New Beginnings

Noteworthy dwelling offers Bloomfield Hills couple a fresh start

TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH SINGER

It 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.

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.

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. (this type of cabinets) for display, BEAUTY THROUGHOUT On the property, there’s plenespecially for shoes and handBoth pages, clockwise from far tiful space with deluxe amenities bags,” Asmar says. The designer right: The inviting family room with two comfortable Hickory that include an outdoor kitchen and clearly has an eye for lighting, like Chair sofas, the well-appointed a luxurious pool. The cool gray/ the natural agate-and-nickel fixture kitchen, the storage-filled blue exterior of the home suits the over the island that she says is “fun mud room (let’s take a dip in aesthetic. “The homeowners wantbut sophisticated.” the pool!), and chic bar area stand ready for everything from ed that Hamptons vibe,” Asmar

In the master bathroom, a turret intimate family gatherings to says. houses a rounded tub with a globe large parties. Fine finishes and The designer says the collabopendant that glistens from above. unique architectural features add ration made the endeavor a plea“I wanted it to look like a big float- special touches. sure. “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

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

BUYER’S GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGN Jennifer Asmar, Asmar Interiors, Troy, asmarinteriors.com

BAR Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Countertop and Backsplash – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Faucet – Kohler, Birmingham Glass Shelving – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

BATHROOM, MASTER Bathtub – Bain Ultra, Herald Wholesale, Troy Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Ceiling Light – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Flooring – Porcelain tile, Virginia Tile, Troy Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Tile Wall – Virginia Tile, Troy Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

BEDROOM, MASTER Area Rug – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy Bed Frame – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy; and Corey Campbell C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Bedding – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy Bedside Tables – C.A.I. Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Bench – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy Built-in Shelving – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Chandelier – Herald Wholesale, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Marble Wall – Virginia Tile, Asmar Interiors, and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Vases – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

BREAKFAST NOOK Accent Pillows – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy Bench – Custom, Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Bench Cushion – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy Ceiling Light – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Ceiling Treatment – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Centerpiece – Asmar Interiors, Troy Chairs – The Designer Group Collection, Michigan Design Center, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Table – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

FAMILY ROOM Accent Pillows – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy Armchairs – Hickory Chair, Asmar Interiors, Troy Built-in Wooden Shelves – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Ceiling Treatment – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Chandelier – Hudson Valley, Herald Wholesale, Troy Coffee Table – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy Drapery – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Marble Wall – PMP Marble & Granite, Asmar Interiors, Trot; and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Sculptures – Asmar Interiors, Troy Sofas – Hickory Chair, Asmar Interiors, Troy Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

KITCHEN Bar Lighting – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Bar Stools – The Designer Group Collection, Michigan Design Center, Troy Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Hood – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Vases – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

MUD ROOM Cabinetry and Storage – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Cushion – Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

POWDER ROOM Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Ceiling Lights – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Crystal Planter – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy Faucet – Newport Brass, Herald Wholesale, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Mirror – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy Star Wall Décor – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

WALK-IN CLOSET Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills Chandelier – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist Window Seat Cushion and Pillows –Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy

WINE CELLAR Ceiling Light – Elk Lighting, Herald Wholesale, Troy Flooring – Engineered White Oak Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist Wall-mounted Wine Storage – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township Wine Cabinet Storage – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy; and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township

ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLES 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.