Lightening Up

Modern, yet welcoming describes this bright new home in Birmingham

ARcHITEcTuRE: kRIEGER kLATT ARcHITEcTS, ROYAL OAk buILDER: bRANDYWINE cONSTRucTION & MANAGEMENT, bIRMINGHAM

DESIGN: IDEOLOGY, bIRMINGHAM

INTERIOR DESIGN: kATIE RODRIGuEZ DESIGN, bIRMINGHAM

TEXT: kHRISTI ZIMMETH

PHOTOGRAPHY: bETH SINGER

Homeowners often envision interiors that resemble their favorite boutique hotel. Few, however, actually move to a city because of a hotel experience.

This couple had moved to Michigan with their 16-year-old son when the husband accepted a job with the NBA. They explain that they chose to live in Birmingham because he used to stay at the Townsend Hotel whenever he came to town, and the couple agreed they really liked the city’s vibe.

The lot was purchased from Brandywine Construction and, after taking down an existing structure, the couple started from scratch with Brandywine, Krieger Klatt Architects, and designer Katie Rodriguez on a replacement that included four bedrooms and four baths.

Using an existing design as a starting point, the team tweaked and tailored the floor plan to fit the family’s tastes and needs. They added a sport court in the backyard and a full gym in the basement, as well as an apartment above the garage for guests and the couple’s parents.

Above: The living room is clean, modern, and bright. Right: The master suite exudes elegance with special lighting and quality materials.

The family’s existing furniture and other items that were making the move to Michigan were taken into consideration during planning. Rodriguez describes the look as “clean, modern, and bright,” and says the goal was achieved by utilizing a minimal palette of neutral colors and adding accents in pillows and art. A light white oak floor grounds the space while reinforcing the “modern, yet welcoming” feel the designer and homeowners were after.

A bonus is the covered loggia just outside the living space, which extends the entertaining area. Project highlights include the kitchen, with a clean, streamlined design and a transom window over the countertops. “I don’t see that often,” Rodriquez says. “It accomplished bringing in light without having a window that was looking at the neighbor’s house.” She also loves the main living area. “It feels like something you can really sink into with close family and friends, yet it’s polished enough for entertainment.”