FLORIDA EXPRESS JET CLUB
Oakland County International Airport
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Meredith Colburn | Associate Broker/Team Leader, Nanci J. Rands | Associate Broker, Jessica Weisman | Realtor®
Adriane Dundon | Realtor®, Caroline Johnson | Realtor®, Lauren Colburn | Marketing Director/Realtor®
Caroline Keating | Realtor®, Brooke Goodstein | Director of Operations/Realtor®
Let’s assemble the WHOLE team from the start! YOUR INVESTMENT DEPENDS ON IT!”
LUXURY WATERFRONT HOMES
By Falcon
As your dedicated owners’ representative, you will be in partnership with a team of highly skilled professionals, unique to your project. I have personally vetted and built a comprehensive network of those who value excellence, team collaboration, and your best interests that include the:
Financial Advisor | Builder | Architect | Landscape Architect
Interior Designer | Luxury Realtor
For Peace of Mind
Call Brian Cotant Falcon Custom Homes 269-838-1819, or brian@homesbyfalcon.com
Michigan Waterfront Properties Explore. Build. Enjoy.
CHRIS PERO ASSOCIATE
25 Years as a Full Time Agent in Birmingham
20 Years as a Birmingham Resident Bloomfield schools graduate, 3 kids to Birmingham schools
Over $825 Million in personal career sales (not team sales)
A Top 10 Agent (including teams) in Oakland county each of the last 15 years
#2 Agent for market area homes sold in 2023 and 2024
An Individual Agent if
Whether
Financing for renovations or expansion projects
loans all in
Interest only payments during the construction of your home
Construction periods up to 24 months
Where the heart is.
As a kid, one of my favorite activities was driving with my mom around favorite neighborhoods — among them, Huntington Woods and Birmingham. We would admire architecture, imagine the decor inside and dream. Inevitably, we would head to Detroit, where she grew up. I would listen, spellbound, to her stories of the "old days," of sleepovers at friends' houses, the aunts and uncles and cousins and friends who would come and go, her mother feed ing everyone who came through the door. She would quiz me on all the names of family long gone, who survived the war and who did not.
That's what our house tours always became. We shared a love for architecture, design and art, but it always came back to the people inside, the memories it evoked. That's what good design does — whether it's stunning architecture or the cozy touches that make it a home.
That's what this issue is about. We shine a spotlight on the architects, interior designers and builders who make our homes, creating the backdrop to our lives. While the particulars look different for each design, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.
As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. The aesthetic and design, but most importantly — the people.
We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about our local businesses and people and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.
Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect.
Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.
LYNNE KONSTANTIN, EDITOR
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue G. Collins, Linda Ditch, Lynne Konstantin, Allison Swan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sue G. Collins, Shelby Dubin, Sally Matak, Karl Moses, Nate Sheets, Martin Vecchio
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
I n j e c t a b l e s M a s s a g e F a c i a l s W e l l n e s s w e i g h t l o s s S K I N H O U S E
Building
Interior
Strikingly modern meets warm and welcoming in this Bloomfield Hills home by La Marco Homes.
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Health & Wellness with Melissa Coulier at Emagine Palladium, Birmingham
Melissa Coulier and Melanie Samuels, co-founders of holistic wellness company Live Well Lead Well, host “Elevate Your Well-Being” March 26. The seminar focuses on empowering women to balance leadership with mental, physical and emotional well-being. Coulier has been caregiver to her husband, Dave Coulier (shown), since his diagnosis with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. “My background in holistic wellness has allowed me to navigate this with more ease,” she says. “We hope to help others navigate their well-being, too.” Emagine-entertainment.com
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Fast-Casual Eatery from Owners of Grey Ghost Opening Summer 2025
Four Man Ladder Hospitality, the team behind Grey Ghost, Second Best and Basan, announces their first fast-casual restaurant, opening in Ferndale, Summer 2025. The yet-to-be-named eatery will cater primarily to takeout customers, focusing on a scratchmade menu spotlighting the team’s
Famiglia Wealth is a Bloomfield Hills based wealth management firm focused on taking a holistic approach to helping successful individuals and families simplify and
Left to Right: Jason M Geisz, Elizabeth M Silver, R Adam Biswanger, Suzanne Minster, Robert F Alati, Robyn R Crewdson
Scan to read more burger, chicken sandwich and sides. “Our beloved Grey Ghost burger has developed a loyal following,” says chef and co-owner John Vermiglio. “We’re excited to translate it into a quick-service format with the same commitment to quality.” Fourmanladder.com.
Synergy EMS Brings Personal EMS Training to Clients’ Homes
Birmingham-based Synergy EMS provides in-home Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) certified personal training. Founded by Mark Gonzales, Laura Gonzales and Marines veteran Juan Rincon, Synergy EMS’ advanced technology offers efficient 20-minute workouts engaging up to 98 percent of muscle fibers, delivering results comparable to traditional 90 to 120-minute gym sessions.
With a focus on convenience and innovation, Synergy EMS comes directly to clients’ homes, providing time-saving and effective fitness solutions with maximum results without gym commitments. Synergyems.com
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BRINGING ARCHITECTURE TO LIFE
Building meaningful relationships — with people and beauty — is at the heart of Krieger Klatt Architects.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO
A stunning master bathroom for a new custom home in Bloomfield Hills provides expansive views of the Rouge River at Cranbrook.
“We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, always seeking ways to streamline our processes while ensuring we bring our clients’ visions to life.”
— Jeff Klatt
In his sixth-grade yearbook, Jeff Klatt wrote that he wanted to be an architect.
Mission accomplished.
Klatt and Jason Krieger are co-owners and principal architects of Krieger Klatt Architects (kriegerklatt.com) in Royal Oak, a full-service firm offering commercial and residential architecture, interior design and master planning services.
Developing a strong friendship after meeting as architectural students, Krieger and Klatt both worked for a designbuild contractor before Krieger struck out on his own.
“After the 2008-2009 recession, as the economy began to recover and his business began to expand, Jason and I decided to partner,” Klatt says. “Our shared
values of hard work and like-minded vision made the partnership a natural fit.” They launched Krieger Klatt Architects in 2011.
Evolving from small-home additions to large-scale developments and everything in between — including the Royal Oak City Center and a major development at Big Beaver and I-75 — the firm specializes in mixed-use developments, multi-family and custom homes. With their team of 25 employees, Krieger Klatt recently created a dedicated department focused on national brand work; the office is organized by teams that specialize in design, construction documents and interior design, placing a strong emphasis on developing and growing their team from within.
CONTINUED >
The exterior of the Rouge River home in Bloomfield Hills.
THIS PAGE
Left: The “Georgian Room” at the Clubhouse at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak.
Middle: This new traditional custom home in Birmingham features a wraparound front porch.
Bottom: The Goldfish Swim School's corporate office.
OPPOSITE PAGE
Top: A major traditional renovation and addition for a home in Bloomfield Village.
Bottom: A new custom home in Birmingham, with kitchen design by Ellwood Interior Design.
“We are committed to continuous learning, improvement and innovation, always seeking ways to streamline our processes while ensuring we bring our clients' visions to life,” Klatt says. “From the outset, we invested heavily in technology, incorporating 3D modeling, computer-generated imagery and virtual reality to better serve our clients and enhance their experience.”
While Klatt notes that initially, everything is sketched on paper, they rapidly transition to three-dimensional design to help the client better visualize their ideas and how they'll appear in the finished home.
“We bring 3D into the process early,” he says. “It's one thing to see the design on paper, but when you put on the VR headset and walk through the house, you can see everything in real-time from the correct vantage point. So, if there's a flaw or something that's not right, we can adjust before we get too far down the road.”
To that end, the team can help guide homeowners from the very beginning. They will even advise on whether a prospective building site suits the desired house size from a zoning standpoint. Then, before the first design meeting, Krieger Klatt sends the client a questionnaire to help homeowners organize their own ideas, needs and dreams — the team welcomes Pinterest boards or any other design suggestions the client has gathered to help understand their goals. The group also encourages the assembly of the project team (interior designer, landscape designer, even the general contractor) early in the design process to ensure that the actual home build goes smoothly.
“We draw inspiration from both our clients’ needs and the unique characteristics of the site where the project will be built.”
— Jeff Klatt
“Our philosophy is straightforward,” Klatt says. “We draw inspiration from both our clients' needs and the unique characteristics of the site where the project will be built. For residential projects, particularly single-family homes, we prioritize getting to know our clients on a personal level — understanding how they live, their habits and their specific desires. This allows us to design homes that truly reflect their lifestyle, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully considered. Our meetings with homeowners are comprehensive, ensuring that every aspect of the design is discussed and tailored to their needs.
“For commercial projects, we not only focus on design but also take into account budgetary constraints and local zoning requirements,” Klatt says. “We recognize that we are in the service industry, and we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each project. Our design philosophy is to create beautiful, functional spaces that are not only visually appealing but also align with our clients' goals and budgets. We work diligently to explore all possibilities and refine the design until it exceeds expectations — delivered on time and within budget.”
One of the aspects of their work that they truly love, Klatt says, is “helping people
Left: A modern Tudor-style custom home in Birmingham.
Middle: A view of the clubhouse that opens to the pool deck at the Flats at Iron Ridge, a new multi-family development in Ferndale.
Bottom: A stunning mix of angles and textures on Walloon Lake.
visualize their dream homes. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to enhance how they live, work and interact with their home, and it’s fulfilling to know that our work contributes to their happiness.You really see the impact on the homeowner and their family for years to come. There’s something incredibly rewarding about not just meeting, but exceeding, our clients' expectations while ensuring their new space is both beautiful and highly functional. At the end of the day, we understand that designing and building a new home can be an overwhelming process due to the significant financial and time investments involved.
“What we truly love about what we do is the opportunity to work with incredible clients who trust us to bring their visions to life. Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their needs is at the heart of our work, and it’s an experience that brings us immense satisfaction,” Klatt says. “Each project is unique, and with every client, we learn something new, whether it’s about their lifestyle, preferences or the specific challenges of the space. This makes the work constantly engaging and rewarding.”
Ultimately, of course, “the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the finished product come to life and hearing our clients express their genuine excitement,” he says.
“It’s a reminder that all the hard work, the problem-solving and the creativity have come together to make a real difference in someone’s life. That moment of satisfaction and pride is what makes everything we do worth it.”
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THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBY DUBIN
Interior designer
Heather Greene has found the intersection between art, joy and design.
Heather Greene likes to push boundaries. Which, in her field, is a good thing.
The founder and design leader of Greene & Co., a bespoke full-service interior-design firm and shop in Downtown Birmingham, is only partially satisfied with excellent design (which, of course, is a must). Rather, she’s happiest at the intersection of art, joy and design.
“It’s more about creating ‘places,’” Greene says.
Always interested in a creative profession, Greene earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design before landing her first job, in a local architectural firm. After being recruited as a consultant, she moved on to a global design firm.
“Coming out of COVID, people were speaking to the world about what they value in-place and wanting to be in places that made them feel good,” Greene says. “That becomes a more interior-focused approach to design, versus a traditional architectural approach.”
So three years ago next month, in an effort to fill this need, she built Greene & Co., where she offers full-service design for commercial, multi-family, community and retail spaces, in addition to residential, all from a holistic perspective focused on what is meaningful to each client.
The Chap Lofts in Detroit
Heather Greene
While with her previous firm and in partnership with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Greene directed and published a global study in biophilic design. “When we apply these interior design principles to space, we can actually make people not only healthier — cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally — but also can create joy and awe and these amazing things that people need more of in their life.”
Collaborating with vetted “phenomenal” architects, Greene and her team is able to create designs as experts in this niche of uniting aesthetic and science, focusing on what draws people into the interiors of place. For example, she’s currently developing a series of 150 condos in the Upper Peninsula, “right on the water, exploring what lakefront living in Northern Michigan looks like,” she says. “That project is really focused on biophilic design — you have a beautiful respite and all this inspiration, in a design that has all the beauty of Northern Michigan 360 degrees around you. The question was: ‘How do you create this connection between the inside and the outside?’ The answer, the core of biophilic design, is the belief that humans have this innate desire to connect with nature. When they do, they become more creative, more innovative, more happy. You feel more value in your space.”
To create this philosophy in practice, Greene draws inspiration from elements of nature — the colors on rocks and in trees, finding texture and the way light reflects or disperses during different times of day in different seasons. “We ask, ‘Can I recreate those patterns in space?,’” she says. “‘And if I change the mood and change the lighting, does that feel different?’ We love that. We can take the patterns we see in nature and apply them to textiles, or through other materials, like wood or stone. We want our designs to be timeless and contextual to the places and people using it, but also authentic. It should tell the story of the people living in the home — and how they like to live and play. What do they value? Do they love to host and cook? Is this a family space? Our interiors are thoughtful, they’re layered, they’re curated and they’re designed and scaled to people,” she says.
Greene points out that most of her projects are renovations. People fall in love with an older home, for example, or their lives are transitioning — starting a family or kids have gotten older. “Part of the process is uncovering how they live in their space,” she says. “Clients who come to us see that our designs are rooted in a timeless, modern livability. We want clients to love all the spaces in their home. Even if you're a guest in someone's home, we want you to feel welcome — you can take your shoes off and have a glass of wine or coffee by the fire. There are no off-limits spaces, especially for families. We are not interested in fast fashion and hyper trendiness. We want them to be authentically tied to the architecture.
“A lot of our spaces are almost capsule collections,” Greene says. “They're rooted in neutrals, often with real materials like woods and stones and handmade tiles. They're rooted in these biophilic inspirations and then there are pops of art and ‘jewelry moments’ through lighting or textiles or artwork that bring joy and personality to it.
A kitchen in Farmington Hills
Fascination Factory in Birmingham
A tucked away spot to relax in a Bloomfield Hills home.
The Greene & Co. studio
I like to say that you should feel good in all your spaces, and you should feel like you can live in all of them. We aim for cozy modern.”
Greene & Co. is wholly focused on interiors, from the inside out. “We decided that if we partner with great architects who we trust, and great contractors and great clients, we can really be great at our piece of it,” Greene says.
To really allow clients the opportunity to step into their world, Greene & Co. is also part shop, where Greene sells many of her finds and commissioned pieces. Visitors are invited to explore and shop for individual pieces, like a handloomed throw, pastel stemless wine glasses or a piece of handcrafted pottery, or experience the inspiration of great design for full projects with Greene.
“We like to strategically source small-batch makers and more unique vendors, from local makers to craftspeople from around the world. We have many of our favorite makers and best partners that we use in our award-winning projects. If you’re not really sure what you’re looking for or what your project will be, or just need a piece or two to spruce up your space, you can come in and see and feel items that historically have been available to the trade only,” she says. The 1,500-square-foot space brims with delicious custom sofas and lounge chairs, pillows, rugs, lighting, home decor, finishes, tiles, accessories and more. “You’re getting our design team’s curation of all our favorite things. So while you’re shopping, we’re pulling rugs and wallpaper off racks that you can actually source for yourself, too — while we’re showcasing our custom capabilities and custom partners and getting a taste of what our design team can do.
“That’s the mission of the studio,” Greene says. “We don't expect our clients to be experts in design. But we hope they will be excited about their projects, and feel like they've got the right partner to get to the right solution together.”
Work stations at Nalu Salon in Birmingham
The lobby of Nalu Salon in Birmingham
A Perfect Union
Strikingly modern meets warm and welcoming in this Bloomfield Hills beauty by La Marco Homes.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SALLY MATAK AND KARL MOSES
Wood planters contain greenery next to the Bloomfield Hills home's loggia.
Greg La Marco, owner of La Marco Homes in Birmingham, has traveled all over the world — from backpacking through Russia, China, Southeast Asia and South America (he met his wife, Stephanie, doing the same in Chile) to camping in the roof tent of a 4x4 truck in Southern Africa. He’s been charged by elephants, stranded overnight in lion-filled plains and been threatened with machetes on a remote Indonesian island. All the while, he immersed himself in local cultures — which included feeding his lifelong interest in architecture and construction.
Honed Calcutta marble anchors a muted powder room.
“I’ve always been excited about different places and people,” La Marco says. “For me, part of that is seeing how things are built around the world.”
Born in Cleveland, and after college working in Chicago and New York, La Marco headed to London, where he earned an MBA from the London Business School. Working in investment banking for 10 years in the UK, he and Stephanie began their family of three children while the couple remodeled their apartment. Then a house. And also a cottage. His passion for architecture winnowed into a love affair with high-end residential construction.
Twelve years ago, business associates in the Birmingham area introduced La Marco to their construction contacts. “I was fortunate to partner with great people here, and I went all in,” he says. “We moved here and I put everything I could into building houses. I worked seven days a week, obsessed with understanding every part of building a house.
The Bloomfield Hills home “has a stunning aesthetic, but it’s also livable and comfortable — my favorite kind of house,” Greg La Marco says. Two distinct sides
A lit pathway leads to the back of the house.
“To be honest, I found banking and the corporate world boring and a little soul-destroying,” La Marco says. “I was a square peg in a round hole. But I had this love of building. Moving my life away from something not satisfying and into construction was a dream come true.”
La Marco began partnering with great architects and designers to build what he calls “original and interesting but timeless homes. I’ve been very lucky to attract like-minded personalities — wonderful people who want stunning houses but are not ostentatious.”
In addition to passion and skill, La Marco brings a fresh look at how the traditional house-building process can work: His investment-banking background, running multi-million-dollar projects, accelerated his natural adroitness in finance and project management and critical reasoning, allowing him to give a concise budget and an organized execution. “If you have those two things, and have a system, you will have a happy build. Our focus is on building exceptional houses and an obsession with detail, from plans to finishes; our second focus is making the entire process, all the way to move-in, as enjoyable for clients as it is for us.”
“I’ve always been excited about different places and people,” La Marco says. “For me, part of that is seeing how things are built around the world.”
— Greg La Marco
The back view: “I love the natural stone and wood siding meeting the more industrial steel — it’s really beautiful,” La Marco says.
A fire roars in the loggia, a harmonious blend of natural stone, wood siding and custom metalwork.
Custom-crafted cabinetry unites with warm materials, creating a welcoming space for everyday life and entertaining.
When meeting with clients, La Marco first makes sure they are a good match. “I explain how we operate and make sure that meets their expectations, too,” he says. He then will partner with them through every step of the project — from finding a lot, attending meetings with vetted architects, interior designers, landscape architects and tradespeople, applying the same “matchmaking” skills throughout. “I assemble the team from people I would use in my own house,” he says.
La Marco’s company, including an onsite superintendent and an office project manager for each project, pores through the entire architectural process, creates detailed budgets, timelines and updates, attains permits, documents interior designs and selections, sits in on all meetings with the client and creates a streamlined, organized system. “’I'm the point person that clients can come to for everything,” he says.
THE HOME
“This is a stunning home,” La Marco says, and the owners of the Bloomfield Hills beauty agree. “I believed in the architect and the designer, and I really enjoyed seeing it come together. It’s got beautiful architecture, beautiful design, it was a great build with the client and they were super happy. It was just fun.”
The clients, La Marco says, wanted to build their dream home, “but they didn’t know exactly what that was,” he says. “I knew right away which architect would be a great fit — as soon as the client walked out, they said, ‘that’s who we want.’”
La Marco had found the family a lush pocket of land with plenty of room for the 6,000-square-foot home. “It has a stunning aesthetic, modern but with traditional aspects that make it inviting, livable and comfortable — my favorite kind of house.”
“I’ve already had a career that I didn’t want. I’m doing this because I choose to. I love architecture, but I like building these houses even more, and I’m very lucky to be able to.”
— Greg La Marco
Two distinct sides of the house are united with a flat bridge; a limestone exterior blends with Thermory siding, a thermally modified rot-proof wood.
In the back of the house, custom-fabricated steel frames a loggia, replete with fireplace crafted from stone and the same siding as the front. “I love the natural materials meeting the more industrial steel,” La Marco says. “And the interior has a sophisticated aesthetic that’s also relaxed and comfortable.
“At the end of the day, when you have the right team and right client, have a good system and love the stuff as much as we do, we can have a great experience and a flawless house,” he says.
“I’ve already had a career that I didn’t want. I’m doing this because I eagerly choose to. I think it’s awesome. I love architecture, but I like building these houses even more, and I’m very lucky to be able to.
“Building homes like this is really special, and it should be enjoyed — I try to make that a big part of the company,” La Marco says.
“I’ve had this cool work and personal background, and I’ve lived in different places. I’ve seen the other side,” he says. “But I absolutely love living in Michigan. I get to do what I love, it’s got a stunning natural world just a few hours away, where I love to sail. And Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham are very nice places to live. I’m here to stay."
A beautiful blend of honed Calcutta marble and a handmade custom subway tile creates a serene master bath retreat.
Location Cambria hotel Detroit
Photo by Shelby Dublin
Mary Grace Dickson President & Lead Designer
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBY DUBIN
TIPS FROM THE PROS
TWO LOCAL HOME-DESIGN EXPERTS
GIVE THREE EASY TIPS TO ACHIEVE THEIR STYLES.
We asked two of our favorite Birmingham design pros to give their Top 3 Tips on how to refresh for spring by incorporating elements of their own styles into your home. Read on for advice from Bri Thiede, owner and principal designer of Cozy Haus Designs, and Mary Grace Dickson, president of Mariella Custom Drapery, both in Birmingham.
Window treatments by Mary Grace Dickson at The1RoomHotel in Corktown.
A bedroom designed by Bri Thiede
“Elevated and timeless luxury while functional, livable and comfortable — it happens to be what everybody is after right now.”
BRI THIEDE
Owner and principal designer of Cozy Haus Designs in Birmingham.
Born and bred in Nashville, Tenn., Thiede comes by Southern hospitality naturally. The principal designer and founder of Cozy Haus Designs, a full-service design firm in Birmingham, says she strives to create “thoughtful and approachable homes with an emphasis on livable luxury, but rooted in timeless tradition.”
Thiede’s work is full of neutral palettes elevated with layers of texture, pattern, material and elements of contrast. “Elevated and timeless luxury while functional, livable and comfortable — it happens to be what everybody is after right now,” Thiede says. “But this is what we’ve always done. We want clients to be able to fall into their sofa and have all the bells and whistles without having to move all the throw pillows first, or being afraid to touch anything.” Cozyhausdesigns.com
GET COZY IN 2025
PRO TIP 1: TEXTURE
In a master bedroom (see previous page), an accent wall is covered in a Roman clay texture, anchoring the bed and making room for contrasting tones and materials. “Everything else is lighter, more fresh and airy,” Thiede says. “We love these metal sconces and how they hang over the more neutral bed. The nightstands are completed with books, a valet tray, flowers — it’s got all the feels here. A lot of texture is what makes a space.” The cozy organic-cotton throw has a waffle texture, contrasting with the concentric pattern of the matelasse coverlet.
“You want to alternate using different textures,” Thiede says. “We like to think of it as the ‘seesaw act’ — for example, any time we use metals or dark pieces, we then flip-flop and go more organic with linen and delicate textures. It’s a balance.”
PRO TIP 2: BE THOUGHTFUL
“Minimalist styling is not realistic,” Thiede says. “In order to create cozy spaces, you really have to style it thoughtfully. You don’t want a bunch of knickknacks that are just for show and not functional. Books, games, candles, vases holding plants or flowers — there are a lot of objects, but they are thoughtfully curated and styled. Even if you walk by and never touch the pieces, they still make the space feel inviting and complete.”
PRO TIP 3: DIMENSION
“We wanted to create a different take on a sunroom,” Thiede says. “A space where you can sit down at the end of the day with a glass of wine, or grab a book and sip a cup of coffee in the morning, and it feels warm and inviting, like you could sit there for hours.” Thiede created her signature cozy look in a client’s morning room by anchoring the room in a deep green paint; the same hue accents the soft jute rug, adding to the feeling of depth. The coffee table has three different heights, and coffee-table books — including one ready to flip through on a stand — are stacked with a decorative marble knot on top. “The books add practicality but are also design elements,” Thiede says. “We then added texture with a throw and pillows in different patterns layered on top of each other. It has depth and interest but is held together by the subtle, neutral palette.”
CONTINUED >
“Your home is a reflection of you; window coverings add the finishing touch you might not realize you needed.”
MARY GRACE DICKSON
President of Mariella’s Custom Drapery in Birmingham.
“Window coverings are the soul of your space — they transform a house into a home,” Mary Grace Dickson says. “Your home is a reflection of you; window coverings add the finishing touch you might not realize you needed.”
Dickson has been the president of Mariella’s Custom Drapery in Birmingham for 10 years, taking the reins from her mom, Mariella Trentacoste, who founded the business in 1982. What began as a simple basement workshop has flourished into a full-service operation, replete with an in-house workroom where all drapes are custom-made. Offering everything textile from window coverings and drapery, bedding and blinds to cornice boards and bench seating, Dickson’s team guides clients throughout the entire process, including an initial consultation, project management and installation.
Dickson learning to sew in the shop as a child, when she would accompany her mother to installations and develop close relationships with the seamstresses. Later, she studied interior design at Wayne State University, which allows her to give more perspective and communicate better with designers.
“My background gives both the residential and commercial an assurance that someone is there,” Dickson says, “who not only knows the products but how to consider the space and its full value.” Mariellascustomdrapery.com .
WINDOW COVERING TIPS FOR 2025
PRO TIP 1: LAYER LIKE A PRO
When working with window coverings, “Combine textures and materials for a polished, dimensional look,” Dickson says. “Think sheer linen panels layered with motorized roller shades for ultimate style and versatility, for example. This trend blends softness with functionality, offering privacy without sacrificing natural light.”
PRO TIP 2: GO BOLD WITH NEUTRALS
“2025 is all about updated neutrals — rich taupes, creamy whites and soft earth tones,” Dickson says. “These hues create a calming backdrop while complementing any decor style. Add a subtle pattern or metallic finish for a contemporary edge that feels timeless.”
PRO TIP 3: PRIORITIZE FUNCTIONALITY AND INNOVATION
“Invest in coverings that work as hard as they look good. Smart, automated shades are a must for modern homes, blending convenience and energy efficiency,” Dickson says. “Always consider the purpose of each room: blackout for bedrooms, light-filtering for living spaces and moisture-resistant for kitchens and baths.”
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally
and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream
“KITCHEN DESIGN HAS ENTERED AN EXCITING TIME WHERE THE POSSIBILITIES FEEL LIMITLESS.”
kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods
reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
SAVANNAH CHARM
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
There’s no one Georgia experience. But with its rich and colorful history, award-winning restaurants and inimitable Southern hospitality, Savannah, Ga., has been topping travel lists for good reason.
Dating back to the 1860s, the storied buildings that are now the Kimpton Brice Savannah Hotel housed a livery stable, cotton warehouse, foundry and machine shop, wholesale grocer and Coca-Cola bottling plant, before becoming the Mulberry Inn in 1982. In 2014, it transformed again, into the Brice. Off the beaten track in historic downtown Savannah, the Brice is steps from the revitalized riverfront and all the fun, but without the noise and frivolity.
When the hotel became the Brice, its Savannah gray color palette was used throughout the property to provide a calming and neutral envelope for more contemporary layers of interior design elements that are welcoming, charming, sophisticated and playful.
The story behind the general design was to maintain a sense of wonder — ethereal, dreamy and magical — while also uplifting furnishings and finishes to feel
CONTINUED >
THERE’S A
YOU MUST).
SWEET HIDDEN GARDEN AT THE KIMPTON BRICE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE MORNING COFFEE OR WORK (IF
curated with a European sensibility. The color palette is soft and subdued with rich textures and a newly added bookcase to tie back to Savannah’s literary history. The art featured throughout the property is a collection of local and national pieces.
You’ll want to take the fun fringe chairs in the lobby home with you. A metal screen pays homage to the iron gates that can be found walking through stately neighborhoods surrounding the Brice.
Carve out time from shopping, meandering and dining to tour the Davenport House Museum, a nearby historic building. In 1955, the circa-1820 Isaiah Davenport House was set to be demolished to be made into a surface parking lot. It was saved by a group
of seven intrepid women, who blocked the demolition, purchased the property and formed the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF). The HSF saved the house and opened it as a museum in 1963 — the foundation still preserves it today.
There’s a sweet hidden garden where you can have morning coffee or work (if you must). The hotel restaurant, Pacci, serves Southern-inspired Italian classics, with a menu that is both impressive and surprising. We liked the étouffée and Southern biscuits for breakfast and shortrib marsala for dinner. And there’s nothing better than a gorgeous meal in your hotel and a nightcap by the pool before wandering up to bed. Bricehotel.com; davenporthousemuseum.org
Bottom: The living room opens to the Secret Garden.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
KEY SECRETS FOR A SPARKLING HOME
A SPRING KIND OF CLEAN
TIP #1 Freshen up the Kitchen
A fresh, clean kitchen impacts the entire home. To freshen up the sink, Kim says, “Run hot water while pouring in equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar through the disposal. Follow with a few drops of blue Dawn Dishwashing soap to cut away any grease buildup. Sharpen the disposal blades by running cooler water and ice through it. For a fresh smell, grind a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, removing any seeds first.”
To clean everything else in the kitchen, including counters and stainless-steel appliances, use a microfiber cloth and a solution of 2-3 drops of Dawn mixed with water.
TIP #2 Spruce up the Living Room
The living room also deserves special attention. Kim says, “Start by pulling furniture away from the walls, vacuuming and dusting behind it. Make sure you dust air vents as well. Then, pull all of the furniture cushions off to vacuum underneath and in crevices. It’s always good to rotate and fluff cushions too.”
To banish dust from your furniture, Kim suggests using a good microfiber cloth that is slightly damp instead of furniture polish, which can leave a build-up on furniture that actually attracts dust.
TIP #3 Brighten up Windows
Brighten up your whole home by intentionally focusing on the windows. “Homeowners often forget about the inside of the window,” says Kim. “They dust the blinds or the shutters, but when the blinds are pulled up, the windows often have dust or a film on them.” Kim suggests cleaning the inside of the windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks. “A good glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth works really well. If you still have streaks, try using a little bit of rubbing alcohol.”
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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 8TH
FAMILY WORKSHOPS AT CRANBROOK ART MUSEUM
Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills | 11:00 AM
Looking for a fun, creative family activity? Join the Cranbrook Art Museum on the second Saturday of each month for an interactive tour in the museum or Collections Wing Plaza Vault, followed by an artist-led workshop.
March 8: Make some noise with sound suit artist Nick Cave — workshop will be a mixed-media exploration of wearable art. Register at cranbrookartmuseum.org
MARCH 12TH, APRIL 9TH, MAY 14TH DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY
MOVIE SCREENINGS
Emagine Novi | 2:00 PM
Emagine Entertainment is expanding its Dementia-Friendly Movie Screenings to include Emagine Novi, allowing those living with dementia and their caregivers a safe, enjoyable experience. Screenings include classic movies and musicals in a setting with softer sound and ambient lighting; guests are invited to talk back, clap, sing along and dance.
BUONA SERA, MRS CAMPBELL –March 12
HARVEY – April 9
THE AWFUL TRUTH – May 14
Emagine-Entertainment.com.
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