorman’s, you’ll understand why there’s no reason to shop anywhere else. Gorman’s will help you turn your house into a beautiful home.

Troy | Southfield | Novi 248-649-2070 | 248-353-9880 | 248-344-0880 gormans.com DETROITDESIGNMAG.COM | SPRING 2022 115

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ADVANCE PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLY CO.

ANNIE KORDAS INTERIORS

BOURLIER’S BARBEQUE & FIREPLACE 248.582.1084 Royal Oak, MI bourlierbbq.com

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

CBI DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

248.624.1234 Birmingham, MI californiaclosets.com

248.645.2605 Bloomfield Hills, MI cbidesign.net

313.831.7770 | 248.669.7474 Detroit & Walled Lake, MI advanceplumbing.com

313.378.2125 Grosse Pointe, MI anniekordasinteriors.com

BEAVER TILE AND STONE 248.476.2333 Farmington Hills, MI beavertile.com

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SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT

JANE SYNNESTVEDT INTERIOR DESIGN Award-winning designer Jane Synnestvedt is recognized for her iconic signature interiors, blending traditional and modern trends in addition to Old World and Contemporary styles. With more than 25 years of experience, her work has been widely received and published both locally and nationally.

Synnestvedt says her passion for art and design began early, and the many places she’s lived and visited in her travels have influenced her design, as well. Her extensive experience designing interior spaces ranges from aged historic properties to new construction in commercial and residential areas.

The designer believes design consultancy comes from forging partnerships built on trust and transparency.

By thoughtfully listening to her clients’ needs, she becomes an advocate on their behalf as they embark on the design process. In addition, her broad range of skill sets allows her to successfully bring her clients’ visions to life. Synnestvedt continually evaluates a network of the best craftsmen and tradespeople, allowing their creativity to shine — yet exercising strict control over clients’ budgets.

Synnestvedt is a featured designer at the Michigan Design Center and has had her work published in publications including Hour Detroit, Seen magazine, The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, and more.

Birmingham, MI 48009 248-642-1066 jane@janesynnestvedt.com janesynnestvedt.com DETROITDESIGNMAG.COM | SPRING 2022 117

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CHARFOOS DESIGN 248.593.9393 Bloomfield Hills, MI charfoosdesign.com

DAVINCI DESIGN AND BUILD 586.855.3859 Washington, MI davincidesignandbuild.com

DILLMAN & UPTON 248.651.9411 Rochester, MI dillmanupton.com

FLEURDETROIT

GORMAN’S FURNITURE

JANE SYNNESTVEDT INTERIOR DESIGN

248.953.3840 Bloomfield Hills, MI fleurdetroit.com

248.649.2070 | 248.353.9880 | 248.344.0880 Troy | Southfield | Novi gormans.com

248.642.1066 Birmingham, MI janesynnestvedt.com

KSI KITCHEN & BATH

LAFATA CABINETS

MEG CORLEY PREMIER INTERIORS

Nine Design Centers in Michigan & Ohio ksikitchens.com

586.685.0093 Shelby Twp & West Bloomfield, MI lafata.com

248.303.5443 Birmingham, MI megcorley.com

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MICHAEL J. DUL & ASSOCIATES 248.644.3410 Birmingham, MI mjdul.com

PERFORMANCE REMODELING 586.540.6000 Shelby Township, MI windowsroofingsiding.com

PEWABIC TILE 313.626.2030 Detroit, MI pewabic.org/tile

DETROITDESIGNMAG.COM

PRM CUSTOM BUILDERS

RENOVATION BY DESIGN

248.240.3051 Bloomfield Hills, MI prmcustombuilders.com

TEMPLETON BUILDING CO. 248.642.5330 Birmingham, MI templetonbc.com

248.260.7639 Rochester Hills, MI renovationbydesign.org

VESTALIA HOME & BAKER BLINDS

VIRGINIA TILE COMPANY

248.471.1111 Birmingham, MI vh-blinds.com

734.762.2400 Farmington Hills | Grand Rapids | Troy virginiatile.com

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BRAVO!

Sitting Pretty A traditionalbut-eclectic room features a captivating mix of art and a unique focal wall TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER pHOTOGRApHY BY JEFF GARLAND

T

it would be great to balance the large window with a gallery wall,” continues Kordas, whose first move was to place the couple’s large alk about a challenge. When Chinoiserie cabinet on the main wall.

The next step, creating the gallery wall, was one of Kordas’ favorite interior designer Annie Kordas, owner of Annie Kordas Interiors, tasks. “They had this insane art in their basement. I told them they were sitting on a gold mine!” The subject matter of the original was working on the IN GOOD TASTE artwork ranges from people and landscapes to hunting first floor of this It wasn’t long before this Grosse Pointe Park home, there was sitting room took on a new and scenes. “Even though the subjects are varied, I united them one particular space that challenged inviting look when the designer with similar framing — a gold gilded look.” created a gallery wall with Kordas left the drapery as it was, and added custom her more than any other. “This room what she calls a “gold mine” stood out to me,” Kordas says of of an art collection, and added molding, sconces, new furniture, and picture lights. “It’s a tiny room and I wanted to make it pop,” she says. Pop it does the home’s sitting room. “There new molding, sconces, and was no focal point. It didn’t have a picture lights. The Chinoiserie — and the room now is the homeowners’ “adult space,” the fireplace, and it was small with a lot cabinet is now a focal point. designer explains. “It’s not for kids or dogs,” she says with a laugh. “They use it any time they’re entertaining.” of windows. What (could I) do with something like that?

More information: anniekordasinteriors.com “They wanted a traditional look that was still To read more about Kordas’ work, refer to this issue’s feature section. young and edgy, and they also had this huge art collection, inherited from their family. I thought

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