Bright Future

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

TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO

Surprised. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.’ ”

BUYER’S GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGNER Krista Nye Nicholas, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor, clothandkind.com

BATHROOM, CHILDREN‘S Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Fabric, Ball and Chain, Hable Construction Stool – Serena & Lily Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Blue Lace

BATHROOM, MASTER Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Light, Ceiling – The Urban Electric Co. Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Silver Satin

BEDROOM, CHILD Chair, Rattan – Pottery Barn Teen; Cushion, Custom, Jennifer Shorto Swing Landscape, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Dresser – Newport Cottages Light, Ceiling – Rochester Pendant, Barn Light Electric Rug – Sisal and Chenille, Navy, Pottery Barn Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Whitestone

BEDROOM, MASTER Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Tables, Bedside – Noir, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Gray Sky

BREAKFAST NOOK Cabinet, Built-in – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Chair, White – Eames Molded Plastic Chairs, Herman Miller, Zeeland Chairs, Black – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Chandelier – Olampia Pillows, Accent – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Fabric, Kettlewell Collection, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Window Treatment, Roman Shades –Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Fabric, seemakrish Glitterati Linen, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor CLOSET, WALK-IN Bench, Cushion, and Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Cushion Fabric, Autun Mohair Velvet, Brunschwig & Fils, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Drapery Fabric, Weeping Willow, Clay McLaurin Studio, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Pike’s Peak Gray

DINING ROOM Artwork – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Ceiling Paint – Bohemia, Duchess Satin, Sydney Harbour Paint Company Custom Colorway, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Centerpiece – Vintage Moroccan Ceramic Bowl, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Chairs, Dining – Vintage with Custom Cushions, 1stdibs; Cushion, Susan Connor New York, Inlay in Lake/Natural Chandelier – Sea Urchin, Coup D’état, Detroit Drapery – Custom, Peter Fasano Fabric, 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.

Table, Dining – Bunny Williams Home Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Featherstone

KITCHEN Artwork – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Backsplash – Crossville Savoy Subway Tile, Virginia Tile Company, Troy Cabinetry, Blue – Farrow & Ball, Stiffkey Blue No. 281 Cabinetry, Wood – Stained Walnut Counter Stools – Case Study Furniture, Modernica Lighting, Bar – Hicks Extra Large Pendant, Visual Comfort, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Rug – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, White Dove

LIVING ROOM Armchair – Bunny Williams Chair, Bunny Williams Home, Kettlewell Collection, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Drapery – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter; Fabric, Gray Lines Linen, Warsa Wheat Mirror – Carvers Guild Pillow, Lumbar (Fabric) – Jim Thompson Opulence, Midnight, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy Pillows, Floor – Madeline Weinrib, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Rug – Fibreworks, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Rug, Hide – Saddlemans Sofa (Fabric) – Allegra Hicks for Lee Jofa Groundworks, Infinity, Beige/Midnight Table, Coffee – Narnia Cocktail Table, Arteriors Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Berber White

MINI-BAR Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Countertop – Statyrart White, Faucet – Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake Shelving – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Tray – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Treatment – Paneled Walnut

MUD ROOM Bench, Cushion – Custom, Lou Lou Designs, Dexter, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor; Tumbleweed, Hable Construction, Momentum Loomsource Cabinetry – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Countertops and Sink – Soapstone Runner – Vintage, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Sconce – Yoke Pendant with Small Shade, Visual Comfort, Cloth & Kind, Ann Arbor Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Beach Glass

PANTRY Cabinet Paint – Farrow & Ball Stiffkey, Blue No. 281 Cabinetry – Young Cabinetry, Saline Countertop – Honed White Carrera Marble Door, Sliding – Custom, Hal Lambert Custom Carpentry Shelving – Custom, Young Cabinetry, Saline Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, White Dove

POWDER ROOM Cabinet – J. Tribble Collection Countertop – Statyrart White Faucet – SIGMA Rutherford Widespread Faucet, Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake Wallpaper – Osborne & Little, Maharani, Chartreuse