Some stores have one style, one look, but at Gorman’s we’ve created entire stores showcasing multiple styles and dozens of looks so you can be unique. Unique is the very foundation at Gorman’s. We understand that you don’t want the same look everyone else has. You want your home to express YOU – not some stores look. At Gorman’s you get to express your style, your way using the best 100 brands available anywhere.
Add Gorman’s national low-price guarantee, Gorman’s “MUST BE RIGHT” policy and our experienced, schooled, professional designers to help you put it all together and there’s no reason to shop anywhere else. Gorman’s has it all.
Trevarrow, Inc. hosts a bi-annual design competition celebrating the best of the best in kitchen design in Michigan. Recognition is awarded for design excellence in indoor kitchen, outside the kitchen and small kitchen configurations. Submissions are evaluated by a seven-member panel of international design professionals and the top six designs are recognized above. Congratulations to all of our 2022-2023 winners!
This impressive new-build has a special connection to nature.
38 Urban Legend Pulling inspiration from the past results in an Ann Arbor masterpiece.
46 Force of Nature
When redesigning a home on Green Lake, an architect made the most of the nearby water and forest.
56 The Next Chapter Designer Ruth Casper helps a pair of empty-nesters personalize their 1950s colonial.
74 Style Over Function
Sophisticated design and family-friendly living harmoniously coexist in Birmingham.
82 In Harmony
This stunning Upper Straits Lake residence seamlessly integrates with nature, thanks to its modern Prairie style.
STYLE
WELL-EDITED
Here: With its interiors crafted by Pophouse, Saksey’s in downtown Detroit shines with ’60s-inspired sheen. Right:
The new cottage at Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck gives new meaning to the modern cabin aesthetic. PHOTOGRAPHY
ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Iadore this time of year. When I was a child, my grandparents owned a Christmas tree farm and every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, they’d open up a tree lot in Fraser that glistened under strung lights. The lot was replete with plastic Santa Clauses and, just as you see on all those cute little mugs and tea towels this time of year, a classic trailer. My cousins, siblings, and I would spend every Saturday until Christmas Eve running amongst my grandfather’s perfectly pruned firs and pines. We’d hand out candy canes and coloring books to any kid who’d stop by, and when our fingers grew too cold, we’d huddle around the trailer’s tiny tabletop TV and watch a holiday special like Charlie Brown or the Grinch. Days spent at the lot are some of my favorite childhood memories.
I loved watching the joy of others as they found their perfect tree. I loved watching my grandfather’s excitement as he’d give each family’s tree a fresh cut before slinging it over his shoulder and sending it on its way. There was just so much happiness! While the lot no longer exists, its memories and magic live on.
I think that’s why I love this season so much. There was, and still is, so much time spent with family and friends, so many shared experiences. Now, with my husband and two children, I relish these times more than ever. No matter the holiday or holidays you may celebrate, any opportunity to share experiences with loved ones is what makes this season — and any season — so special.
I find it so exciting that designers today are also recognizing the importance of these enduring moments and are harnessing the power of design to help craft their own unforgettable experience in their projects, further imploring people to gather and connect. Just take a look at The1RoomHotel in Corktown (page 34); downtown Detroit’s new cocktail bar, Saksey’s (page 30); and Saugatuck’s historic Lake Shore Resort’s new four-bedroom cottage (page 36). It’s the same at Pearl and eugenie, two independent clothing boutiques on the east side of Detroit, which have transformed the retail scene not only with the unique products they offer, but with their inspiring interiors and inclusive community focus.
When Ruth Casper took on her latest project (page 56) in Birmingham, she included personalized details, his-and-hers spaces, and plenty of room for the homeowners to host large family events. For Kathy Waite, one of the priorities when designing the rooms of a modern home in Rockford (page 66) was to ensure her clients had plenty of seating for entertaining guests. Each wanted to create places for sharing and enjoying with others. And, in the end, isn’t that what design is all about?
Renowned architect Ma Yansong said it best: “Architecture is about experience; not only visual, but also what you can touch, what you can feel.” I hope that the homes and businesses that fill this issue not only excite you with the originality of their work, but that they embolden you to check out a new shop, grab dinner with friends, book a staycation, and experience the splendor of the season with those closest to you.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS EE Berger, John D’Angelo, Shelby Dubin, Frank Frances, Alicia Gbur, Jon Humphrey, Mike Klein, Sally Matak, Esme McClear, Brett Mountain, Laur Nash, Daniel Ribar, Kate Saler, Werner Straube, Joseph Tiano, Martin Vecchio
ADVERTISING SALES
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Barnhart, Hannah Brown, Karli Brown, Cathleen Francois, Aubrey Kapala, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Carol Lawrence, Mary Pantely and Associates
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION MANAGER Crystal Nelson
ACCOUNT MANAGER Elizabeth Kowalik
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Amanda Kozlowski
DIGITAL
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Travis Fletcher
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo
SENIOR DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Luanne Lim
DIGITAL STRATEGY INTERN Isabella Amadori
IT
IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland
CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers
CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold
“This throw is unique because of its breathable, year-round quality and punchy color scheme. It’s made of royal baby alpaca sourced from Peru and knit in the Midwest,” Alex Decker, interior designer and owner of A Decker Design, says of this cozy cover she crafted with accessories brand Paris West. “It’s the perfect statement-making and long-lasting gift for the home. I love working with Paris West for many reasons, especially because they’re a Detroit-based, women-owned brand.” This season, we’ve compiled a selection of gifts like this graphic blanket that are perfect for your favorite art and architecture fan. $425, A Decker Design X Paris West, Grosse Pointe Farms, adeckerdesign.com
BERGER
MAVEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EE
FOR THE MID-CENTURY MODERN MAVEN
Treat your contemporaries with décor that doubles as art
TEXT BY GIUSEPPA NADROWSKI
1. Artist Mattia Riami crafted this Sue Miei Passi cotton blanket for ZIGZAGZURICH. $164, ZigZagZurich, zigzagzurich.com.
2. Give a piece of design history with HOLLY HUNT’s First Arm Chair, originally designed by Vladimir Kagan in 1947 when he was just 20 years old. Price upon request. Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com.
3. Artist HEDY YANG designed this Cloud Bowl at her studio in Berkley. $350, Hedy Yang Ceramics, Berkley, hedyyangceramics.com.
4. Bold and packed with color, these Dome Vases from ROCHE BOBOIS deliver instant style to any space. From $165 each, Roche Bobois, Novi, roche-bobois.com
5. CASSINA beautifully reimagined this iconic LC17 coat rack by Le Corbusier for a new generation. $2,730, Cassina, Arkitektura, Birmingham, arksf.com.
6. Even the playroom should have stylish accents like CRATE & BARREL’s Wellie Moss Green Slipper Kids Play Chair. $199, Crate & Barrel, Novi, crateandbarrel.com.
7. HERMAN MILLER recently added a new hue — White Wash Oak — to its iconic line of Eames Turned Stools. From $995, Herman Miller, hermanmiller.com.
8. Illustrated by artist Mario Zucca, this 1,000-piece Detroit Puzzle by BIRDIE PUZZLES is a gift all ages will enjoy. $32, Birdie Puzzles, City Bird, Detroit, birdiepuzzles.com, citybirddetroit.com.
9. Display a candle in the most artistic way with the Interconnect Candleholder from DESIGN WITHIN REACH. $450, Design Within Reach, Grand Rapids, dwr.com.
TENNANT & ASSOCIATES
SCHUMACHER
LEE JOFA
FOR THE ART DECO AFICIONADO
Give the gift of glamour with these 1920s-inspired gems
TEXT BY GIUSEPPA NADROWSKI
1. “Living Bright,” a coffee table book by celebrated fashion designer MATTHEW WILLIAMSON showcases his love for colorful interiors. $40, CB2, Birmingham, cb2.com.
2. Flou Floor Lamps, designed by Sophie Lager for ROCHE BOBOIS, are reminiscent of the Art Deco glitz of South Beach. Price upon request, Roche Bobois, Novi, rochebobois.com.
3. Fashion and home merge in this Change Tray by iconic Paris fashion house HERMÈS. $730, Hermès, Somerset Collection, Troy, hermes.com.
4. DESIGN WITHIN REACH’s set of two Piano Martini Glasses are a playful accent for any soirée. $100, Design Within Reach, Grand Rapids, dwr.com.
5. From a series created by designer David Valne, no two of HOLLY HUNT’s handcrafted glass Urban Eclectic Vases are the same. Price upon request, Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com.
6. Crafted of a charcoal bouclé, ARTERIORS’ Ginni Chair is a versatile accent piece. $3,120, Arteriors, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy, arteriorshome.com, caidesigns.net.
7. Designed by Sophie Tolachides for ROCHE BOBOIS, this Gradient Rug makes a statement. Price upon request, Roche Bobois, Novi, rochebobois.com.
8. Lounge in glamour with RH’s Isola Universal Chase. From $4,195, RH, Birmingham, rh.com.
LIFESTYLES
In its inaugural winter season, Saugatuck’s iconic Lake Shore Resort recently opened the doors to its brand-new, expertly-curated and designed cottage.
24
SNAPSHOT: MODULAR MOMENTUM
26
SNAPSHOT: COMFORT ZONE
28
SNAPSHOT: A FAMILY AFFAIR
30
SNAPSHOT: CRAFTING AN EXPERIENCE
DESIGNS ON: ONE-OF-A-KIND HOSPITALITY 36
SEASONS: CAREFULLY CURATED
LAKE MICHIGAN MODERN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FRANCES
Modular Momentum
A local star is reconfiguring the furniture scene with her playfully precise creations
TEXT BY CHRISTINE HILDEBRAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF ERIKA CROSS
Erika Cross is a shining star in the world of luxury furniture. In 2022, the Ann Arbor-based designer, who’s known for translating simple mechanisms often found in ordinary objects into elevated, gallery-level art, launched her first furniture collection at WantedDesign and won the WantedDesign Manhattan Best of Launch Pad for Furniture Award. More awards followed, as did invitations to exhibit her creations worldwide.
Furniture wasn’t initially in the designer’s path. During the height of the pandemic, the Monroe native lost her job as a creative director. She says she soon realized her unemployment was a gift. In fact, it was the catalyst Cross needed to launch her next chapter: furniture and object design.
Cross’ passion for creating began long before she launched herself into the design world. When the designer was a young girl, her mother bought a home that was “a total renovation project.” Cross spent her free time painting trim and knocking down walls; her mother even gave her creative license to test paint colors in the living room. “I got to see the transformative power of renewing space and how much impact our environment has on us,” she shares.
INVENTIVE DISPLAY
Above: Designer Erika Cross stands among one of her mesmerizing yet functional creations. Left: Capsule, a bookshelf Cross crafted of powder coated steel and ebonized ash.
She went on to graduate with a BFA in art and design from the University of Michigan, a BS in interior design from Eastern Michigan University, and an MA in design products from the Royal College of Art in London, where she worked under Max Lamb for two years. Cross says her education and upbringing helped shape her experimental process, and are the basis of her namesake label. Today, her work spans from gallery showrooms to collectible design audiences. Her creations are three-dimensional, utilitarian sculptures that are perfect for art lovers who want their furniture to be art, too.
For her inaugural line, Cross drew inspiration from the everyday tools of her workshop, such as bolts and step blocks — mechanical items used for clamping and holding. She focuses on the honesty of her designs, choosing not to use fasteners or hinges to join her pieces. “I keep everything functioning in its truest, simplest form. My work is very monolithic, but it also has a whimsical element to it,” Cross notes.
Though playful, her designs are extraordinarily precise. Her Anvil table showcases her honest design approach with a user-friendly, utilitarian twist. The table’s seam resembles puzzle pieces effortlessly locked together. Then there’s her Bolt table, which spins. The threaded collar of the tabletop matches up with the base — an element that’s hand-carved so the collar seamlessly spins around the column.
At the core of her designs is adjustability — a design feature normally not seen in a gallery setting. “I want the end user to engage with the piece. I hope to create a relationship between object and user. The work is meant to move through the user’s life and adjust with it,” she says. The ability to reconfigure her creations gives each piece an element of sustainability, allowing items like the Bolt table, with its changing heights, and the Step table, with its multiple styling options, to easily adapt to new settings.
Cross also enjoys experimenting with materials, and works in a variety of media including castings, cork, wood, and plastic. “Everything is customizable, including dimensions and materials,” she says. “I want the work to be exactly what the user wants.”
Cross admits that she adores being in her workshop, where she can experiment with new materials and test plausible solutions. Currently, she’s in the midst of developing a bar cabinet inspired by spherical, metal sugar cube bowls. As she did with the Bolt and Step tables, she’s translating the gadgetry of an ordinary object into the design.
As a designer and maker, Cross has proven that daring to pursue your dreams doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, she asserts, listening to one’s intuition can lead to life-altering success. Sometimes, the inspiration we need is right in front of us.
MORE INFORMATION: erikacross.com
ADJUSTABLE STYLE
The Bolt table, shown above in a variety of colors and sizes, can move up or down — allowing the user to create a custom height according to their needs.
PUZZLE PERFECT
Above: A 2022 NYCxDESIGN AWARDS finalist, the Anvil console table is effortlessly locked together. Right: Cross’ Step Table, crafted here in cork, was inspired by the tools of her workshop and can be rearranged according to your liking.
Comfort Zone
A great room and dining room refresh embodies a modern and timeless feel
TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO
Lynn Witmer, interior designer and owner of Witmer Design in Bloomfield Hills, recently had an opportunity to revive the great room and dining room in a historic Wallace Frost home in Birmingham. The client was a close friend, Elizabeth Deeney, who lives with her husband, Jerry, and their West Highland terriers, Stella Bleu and Winnie James.
Known as the Honeymoon Cottage, the circa-1929 residence was originally designed for the prominent architect and his wife. “Frost was very much known for a timbered two-story great room in his day. It’s the heart of the home. We wanted to keep the integrity and honor the wood features, like the hand-hewn timber,” Witmer says. “That was (among) our absolute keepers.”
HISTORY REVEALED
Once the Honeymoon Cottage of renowned architect Wallace Frost, this iconic home was masterfully brought to the present by designer Lynn Witmer, who also honored its heritage.
Modern updates include the home’s limestone fireplace. “It was a bit of a juggle to keep the integrity of the original floor, but we had a fantastic construction team,” Witmer notes.
The built-ins in the great room were redesigned in order to bring a more modern interpretation to the overall feeling of the room. Painting them in one of Witmer’s favorite Sherwin-Williams’ colors, Greenblack, added the weight the room needed to balance the wood elements that Frost was famous for. “We completely redesigned and modernized them,” Witmer says. She points out that comfy seating now accommodates the couple and their frequent guests, while white walls serve to showcase the wood tones and key pieces the couple, avid art collectors, curated with the David Klein Gallery.
According to the designer, combining old and new elements requires a balancing act. “The history is all there, (so) it’s about bringing it forward in a light that’s more relevant today.” That process involves putting a good deal of careful thought into the textures and wood tones of the furnishings and architecture. With the right pieces, the result “can be (both) modern and authentic,” Witmer says.
The results of Witmer’s philosophy are gloriously evident in the dining room, where the ebonized white oak table has an organic quality
and the chairs feature a modern texture on the seats. “It’s all very subtle. It was about the layers that thread through the rooms,” she adds.
Homeowner Elizabeth Deeney points out the bubble light fixture in the dining room, and explains that it sparks joy. “Lynn gave me three options (for the lighting, and when I saw this one), I said, ‘You gave me champagne personified in a light fixture.’ It delights me every time I walk past it.”
The overarching goal of the renovation was to establish a sense of ease of living. “The house is a respite where (the couple) can decompress. Nothing is too precious. It’s all about rooms that are sophisticated, elegant, and timeless, but comfortable,” Witmer says. “They have amazing taste and they let me conceptualize the design. Elizabeth and I are in sync, like sisters. This was a labor of love; it was so easy and seamless.”
Deeney explains that she and Witmer became fast friends and developed an incredible connection more than 20 years ago. “Lynn’s a really generous person and that’s reflected in her work. She’s so considerate of the person in the space, and has the ability to see a space in that lens,” she says.
“We bought this home for the great room. It took our breath away. It’s the heartbeat of the house, but we didn’t use it a lot until Lynn made it the comfortable oasis it is,” Deeney adds.
In their professional life, the couple both work in a creative arena focused on experiential, global auto, and tech activations. “Our home is our happy, comfortable place, and we use it often since the refresh that changed the orientation of the great room. It’s our ‘remains of the day’ space. We don’t use the dining room as frequently, but we love to entertain, and the round table feels so warm and inviting,” she says.
“We love this house, and we’re committed to it, but we needed Lynn to come in and really see us through,” Deeney continues. “(Lynn) took all of the nuance and elevated it, and brought it to its full potential. Because we’re so close, the process was nothing short of beautiful. It was an absolute pleasure.”
MORE INFORMATION: witmerdesign.com
ORGANIC ELEMENTS
Frost was known for his signature use of wood in his designs, and through the use of paint and expertly-curated furnishings, Witmer was able to perfectly balance these warm tones.
SHINE BRIGHT
For homeowner Elizabeth Deeney, the bubble-inspired fixture in the dining room is champagne personified. “It delights me every time I walk past it,” she says.
A Family Affair
Two local boutiques get new looks, yet still honor their heritage
TEXT BY CHRISTINE HILDEBRAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL RIBAR
For the past three generations, style has reigned among the female members of the Valade family. Gretchen C. Valade was the granddaughter of Hamilton Carhartt, who founded the iconic workwear brand in 1889. More than her status as a Carhartt heiress though, she was hailed as “The Angel of Jazz” because she philanthropically saved the Detroit Jazz Festival. She also owned an independent record label as well as a variety of businesses, including the Dirty Dog Jazz Café and Capricious — a Grosse Pointe Farms clothier.
Valade set the stage for her daughter-in-law, Molly Valade, and granddaughter, Gretchen R. Valade, to follow in her entrepreneurial footsteps.
PEARL
After Gretchen C.’s passing in 2022, Molly inherited Capricious. After an extensive remodel, she’s ushering in a new era, and relaunched the historic Grosse Pointe Farms boutique this past September as Pearl, in honor of the family name Gretchen (it means “pearl” in German).
“The vision, initially, was to modernize and simplify the space. It was important to me to highlight the product and bring it to the forefront of the experience for customers shopping at Pearl,” Molly says. “I wanted a clean, more contemporary look, with beautiful furniture and artwork.”
She enlisted Owen Maher to help realize her vision. Maher, a Grosse Pointe native and longtime family friend, owns Studio Sagar Maher, an architectural and interior design firm based in Santa Fe, N.M. “We were inspired by the Haussmann-style apartments lining the streets of Paris — spaces that have seen decades of design change and have served as backdrops to some of the world’s chicest lives,” Maher shares.
Hardwood replaced the busy carpeting, and the walls were painted white for a simple, sleek look. “The interior design vision for Pearl was a collaboration based on Molly’s deep appreciation, respect, and passion for craft and design. We wanted the architectural envelope of the existing spaces to recede in many ways, allowing the art, clothing, and accessories to really be featured,” he explains.
CLASSIC AND CHIC
Inspired by the Haussmann-style apartments of Paris, designer Owen Maher helped Pearl’s owner, Molly Valade, create a boutique that’s clean and contemporary.
EUGENIE
Not far away, on a quaint corner in Detroit’s West Village neighborhood, Molly’s daughter, Gretchen R., has a boutique, eugenie, that also underwent a transformation with help from Maher.
Gretchen R. and her husband, Kevin Steen, launched eugenie in 2020. This past July, the sustainably-minded retailer reopened its doors following a remodel of its flagship. “Our constant — and what we would always go back to with Owen — is the idea of simplifying the experience. We wanted to use natural materials, with design at the forefront of any decision being made. We wanted it to feel more like a concept and design space, rather than a retail store,” says Gretchen R., who’s the director of sustainability at Carhartt. She and her husband also own ARCHIVE by eugenie, a new clothing boutique in Detroit’s Core City neighborhood.
“The renovation incorporates modernist aesthetics, with woodworking done locally by GLW Detroit, and it includes a beautifully curved shelving wall and elevated jewelry case, as well as billowy fabrics and niche designer furniture from makers including Sophie Lou Jacobsen and Anna Karlin,” Maher says. “Beyond anything, it was Gretchen and Kevin themselves who inspired the interior design. As individuals deeply committed to their community, to the arts, and to their team, ensuring they had the tools and space that met their passion was all the inspiration a designer could ask for.”
Maher adds: “Molly and Gretchen have an incredibly loving and supportive relationship. As anyone who has the pleasure of knowing them can attest, this doesn’t stop with each other; they welcome their communities to enjoy the same. While the retail stores are independent of one another, it’s hard to ignore the prevailing spirit of this support.”
The spirit Maher refers to isn’t exclusive to a family business; it’s a family bond. Molly and Gretchen offer artful, community-focused retail environments, and both have developed a signature style that’s built to last.
MORE INFORMATION: eugeniedetroit.com, sagarmaher.com, shoppearl.com
A MODERNIST MARVEL Design was at the forefront of all decisions related to the remodel of eugenie. Natural materials, custom millwork, and niche furniture pieces all contribute to the boutique’s signature aesthetic.
MAXIMALISM
Inspired by the grandeur of the 1960s, Pophouse used materials like velvet and lacquer to create Saksey’s signa-
Crafting an Experience
With a moody new narrative and must-see style, an historic Detroit bar is making a comeback — thanks to the interior design team at Pophouse
TEXT BY GIUSEPPA NADROWSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JOHN D’ANGELO
Launched in 2013, Pophouse is a WBENC-certified boutique interior design studio headquartered in downtown Detroit. The womenowned-and-led firm recently unveiled its new 5,000-square-foot headquarters in the city’s historic Capital Park district. With much to celebrate this year, the firm also led the much-talked-about transformation (and comeback!) of Saksey’s Detroit, an elevated downtown cocktail experience.
“When we started, our specialty was really workplace design, and that still rings true. However, we’ve diversified quite a bit in the past few years and have started to take on quite a bit more hospitality and retail work,” says Anna Okerhjelm, studio director at Pophouse. “Some of the similarities between any of the work we do really lies in crafting an experience. Whether it’s going to be a corporate workplace or a restaurant or retail space, we try to do a deep dive into the personas and people that will be interacting with the space, and what they’re looking to get out of it. How do we inspire them? How do we tie into the culture of the organization we’re working with,
WELCOME IN
When designing the lounge, the Pophouse team wanted to create a space that felt both exclusive and approachable.
ture moody style.
or the restaurant, or the brand? Bringing that full circle and embodying that within the interiors is so important because, ultimately, we want to build spaces that people want to be in and that they’re drawn to.”
For Saksey’s narrative, the team first dove into the bar’s historic roots. “It’s a Gilbert family celebration,” says Pamela Janisse, senior interior designer at the firm. “Dan Gilbert’s dad had a bar in the ’60s in Detroit of the same name, and it was known for being a little risqué.” The reimagined Saksey’s is located below another one of Pophouse’s designs, Gilly’s Clubhouse on Woodward Avenue — a sports bar opened by Dan and Jennifer Gilbert to honor the memory of their son, Nick Gilbert. “Both spaces really pay respect to their family,” Janisse says.
When it came to Saksey’s interiors, the team, drawing on the maximalism of the 1960s, set out to create a lounge that was not only a departure from the taproom upstairs, but that also felt “a little bit exclusive but still approachable,” Okerhjelm says. It began with a discrete, alleyaccessed entry. “We purposely didn’t treat the back-of-house corridor that you walk down,” Janisse says. “That’s part of the experience.”
The unassuming entrance leads guests down a cinder block stairway to, as Okerhjelm calls it, “a surprise and delight” moment.
LUSH AND LUXE
Bold prints, glistening gold details, and plush green drapery add to the bar’s unapologetic allure.
BYGONE GLAMOUR
Every detail was considered when selecting furniture and finishes — including how the lighting would make one look and feel.
Once inside, guests are transported to a bygone era, and greeted by lush and luxurious finishes. The Pophouse team considered every detail in elevating the refined lounge, from the lighting (how would it make you look and feel?) to the volume of the music and the placement of the speakers (was it too loud?). “We really tried to design the space from the guests’ perspective,” Janisse says.
Furniture and fabric selections were carefully chosen, keeping in mind the utility, functions, and operations of the bar. Sumptuous velvet seating and drapery add an element of drama to the intimate room, as does a bold cheetahprint runner in the entry and a suggestive wallcovering behind the bar that nods to the original Saksey’s. All of the gorgeously contrasting patterns and moody palettes found throughout continue an air of mischief and indulgence. “You feel like there are no rules down there,” Janisse says. “It feels like you can be whoever (you want to be) in this space, and that was really driving all of our selections.”
Bolstering the gloss and glamour of the ’60s, the entire perimeter of the room was lacquered — an application not regularly seen in Detroit, and one of the designer’s favorite features. The ceiling was mirrored to create a larger feel, while the seating, with its organic and enveloping shapes, was chosen to be flexible and modular, so it can seamlessly shift and move for better conversation and community within the sophisticated yet playful scene.
“Everything we picked had a purpose and a why,” Janisse says.
She explains that when designing a place like Saksey’s, it’s all about the guest, and adds that guests should feel considered and hosted. Okerhjelm agrees. She notes: “It has to be a feast for your eyes, as well, and you have to feel like you want to spend the time to be there and linger for a while — which this space does really well.”
MORE INFORMATION: pophouse.design, sakseysdetroit.com
One-of-a-Kind Hospitality
A landmark building gets a glamorous update and starts a new chapter
TEXT BY CHRISTINE HILDEBRAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
SHELBY DUBIN
Walking along Michigan Avenue in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood, one spots industrial-chic cocktail lounges and eateries, turn-of-the-century architecture, and the recently resurrected Michigan Central Station. “I didn’t think I would see it in my lifetime,” Doug Schwartz, a native Detroiter and entrepreneur, says.
alongside timeless and tasteful bespoke design. “The1RoomHotel is a high-level stay where amenities are hand-curated. Everything is flawless,” Schwartz says.
When Schwartz purchased The Blanco Building in 2020, he acquired a manufacturing facility and two unoccupied apartments, which had been abandoned for well over 50 years. Given Schwartz’s Detroit connection, he says his business partners and friends frequently asked him for recommendations on where to eat and stay. “Why not with me?” Schwartz remembers thinking. That’s when the idea to renovate the apartments into one grand penthouse bloomed.
AUTHENTIC ACCENTS
Preserving the structure’s originality was vital in transforming The Blanco Building’s penthouse into The1RoomHotel.
Schwartz owns a local landmark of his own. He occupies The Blanco Building, located across from Grand Central. Built in 1901, the building last operated as Blanco Canvas Works, manufacturing sail covers and awnings for clients including Detroit’s Big Three and sports teams. Today, The Blanco Building houses Schwartz’s businesses: DetroitWick, Trip Wipes™, and his new hospitality experience, The1RoomHotel™.
Guests enjoy early 20th century interiors,
Schwartz served as the general contractor while his wife, Hilary, worked as the project’s interior eye. The hotel, with 3,000 square feet of space and a 1,000-square-foot terrace, boasts an impressive lineup of amenities. Its wellness room, for example, includes an infrared sauna, Peloton bike, and Bala yoga equipment so guests can easily pack in “me time” during their stay. The 15-foot-tall master bathroom shower wall, scaled in zellige tile, draws the eye to a section of the building’s original skylight, which spans three spaces. “The skylight is my favorite feature. You can’t replicate that kind of light, even if you tried,” Schwartz says.
Preserving the originality of the space was vital to the couple’s vision. The floors were sanded and matte clear-coated, letting the
original tongue-and-groove pine hardwood shine, and 80 percent of the original molding is intact. The archways, chair rail moldings, and doors are original, as are the ceiling medallions, pocket doors, and clawfoot tubs, which have been restored. Surrounded by a rich four-color palette from Farrow & Ball, guests connect with history and enjoy the present. Schwartz says it’s a place to relish, retreat, and restore.
Photographs of the interior prior to the renovation greet guests as they ascend the private staircase leading from the first floor to the second. The photos show peeling walls, dark and damaged floors, and a cacophony of mismatched paint colors. In the same space, there’s a Tyrrell Winston basketball wall sculpture. “The1RoomHotel is a place to explore, not just a place to stay,” Schwartz notes.
The penthouse hosts travelers, private parties, corporate events, and brand activations. Schwartz works as the hotel’s host, concierge, and owner all in one. T1RH (the hotel’s acronym) blends an Airbnb stay with a 5-star, luxury boutique hotel experience. However, “what sets The1RoomHotel apart from other Detroit hotels is the personality of the space,” Schwartz says.
The entrepreneurial couple collaborated with Soho Home to outfit the space with luxe furnishings and fixtures, and the kitchen was custombuilt by Architectural Kitchens in Troy. Fresh floral arrangements arrive weekly from Mesh Detroit and irresistible chocolates are found in the “micro library,” thanks to local chocolatier, Bon Bon Bon. Making one’s stay even more memorable; a 1972 Bronco house car is available by appointment for guests wishing to take a cruise. More than a unique experience, The1RoomHotel represents the best Detroit has to offer.
MORE INFORMATION: the1roomhotel.com
THE FINEST FEATURES
Left: Soho Home was called upon to outfit the rooms with luxe furnishings and fixtures, as seen in the primary suite.
Above: The 15-foot-tall shower, scaled in zellige tile, draws the eye up to a section of the building’s original skylight.
DARK AND MOODY
From the all-black kitchen to the Farrow & Ball color palette, each section of the hotel has been carefully curated.
Carefully Curated
Historic Lake Michigan resort adds new yearround cottage accommodations
TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH
The property that includes Lake Shore Resort has been in Andrew Milauckas’ family since 1948, but it took 75 years to build a new cottage that takes full advantage of one of the property’s best views.
CABIN VIBES
Right off the water, Lake Shore Resort’s new four-bedroom cottage, with its sleek décor and cozy fireplaces, is ready for visitors this winter. the spaces to include a mix of modern, traditional, and Arts and Crafts design styles and to look like they had evolved over time.
To achieve exactly what he wanted, he teamed up with interior designer Tim Wykeham, who also worked on the main lodge renovation. “The guest house is the perfect addition to the Lake Shore Resort — relaxed, warm, and calm, but meticulous with the details,” he says.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK
FRANCIS
Located in Saugatuck, along the shores of Lake Michigan, the resort has long been a summer favorite. “It used to be that winters were dead in Saugatuck,” Milauckas notes, “but more is open and going on now, so it makes sense to be open.” Many guests, he says, have been curious about what the property is like in winter.
The solution? Craft a four-bedroom, 2,600-square-foot cottage on a vacant wooded area adjacent to the resort and keep it open year-round. The result includes two separate units, one up and one down, each with a living room with a fireplace, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bath.
Design was important to Milauckas, a former art director and graphic designer for Herman Miller. He drew inspiration from and borrowed the best features of classic Lake Michigan cottages located nearby, he says. “I wanted them to feel like they had always been there, and to have a character and an authenticity — to be new and current, but true to older lake cottage styles.”
Milauckus says the cottage’s design was inspired by the renovation of the main lodge’s lobby, a look he calls “Lake Michigan modern.” Like the area’s historic cottages, he wanted
Highlights include a “massive” front porch that spans the front of the entire cottage, and an upper balcony with views of Lake Michigan from both the living areas and the bedrooms. Neutral main rooms include hand-crafted materials such as white oak tongue-and-groove paneling and lime-washed walls, while bedrooms feature a cozier, darker palette. Carefully curated furnishings include vintage Mid-century Modern pieces, some sourced from Europe.
Milauckas says his goal was to “get all the details right” and design “something I could feel proud of and guests would appreciate.” The cottage opened to the public earlier this year and is ready for its first winter season. “At this time of year, it’s pretty quiet here,” he says, adding that the ice buildup on the lake is very pretty. “It can be a really lovely, relaxing getaway.”
MORE INFORMATION: lakeshoreresortsaugatuck.com
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Photo By James Haefner
URBAN
LEGEND
PULLING INSPIRATION FROM THE PAST RESULTS IN AN ANN ARBOR MASTERPIECE
TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN D’ANGELO
MODERN COMFORTS
This page: Homeowners Alan Kalter and Chris Lezotte called on interior designer Patrick Thompson, of Detroit’s Patrick Thompson Design, to deconstruct and reconstruct their Ann Arbor condo and create a colorful abode.
Opposite page: The home’s second-level family room features a window wall that opens to a terrace with panoramic views.
PPatrick Thompson, principal of Patrick Thompson Design in Detroit, says his clients, Alan Kalter and Chris Lezotte, wanted to trade their larger, rural contemporary home for a more urbane, modern factory-inspired space. “The inspiration would come from the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized creativity, but would retain the practicality of Germany in the late 1800s and early 1900s,” Thompson says.
The couple had a similar sensibility in mind with their imaginative and nontraditional design approach, which was sensitive to their requests for function and detail.
ARTISAN ACCENTS
“Custom pieces by local artisan Anton Maka make a strong yet sensitive statement in the home and speak to the owners’ appreciation of craft and material,” Thompson says of the dining table and coffee table shown above.
After living in a larger home on 18 acres, the couple was ready for a lifestyle change. “We wanted (our home) to be much more intimate; smaller in every way,” Lezotte says. “We saw a condo building in Ann Arbor with a lovely unit, but we have two Bullmastiffs. Then we found out the building next door was available, and it was part of the condos.”
The existing structure was deconstructed and reconstructed, and the process provided additional inspiration. “We leaned into the industrial elements like the original brick patterning and proportions, which were similar to Walter Gropius’ Fagus factory in Germany and other modern buildings in Europe from that period,” Lezotte notes.
“They loved the idea of embracing this aesthetic on the exterior, while creating a clean interior that would become the perfect backdrop for their art and artifacts,” Thompson adds. “We worked closely with O|X in Ann Arbor
to get the exterior just right. They took the lead on the second-floor addition layout and exterior materials, which worked very nicely with the direction we wanted to go.”
The designer also credits Perkins Construction. “They obsessed over every single detail,” he says. Thompson says he and his team learned how the couple lives, and designed the home around their daily habits and passions. For instance, he came up with a bespoke millwork solution for their collection of hats from every Major League Baseball stadium in the U.S. that makes the display look like an art installation.
SLEEK MATERIALITY
Top: The staircase features white oak and black steel accentuated with a wool, runner. Inset: Homeowner Chris Lezotte calls the colorful command center under the stairs an “ingenious use of space.”
POP ART FINISHES
Above: A two-story fireplace makes a striking statement. Left: “The owners’ bright modern art collection brings life and color to the home and is a testament to their curatorial eye, as well as their passion for dogs,” Thompson says.
“They’re also avid dog aficionados, and we selected certain pieces from their existing art collection that reflect that passion,” Thompson says. “They were drawn to colorful pops of modern elements that inspired artwork placement, and (they agreed to using) wallpaper and color throughout the home. We incorporated the layout of artwork very early on in the design process — almost designing around pieces, so they really felt integrated into the interior design of the home.”
A two-story fireplace makes a striking statement. “It stands central and strong, almost
like it’s holding up the house,” Thompson says. “It feels like it was always in that exact spot and the rest of the home was crafted around it. It’s clad in a muted burnished handmade ceramic tile that feels really earthy — rural and modern at the same time.”
Polished concrete floors on the main level that capture the warmth and patina of an old factory floor could also pass for original. In the living room, a seating area with new furnishings, including a custom coffee table, surrounds the asymmetrical fireplace. The modern light fixture has an industrial feel. “It’s very warm and cozy for how minimalistic it is,” Thompson says about the home.
In the kitchen, millwork with a walnut stain complements the dark porcelain counters and backsplash, which incorporates an integrated shelf for the couple’s pottery collection. “The fully upholstered Italian leather
GOOD SPORT
The homeowners, who are baseball fans, have visited every Major League ballpark in the U.S. and collected hats from each stadium. Their collection is now artfully displayed.
dining chairs are very comfortable. They have a catcher’s mitt feel to them,” he adds.
Other areas offer more comfort. “A secret home office underneath the stairs is a playful spot. You can close it, and it’s a little surprise when you go around the corner,” Thompson says. The couple also favors the second-level family room, where a window wall opens to the terrace for panoramic views and blurs the lines between inside and out, doubling the square footage.
Thompson says his clients were wonderfully specific, which led to a highly collaborative and
successful project. “This home is one of the most thoughtful and intimate projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on,” he adds. “There’s a reason, aesthetically and functionally, for every single moment in this home.”
Kalter returns the praise: “We tend to like designers who work in the commercial space, and then convince them they should work in the residential space. We loved what Patrick did in restaurants, and we were blown away by him and his staff. They were innovative and creative, they listen and respond, and they didn’t mind if we had some ideas.”
Lezotte adds: “Not only was the relationship between us great, but they worked so well with the architect and the construction company. That really made the project exceptional. They were all on the same page and got along.”
As Kalter explains, “Chris wanted a condo and I wanted a teardown. In the end, we found the best of both worlds. Every day we walk around and there’s something to see that makes you smile, that excites you. It’s never boring. Wherever you look, it’s a reward. It has an impact on our emotions and our lives. It’s just brilliant.”
A BLEND OF FORM AND FUNCTION
This primary bathroom features a white oak vanity and Heath Ceramics tiles. Below: Reclaimed brick, steel railings, and custom details define the exterior.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Patrick Thompson, Patrick Thompson Design, Detroit, patrickthompsondesign.com
CLASSIC FIELD IN REDWOOD
Heath Ceramics, heathceramics.com
“Both floors of the residence center around a stunning double-height volume that is clad entirely in Heath Ceramics tile in a muted burnished red reminiscent of historic terracotta silos.”
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Architect: O|X Studio, Ann Arbor
AV Consultant: Russ Shank, Paragon Sight & Sound, Ann Arbor
Contractor: Shawn Hartman, Perkins Construction, Ann Arbor
Lighting Consultant: Laurie Gross, Gross Electric, Ann Arbor
TIMES LOUNGE AND OTTOMAN
Poltrona Frau, Arkitektura, Birmingham, arksf.com
“The architectural frame and wrapped leather support mimic the considered details and curated materiality of the interior, while the plush cushion brings softness to the piece,” Thompson says.
ATTACKLE BENCH
Fat Boy USA, 2Modern, fatboyusa.com, 2modern.com
“A statement bench, reflecting the homeowners’ love of dogs, is the focal point of the front porch, as well as a talking point for delighted neighbors and passersby.”
APOLLO CHANDELIER
Roll & Hill, rollandhill.com
“Classic materials and contemporary forms are perfectly balanced in this sculptural fixture that complements the warm modern aesthetic of the home,” says designer Patrick Thompson.
“The reflective chrome of these pendants creates a ‘mirror within a mirror’ effect –reflecting both themselves and the stunning blue wall tile ad infinitum.”
ASSEMBLAGE HAND-PAINTED WALLCOVERING IN ULTRAMARINE
Porter Teleo, porterteleo.com
Placed within a hallway, Thompson says this “hand-painted wallcovering showcases the owners’ eye for pattern and whimsy, and love of craftsmanship.”
TORO ARM CHAIR Olivya Stone, olivyastone.com
“Clean lines, strong contours, and mixed materials pair beautifully with the understated elegance and rich materiality of the home’s interior architecture.”
A330S PENDANT LIGHT “GOLDEN BELL” IN CHROME Artek, artek.fi
FORCE OF
NATURE
WHEN REDESIGNING A HOME ON GREEN LAKE, AN ARCHITECT MADE THE MOST OF THE WATER AND FOREST
TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SALLY MATAK
CUSTOM-MADE MODERNITY
This page: Designer Kimberly Steiner, of Royal Oak-based DIAGRAM, oversaw “the restoration of a collection of vintage Knoll Bertoia pieces inherited by our clients,” architect Charles Heid says. The chair and ottoman were then upholstered in a neon Knoll Textiles fabric. Opposite page: To update the 1980s-built home, Heid applied decorative fins to the exterior window bays.
TTwo decades ago, Charles Heid, 20 at the time, was fixing up old houses and working for a West Bloomfield-based painting company. He eventually became friends with the company’s owner, also in his early 20s. Fast-forward to 2021, and Heid got a call from his old friend/ boss. “I know you’re an architect now,” said the friend, “and I have a house that needs you.” Heid, who owns architectural firm HEID Architects, based in Birmingham, was happy to check out his friend’s 4,600-square-foot home.
Situated on 5 acres on Green Lake in West Bloomfield, the 1980 house, complete with an apple orchard, was clothed in an outdated design but had a beautiful, heavily forested lot. Indoors, the post-modern spaces were “cut up or partitioned, and small,” Heid recalls. “The home’s layout wasn’t functional.”
CULINARY COOL
Above: A sleek Gaggenau hood over the island overlooks the lake beyond.
Location-wise, the property was perfect for Heid’s clients and their three young children. The owner, in fact, had grown up on the lake, and his parents live next door in his childhood home.
Without structurally changing the footprint of the house, Heid set to work on several layouts. His background includes stints at notable firms including Frank Gehry’s offices in Los Angeles; Behnisch Architekten in Venice, Calif.; Montalba in Santa Monica, Calif.; and McIntosh Poris Associates in metro Detroit. He holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of California Los Angeles and an undergraduate degree in architectural studies from the University of Illinois Chicago.
AMONG THE TREES
Above: The home’s front door is accessed by walking across a long bridge that leads to the third floor (main level) of the home.
Inset: All the custom woodwork and cabinetry were designed by Heid.
“BEING CONNECTED WITH NATURE IN YOUR LIVING SPACE REALLY DOES IMPROVE HOW YOU FEEL, REST, AND REJUVENATE.”
— CHARLES HEID
NATIVE PLANTINGS
With that resume and his passion for southern California’s contemporary design, Heid was the perfect man for the job. One of the homeowners’ overarching goals was tying the home to nature. “Being connected with nature in your living space really does improve how you feel, rest, and rejuvenate,” Heid says.
Committed to that theory, he focused on natural materials and outdoor views.
Heid worked with longtime friend Mark Pytiak, of West Bloomfield-based Pytiak Design Build, while the landscaping design and construction were overseen by Pontiac-
based Zaremba and Co. “(Patrick) Zaremba and his team carried the design of the house into the surrounding property. The stone pathway and retaining features align with the lines of the home, while the native plantings provide the perfect softened exposure to the home’s warm tones and expansive glass areas,” Heid says.
“The skin of the home was completely redone using contemporary materials and windows,” Heid adds, noting that the exterior was updated with new Eastern white cedar shingles.
Trim and accent details in white oak — including decorative fins that were applied to the
exterior between each window bay, defining the windows — add panache. “They bring in warm tones and tie in with the vertical nature of all the trees,” Heid says. All of the windows were replaced with full-height, fixed-pane glass (with no muntin bars) so that all you see are the views of the lake and woods.
The front door is accessed by walking across a long bridge that leads to the third floor (main level) of the home. “The far end of the house is the highest point, so we created an outdoor porch/ balcony there. It has the best views of the trees, and you can open the doors (Fleetwood, premium
Heid collaborated with Zaremba and Co. on the property’s stunning landscape design.
OUTDOOR CONNECTION
The evergreen tiles that frame the fireplace both in the kitchen (above) and the living room (below) were inspired by the forest outside.
MUST-HAVE DETAIL
The fireplaces in the great room (below) and in the kitchen required new structural lumber, but became the anchors of the main floor.
swing doors with an aluminum frame) to let the air come in,” Heid says.
Since roof trusses span the width of the home, the kitchen, great room, and dining room walls were able to be removed. “We didn’t need supporting walls,” Heid explains. Making the most of that open flow, the homeowners wanted a wood-burning grill in the great room and in the kitchen. Those two items required new structural lumber and became “the bookends, anchoring the third (main) floor,” he says.
“I’m proud that we were able to work that grill station into the kitchen. Not many have a wood-burning fireplace that you cook on, with its own chimney,” Heid says. “That kitchen was a labor of love.” With evergreen ceramic tile and gray soapstone countertops, the kitchen sings with beauty.
The homeowner and his family now embrace the home’s flow. “Charlie translated what we thought we wanted into what we actually wanted
OUT OF THE WOODS
Top: Eastern white cedar shingles were applied to the exterior of the home.
Inset: Contemporary yet timeless wood accents define the home, as seen here in the sunporch.
but couldn’t articulate,” the homeowner says. “His attention to detail, thoughtful suggestions, and guidance helped transform the home into a place we’ll love forever.”
All the custom woodwork and cabinetry were designed by Heid. Growing up around lumber, it’s no wonder he was focused on the best in wood materials for the overhaul. His grandfather started Wallich Lumber Co. in Detroit in the 1950s, and eventually Heid’s father ran the company. In fact, nothing but custom white oak would do for the home’s main staircase, installed by Classic Woodworks of Lapeer County.
The great room’s bookshelf was constructed of vertical-grain, rift-sawn white oak, and was custom-built to give the owners storage for their record player and other decorative items. Its style parallels the verticality found on the stair screen.
Heid brought in designer Kimberly Steiner, of Royal Oak-based DIAGRAM, to select interior furnishings and accents that echo the entire home’s vernacular. Take, for example, the restored vintage Knoll Bertoia pieces inherited by the clients. Selecting a hot pink wool fabric from Knoll Textiles, Steiner made the pieces pop in the great room. Complementing them is a vintage Persian rug in cranberry, cobalt, orange, and pink. Also of special note is a custom dining room table that the homeowners commissioned to be made from a walnut tree that once was on their property.
“I got spoiled on this project; I got to do everything I love,” Heid says. “I really hope it’s their dream home. It’s definitely mine.”
Undoubtedly, it is. Says the homeowner: “We get to see our kids grow up and thrive on a lake, on a piece of property that can host all their imaginations. The home is now a place that highlights the landscapes around it — the lake to the west and the forest to the east. And in every room, you get to engage with that nature in a setting that’s designed so well to facilitate it.”
NATURAL ARTISTRY
Above: From the native plantings to the choice of materials used, the home’s connection to the outdoors is evident throughout.
Right: This custom dining room table’s “leg detailing and motif is inspired by the paired wood fins that we designed for the outside of the house,” Heid says.
EVERGREEN CERAMIC TILE
Fireclay, fireclaytile.com
“Borrowing from the property’s heavily forested backdrop, the ground-floor fireplaces are tiled in an artisan evergreen ceramic tile,” architect Charles Heid says. “This tile was a bold color and finish to help define the ground-floor aesthetics of the home.”
ARCHITECT
Charles Heid, HEID Architects, Birmingham, heidarchitects.com
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Builder: Mark Pytiak, West Bloomfield Township, Pytiak Design Build
Furniture Design: Kimberly Steiner, Royal Oak, DIAGRAM
Landscape Architect: Shannon Moher and Patrick Zaremba, Pontiac, Zaremba and Co.
“Following the vertical concepts of the exterior’s paired fins, the main stair in the home is designed from rift-sawn, clear white oak, which orients vertically and flows down the staircase, at moments providing slivers of openings to see through into the living room.”
“Positioned next to the second staircase screen, the living room bookshelf, constructed of vertical-grain, rift-sawn white oak, was custom-built to provide the owners with storage and a setup for their record player and specific items (belonging to) their family.”
VINTAGE PERSIAN RUG
Kimberly Steiner, Royal Oak, DIAGRAM, diagram-design.com
“Kim sourced this one-of-a-kind vintage Persian rug as the centerpiece of the great room. The rich cranberry field is ornamented with bright accents of cobalt, orange, and pink,” Heid says.
THE LANGELIER ELITE 54 Grillworks, grillworksusa.com
“Both an engineering and design innovation, this grill station (similar style shown left) transformed the entire ground floor,” Heid says. “Finished in a sparkling evergreen ceramic tile, the organization of the kitchen revolves around it, as it establishes the function and flow of the open-plan room.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER
DESIGNER RUTH CASPER HELPS A PAIR OF EMPTY-NESTERS
PERSONALIZE THEIR BLAND 1950s COLONIAL
TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH TIANO
HIS AND HERS
This page: Once the home’s formal living room, designer Ruth Casper converted this space into a first-floor wine room, with a moody, masculine palette. Opposite page: The sunroom, a light-filled and more neutral, feminine space, opens to the garden. “The husband and wife each have their own spaces, but they’re connected,” Casper says.
SSmall design projects have a way of snowballing, as redoing one area can make others around it look dated. Such was the case with a home in Oakland County that Troy-based designer Ruth Casper worked on a decade ago.
The homeowners had hired Casper to do a paint consultation on their former house, but the project eventually grew to include a new kitchen, bar, and home office, and a wine room addition. “It ended up being a lot more extensive than they had originally planned,” the designer shares.
Now empty-nesters, that couple purchased a new house 18 months ago and recently hired Casper again, because they wanted to put their own stamp on the residence — a five-bedroom, 1950s Colonial in Birmingham. “Everything
POLISHED FUNCTION
Above left: Practical yet sophisticated, this mudroom is the perfect place to store boots and more.
Above right: Together, the sunroom, which connects to the wine room, can accommodate 50 to 60 people, making the layout ideal for hosting large family gatherings — a priority for the homeowners.
inside was a neutral china white, a vanilla color,” the designer explains of the bland before. “I really wanted to infuse the home with the homeowners’ personality.”
Other issues included the fact that the house had been added onto through the years, resulting in awkward spaces that urgently needed addressing.
Casper and her associate, Aimee Sass, helped the couple transition from their old home to their new. “They hired me to see what they should keep and help decide what should come over to the new,” Casper explains, adding that she enjoys helping homeowners through before-and-after transitions.
She says she also enjoys helping homeowners build spaces that truly reflects their interests and the way they live. “This home has an abundance of personal touches that reflect my company motto: The foundation of the home is you,” Casper says. One way she achieved her goal was by
COMMON ELEMENTS
Right: In the dining room, a crystal-faceted pendant adds texture and dimension. Casper selected this fixture to coordinate with the wallpaper’s flower pod design and bring harmony to the space.
SENTIMENTAL DETAIL
rethinking the home’s formal living room and converting it into a first-floor wine room designed for entertaining and enjoying. “That’s their passion,” the designer says. “Why not enjoy it every day?”
She redesigned the room to include a glassed-in wine storage structure, as well as several areas — a grouping of velvet chairs and a bar table — that are perfect for more intimate gatherings. There are even leatherwrapped cabinets and a half-wall that’s just what the couple needed for wine tastings. “The wine room has a rich, masculine palette,”
Casper says, adding that she drew inspiration from wineries in the Napa Valley.
The wine room is adjacent to the nearby sunroom, which Casper describes as a light-filled and more neutral, feminine space. “The husband and wife each have their own spaces, but they’re connected,” she says, noting that both rooms lead to an outdoor garden. Together, the wine room and sunroom can easily accommodate 50 to 60 people, making the layout ideal for entertaining, especially when hosting large family gatherings — another of the homeowners’ priorities.
“This is where all the kids come,” Casper says
of the couple’s grown children. “My clients wanted to create spaces both for entertaining and for family meals and movie nights.”
The importance of family is also apparent in the pantry, which features custom wallpaper from Detroit Wallpaper Co. that’s inspired by the wife’s mom’s recipe for apple pie and her favorite phrases. “The homeowner gets to see that every day,” Casper notes, as she points out that the wife’s interests are also reflected in the second-floor space she uses for working out and morning devotions.
While the home’s floor plan didn’t change,
Casper added personalized accents to each room including the husband’s office, where a pheasant reminds him of his father.
NAPA-INSPIRED
Above and below: A mirrored backsplash from Beaver Tile complements the custom leather cabinet doors in the wine room.
“I WANTED ONE ‘WOW’ FACTOR IN EACH SPACE.”
— RUTH CASPER
SWEET DREAMS
Designed for their grandchildren, the nursery is among the wife’s favorite rooms in the renovation.
the difference between the before and after is dramatic, Casper says. “The house has such beautiful sight lines,” she says of the layout. “The rooms all feel individual, but they flow and connect.” They’re also full of what the designer calls “little special touches,” such as including the homeowners’ favorite sayings on the backs of books, among other surprises.
Everything was intentional, the designer says. “I wanted one ‘wow’ factor in each space,” she explains. Special touches include the cloud wallpaper on her office ceiling, the pheasant on his office wall that reminds him of his dad, the heated tile floor that looks like carpet in the sunroom, and the frog-shaped legs in the bathroom off the nursery, designed to please the couple’s grandchildren.
PERSONALIZED STYLE
Above left: Custom monogrammed blankets from Ruth Casper Design Studio add comfort to this meditation nook. Above right: Each space, including this powder room, flow together seamlessly, thanks to Casper’s design.
Challenges included the foyer staircase, which had treads that were too shallow and had to be rebuilt, and incorporating the wine room into the former living room, which involved incorporating a wine compressor in the basement underneath the space, and controlling temperature and humidity. “It’s not just pretty to look at, but it’s functional, as well,” Casper points out.
The wife is partial to the second-floor nursery, but admits she has a hard time deciding on her favorite room in the newly redesigned house. Casper agrees. “You walk into that house and you’re just happy,” she says of the six-month project. “The house feels cozy and wonderful. It feels like a hug.”
JULIAN CHICHESTER
DAKOTA DINING TABLE
CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy, caidesigns.net
“Inspired by Saarinen and Brancusi, this dining table is a classic made of solid black stained oak with a metal base,” Casper says. “We love its sophisticated and elegant clean lines.”
CUSTOM SCRIPT
Detroit Wallpaper Co., detroitwallpaper.com
“We collaborated with DWC to design a custom wallpaper incorporating the homeowner’s mother’s handwritten family recipes. This heartfelt memory reminds the family of her legacy.”
VISUAL COMFORT CONNERY 40INCH RING CHANDELIER
City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy, citylightsdetroit.com
“The oversized round light fixture mirrors the round ottoman below it,” designer Ruth Casper says of the bronze piece that hangs in the bar. “It was selected to complement the metals used on the iron wine doors and bar.”
CLOUD
Weatherly Stroh, weatherlystroh.com
The team used “an original painting from world-renowned artist and our close friend, Weatherly Stroh, who grew up in Oakland county,” similar to this piece right, to define the sunroom and wine room.
PAT CHAIR
Hickory Chair, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy, caidesigns.net
“Like a great wine, the luxurious green velvet chairs (similar style shown below) bring rich color to the lounge.”
ZOFFANY ELSWICK WALLPAPER
Rozamillin, Michigan Design Center, Troy, zo any. sandersondesigngroup.com
“This incredible paisley print is masculine and elevated,” Casper says.
WEST SIDE
WONDER
IMPRESSIVE NEW-BUILD HAS A SPECIAL CONNECTION TO NATURE
TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WERNER STRAUBE
SLEEK SELECTIONS
This page: The discreet wet bar features paneled refrigerators and a hidden cabinet, thanks to designer Kathy Waite. “(She) has a gift for making everything elevated. She did a great job of creating storage so you have everything right at your fingertips,” the homeowner says. Opposite page: This cozy seating spot includes velvet corduroy chairs, a cocktail ottoman, and side tables that nod to nature.
OOn a 45-acre property in Rockford, north of Grand Rapids, there’s a custom structure filled with windows that frame a creek and other spectacular scenery. Architect Ben Franceschi, principal with Mathison | Mathison Architects (MMA) in Grand Rapids, describes the aesthetic as “warm mountain modern.”
Due to site restrictions, the home’s placement was the most profound piece of the puzzle. “We wanted to be as close to the creek as possible, but there was an important challenge in getting the levels of the home reconciled with the topography and existing water table. What we had to pull off with the building techniques and technology was a huge part of this project,” Franceschi explains.
A CHEF’S DREAM
The well-equipped kitchen pairs walnut cabinets with a blackened-steel hood, while quartzite tops the perimeter counters and backsplash.
He adds: “Before the site was reforested in the 1930s, this was a farm. Where we positioned the home, there was a trail that became the conceptual basis for a long corridor with windows.”
Sustainable features include continuous exterior insulation, triple-pane windows, and a passive solar technique that lets in plenty of sun in the winter, while the awnings help the home stay cool in the summer.
A Japanese wood-burning technique called shou sugi ban enhances the cypress exterior. “It provides rot-resistance and longevity, but also an
NATURE’S EMBRACE
Above: Entertaining family and friends was key to the home’s design, so including plenty of seating was a necessity, especially in the sunken living room that opens to the outdoors. Inset: Natural materials and organic palettes define this powder room.
“THE EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENT WAS AS IMPORTANT AS THE INTERIORS; WE DIDN’T WANT TO COMPETE WITH THE OUTSIDE.”
— KATHY WAITE
amazing depth of color. There’s a moody feel to the home,” the architect says. Cedar, stone, and slate appear inside and out, giving the structure a cohesive feel.
“The clients were building a more modernstyle home that was different from what they previously owned,” Kathy Waite, principal of Kathy Waite Design in Grand Rapids, adds. “She wanted the home to have a warm and inviting feel. The exterior environment was as important as the interiors; we didn’t want to compete with the outside.”
Guests were another consideration.
“Entertaining not only friends, but family, was in the forefront of our minds, and required adequate seats that were comfortable and flexible,” Waite says. She points out that lighting plays an important role, especially the dining room fixture. “It’s a piece of art, and that’s how we approached it. The other elements in the dining room are subtle, so it’s the outside setting you enjoy,” she adds, noting the neutral palette and the sculptural chairs with a simple silhouette that surround a custom table.
The well-equipped kitchen pairs walnut cabinets with a blackened-steel hood. Quartzite tops the perimeter counters and backsplash, while at the
sizable island with a waterfall edge, multiple pendant lights create an intimate feel. “I wanted the lighting to provide a canopy of the island and help the space not feel so vast,” Waite says.
Where some may have placed a breakfast table, velvet corduroy chairs join a cocktail ottoman and side tables that nod to nature. “This client wanted a comfy spot to have coffee in the morning and unwind at night,” the designer explains.
With distinct seating areas and a stone fireplace, the sunken living room — which opens to the outdoors — works just as well for the empty-nesters as it does for guests. Materials
LOWER-LEVEL LUXURY
This page: A windowless lower level includes a deluxe bar with a speakeasy feel.
A BASEMENT MARVEL
Above: A faux leather banquette surrounds game tables. Below: Wood paneling warms the space, where guests can play pool or air hockey, or bang on the drums.
include a wood ceiling with blackened-steel beams and slate floors.
A solid quartzite slab dazzles in the main-floor powder room. “It had all those organic elements and colors that were just right for the project,” Waite says. “We put it in the powder room so everyone could enjoy it.”
In the primary suite, walnut panels highlight a leather headboard flanked by floating nightstands. Textured linen walls soften the wood. Slate and travertine create a natural backdrop in the bathroom, where recessed mirrored medicine cabinets offer storage. A custom sunken stainless-
steel tub holds a wooden caddy made from a tree on the property.
A windowless lower level that caters to the husband includes a deluxe bar with a speakeasy feel. Wood paneling warms the space, where guests can play pool and air hockey. A faux leather banquette surrounds game tables that can be pushed together, while a quartzite bar with a waterfall edge faces an antiqued mirror backsplash and metal upper cabinets. “The lower level takes the Michigan basement to a whole new level. It shows one part of the home really can be hidden rooms,” Franceschi says.
“The clients made a real investment in the process, which is always so much better. They push us and we push them, and it’s very productive. The success in how they use each space was a direct payoff of the owners and the design team really meditating on how they would use them,” he adds.
“We never built a house before. It’s a daunting process,” the wife says. “Having MMA, Rockford Homes, and Kathy to guide us through was very helpful. There’s so much involved, like how close the home could be to the creek. We wanted to feel like we were part of the woods, nestled in. Our team definitely delivered that.”
The couple also never had a home with so much glass. “Every season is beautiful and every view is beautiful. They really studied the house and the light at different times of the day. It’s super moody and cool,” she adds. “Ben (Franceschi) wanted a corridor that had sight lines from one side of the house to the other, so you can see through the whole house. It’s a very grand house, but that helps to create more intimacy. We really tried not to overbuild; we use all the spaces. That’s what I love about it.”
SPECIAL FEATURES
Above left: The custom home includes a luxurious sauna. Above right: In the primary suite, walnut panels highlight a leather headboard flanked by floating nightstands.
Below: A custom velvet headboard adds color to a guest room, while an accent wall covered in wool wallpaper lends texture.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Architects, Grand Rapids
Contractor: Rockford Homes, Rockford
ADRIATIC STOOL
Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
“The leather counter stools with their graceful shape and beautiful detailed stitching along the seat and back added a modern silhouette,” Waite says.
FRICKE ACCENT TABLE
Arteriors, arteriorshome.com
“This unique side table brought the elements of the outdoors inside.”
Kathy Waite, Kathy Waite Design, Grand Rapids, kathywaitedesign.com
OCULUS SCONCE
Hubbardton Forge, hubbardtonforge.com
“This steel-forged Oculus Sconce was used around the perimeter of the entertainment area to provide ambient light throughout the room,” says designer Kathy Waite.
Architect: Ben Franceschi, Mathison | Mathison
BLOK LARGE PENDANT
Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
“With tall ceilings and a long island, we wanted a canopy of lighting over the island. We selected a contemporary cylinder pendant in a brass finish and created two rows of pendants, totaling 12, over the island.”
DAVID ROCKWELL COZY BUNDLE UP
Maya Romano , mayaromano .com
MILO BAUGHMAN CHAIR
Thayer Coggin, thayercoggin.com
“One of my favorite design elements in this home was the wallpaper in the guest bedroom,” Waite says. “The mink-colored wallpaper combines heathered wool with a metallic foil stitching, resulting in a unique backdrop and cozy environment.”
“I love the shape and form of Milo Baughman’s chair with its curved linear frame,” Waite says. “We used four of the chairs around a mid-century walnut cocktail table to create a conversation area within the living room.”
STYLE OVER
FUNCTION
SOPHISTICATED DESIGN AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY LIVING
HARMONIOUSLY COEXIST IN BIRMINGHAM
TEXT BY ANNA SWARTZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRETT MOUNTAIN
MAKING AN IMPACT
This page: This black sculptural piece by local artist Leon Dickey gives the family room a cool edge. Opposite page: A marble-top dining table is surrounded by four chairs and a banquette — family friendly, yet fashionable.
WWhen a fashion stylist purchases a 6,000-squarefoot new-build in Birmingham, she’s bound to have a clear vision for the desired aesthetic. Living with her husband and three young children, though, posed a challenge: how to create a space that’s sophisticated, clean, and organized while knowing that real life is bound to mess it up a little. Designer Amanda Wolfe, founder of Amanda Wolfe Designs, part of Forest Avenue Design Collaborative in Birmingham, has a lifelong connection with the client, so she took on the project knowing that the homeowner “was willing to take some risks.”
While the husband’s wish list was short (an outdoor family space, lower-level hangout area, and a comfortable office), the wife imagined a
KID-APPROVED
Top left: Incorporating darker furniture in the family room created a child-friendly space.
neutral palette throughout the home that would make the most of textures, accessories, and artwork. “She was looking for more style over function,” Wolfe says. Such is the case in the sitting room, where blush-colored minimal, modular furniture creates a free-flowing, open energy. A slightly asymmetrical custom light fixture by Gabriel Scott — featuring amber, gray, and clear glass in various textures — is positioned perfectly to accommodate a table, if the room eventually converts to its original purpose as a dining space. Wolfe calls the
TEXTURED NEUTRALS
Above: Blush-colored furniture creates an open feeling in the sitting room, while a custom Gabriel Scott pendant hangs dramatically above. Inset: Modern light fixtures throughout the home add an undisputed edge.
“WE EACH CAME IN WITH OUR OWN TALENTS, AND WE WERE ABLE TO MERGE THEM TOGETHER.”
— AMANDA WOLFE
corrugated cardboard artwork by Wyandottebased Leon Dickey “the star of the show.”
Dickey’s work appears again in the family room — black tubular wood veneer pieces that give “a really cool sculptural, linear look,” the designer says. A colorful contemporary piece by Detroit artist Jon Jackson pops amidst the monochromatic look from the custom Vanguard sectional and black leather slingback chairs. Incorporating darker colors with the furniture and rug created a family-friendly hangout space for the kids. Z side tables by
famed interior designer Kelly Wearstler — who, according to Wolfe, is beloved by the homeowners because she “crosses over to a lot of fashion” — add personality to the space.
Two Wearstler swivel chairs covered in a Clarke & Clarke fabric serve as comfortable showpieces in the husband’s moody office. The look is completed with seagrass wallpaper in a muted navy with contrasting trim. An antique leather chest, which has been traced back to World War I, rests between the two chairs.
In the spacious dining area, a marble-top table is
surrounded by four chairs and a custom banquette (made by Distinctive Custom Furniture in Oak Park) that has storage drawers that match the kitchen cabinets. “We kept an open floor plan between the kitchen and the family room,” Wolfe says, “so instead of having a dining room when she entertains, she has long tables and can seat up to 30 people.”
Wolfe, who brings in color to all her projects, says the children’s rooms allowed her to “get a little more creative.” The nursery takes on a playful vibe with custom acrylic gummy bear
NEON SIGNS
This page: A colorful piece by Detroit artist Jon Jackson pops amidst the monochromatic space.
PAINTBOX PALETTES
Top and bottom: Designer Amanda Wolfe, who brings color to all her projects, says the children’s rooms allowed her to “get a little more creative.”
MOODY ACCENTS
Above: A deep indigo seagrass wallcovering is among the standout details in the husband’s office. Right: A black-andwhite palette continues up the staircase, where dramatic accents add interest and style.
artwork and a custom Detroit Wallpaper Co. “Paint Dabs” pattern that seems to be “falling from the sky,” the designer says.
In the daughter’s room, Wolfe says they “tried to mix in a little sophistication. We made it feel a little less nursery-like and childlike, and brought in pieces that you could use anywhere in the house. It really feels like a room she can grow into.” The room’s furnishings include an upholstered daybed and a dresser with custom daisy-shaped knobs. Fun elements like a brass light fixture, a custom pink camo wallcovering from Detroit Wallpaper Co. called “Watermelon Sugar” on two accent walls, and cream wool carpeting with metallic thread for a touch of sparkle complete the vibe.
“She really has such a great sense of style,” Wolfe says of the homeowner. “It was fun for me, too, because (many) interior designers are into fashion. But she’s at a different level. She really understands it, because that’s what she does. We each came in with our own talents, and we were able to merge them together.”
ELI PENDANT World’s Away, worlds-away.com
“This acrylic light fixture with brass details felt like a touch of sophistication for the daughter’s room,” Wolfe says. “We knew she could grow into the look while still feeling playful and sweet.”
CONNOR CLUB CHAIR
Moe’s Home Collection, moeshome.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Amanda Wolfe, Amanda Wolfe Designs, part of Forest Avenue Design Collaborative, Birmingham, amandawolfedesigns.com
KELLY WEARSTLER
CUBIST LARGE CHANDELIER
Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy, visualcomfort, citylightsdetroit.com
“We were looking for something architectural in the main stairwell,” designer Amanda Wolfe says. “This light fixture was everything and more. It really creates a sculptural feel, with lightness in the space.”
“The lines of this iron-andleather chair are sculptural and architectural, mixing a classic feel with an elevated club chair.”
CUSTOM HANDMADE WELLES TEXTURED CHANDELIER
Gabriel Scott, gabriel-scott.com
“This custom fixture was so much fun to design with the client. We chose different glass colors and textures to create a focal point, while keeping with the texture and neutral theme of the room.”
KELLY WEARSTLER CHAIR WITH CLARKE & CLARKE FABRIC Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy, kravet.com
KELLY WEARSTLER
DECKER SIDE TABLE
Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy, kravet.com
“I love the lines of this floating end table, and the beautiful painted finish is so elegant,” Wolfe says.
“I’m obsessed with these swivel chairs (in the library) and the sumptuous fabric we chose to add pattern to the space. The wooden base elevates the chair to the next level.”
HARMONY
TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE KLEIN
NON-STOP VIEWS
Both
pages: This home, at over 12,000 square feet, sits on gorgeous Upper Straits Lake. Picturesque vistas of the water can be seen throughout the residence, including in the primary bedroom and en suite.
WWhen Michelle Davis, of the award-winning Farmington Hills-based interior design firm Davis & Davis, was approached by a long-term commercial client to work on his new home project, she felt honored to assist him and his wife with their dream house, as her firm had been focusing on commercial projects.
Davis, principal and chief design officer, explains, “We’ve worked with this client for years on commercial projects that all have modern designs. His home at the time was more traditional, but (he and his wife) wanted their new home to be a more contemporary signature home with an elegant living environment and an upscale vibe.”
Davis joined Ben Heller, principal of Pontiacbased Heller & Associates, on the project. Heller had been working with the client on architectural design and construction, as well as finding just the right waterfront site for the new home. The stunning, private one-acre property they selected overlooks picturesque Upper Straits Lake in Orchard Lake Village, a city that’s nearly half-covered by lakes and ponds.
The project involved significant collaboration between the two firms, as there is some overlap in expertise, as Davis & Davis offers interior architectural and interior design services, while Heller’s firm specializes in full architectural design and build services.
WIDE OPEN
“The windows allow the sight lines to feel like a whole rather than a bunch of pieces. The flow in the house has you looking ahead out a window and connecting with nature,”
Ben Heller says.
The over 12,000-square-foot contemporary home was designed with a fresh interpretation of clean Prairie-style lines using openness, symmetry, intentional flow, and an abundance of natural materials such as wood and stone. Mid-century Prairie-style design celebrates the beauty of the natural world and is defined by strong horizontal lines and the extensive use of glass. It was popularized by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
Heller explains the challenge of the design aesthetic for the project: “It’s important to make it all look seamless, flush, and easy on one’s senses — to reduce the visual clutter and give an effortless appearance that harmonizes with nature. We wanted the house, with all its windows, to seem substantial, solid, and safe — and, of course, to sit well on the site and integrate with nature.”
Heller says the homeowners are empty-nesters with grown children, so onelevel living was important to them, to allow future aging in place. The master suite is located on the main level and has a hidden door leading into the den. “I like to offer my clients a surprise space,” Heller says. Since half of the home’s square footage is in the lower walkout level, the house is equipped with an elevator.
WOVEN EFFECT
Left: “The scale of the fireplace required an alluring and unique product,” says Davis. “This wood labrys panel feels modern and abstract, but also evokes craft techniques like wicker or textile-weaving, to provide a comforting, textured focal point for the living room.”
Davis adds: “The space is compelling and intriguing. The interior design emphasizes monochromatic tonality, which allows the spectacular views of the lake to be spotlighted. The clients also like to travel, so they appreciate a resort feel in their home.”
Many of the mesmerizing light fixtures — including the ethereal Leucos pendant inside the grand entry doors — were intentionally selected and placed to complement the water views. “The irregular blown-glass spheres are like natural water droplets that relate to the lake and shimmer in the evening,” Davis notes.
In addition to the sparkling lake effect, the house’s tonal color story is enhanced by splashes of bold artwork featured throughout the house.
Many exceptional luxury materials were used in the home, including Marmi Maximum bright onyx porcelain slab panels, mother of pearl tile, and elegant rift-sawn white oak flooring with a subtle perpendicular contrast. The modern floating steel staircase with half-inch glass railing panels also features rift oak treads.
Davis took inspiration from her commercial design work when it came to the “modern and abstract” woven-patterned wood labrys panel above the fireplace in the main seating area — which Heller notes came in individual pieces and had to be put together like a puzzle over the floating hearth.
While there are countless stunning details in this statement home, Davis says her favorite is the great room. “It’s light, airy, open, and comfortable for large gatherings, but intimate enough for the couple to enjoy.”
As for Heller, his favorite feature is the floor-to-ceiling aluminum windows.
“The windows allow the sight lines to feel like a whole rather than a bunch of pieces. The flow in the house has you looking ahead out a window and connecting with nature, whether it’s the lake or surrounding woods.” He notes that to ensure privacy, electronic shades rise and lower with dawn and dusk.
“The power of design and the ability to enhance everyday experiences through function, focal points, and exceptional spaces makes this project a success. The fluid, open environment speaks to today’s living and the client loves it. This house flows beautifully — Ben did a great job,” Davis says.
“The client’s happiness and delivering a high level of excellence makes a successful project,” Heller adds. “It’s the quiet detail and seemingly effortless appearance that makes a house.”
GALLERY WALLS
Bold and colorful artwork throughout the home punctuate the otherwise neutral, tonal palette.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Michelle Davis (left), Davis & Davis, Farmington Hills, davisinteriordesign.com
ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN + BUILD
Ben Heller, Heller & Associates, Pontiac, hellerhomes.net
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Cabinetry: Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Countertop and Fireplaces: Leonardo’s Marble & Granite, Wixom Glass: Reid Glass, Southfield Landscaping: Mosher & Associates, Royal Oak
Trim: Probuilt Woodworking Co., Macomb Windows: Fleetwood Windows & Doors
LEUCOS PENDANT
Clarus Lighting & Controls, Madison Heights, leucos.com, clarus-lighting.com
“The sculptural effect is lofty and ethereal,” designer Michelle Davis says of this fixture in the entry and dining room. “The irregular blown-glass spheres are like natural water droplets that relate to the lake and shimmer in the evening.”
MINOTTI FIL NOIR ARMCHAIR
Arkitektura, Birmingham, arksf.com
“This chair is on-trend yet timeless in form. It’s perfectly suited to complement the (room’s) other Minotti furniture.”
ELANA SIDE CHAIR
The Bright Group, Chicago, brightchair.com
“This dining chair brings together comfort, function, and simplicity.”
FIANDRE MARMI MAXIMUM PORCELAIN SLAB
Dwyer Marble & Stone, Farmington Hills, granitifiandre.com, dwyermarble.com
“The large-format porcelain panels set a tone of elegance and luxury. They contrast with the wood plank flooring and the fireplace, creating definition against the backdrop of the beautiful lakefront setting,” Davis says. “This large-format slab defines the monolithic walls in the living room.”
ISLAND STONE
PERFECT PEBBLE TILE
Virginia Tile, Troy, virginiatile.com
“The texture of this pebble tile evokes an undersea grotto, creating a perfect feeling for the sparoom.”
Join metro Detroit’s design community in celebrating the winners of the 21st Anniversary Detroit Design Awards on Monday, June 2 at One Campus Martius, 16th Floor, Detroit.
Major Sponsors
LIVING’’ anniekordasinteriors.com
kordasinteriors@gmail.com
SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT
CALIFORNIA CLOSETS
Designing a walk-in closet that meets all wardrobe needs while maintaining an elegant aesthetic, particularly when navigating multiple windows and angled walls, is exactly what the design experts at California Closets pride themselves on.
The design for this closet utilized a light woodgrain palette enhanced by integrated lighting, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
To maximize the height of the space, wardrobe-depth clothing storage was implemented, accommodating both long-hanging garments and double-hanging sections while ensuring ample room for walkways and door swings. A central island, featuring a marble waterfall countertop and custom jewelry drawers that include locks for added security, merges style with functionality.
Beneath the windows, slanted shoe shelves with integrated gold fences provide both organization and visual appeal, complemented by cabinets and toe-kick storage to showcase the client’s collection beautifully. Additionally, designated purse storage behind clear glass adds balance and interest to the design.
Sophisticated design elements, such as gold aluminum–framed doors with frosted and clear glass inserts, solid mitered doors, and seamless contemporary hardware, further elevate the space. The inclusion of Belmont crown molding throughout transforms the closet into a true elegant haven that reflects the client’s aesthetic while offering practical storage solutions for an organized wardrobe. This closet stands as a testament to the harmony of functionality and refined design, creating a luxurious retreat for everyday use.
California Closets
Showrooms located in: Birmingham | Troy | Wixom
Also serving Northern Michigan
248-624-1234
californiaclosets.com
SHOWROOM SPOTLIGHT
MICHAEL J. DUL & ASSOCIATES
The team of landscape architects at Michael J. Dul & Associates has created memorable residential and commercial outdoor spaces for over 40 years. The company’s design signature lets each project speak for itself — simple, subtle, yet impactful.
Team members begin by actively listening to clients for a clear understanding of their desires. They then develop the owner’s program statement. Their passion for design helps solve each owner’s challenges in unexpected ways.
The team’s talents include the integration of architecture with the site for seamless and comfortable transitions. An understanding of site engineering, the utilization of a wide range of materials, and the implementation of the latest technologies all contribute to project success.
Many organizations and publications have recognized Michael J. Dul & Associate’s creativity with design awards, year after year. Above all, the company takes care of its clients and projects every step of the way. The result? Referrals and recommendations, allowing the team to serve more clients by providing thoughtful design solutions.
Michael J. Dul & Associates
212 Daines St., Birmingham, MI 48009
248-644-3410
mjdul.com
IDENTITY CRISIS NO MORE
A Mid-century Modern home reclaims its roots
TEXT BY ANNA SWARTZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH TIANO
When a young couple purchased a 1958 Mid-century Modern tri-level in Royal Oak, they encountered two problems: an inefficient use of the kitchen’s small footprint and the aftermath of a previous renovation that didn’t pay homage to the house’s intended design aesthetic. Husband-and-wife team Michael and Danielle Gutelli — co-founders of Plymouth-based Clark + Aldine, and general contractor and principal designer, respectively — helped the homeowners reimagine the 800 square feet that encompasses the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
To alleviate the feeling of being in what Michael calls “a sardine can,” the kitchen was gutted and brought back to life with the addition of recessed lighting, a lighter color palette, and purposeful spaces for hiding spices and cutting utensils.
Custom white oak frameless cabinets were stained a color that Danielle and her lead designer call “if white oak and walnut had a baby.” For Michael, a cupboard featuring vertical sliding reeded glass — reminiscent of a Mid-mod credenza or sideboard — is “just another subtle nod to the style of the home.”
A range hood, built specifically for the space and wrapped in reeded wood, draws the eyes up to the sloped ceiling, which peaks at 12 feet. Three shelves on each side create a crisp backdrop for colorful artwork, books, and glassware.
SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT
Plymouth-based Clark + Aldine reimagined 800 square feet of this Royal Oak tri-level, and turned into a vision of modern design.
In contrast with the kitchen’s neutral palette, the porcelain countertops swirl with dramatic splashes of black and white. “We knew our clients wanted to do something bold,” Danielle says. “This was (where) their personality could shine through.”
The adjoining dining room features a chunky wood table with a bench that can be pushed in for easy movement around the space. “Black wrought iron chairs (give a) textural element to the room,” Danielle says. Other pieces, such as a 1950s-style chandelier that coordinates with the fixture above the kitchen sink, create “one cohesive space, while still having their separate identities from one space to another,” the designer says.
An original picture window bathes the living room with light and accentuates a high-performance velvet sofa and retroinspired modern chairs anchored by a vintage rug. New white oak floors throughout add to the feeling of spaciousness.
To achieve an eclectic look, Danielle says they “shopped the home,” resulting in a blend of old and new pieces. Layered artwork atop a low shelving unit — in lieu of a traditional gallery wall — gives the illusion of height to a shorter wall, and achieves a cozy vibe.
Michael recalls that when they first took on the project, “the house didn’t really know what it was.” Now, the home has officially reclaimed its roots.
