Spring 2022 Cosmopolitan Home

Home COSMOPOLITAN

Escape to SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN

THE BEST IN AMERICAN LIVING AWARDS

The

people’s CHOICE AWARDS

EARLY SUMMER 2022 $3.00

06

06

a NEW VIEW publication

contents

Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home EARLY SUMMER 2022

features 12 Escape from the City Scandinavian design provides the ideal environment for this vacation home by Meiste Homes 30 The Best In American Living Awards A look at Michigan’s winners and the unforgettable homes 32 Laurelhurst A BALA Gold winner by Visbeen Architects customized ideally to its lake setting 42 Morrison Lake Cottage Winning two BALA categories, this home by 42 North Architecture + Design, has something for everyone 69 The 2022 People’s Choice Awards A look at this year’s contenders from the Parade of Homes

departments 5 ON TREND Top 10 Remodeling Q&As TruKitchens shares the answers to your renovation concerns 6 MONEY MATTERS Mistakes to Avoid Financial mistakes you shouldn’t make when you have money in the bank 8 CUISINE Summer Flavor A shrimp-licious recipe, perfect for summer days 10 HEALTHWISE Fitness 101 for Golfers The importance of strength training for this life long sport 29 ON TREND High Rent Climate Inlanta Mortgage shares how to leverage a rising rate

PICTURED HERE: Scandinavian design with a minimalist approach create an inviting atmosphere.

See full article on page 12.

cover photo by David Sparks

Volume XXXIV Issue 2 No. 176 PUBLISHER

David J. Koning

EDITOR

Jennifer Vander Vliet

MANAGING EDITOR

Marie Kamp

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynn Bakeman Lauren Carlson Lisa Cargill Jennifer Koning

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Sparks Ashley Avila

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jennifer Koning Angie Brennan

ADVERTISING SALES

David J. Koning Michelle Ashley Olivia Rhoades

Unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Send to Editor, newvieweditor@gmail.com. ©2022 Summit Media.

Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home is published by Summit Media Inc. Subscription Rate: 1 year, $18.00; single rate, $3.00 (includes third class postage).

616.828.6016 www.cosmogr.com No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

4 | early summer 2022

ON•TREND

by TruKitchens

Top 10 Home Remodeling Q&As Expert answers for your home renovation THE EARLY PHASES of a home remodeling project are filled with excitement and hours of day dreaming. From the initial consultation and design presentation, to selecting the finishes and flushing out the project schedule, there is a lot to know before that first day of demolition. Below are the top ten questions asked by homeowners during a home renovation.

BEFORE

• Where should I start with my home renovation?

When you have a whole home to renovate it can be hard to know where to begin. We recommend starting with the kitchen first. The design of this space can really direct the overall look and feel of your home. A flooring change here may also impact the rest of the main living spaces.

• How accurate is the quoted price?

A good contractor will have a plan fully in place before they finalize the quote, so it is as accurate as possible. This includes the final floor plan, final design selections, and input from all the trades involved in the project. Any changes that will impact the price along with way must be signed off by you before they are executed. The quote should also include a contingency buffer that keeps the project within your budget.

• How accurate is the project schedule?

The schedule should accurately reflect the availability of materials selected with consideration to other jobs also being executed by the team at that time.

Additionally, a schedule should never be finalized without the agreement of all the trades involved with the renovation. Beware of timelines that differ greatly from competitors as they may be overpromising.

• Can I live in my home during the project?

A little preparation goes a long way in living in your home during a renovation. If you are remodeling a kitchen, a few plug-in appliances and folding tables set up in a designated area nearest a functioning sink will make for a good temporary kitchen. An expert home remodeler will complete your project on time, so you don’t have to live in temporary spaces any longer than you expect to.

• Will I need to be at the house all the time?

No. Quality, dependable professionals can be trusted to respect your home, your belongings and properly manage the comings and goings of all the trades involved.

BEFORE • How clean will my home be during the project?

The cleanliness of your contractor is often indicative of the quality of their work. Most importantly, the job site is your home and should be treated with care. We seal off any possible areas to eliminate dust, keep things tidy along the way, and complete a full cleaning at the completion of the project.

• Where are materials stored?

An efficient project schedule will minimize the time between the arrival of materials at a job site and the installation of those materials. We have an off-site warehouse used to receive and hold materials.

• Who will be at my home each day?

Only the professionals scheduled to be at your home will be there on a given day. The project manager will visit the job site to manage the team, ensure the quality of the workmanship, and keep the project progressing as expected.

• What about my pets? My children?

We understand the littlest or furriest family members may need special accommodations during a renovation. The best way to ensure their safety is to come up with a plan that keeps them out of the job site. This may mean accessing the home from a different doorway and storing their things in a different room. We do our part by being there when we say we will to minimize unexpected comings and goings. We also encourage you to introduce your pets or children to our team, so they feel comfortable with us in their home.

• What if something goes wrong?

An excellent contractor has a process and team in place that minimizes surprises throughout the project, but they can happen.

Years of experience and our unique home remodeling process makes us confident that the plan we’ve developed will go on smoothly.

Our commitment to open communication and quality assurance for workmanship throughout the project and beyond gives homeowners the confidence that if something goes wrong, we will fix it.

At TruKitchens, we are equipped to take the lead and manage a project in any room of your home from start to finish. Our talented designers are backed by an experienced construction team that understands the construction implications of every design selection. This means less roadblocks to the beautiful vision our designers have created, and you have fallen in love with. Let us deploy our tried-and-true home remodeling process in your home today.

Todd Wiley Senior Designer, TruKitchens 616.957.1969 hello@trukitchens.com trukitchens.com

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 5

moneymatters

CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Financial Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Money in the Bank Even people who are financially secure can fall into money traps that put their future at risk or miss out on opportunities to further strengthen their financial position. Here are several common mistakes made by financially accomplished people — along with a few tips to counteract them.

Overspending. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Don’t abandon the budgeting strategies that helped you come this far. Give your discretionary fund a boost if you must but continue to keep an eye on what you spend each month.You can easily fall behind in your financial goals by consistently overspending in small amounts, which add up to large sums over time.

Not having an emergency fund. If you earn a healthy sum each month and have money set aside in investments, you may not think you need other savings. However, having a workplace plan (like a 401(k) or 403(b) plan) or an IRA is not an emergency fund.

Withdrawing funds earmarked for retirement prematurely can incur costly tax penalties, and make you lose out on potential future earnings. Instead, store away three- to-six months’ worth of income in liquid savings to provide a cushion in the event of job loss, natural disaster, illness or another unexpected event.

Prioritizing saving for college over retirement. As the cost of a four-year degree in the U.S. continues to rise, it may be tempting to put your child’s tuition ahead of your own future.Yet, boosting your retirement savings should take priority. Your child has an array of options to finance college tuition, including job earnings, merit-based scholarships, and various loan options. When you retire, you simply 6 | early summer 2022

won’t have access to these external sources of funding if your retirement savings come up short. If you are on track with your retirement savings and want to set aside funds for your budding student, be strategic and diligent about creating a plan to achieve both goals.

Being underinsured. Take a critical look at what you own. How easily could you replace those items if an unexpected event occurs?

Standard policies may not cover as much as you think, especially if you’ve recently upgraded your home or added to your jewelry collection. Check in with your insurance agent and upgrade your coverage as needed. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, you may be able to add a rider for flood or storm damage. Bump up your life insurance if it makes sense and review your potential need for disability income and long-term care coverage.

Failing to diversify. You heard it a million times growing up — don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If your money is tied up in your home, or if your investments are over- or under-weighted in one sector of the market, you may be on risky ground. Work with your financial advisor to evaluate your level of diversification within the context of your goals.

Annual or more frequent reviews are recommended to help ensure a productive portfolio that’s within your tolerance for risk. ❂ Lisa Cargill, ChFC®, CLU®,CRPC®, CDFA™ is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice.

Consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 7

cuisine

THE TASTE OF HOME

GRILLED SHRIMP TOSTADAS WITH GUACAMOLE AND PICO DE GALLO Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Pico de Gallo: 3/4 cup Roma tomatoes, diced into 1/4-inch pieces 3 tablespoons white onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped fine 1 teaspoon jalapeno, minced fine, with seeds 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Guacamole: 2 medium avocados, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1/4 cup pico de gallo 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon jalapeno, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Shrimp Tostadas: 12 ounces Omaha Steaks Wild Argentinian Red Shrimp, thawed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon chili powder Photos courtesy of Getty 1/2 Images teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup canned refried pinto beans or refried black beans 4 tostada flats 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce 1 cup guacamole 1 cup pico de gallo 2 tablespoons shredded Cotija cheese 4 cilantro sprigs 4 lime wedges To make pico de gallo: In bowl, mix tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make guacamole: In bowl, mix avocados, lime juice, 1/4 cup pico de gallo, garlic, olive oil, jalapeno and salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Summer Flavor Shrimp-licious

To make shrimp tostadas: In bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Marinate in refrigerator at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and season grill grates. Grill

Celebrating summer with sizzling meals starts with flavor that shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred and opaque. takes center stage when dining on the patio or firing up the grill. Call over the neighbors or simply enjoy family time with your nearest and dearest by savoring the flavor of warm weather meals.

For seafood connoisseurs, Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo offer an easy way to add shrimp to the menu. Just fire up the grill and allow seared seafood to mingle with fresh, homemade toppings for a light summertime bite.

8 | early summer 2022

Heat refried beans and spread 2 tablespoons beans on each tostada flat.

Spread shredded romaine lettuce on top of beans followed by guacamole and remaining pico de gallo.

Top each tostada with 3-4 grilled shrimp and sprinkle with Cotija cheese.

Garnish each tostada with one cilantro sprig and one lime wedge. ❂

WITH COUNTERTOPS ...

MATERIAL MATTERS IT’S TRUE. There are hundreds of beautiful materials in the marketplace for kitchen countertops, vanities, shower surrounds and fireplaces.

Favored options include granite, engineered stone, porcelain, marble, dolomite, and quartzite among others.

Understandably, it is very important to focus on what choice looks best for your design project.What is often lost in the decision-making process, is which material will perform best for your space and lifestyle, and which should be avoided.

At Great Lakes Granite Works, we feel it’s in the consumer’s best interest to be informed about the different material choices.

Many times, a material is chosen by a designer and sold by a slab warehouse. Although a fabricator cannot be responsible for a material’s performance after installation, they do work with the material, and understand how it fabricates and often will get performance feedback and care questions from the homeowner.

Quartzite, for example, is one of the hottest materials being used in the marketplace today.

Did you know that quartzite is a compressed and heated version of sandstone and sandstone is more porous than quartzite? This is just one example of the different yet important qualities these materials may have.

There are five stages to measure the difference between the two, as one gradually becomes the other. For this reason, White Macaubus and White Lux, are more porous than Taj Mahal.

As new and beautiful materials are brought to market, the need for experience, time and research is important to understand how they truly perform.

GRANITE AND MARBLE When Great Lakes Granite became the first fabricator in West Michigan 1994, granite and marble were exclusively the materials of choice. Because of our extensive experience, we can easily advise what to expect performance wise with a dark honed granite, how to fabricate granite around a fireplace to avoid heat cracking, or what you need to know before putting marble your kitchen.

At www.Greatlakesgranite.com you can find more information about materials and the process we follow for a project. Hopefully you will take away from this page how important it is to inquire about material characteristics and performance while making a selection. The very best fabricators, designers and builders will try to educate themselves and you as new choices continue to come to market.

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healthwise

FOR THE BEST VERSION OF YOU

Fitness 101 for Golfers The Importance of Strength Training Below are 5 fitness tips to help your golf game. For more specific advice seek out a local fitness professional (preferably one with a golf fitness specialization) that can perform a movement assessment and prescribe a customized training program to meet the needs of your body and goals.

1. Strength training is a MUST One of the most common misconceptions about training for golf is that you shouldn’t strength train because you will bulk up and lose your mobility. In reality, most mobility deficiencies are a result of lack of activity and a proper strength program can actually improve mobility! Bryce DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Rory Mcllroy are living-proof that strength training is actually really good for your golf game.

2. Protect your back with a strong core Having a strong and functional core is essential to a healthy lower back.

Your core muscles act as an outer shell to brace your spine during the violent movements of a golf swing so it’s important they can support this torque. Incorporating front and side planks into your workouts will help to strengthen your transverse abs and obliques.

3. Warm up before hitting the Tee Box It’s common to stretch and warm up before playing most sports. Golf should be no different! Even if you are cutting it close to making your tee time there’s no excuse for not taking a few minutes to get your body loose. Below is a sample warm up routine you can do on the course.

STATIC STRETCH

Sets

Gastrocnemius Stretch Standing Adductor Stretch Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Ball Latissimus Dorsi Stretch Standing Pectoral Stretch

1 1 1 1 1

Reps

Time 30 sec 30 sec 30 sec 30 sec 30 sec

DYNAMIC WARM-UP Sets

Reps

Time

Rotations 1 (Use golf club instead of Medicine Ball) Walking Lunge & Twist 1 Flexion/Extension 1 (Use golf club instead of Medicine Ball) Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift 1

12

0 sec

12 12

0 sec 0 sec

12

60 sec

10 | early summer 2022

4. Squat, Squat, Squat A strong, stable lower body is integral to sending it off the tee. Rather you are doing air squats at home or loading up weight on a back squat in the gym make sure you aren’t skipping leg day!

5. Stay Hydrated No. Beer does not count ... Golf rounds can take 5-6 hrs so it’s important to stay hydrated while on the course to perform at your best.

Dehydration can not only cause muscle cramping, but it can also lead to mental fogginess. If you choose to unwind with some alcoholic beverages on the courses try to drink plenty of water before the round or snack on some fruits which are loaded with water!❂ Dave Nykerk (GM / Coach) University of Michigan - Movement Science Certs NASM Personal Training NASM Golf Fitness Specialization TRX Lev. 1 & Functional Movement Screen Lev. 1 & 2

CASCADE FAMILY SMILES Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Michel Marie Wicksall, 1996 University of Michigan Dental School graduate

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616.975.9700 Accepting New Patients

GRANITE, MARBLE, QUARTZ & OTHER NATURAL STONE

Often copied never duplicated.

Solid Granite and Marble

West Michigan’s leader in quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Offering full service design, fabrication and installation.

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(616) 785.3088

www.great lakesgranite.com Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 11

Scandinavian design and a minimalist approach provide pleasing spaces that encompass comfort in this vacation home by MEISTE HOMES ...

Escape FROM THE CITY TEXT BY LYNN BAKEMAN IMAGES BY DAVID SPARKS

Both dramatic and welcoming, this home’s first impression is hard to forget. The two-story façade features black vertical board and batten siding but is warmed by a striking horizontal run of cumaru wood. The clean lines of the metal roof reflect light, and these color and texture variations add dimension and set the tone for this inviting vacation home.

Kevin and Ellen Metz had rented summer homes for several years in Southwest Michigan and this experience gave them a clear vision for the layout flow and entertaining spaces needed for the larger groups they wanted to host in their new vacation home.

“I’ve always admired Scandinavian design with its minimalist, modern aesthetic and effortless interiors, so we wanted to capture that with every decision we made,” stated Kevin. “We did our best not to chase trends as we wanted the house to feel and look just as good in 10 years as it does today. Additionally, we wanted there to be a direct connection from inside the house to the outdoors with the trees and foliage that surround the property, while capturing as much natural light as possible.”

Scandinavia, like Michigan, is known for its bleak winters, so creating a modern living space that still encompasses comfort, pleasure, and warmth, with a touch of indulgent luxury bundled into the experience, was the ultimate goal.

Since Kevin and his wife were building remotely from Chicago, they researched architects familiar with lakeshore building requirements, and John Allegretti, of Allegretti Architects, was a willing partner to make their efficient, modern aesthetic concepts a reality.

Black fiber cement siding gives vertical linearity and modern styling to the exterior while the rich tones of the Brazilian teak wood add warmth and a welcoming feel.

Scandinavian architecture is an open-ended way of thinking and does not have many style constraints.

Architects focus on creating warm, fluid spaces that capture precious daylight and are not built in isolation, but in relation to the surrounding landscape.

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Before an excavator blade is put to soil or pen to paper, homeowners need an architect sensitive to how all the desired components could best be arranged within the setbacks of the lot. John embraces the 3 principles of good architecture established by the Roman engineer, Vitruvius, during the 1st century BC: Firmness (structural integrity), Commodity (efficiency of function), and Delight (visual beauty). The views, prevailing winds, and the path of the sun must all factor into the design.

John explains further: “I select materials on the strength of their characteristics and purpose.

Unnecessary layering and cladding with ersatz finishes don’t speak to truthful, functional design, and I like truth. Often the space between structures is the most important; the dialogue between separate structures should be consistent and harmonious to fit organically within the site.”

Using a topographic drawing, the pool was placed to capture sunlight, the screened porch offset to enjoy 3-sided views, and the rest of the home organized to maximize privacy and an efficient flow of family and guests. With working

plans completed, Kevin sought the right team to execute the build and flesh out the design.

Meiste Homes has been creating custom residential homes along Michigan’s lakeshore for almost 30 years, and with Brian Meiste’s attention to detail, excellent craftsmanship, and intuitive vision, he was the best choice to make the homeowners’ vision a reality.

“After more research and interviews, we found Meiste Homes,” remarked Kevin. “I knew from my first conversation with Brian that he was someone I wanted to work with. The entire Meiste team — both in the office and in the field — was world-class, they delivered an amazing product, on time and on budget, with incredible communication along the way. What more can you ask for from a builder? I really can’t say enough about how effortless the Meiste team made the journey.

Kevin’s father was a general contractor by trade so in addition to having a crystal-clear vision of what he wanted, he was very attuned to making efficient and timely construction decisions to

keep the project in motion. “We were always able to arrive at reasonable decisions along the way, whereas sometimes it was budget-influenced or execution-influenced, he explained. “Brian and the other members of the team running the project were wonderful. Every change was presented with defined options and costs, and it seemed as if they were building the house down the street from our residence in Chicago.”

According to Amber Meiste, “We have really dialed in and streamlined the workflow of a remote build process to best accommodate busy families and business professionals. We use Buildertrend software to centralize all communication with homeowners, share progress updates, and manage selections. Our clients have immediate access to their projects and can see the progress of their home with updated photos.

Meiste Homes has developed a close working relationship with Kristine Kay, principal designer, of Kristine Kay Interiors. Brian hands the architectural drawings to Kristine for material selection, then he handles pricing, orders, and installation. “I do the selections from windows to siding to roofing, plus the interior electrical,

OPPOSITE PAGE:The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap both corners to maximize the sideyard view. THIS PAGE: The kitchen has a minimalist style with thin profile, white quartz countertops and low backsplash. Frameless cabinets with slab, wood fronts achieves the clean, modern directive while avoiding a stark, cold look. The refrigerator and pantry read as a single tall wall. Above the cooktop, the range hood and vents are hidden inside the cabinets. The cabinets were mounted above the standard height to keep a strong straight line.

Creating a modern living space that still encompasses comfort, pleasure, and warmth, with a touch of indulgent luxury bundled into the experience, was the ultimate goal.

Staying with a crisp black and white theme, the powder room captures interest with a unique tile shape and pattern with contrasting black grout.

To add a little drama to the dining room, a wet bar features a thin, black quartz countertop and tile in a chevron pattern with black grout for extra texture. A custom floating shelf was built and stained to match the cabinetry.

plumbing, and cabinetry layouts; we take those prints and run!”

“Kristine was perfect for this project,” said Amber.

“She is an excellent communicator, very organized, and knows her products very well. We work cohesively together because she understands our process and how we document everything. She’s had a 15-year relationship with our project manager and all the subcontractors that we use. Design is never about her agenda or taste; she is very good at discovering and incorporating the features that the homeowner wants in their home.”

Kristine explained, “A remote build is a fun challenge since we really need to define what the client needs to see, touch, and feel to make the best decision. We work with clients all over the

country and often we ask the manufacturer and vendors to ship samples for approval. We might also search for stores located near our clients that carry the materials so they can physically see the selections. This job was unique because Kevin had a very, very clear vision for what he wanted, and we helped him bring that to life.”

“Kristine Kay, who wears many hats for Meiste — including handling interior/exterior design decisions — was a joy to work with and quickly understood our vision and always seemed to do everything with a smile and an amazing attitude!” Kevin added.

“John did an incredible job on the architectural design giving it really clean vertical linearity and modern styling and the vertical black fiber

Oversized tile with a decorative wood stacking area perfectly wedged between two oversized window views was inspired by a fireplace the homeowner had remembered seeing.

An engineered wood floor in white oak with its clean grain patterning and light color keeps the main floor light and airy.

“... we wanted there to be a direct connection from inside the house to the outdoors with the trees and foliage that surround the property, while capturing as much natural light as possible.”

cement siding was ideal,” noted Kristine. “We worked with the Meiste team to define what wood species would achieve the right warm tone on that wall distinguishing the front entry yet wouldn’t require a lot of maintenance.”

The build-design team recommended cumaru lumber, or Brazilian teak; a beautiful, environmentally friendly wood that grows in the dense tropical forests of Brazil. The wood is naturally mold, rot, and fire-resistant; extremely hard, and rated highly in both durability and workability.

“It’s a great product to use outside,” continued Kristine. “It’s a bit of a budget splurge but pays for itself over time because it requires such little effort.” You don’t have to seal it and cumaru preserves its natural beauty for decades.

A contemporary line of Pella windows was perfect for this home. “For instance, the oversized window next to the front door is one fixed pane, but its simple, minimalist frame perimeter offers an expansive viewing space,” explained Kristine.

“The way John designed this home takes perfect advantage of the beautiful, wooded lot. From the front entry and window, there’s an unimpeded view straight through the home and out the back through a large wall of slider doors toward the pool and the woods. This gives the home a voluminous, indoor-outdoor feel.”

“It’s all about learning what feels best for the homeowner and amping it up a few notches to make it the best we can for them.”

This house was designed to entertain well, and its open entry and floor plan make the living spaces all usable. Easy maintenance was key, so the home has drama-free main floor finishes such as an engineered wood floor in white oak. The clean grain patterning and light color keep the whole space light and airy.

In the kitchen, the homeowner wanted a bright minimalist style which was achieved with thin profile, white quartz countertops, and low backsplash. Using frameless cabinets with slab door fronts achieves the clean, modern directive and the addition of the warm ash tone in the cabinetry avoids a stark, cold look.

The upper level can accommodate many over night visitors and family. The bunk room includes two sets of bunk beds framing each side of the room with ladders and railings custom designed and built by the Meiste trim carpentry team. Each has a personal niche with a phone charger and reading lamp.

Floor-to-ceiling tile adds pizzazz in the bathroom while the wood veneer cabinets bring warmth to the space.

18 | early summer 2022

Kristine designed the refrigerator and pantry space to read as a single tall wall. Above the cooktop, the range hood and vents are hidden inside the cabinets. The cabinets were mounted above the standard height to keep a strong straight line.

The home’s trim work is quite striking for its absence of woodwork. “We chose a flush base with a reveal detail and drywall-wrapped windows,” explained Kristine. “There's not a lot of

tolerance so it demands extra work and skill from the Meiste trim carpenters to get things absolutely perfect, but they are totally up to the challenge. This subtle detail adds a little shadow definition and it’s a sharp look that fits in with the rest of the minimalist design.

“As a designer working with Meiste Homes, I appreciate the breadth of home styles they have adapted to and taken on over the years. We are seeing more and more modern homes lately and I love the shared challenge of transitioning from working on a very traditional home to one with super-contemporary features ... all in one day.

It’s all about learning what feels best for the homeowner and amping it up a few notches to make it the best we can for them.”

In the dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows wrap both corners to maximize the side-yard view.

To add a little drama to a smaller space, the wet bar features a thin, black quartz counter and tile in a chevron pattern with black grout for extra texture. A custom floating shelf was built and stained by the Meiste team to match the cabinetry.

The detached 2-stall garage doubles as a pool house.

Glass overhead doors allow for transparency when entertaining poolside and privacy from the driveway.

During the winter, a car can be sheltered, but during summer’s heat, all the doors are opened to use as a pool house with extra entertaining space including a kitchenette, bar, ping-pong table and a bathroom.

Upstairs guest bedrooms including this kidsgalore bunk bedroom can accommodate many visitors and family. The bunk room consists of two sets of 4 bunk beds framing each side of the room with ladders and railings that were custom designed and built by the Meiste trim carpentry team. Each has a personal niche with a phone charger and reading lamp.

The detached 2-stall garage doubles as a pool house. It is intentionally glassed-in providing privacy on one side and transparency for entertaining facing the pool. In the dead of winter, the car can be sheltered, while during summer’s heat, all the doors can be opened to use as a pool house with extra entertaining space. There’s a kitchenette and bar, a ping-pong table, and a bathroom.

There’s an outdoor shower with a surround of cumaru wood for beach sand rinse off before using the side door to the home for a more casual home entry. This accesses the mudroom and convenient laundry room; perfect for unloading luggage, groceries, or coming in from outdoor adventures.

How does this home feel after escaping the hustle and bustle of big city life? Answered Kevin, “I don’t have a favorite spot. Several distinct areas provide the solace and relaxation that we were seeking in the design. If I had to pick favorites, the first is the oversized screened porch that is perched on the shoulder portion of the woods. It feels more remote than it is, with birds chirping and leaves rustling. Plus, although we are a few hundred feet from Lake Michigan, when there’s a westerly wind, you can hear the waves lapping on the shore which is really relaxing. A close second would be the pool house, where you can take a break from swimming and get out of the sun, watch a sporting event, play ping pong, and relax with your favorite beverage.”

The Danish word “hygge” has roots to the ancient Norse word “hugga,” which means to give comfort or console; the source of the English word “hug.” Remember, hygge — it’s all about finding a space where you can be yourself, and feel loved, connected, and warm with other people — spending intimate moments in cozy environments is good for the soul. ❂ RESOURCE INDEX BUILDER Meiste Homes ARCHITECT Allegretti Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Kristine Kay Interiors STORAGE Closet Design

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 21

BALANCING FUNCTION AND BEAUTY

Crafting Quality Spaces since 1987

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With 24 years of experience, we are West Michigan’s most respected audio/video company. Working alongside builders, architects, interior designers and homeowners, we’ll bring your home into the 21st century ... ENGAGE BEYOND LIMITS.

Mike Rozzano • miker@CreatedControl.com • cell: 616.808.1389 • office: 616.356.2660

Fascination

with Nature Four Decades of Rooks Landscaping & Design TEXT BY LAUREN CARLSON IMAGES BY ANDY TERZES

N

“Nature has always been my first and main fascination,” said Tom Rooks. “I knew I wanted to make my living outdoors.”

After over 40 years running his namesake landscape company, Rooks Landscaping, Tom Rooks has established his expertise and passion for plants, animals and outdoor spaces. His wealth of knowledge is only surpassed by his unquenchable curiosity for new information — a foundation upon which he strives to be a responsible steward of nature while at the same time accomplish his clients' goals of creating beautiful landscaping features for their homes.

Rooks sat down with Cosmopolitan Home Magazine in October, before the chill of Michigan winter set in, to explore his journey to becoming one of the most sought after landscape designers in West Michigan.

Rooks may have been the first member of his family to pursue forestry and gardening, but his parents and siblings were also artistic thinkers. His father was an advertising photographer and he described mother as a passionate reader, a thinker and an old soul. "They both very much encouraged whatever interests and talents we had," said Rooks. Taking their children on numerous outdoor vacations, Rooks' parents encouraged the explorative thought that encouraged their daughter's music pursuits and their other sons' work in architecture and real estate, respectively.

Above all, Rooks' parents taught him "To always leave every situation a little better," he said.

This lesson, combined with his natural curiosity, led Rooks to experiment in his childhood garden. "I did a lot of work in my parents' yard," he said, and, laughing at the lessons he's learned since, "Sometimes transplanting the wrong things."

Failed transplants, though disappointing, built a foundation for understanding the importance of intentional plant care and the role of native plants. This ultimately grew to a passion that became the center of his business.

“We're big on trying to [use] native plants ... or non-invasive plants,” he said. “Our native wildlife depends on native plants.” As a member of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, the Perennial Plant Association and the Audubon Society — among other land conservancies — Rooks remains a consistent student of nature and sustainable practices.

“There's a lot to know,” he said lovingly about his education in international plant life. He started by explaining a brief history of landscape design — “Japan started doing gardening way before we did,” — and explored some cultures' fascination with cultivating flora from foreign lands: “The British were big collectors of rare plants.”

Rooks' knowledge reaches across the world, but settles here in West Michigan, where he works to foster plant life that not only looks pretty, but thrives and lives in harmony with the surrounding plants and animals.

To ensure access to the right plants year round, Rooks runs a working nursery on his 75-acre Ada property that includes a hoop house, wood lot, stone yard and vegetable garden. On any given day when not consulting with a client or working on a project off-site, Rooks can be seen putzing around the property on his golf cart, engaging with staff that assist in cultivating plants and determining the best project materials for various landscaping features. The company even makes its own soil, compost and mulch.

After forty years of designing landscape projects for clients, much of what Rooks does is second nature, designed in his head using his extensive knowledge of plants and their interaction with manmade structures.

All of this self-sufficiency guarantees that at least 60 percent of the plants that Rooks' provides for his clients are grown right on his property, with just 40 percent purchased primarily from other local nurseries. “It takes a lot of plants to do what we do for clients,” he said.

After four decades, Rooks has evolved his business into a multi-faceted machine, for which he services multiple parts. “My responsibilities within Rooks Landscaping are as manager, designer and grower,” said Rooks. “I also oversee nursery crews involved in propagation and maintenance [and] I am [the] primary designer of nursery display gardens and natural areas.”

In his daily tasks, Rooks obviously doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, and enjoys working hand-in-hand with staff who share his passion for plants. “People should be excited about what we do,” he said.

Over the years, Rooks Landscaping has become a company of about 30 people. “There is so much talent here,” said Rooks. “I learn a lot from them.”

In 1977, a young Tom founded his business with a flyer and a bicycle. He began offering landscaping services to any local within riding distance who owned a mailbox. In the beginning, “I would basically do anything for my clients, including home repair and odd jobs,” said Rooks.

Over time, he narrowed his focus to plant life and landscaping while he built his business as a sole proprietor. “It was just me for like, four years,” he said. His first big break finally came when he was hired to design landscaping for the Franciscan Life Process Center in Grand Rapids.

“That was a really big project,” said Rooks. “We really knocked ourselves out.”

This work led to bigger and bigger projects that established Rooks' business over the subsequent decades. “I have designed and installed residential landscapes ranging from large estates that take several years to develop to small city gardens and starter homes,” he said, naming projects for the Cascade Museum Gardens, the village of Ada, the city of East Grand Rapids, St. Adelbert's Basilica, and Kennedy’s Floral.

After forty years of designing landscape projects for clients, much of what Rooks does is second nature, designed in his head using his extensive knowledge of plants and their interaction with manmade structures. He noted that he balances his left brain with his right, applying the analytical with gut feelings about what works best for each client.

“I have a strong sense of vision and am a keen observer,” he said. “My goal is to work with existing elements to make a harmonious transition from the building to the site.”

Rooks runs a working nursery on his 75-acre Ada property that doubles as his home. Steps from his front door, he has access to his own hoop house, wood lot, stone yard and vegetable garden.

“My goal is to work with existing elements to make a harmonious transition from the building to the site.”

As Rooks looks to the next chapter, he remains a proponent of wildlife education. “We try to, as much as we can, teach clients and kids about nature,” he said.

interested groups. We have made our grounds available for fundraisers for [Frederik] Meijer Gardens and Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids. We use habitat plantings to teach clients, students and the general public on how gardens can be beautiful, fascinating, beneficial to wildlife and the environment and a joy to experience in all seasons.”

“We open our gardens to the public during business hours and have done tours for the Lowell Schools career week, local garden clubs and other

At heart, Rooks is still that kid with a love of nature, exploring his environment and above all, trying to “Be helpful and good to everyone.” ❂ Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 27

ON•TREND

by Inlanta Mortgage

High Rent Climate Leveraging a Rising Rate GRAND RAPIDS IS POISED to continue its growth as a cosmopolitan city that’s attractive to companies that bring jobs and professionals to the beating heart of Michigan. Housing starts have been slow due to supply chain logistics, while the resale housing inventory remains critically tight, creating occupancy pressure and rising rents in the rental sector.

Grand Rapids ranked among the top 20 most competitive renter's markets in the nation, with 97 percent occupancy, according to Rent Café.

Nationally, rents rose by more than 10 percent last year. Grand Rapids is one of the top 30 cities nationally in which to own a rental property, according to Roofstock.com.

While the rising rents reported in local media over the last few months pose a problem for affordability, it also allows those with fluidity to diversify their portfolios. With a sufficient strategy, there are savvy ways you can build wealth despite rising interest rates, waning stock market returns and a decidedly tight real estate market.

Strategy 1: The Vacay Home Shuffle In the current climate, purchasing a second home is not dissimilar to buying an investment property.

In some scenarios, a vacation home turned parttime rental can bring the best of both worlds.

Housing continues to appreciate at a rate that outpaces the stock market, and West Michigan continues to be a popular tourist destination. While rates are approaching levels not seen in the last few decades, they’re still historically low. What was the average interest rate in the ’80s? 12.7 percent. The ’90s? 8.12 percent. The 2000s? 6.29 percent! So, if a vacation home suits your lifestyle, don’t let rising rates scuttle a solid financial strategy.

Strategy 2: Trade Up Your Primary – But Keep Your Original Home Another strategy is to go ahead and buy that dream home you’ve desired – if you can find it!

You can win your bid with a rock-solid preapproval and vetting your strategy with a local pro.

While the current rate hike means you will pay about $115 more per month per $100K mortgaged with a 30-year term, you can easily make that up by retaining and renting out your existing home. Then you have two appreciating assets

that should prove future-proof, given the growth climate and housing outlook for West Michigan.

As a bonus, you avoid capital gains, and it may be an excellent time to put the original home in a family trust.

Strategy 3: Recover the College Fund – Buy a Student Residence If you have college-age kids and a fund that’s been taking a hit in the stock market, you might be able to recover some of your losses and ultimately save on the cost of college by investing in a campus rental property. Work with a strategic lender to discuss the ins and outs of this strategy.

The upside is that you could also be helping launch Junior by requiring some sweat equity and creating a future revenue source to pass down. Remember that Junior will face those high rents when they graduate. They’ll get an A-plus start in life if they graduate with an economic rent and a revenue source!

Strategy 4: Run with the Big Dogs – Become a Real Investor On a national scale, Greater Grand Rapids has attractively low (but quickly appreciating) home values combined with a vibrant economic trajec-

tory; this has not escaped investors' notice from afar. But YOU have something they don’t – a local network and intimate knowledge of the lay of the land. You’re well-positioned to put that local savvy to work for you by identifying up and coming neighborhoods, understanding the nuance, and possibly knowing about a coming listing before it hits MLS through social media and your network.

These are just a few ways you can leverage current conditions to diversify your portfolio and build wealth to future-proof your lifestyle.

Jonathan Arnold Branch manager at the Ada office of Inlanta Mortgage NMLS# 1016. Connect with him at MoveUpMi.com.

Jonathan is also licensed in Florida – learn more at FloridaHomeLoanSolutions.com

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 29

BALA T MICHIGAN SHINES NATIONALLY at the Annual

Best in American Living™ Awards The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced the winners of its annual Best in American Living Awards and Michigan was a standout with multiple winners in various categories.

The Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA), is the building industry’s premier residential design awards program. BALA spotlights the most creative and talented building industry professionals who have redefined design excellence for homes and communities nationally and internationally. Winning projects showcase what building industry professionals need to know to set their product apart and hit the right mark with today’s highly educated and discerning home buyers. The talent of Michigan was acknowledged with high honors at the 2021 Awards Ceremony and Cosmopolitan Home is proud to share those winners including a few standouts in West Michigan.

NAHB

LIVING

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REDEFINING

BEST IN AMERICAN

HOME AND COMMUNITY

The BALA Showcases Top Design Trends for 2022 With more than 140 single-family, multifamily, interior design, remodeling and community projects honored at the BALA ceremony that took place at the 2022 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, it was revealing to see what trends dominated.

“We’re seeing a continuation of recent trends, especially as they relate to outdoor spaces,” noted Allison Paul, chair of the 2021 judging panel and principal at Lessard Design. “The pandemic has definitely made people rethink how they live in their homes, and that’s reflected in the creative niches, attention to detail and quality, and general warmth present in this year’s BALA-winning designs.”

TRENDS INCLUDE: Beamed and/or stained ceilings.

Creative outdoor spaces.

Improved indoor/outdoor connections.

Better designs for affordable housing.

More durable materials.

Resort-like amenities.

Enhanced focus on function.

Size doesn’t matter.

More information about this year’s winners and trends can be found at bestinamericanliving.com. Text provided by the NAHB.

IMAGES Opposite Page Left: Ann Arbor Infill, Photo by: Werner Straube Photography Right: Bloomfield Hills Residence, Photo by: Beth Singer Photographer This Page Top Left: Bridgeview, Photo by: WayUp Media Top Right: Moceri Kitchen, Photo by:Martin Vecchio Photography Bottom: Rochester Residence, Photo by: Beth Singer Photographer

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 31

Gold Winner ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOM HOME 2,001 -3,000 square feet Rockford, Michigan

Laurelhurst

Architect/Design | Visbeen Architects Builder | Whitmore Custom Homes Photography | DZJ Photography

FEATURED SUPPLIERS: Eikenhout Landscape Design Services Standale Lumber Wayne Visbeen Visbeen Architects

Brett, Ryan & Nate Whitmore Whitmore Custom Homes

NAHB

LIVING

THIS CUSTOM RESIDENCE designed for two, tucked between a lake and a serene inland pond, is a turn-key haven for both privacy and hosting family. With its architecture defined by fresh white brick and blended gable roofs, and an interior cloaked by delicate sea green hues, soft woods, and mixed metals, this home evokes a charming country retreat that is immediately inviting from the circular drive.

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Through an entry detailed in blue stone and stained wood, a foyer and intimate seating area is furnished to host several while remaining comfortable for two. A wall of glass doors opens to a screened porch that accesses a lakeside patio.

TREND RECOGNITION Improved Indoor/Outdoor Connections There has been an increased focus on creating intentional, seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces. Glass walls and an abundance of windows are being used to take advantage of the surrounding views. This home’s water views (both lake and pond) are enjoyed fully from nearly every room in the home.

TREND RECOGNITION Creative Outdoor Spaces Post-pandemic design continues to utilize the outdoors to develop spaces for relaxing, entertaining, or just taking in the views.

Multilevel terraces and outdoor living rooms with fireplaces are just a couple examples of these designs.

FROM THE JUDGES

The exterior of this home is beautiful with great gathering areas.

The main floor owners’ wing boasts a generous closet room and bathroom suite laid with slate herringbone tile on which a soaking tub rests next to a walk-in shower enclosed in glass and glazed tile brick. The remaining three bedroom suites and an activity area are placed on the lower level for added privacy.

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Standale Lumber is the preferred choice for home builders in Western Michigan. What sets us apart is our ownership mentality and persistence for your projects. We have a 70-year history of getting it right for our customers. Here’s on to the next 70 years expanding our horizons with our best customers.

To learn more about how we can service your residential building projects visit us at Standalelumber.com or call 616-530-8200.

40 | early summer 2022

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 41

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Gold Winner

Kitchen

Morrison Lake Cottage

Silver Winner Specialty Room Clarksville, Michigan

Ryan La Haie 42 North • Architecture + Design

Julie Kay Julie Kay Design

Architect/Design | 42 North - Architecture + Design Builder | Lown Homes Interior Design | Julie Kay Design Photography | Ashley Avila Photography

42 | early summer 2022

FEATURED SUPPLIERS: Advanced Interiors Frontjes Painting Veldhouse Electric Wever Concrete

NAHB

LIVING

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THIS COTTAGE IS TRULY A LITTLE GEM. A neutral color palette and warm accents give way to a bright and airy essence throughout. The mainfloor features an open concept floor plan that includes the kitchen, dining and family room. The entire space benefits from the two sets of sliding doors and large windows that offer lake views, extending the outside beauty into the home.

The kitchen, a BALA Gold Winner, is ideally set up for cooking, prep and entertaining guests, with generous counter space and an expansive island. A pair of blown glass light pendants above the island enhances the airy feeling.

“I loved working on this project,” said interior designer Julie Kay. “This was a great team to collaborate with and in doing so, we came up with some great ideas.”

The range is the showpiece of the space, highlighted by the dormer above providing an abundance of natural light.

The kitchen is equipped with ample room for cooking, prep, and entertaining guests, with generous counter space and an expansive island. Symmetrically located in the center of the room, the range is the showpiece of the kitchen and is highlighted by the active dormer above, bringing in extra daylight to the kitchen.

A custom built-in cabinet in the living room houses the large screen TV and provides additional storage.

The dormer above the main entry brings in an abundance of natural light that reaches the kitchen.

A pair of blown glass light pendants above the island enhances the space’s open and airy feel. Black quartz countertops on the perimeter pair perfectly with the crisp, white backsplash tile. The off-white cabinetry provides extensive storage and is accented with jet black hardware pulls. A seamlessly integrated pantry that offers extra storage space for non-perishables is adjacent to the kitchen island.

Custom millwork and trim at the staircase create an invitation to ascend to the second floor. The upper level is a retreat to comfort. A custom-built reclaimed wood barn door at the top of the stair gives privacy to the loft, which boasts a cathedral ceiling with a pair of bunk beds.

The meticulously crafted, built-in bunk beds frame an oversized window that offers unobstructed views of the lake.

Below the window is a built-in bench

The Bunk Room, a BALA Silver Winner, features custom-crafted, built-in bunk beds painted a crisp white with natural walnut ladders that add a rustic accent. Niches in the wall at the bunks make for a convenient nightstand complete with charging capabilities. The beds frame an oversized window that captures the lake view. Below the window is a built-in bench that also provides storage.

46 | early summer 2022

complete with cushions and concealed storage. Niches in the wall at the bunks make for a convenient nightstand with charging capabilities. The lakeside wall is trimmed out with a combination of shiplap and wainscotting to give this cozy loft space a completely custom feel.

The upper level also accesses a large bonus room above the garage — an ideal escape to watch a movie or enjoy some quiet time. Two identical bedrooms on this level offers plenty of sleeping options for guests and family alike.

“This is a home where wonderful family memories will be made,” said Julie. “It’s very unique on a personal level — it’s a place where family and friends can easily come together.”

The primary suite continues the neutral color palette and includes soft blues to complement the water view.

Bright and airy, the space provides a relaxing feel. The bathroom includes a soaking tub, the perfect antidote after a day of lake activities.

FROM THE JUDGES

This is really nice — well done and not only a good use of “found space” but a cool space for the home.

The craftsmanship is notable.

8 THREE GENERATIONS SERVING WEST MICHIGAN FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

Brent Veldhouse 616.437.5362

50 | early summer 2022

Specializing in custom homes for over 20 years.

New or old, we will cover all of your painting needs.

Josh frontjes Josh_frontjes@hotmail.com 616-813-6444

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 51

GOLD Winner One-of-a-Kind Custom Home Up to 2,000 square feet

GREENFIELD COTTAGE

Sand Lake, Michigan

Architect/Design | Visbeen Architects Photography | Ashley Avila Photography

CAPTURING SIMPLICITY in clean lines, black windows, and white board-and-batten siding, this contemporary farmhouse is shared among three families as a vacation lake house. Compiling the goals and visions of the people to be utilizing the home, it was designed with many seating and sleeping arrangements for the families gathering there.

Wayne Visbeen Visbeen Architects 52 | early summer 2022

The main level of the home features a connected kitchen, dining, and living area. Multiple innovative seating options are punctuated throughout the space, including a spacious island with bar

NAHB

LIVING

REDEFINING HOME AND

BEST IN AMERICAN

COMMUNITY

FROM THE JUDGES

“The accessory dwelling unity is lovely. They have made great use of the space.”

stools in the kitchen, where doors also open to an outdoor extension of the dining area on the porch.

Many bedrooms are scattered throughout the home, with three playing the role of what is often a single owners’ bedroom, each of equitable size, containing a bathroom and closet. A bunk room on the upper level of the home sleeps approximately seven children, with three twin and two full-sized beds. A loft overlooking the living area was designed as a space for the children to play. The 14foot-long light monitor on the roof channels natural light through the glass panes and into the interior space.

TREND RECOGNITION Beamed and/or stained ceilings.

Different detailing overhead creates a wow factor for both low and high ceilings alike, while stains and tonal materials provide a more cohesive room palette. This trend is especially popular in kitchens.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 53

SILVER Winner One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 3,001-4,000 square feet

HILLTOP FARM

Ada, Michigan

Design Statement: From conception to execution, the emphasis was placed on working with the existing topography and taking advantage of expansive views to the north and west. It also seemed fitting to play on the three-acre site’s history as a goat farm and the surrounding weathered grey fence when designing the home.

Architect/Design | Chad Gould Builder | HYGGE Custom Homes Interior Design | HYGGE Custom Homes Photography | Ashley Avila Photography

Becky and Nate Vandenbroek Hygge Homes

54 | early summer 2022

NAHB

LIVING

THIS MODERN, SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED home is clad in a custom-stained, western red cedar siding that contrasts well with the galvalume metal roof. The open concept single-level living floor plan of the home consists of 4 separate barn-like structures dedicated to working, storage, living, and sleeping.

Connection by glass breezeways contributes to a feeling of expanse within a surprisingly moderate footprint. A singular white finish, minimalist trim details, and large picture windows keep the focus on the views the homeowners desired from the property.

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SILVER Winner One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 3,001-4,000 square feet

ANN ARBOR INFILL

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Architect/Design | TR Design Group Builder | Main Street Homes Photography | Werner Straube Photography

THIS 4,000-SQUARE-FOOT HOME is built on an infill lot with a reverse slope.

This condition resulted in the first floor being elevated 6 feet above natural grade at the front of the home. This grading condition challenged the designer to find a solution to make the home appear grounded. A raised courtyard, staggered grade levels, and a retaining wall worked wonders, lowering the visual impact immensely; an undeniable elegance radiates from this eclectic façade.

The eggshell tone dominating the exterior works beautifully with the creamy beige shutters and shake shingles. The interior is bright and airy; natural light pours into the space and bounces off the walls. The interior incorporates vibrant tones and rich contrast — a playful palette that complements the tranquil exterior.

The kitchen overlooks the luxurious indoor/outdoor loggia. Two 8-foot rolling screen systems on the exterior wall allow the space to be enjoyed year round, complete with a grill and prep space, dining area, and a masonry fireplace lounge.

NAHB

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SILVER Winner One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 5,001-6,000 square feet Washington Twp, Michigan

Architect/Design | Martini Samartino Design Group Photography | Karl Moses Photography THE CONCEPT WAS TO DESIGN an H-pattern plan centering the focus around an outdoor pool and outdoor living spaces. The owners wanted a very transparent home filled with natural light, focusing all or as many rooms as possible toward the rear of the home to maximize views.

The plan keeps the circulation to the front portion of the home while creating outdoor courtyards in the front yard allowing large floor-to-ceiling windows to let the light flow through the home. The main living spaces have directional views toward the front yard courtyards as well as the rear yard pool/loggia spaces.

The exterior of the home is a modern take on the traditional French style architecture. A natural limestone cladding softened with crisp white stucco panels help the black windows punch. The steep pitched roof with 30 swooping overhangs help capture that French style.

The entry and rear of the home are highlighted with natural oak timbers. The home is set back on the property, creating an experience while approaching the home.

MT. VERNON RESIDENCE

NAHB

LIVING

REDEFINING

BEST IN AMERICAN

HOME AND COMMUNITY

TREND RECOGNITION Creative Outdoor Spaces Post-pandemic design continues to utilize the outdoors to develop spaces for relaxing, entertaining or just taking in the views. This loggia offers all of that and more.

GOLD Winner REMODELING Entire Home Over $750,000

PLATINUM Winner REMODELING Addition Over $100,000 Bloomfield Township, Michigan

FROM THE JUDGES

The renovation kept the integrity of the original house and the additions were tastefully done. The wide range of interior styles reflects the exterior elements.

60 | early summer 2022

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP RESIDENCE Architect/Design | CBI Design Professionals Inc. Builder | Mosher Dolan Landscape Architect/Designer | Stewart, Hass & Associates Interior Design | Integrated Architectural Interiors Photography | Beth Singer Photographer Inc.

THIS CENTURY-OLD HOME needed to be updated for modern life. Its BEFORE single-car garage was not functional.

The 3-car garage addition allowed the design team to renovate the existing The rear enclosed porch was removed in garage into the laundry, mud room, mud favor of a new garden room with expanentry and renovate the main family room. sive windows. Large art walls were incorporated for the owner’s growing collecThe next phase included a library, but most tion. Lighting was planned for current importantly, the owners’ suite was renovat- and future art locations. With the rear of ed as part of the new wing. The original the home sitting prominently over the bath was relatively small and in a contrast- lake’s edge, the patio was redesigned to ing style to the original home. This end of allow an elevated view, while new stone the home was stripped down to the original walls and stairs organize the access to the structure. The new space has a modern yard and water’s edge. functional layout with complementary historical style. New mechanical systems and insulation were also installed.

NAHB

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PLATINUM Winner REMODELING Kitchen $75,000 - $125,000

ARCHITECTURAL REMODEL

East Grand Rapids, Michigan

THIS HOME WAS BUILT in the 1970s for an architect. From the ceiling beams to the large windows, the architectural foundation of this home is strong and is the main reason the family purchased it. With a finish update and layout adjustment, this main living space remodel brought the home up to date while honoring the architect’s original vision.

Architect/Design | TruKitchens Photography | Tippett Photo

BEFORE Jessica Fitnich Senior Designer, TruKitchens

62 | early summer 2022

The old kitchen was dark and closed off with a large hood that obstructed all sightlines. The refrigerator wall cut the space off from the dining area, limiting the flow while entertaining. Another wall adjacent to the island separated the space from the living room. The new layout eliminated the refrigerator wall, opening the space into the dining area.

NAHB

LIVING

REDEFINING

BEST IN AMERICAN

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BEFORE The beam running through this wall was rebuilt to match the original beams and accommodate lighting.

The large hood was removed and replaced by a downdraft ventilator to improve sightlines.

The wall between the living room and kitchen now contains the ovens and features passthrough shelving that creates a bar space accessible from both spaces. Finish selections centered around honoring the clean lines of the home and brightening up the space.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 63

PLATINUM Winner REMODELING Historic Preservation/Restoration REMODEL OF THE YEAR

PLATINUM Winner

BLOOMFIELD HILLS RESIDENCE Architect/Design | CBI Design Professionals Inc. Builder | Mosher Dolan Landscape Architect/Designer | Stewart, Hass & Associates Interior Design | Integrated Architectural Interiors Photography | Beth Singer Photographer Inc.

REMODELING Kitchen $75,000 - $125,000 Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

WHILE THE PROPERTY WAS MARKETED AS A TEAR-DOWN, the clients were dedicated to restoring this home to its prior glory. To be viable for today’s lifestyle several things needed to be accomplished. The kitchen was suffered from a poor attempt at a renovation several decades earlier; it was removed and replaced with a new space that is now large enough for the whole family.

BEFORE

The design team added a 3-car garage and workshop, while also renovating the family room. A mud room and laundry room were added into poorly used spaces. The side porch was enclosed using heavy timbers to match the originals in this area. The owners’ suite needed renovation, especially a new bath to replace a 1980s renovation. Significant repairs were done to the exterior plaster where years of neglect had allowed the base to fail and rot out the structure.

A new roof and significant flashing repairs were needed. All steel windows were temporarily removed and restored by a historical window specialist. New windows were not intended to match the steel but were very close to the originals.

64 | early summer 2022

NAHB

LIVING

REDEFINING

BEST IN AMERICAN

HOME AND COMMUNITY

BEFORE The home was built in the 1920s when kitchens were clearly servant spaces. A previous renovation made an attempt to slightly expand on the original; however, it was woefully inadequate for today’s lifestyles. The design team removed this space and created a new room toward the rear of the home. This allowed for high ceilings, cross beams and northfacing roof glazing for light into a rather dark space.

Custom cabinets with historical detailing were designed along with a built-in bench. The island top is salvaged from a tree removed during renovations. The owner wanted to have a color in the space that implied a historical sense. The blue cabinets were a custom-blended solution. The wood floor is a custom pattern developed by the owner who wanted something uniquely his own. The lights are historical artifacts from research done by the client. Care was taken to conceal modern lighting and a microwave. Overall, the clients were heavily engaged in the restoration of this home and this kitchen is a central feature of it.

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 65

Platinum Winner Remodeling

ROCHESTER RESIDENCE

Specialty Project Rochester, Michigan

BEFORE

Architect/Design | CBI Design Professionals, Inc. Builder | Barnhart Building Interior Design | Colleen Farrell Design Photography | Beth Singer Photographer, Inc.

66 | early summer 2022

THIRTY YEARS AGO, when this home was originally built, the trend was two-story family rooms witha bridge. The client purchased this home and asked what could be done to make the space quieter and more inviting. The exterior could not be altered, so windows had to stay. The design team took existing quirky half-round windows and used them to its advantage. The new barrel vault ceiling made the round top windows relevant. The curve of the ceiling brought the room down to a more comfortable scale. Most of the space of the bridge was closed off, leaving just a projecting balcony detail. The lower portion of the bridge was closed off slightly with sliding door panels to allow for an option to close the space off completely or keep it open for entertaining. A new fireplace wall and facing were done to bring an additional dramatic focal point to the room. Furniture, flooring, and window treatments were all updated. Now the space is an inviting, central focus of the house.

Platinum Winner Interior Architecture & Design

MOCERI KITCHEN

Kitchen, Custom Rochester, Michigan

Builder | Moceri Homes Interior Design | KSI Kitchen & Bath Photography | Martin Vecchio Photography

THE CLIENT WANTED a cozy, yet masculine feel to the home. For the kitchen, he did not want white cabinets, so the design team went with a light maple wood tone with dark accent finishes for the island and the ceilings. To accomplish the clean balanced look desired on the refrigerator wall, the team rejected the idea of wall ovens, opting instead for a 48inch range and a microwave drawer in the island. Texture in paneling, stone, and brick details were used throughout the house for a cohesive aesthetic.

Silver Winner Interior Architecture & Design Specialty Room

BRIDGEVIEW

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

THIS GATED NEIGHBORHOOD provides privacy for a roughly 8,600-square-foot custom home, which features significant curb appeal. The client’s vision was to create a space that feels like home to everyone. Wood beams crown the kitchen (SEE PHOTO, PAGE 31). Custom cabinetry in a latte color offers a welcome departure from the norm. A custom hood over the 48-inch Wolf range joins a ceramic tile backsplash that hovers above perimeter counters topped with quartzite. Other amenities include a walk-in pantry, a bar area, and a prep kitchen.

Architect/Design | TR Design Group Builder | Moceri Custom Homes Interior Design | Asmar Interiors Photography | WAYUP MEDIA

68 | early summer 2022

The home office setup was the client’s idea. The white oak beams and the decorative details bring the tall ceilings down and create spaces such as the kid-friendly home office that are perfectly comfortable for anyone. Workstations topped with leathered quartzite that line the walls can accommodate the homeowner and her staff, while the quartzite-covered island is a perfect spot for the client’s children to do homework and crafts.

Requirements for the grade of the site made creating this home a more complex project, but that didn’t deter the builder from building his client’s dream home.

The people’s CHOICE awards HOME 11, BY CELEBRITY BUILDERS

AND THE 2022

PARADE of Homes FOR OVER 30 YEARS, COSMOPOLITAN HOME magazine has been proud to promote the annual Parade of Homes event and the extensive talent that is on display right here in West Michigan. The amount of work and effort that goes into these homes is beyond impressive. If you’re looking to build, to buy, or, just searching for inspiration, the Parade is a fun way to see first hand the best design, craftsmanship and innovative ideas in the industry. You’ll view the finest architecture, interior design and landscape designs all while discovering the latest trends, must-haves and smart ideas for all things home.

Presented by the Home & Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids, The Spring Parade of Homes is a longstanding tradition not to be missed. Cosmopolitan Home is excited to present The Third Annual People’s Choice Awards featuring seven homes from this year’s Parade as the contenders. You, the people, get to vote for your favorite from these seven in five different catagories: Best Exterior, Best Interior, Best Site Harmony, Best Kitchen, Best Over-All Home. The voting begins early-July and the following pages represent each of the seven homes.

You’ll be inspired by the wealth of refreshing ideas, innovative products and flawless, custom work on display. Stay tuned for voting instructions on our Facebook page. Good luck to all!

Parade dates June 17 - 25 Parade hours Fridays & Saturdays: 1-9 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 4 - 9p.m.

Ticket prices General Ticket: $15 at homes, $10 at Lake Michigan Credit Union locations Children 12 and under: Free Tickets and free maps are available at all the Parade Homes.

The Homes You Won’t Want to Miss!

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 69

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 8 CALEDONIA 8965 Kalamazoo Ave. Caledonia, MI 49316 INCLUDES Square Feet: 5,889 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4.5 Price Range: Contact Builder

DIRECTIONS Take M-6 to the Kalamazoo Ave exit.

The home is just South of 84th St. on the West side of the road.

DAN VIS BUILDERS When choosing a Grand Rapids custom homebuilder, quality craftsmanship, precise attention to detail and excellent customer service should rank at the top of your wish list. These same attributes continue to set Dan Vis Builders apart from other custom home builders in Michigan.

OVERVIEW This custom Transitional English Country home will take your breath away when you find it nestled on an expansive wooded lot just off the main stretch. Walking into the front entry you will be greeted by mirroring archways beautifully showcasing form and function. To the left is a stunning two-story office, tailor-made for work and relaxation with a grand view of the front drive. The living area features cohesive living, dining, and kitchen spaces with plentiful natural light, hardwood floors, and white oak beam details.

The primary suite features a cathedral ceiling, a spacious zero-clearance shower, and an enviable walk-in closet. Off of the four-stall garage, the mudroom houses a powder room, custom built-in drop zone, and a connected walk-in closet with lockers and other closed storage to keep all of the family needs contained and organized. Wander up to the second floor and you will find a central hang-out zone surrounded by custom built-in desks, a playroom with plentiful storage, a second dedicated laundry space, and two suite-style bedrooms. The lower level showcases a full entertaining space, personal exercise room, and guest room with adjacent full bath. Finally, don’t miss stepping outside to take in the gorgeous inground pool and pool house with its own golf simulator!

Be sure to Like us on Facebook or visit us at www.danvisbuilders.com

Dan Vis danvis@gmail.com 616.293.3597 danvisbuilders.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

616.785.3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com

616.281.5522 www.westmichiganlumber.com 616.994.7050 www.studioginc.com

616.459.8367 www.beldenbrickandsupply.com 616.669.3085 www.elenbaas.com

616.532.4131 www.gerritsappliances.com

616.241.2655 www.modernhardware.com

616.771.0530 www.williamskitchen.com

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 9 BYRON CENTER 2069 68th St. SW Byron Center, MI49315 INCLUDES Square Feet: 4,467 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 6 Price Range: Contact Builder OVERVIEW Miles Builders is proud to show off this gorgeous 2-story, 6-bedroom home that boasts many unique features! With plenty of open space, it’ll be a home the family can gather in for many years to come.

DIRECTIONS Take 131 to exit 76.

Head west on 68th St. SW for 1.2 miles.

Destination is on your right.

When you pull up to this home, you’ll instantly notice the modern feel with the metal shiplap, a standing seam metal roof, along with a concrete accent wall. Around the back is a garage underneath that adds plenty of extra storage.

Inside you’ll see plenty of custom cabinetry with beautiful walnut accents. Don’t be shocked to see the black ceiling on the main level and master suite. It’s the perfect contrast against the lighter walls and walnut while adding a little bit of drama. Although the fireplace is the grand focal point of the family room with a precast concrete surround, we can’t forget to mention the concrete bathtub in the primary bath.

MILES BUILDERS At Miles Builders, we always go the extra MILE to give our homeowners the quality they deserve. We are a custom home builder serving the greater Grand Rapids Area and continually expanding. We are not afraid to take on projects all over the state of Michigan.

This is one home you won’t want to miss!

Don Miles milesbuilders10@yahoo.com 616.706.0576 milesbuildersllc.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

FORGED BY DESIGN

616.662.9800 www.hardtopix.com

616.647.5538 www.premiergranitetops.com

616.294.3103 www.forgedbydesign.com

616.669.3085 www.elenbaas.com

616.771.0530 www.williamskitchen.com

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 10 BYRON CENTER 2257 Byron Shores Dr. SW Byron Center, MI 49315 INCLUDES Square Feet: 4,644 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.5 Price Range: $1 Million plus DIRECTIONS From Grand Rapids, take 131 South to 68th Street. Head West on 68th Street to Byron Shores Dr. SW. Head South on Byron Shores Dr. to home.

OVERVIEW You’re going to want to make sure to check out this DBC Custom Home on the Lake! This truly custom home is rich in character and craftsmanship. We designed this home around the view. The open-concept design, and window placement showcase the lake from each level in a beautiful and effortless way. With our signature custom cabinetry, trim work, and attention to detail, you’ll again notice the DBC difference.

DBC CUSTOM HOMES

This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features a gorgeous working butler’s pantry, a beautiful kitchen, snack bar, and a grill deck — making this home absolutely perfect for entertaining. With a twostory indoor/outdoor fireplace, a cozy four-season room, and a hot tub area, this custom home is truly #lakehousegoals.

As a design/build company located in Byron Center, Michigan, we have been designing house plans and building in the Greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan area for over 20 years. We personally oversee and participate in every aspect of your home. From the initial home design to building and completion, we want to ensure your total vision is realized. We believe having a design/build team ensures that all the unique details you express and desire during the design process are followed through during the construction of your home.

Dan Venema dan@dbccustomhomes.com 616.299.2178 Kurt Ingersoll kurt@dbccustomhomes.com 616.893.0783 dbccustomhomes.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

FORGED BY DESIGN 616.459.8367 www.beldenbrickandsupply.com

616.294.3103 www.forgedbydesign.com

616.669.3085 www.elenbaas.com

616.647.5538 www.premiergranitetops.com

616.534.8560 www.thelightingcorner.com

616.281.5522 www.westmichiganlumber.com

616.241.2655 www.modernhardware.com

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 11 BYRON CENTER 8084 Byron Depot Dr. Byron Center, MI 49315 INCLUDES Square Feet: 4,645 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 5 Price Range: Contact Builder DIRECTIONS OVERVIEW Celebrity Builders invites you back to the Railside West neighborhood in Byron Center and welcomes you into this stunning, custom-built 2022 Spring Parade Home. Solidifying their reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, this home also elevates the expectation for design excellence in residential building. Working with their clients to truly understand how they live, this home transforms everyday spaces—breathing life into them with fresh ideas developed directly from building relationships. First impressions certainly make their mark and this home is no exception.

From Grand Rapids: Follow US-131 South to Exit 75 for 76th Street. Turn right onto 76th Street. Turn left onto Railyard Drive SW. Turn right onto Byron Depot Street SW. Turn Right onto Byron Depot Drive.

• Fabulous Curb Appeal highlighted by the oversized windows with a Chevron grill style and black LP Board and Batten siding with extra wide spacing • Custom-designed wood front door leads you to the grand front entry with high ceilings and open floor plan • Eye-catching open staircase with metal railing and Wine room nestled under the stairs including glass walls with metal grids • Uniquely styled built-ins customized for a cohesive look • State of the art Gym including Sauna housed in the lower level garage • Backyard oasis, perfect for entertaining with an outdoor kitchen area and in-ground pool Proud to once again be included in this season’s Parade of Homes tour, Celebrity Builders is looking forward to building relationships as we get to know you and answer any questions you might have.

Check us out and learn more at celebritybuildersllc.com and be sure to like us on Facebook.

CELEBRITY BUILDERS, LLC For nearly two decades the Celebrity Builders Team has been perfecting and refining our process to give you the dream custom home you have always wanted. Here at Celebrity Builders, our attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship goes unmatched — we expect excellence — and yet there is much more to this team than meets the eye. Whether you are looking for a space to entertain, a private oasis, or have no idea where to start, our commitment is to make your idea a reality. We treat your home as our own, and by choosing to build with us you are becoming part of our family; one that values relationships, communication, and makes the building process fun, easy, and memorable.

Troy DeHoop 616.299.2178 Rob Vis 616.291.1808 info@celebritybuildersllc.com celebritybuildersllc.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

616.281.5522 www.westmichiganlumber.com

616.994.7050 www.studioginc.com

616.662.0140 degraafinteriors.com

616.532.4131 www.gerritsappliances.com

616.771.0530 www.williamskitchen.com

616.534.8560 www.thelightingcorner.com

616.241.2655 www.modernhardware.com

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 17 HUDSONVILLE 5375 Eaglepass Dr. Hudsonville, MI 49426 INCLUDES Square Feet: 4,432 Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 3.5 Price Range: Contact Builder DIRECTIONS Port Sheldon West to Eaglewood, South to Eaglepass, West to home.

OVERVIEW The DVS team welcomes you to 5375 Eaglepass. Take your shoes off and relax on the screened porch with a fireplace to keep you warm on cool nights. This home sits on just over an acre of waterfront property. You will find many custom features throughout this home. From the custom kitchen cabinets with a hidden pantry to the custom trim details around the fireplace, this home is a must see. The lower level features another full custom kitchen, a garage for your out-of-season toys, and much more. This 6-bedroom home is built to last a lifetime with room for everyone.

DVS CONSTRUCTION

• Custom kitchen and trim details

At DVS Construction we build each home as if we are building it for ourselves. We treat each customer with the respect they deserve. We make the building process a positive experience with a can-do attitude and integrity. We are a custom home building company serving the West Michigan area since 2007. The DVS team builds in many fine communities in the Grand Rapids area.

• Hidden walk-in pantry • 4-stall garage • Screened porch with fireplace • 6 bedrooms

Dustin Vander Wilp dustin@dvsconstruction.com 616.291.6247 dvsconstructionllc.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

BOUMA BROS. 616-899-4086 www.boumabros.com

616.727.0909 www.wmkitchenstudio.com

616.662.0140 degraafinteriors.com

616.459.8367 www.beldenbrickandsupply.com

616.281.5522 www.westmichiganlumber.com

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 19 HOLLAND 5101 Rosabelle Beach Holland, MI 49424 INCLUDES Square Feet: 4,242 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 5 Price Range: Contact Builder

OVERVIEW Celebrity Builders hopes that you will come out and experience the breathtaking views offered by their 2022 Spring Parade Home situated on beautiful Lake Michigan. Customized to perfectly fit the lifestyle of their client, this home boasts exceptional quality in the details, craftsmanship, and design throughout the entire home—both inside and out. Celebrity Builders prioritizes building relationships with their clients leading to innovative design solutions that are evident throughout the home.

DIRECTIONS Take I-196 W to Exit 69B Chicago Drive W, Turn Right onto Port Sheldon Street, Turn Left onto Butternut Drive, Turn Right onto Van Buren Street, Turn Left onto Lakeshore Avenue, Turn Right onto Deplidge Lane, Turn Right onto Rosabelle Beach Avenue..

• Lush landscaping surrounds a maintenance-free exterior made up of metal roofing and composite shake siding paired with PVC trim that keeps this home looking its best year-round • Expansive Paver Patio with breathtaking views of the lake just a step out from the main level • Impressive Stone Chimney Chase topped with a large stone cap that extends into the interior of the home with a beautiful stone fireplace featuring an oversized hearth and barn beam mantle • Unique Louvered Interior Doors lead to creative custom design details throughout the home, including a modern wood-paneled Den with a built-in desk area • Beautiful back entry with floor-to-ceiling, tiled walls and custom lockers • Finished garage fully equipped with custom cabinetry topped with quartz countertops and stainless steel backsplash and includes a private stairway with access to the studio/guest suite providing a perf e c t atmosphere for relaxing Proud to once again be included in this season’s Parade of Homes tour, Celebrity Builders is looking forward to building relationships as we get to know you and answer any questions you might have.

Check us out and learn more at celebritybuildersllc.com and be sure to like us on Facebook.

CELEBRITY BUILDERS, LLC For nearly two decades the Celebrity Builders Team has been perfecting and refining our process to give you the dream custom home you have always wanted. Here at Celebrity Builders, our attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship goes unmatched — we expect excellence — and yet there is much more to this team than meets the eye. Whether you are looking for a space to entertain, a private oasis, or have no idea where to start, our commitment is to make your idea a reality. We treat your home as our own, and by choosing to build with us you are becoming part of our family; one that values relationships, communication, and makes the building process fun, easy, and memorable.

Troy DeHoop 616.299.2178 Rob Vis 616.291.1808 info@celebritybuildersllc.com celebritybuildersllc.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

616.994.7050 www.studioginc.com

616.532.4131 www.gerritsappliances.com

616.241.2655 www.modernhardware.com

616.281.5522 www.westmichiganlumber.com

616.771.0530 www.williamskitchen.com

616.662.0140 degraafinteriors.com

616.534.8560 www.thelightingcorner.com

people’s CHOICE AWARD CONTENDER

HOME 24 ROCKFORD 8405 Je Ne Be Dr. Rockford, MI 49341 INCLUDES Square Feet: 3,260 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Price Range: Contact Builder

DIRECTIONS US-131 N toward Cadillac to 10 Mile Rd NE. Take exit 97 for 10 Mile Rd toward Rockford, turn right onto 10 Mile Rd NE. Continue on 10 Mile Rd NE until you reach Je Ne Be Dr NE. Turn left onto Je Ne Be Dr NE. The house is at the bottom of the hill.

SNOWDEN BUILDERS, LLC Snowden Builders is a home builder specializing in high-end custom homes and larger remodeling projects in and around the Greater Grand Rapids area for over 25 years. Snowden Builders is dedicated to building superior quality custom homes that exceed customer expectations. By providing step-by-step guidance through the building and customization process, our customers are able to design and build a beautiful, unique home that fits their needs and budget, without sacrificing quality.

OVERVIEW Snowden Builders LLC is excited to introduce our Spring 2022 Parade Home! We tore down the existing cottage on the property to make room for this stunning custom-built home! This cozy yet spacious ranch-style home with over 3,200 square feet of finished space is nestled on the lakefront of the beautiful 85 acre, all-sports Big Brower Lake in Rockford.

• Open layout features a custom Kitchen designed to be the center of entertainment. A spectacular Lake Room and floor-to-ceiling windows offer an abundance of natural light and a breathtaking view of the lake.

• Screened Porch with fireplace and custom ceiling attributes is accessible from the common areas, as well as the private Owner’s Suite. A large lake view deck is blended into the layout, providing desired privacy on a popular lake.

• Unique and purposefully designed Lower Level with impressive 12’ tall ceilings, and essential storage utilizing the space under the garage • 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A custom-designed Bar area and private Game Room on the Lower Level showcase endless amounts of remarkable woodwork and other custom features throughout.

• Breathtaking exterior! The beautiful backyard and lake are accessible via the practical lakeside entry from the home. Walk out onto the gorgeous concrete patio/firepit area, or take the scenic route down the stone steps along the outside of the home to take in all of the beauty and awe that the exterior of this home affords!

For more information visit our website at www.snowdenbuilders.com, or like and follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @snowdenbuilders

Stephanie Snowden 616.532.1800 info@snowdenbuilders.com.com snowdenbuilders.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

616.534.8560 www.thelightingcorner.com

76 | early summer 2022

616.531.1110 www.norbertsglasandmirror.com

616.669.3085 www.elenbaas.com

An Interactive Directory for the Home APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE

Gerrit's Appliance, Inc. (616) 532-3626 www.gerritsappliances.com ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

42 North Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047 www.42northarchitects.com Brad Douglas Design www.braddouglasdesign.com David C. Bos Construction Co. (616) 842-2248 x116 Fitzpatrick Custom Design (616) 532-2000 J. Visser Design (616) 954-2509 www.jvisser.com Lucid Architecture, Inc (616) 741-0044 www.lucidarc.com Mathison Mathison Architects (616) 920-0545 www.mathisonarchitects.com Sears Architects (616)336-8495 www.searsarchitects.com Visbeen Architects, Inc. (616) 285-9901 x2 www. visbeen.com

Dan Vis Builders LLC (616) 293-3597 Dan Vos Construction Co., Inc. (616) 676-9169 Dave Dusendang Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 874-7085 www.dusendanghomes.com

Raymar Homes (616) 299-7664 Schultz Builders LLC (616) 405-9316 Scott Christopher Homes (616) 784-4500 Scott Lamaire Custom Homes (616) 802-8850

Rivershores Building Products, Inc. FLOOR COVERING Century (616) 738-8440 (616) 988-4524 Rivershores Hardwood Flooring & Cabinetry DeGraaf Interiors Company (616) 669-1621 (616) 243-7000 -EGR Johnson Carpet One (616) 738-8440 - Holland (616) 531-3100 www.facebook.com/RivershoresH Klingman's Furniture ardwoodFlooringCompany/ (616) 942-7300 www.houzz.com/pro/rivershoreshardwoodflooring/river- Village Custom Interiors shores-hardwood-flooring www.villageci.com sales@rivershores.com (616) 878-5000 /www.facebook.com/VillageCI Standale Home Studio (616) 453-8201 Standale Home Studio www.standalehomestudio.com (616) 453-8201 www.facebook.com/standalein- www.standalehomestudio.com teriors www.facebook.com/ www.houzz.com/pro/stanstandaleinteriors daleinteriors www.houzz.com/pro/standaleinwww.pinterest.com/standaleint teriors

Sherwood Custom Homes LLC (616) 891-1865 www.sherwoodcustomhomes.com jeff@sherwoodcustomhomes.com

TruKitchens (616) 957-1969 https://www.facebook.com/Tru Kitchens https://www.instagram.com/tru kitchens

Muston Construction, Inc. (616) 887-9088 www.mustonconstruction.com www.facebook.com/mustonconstruction www.houzz.com/pro/muston/__public office@mustonconstruction.com

New Urban Home Builders LLC (616) 401-5669 Dave Visser Builder LLC Nugent Builders, Inc. (616) 791-8899 (616) 866-7663 David C. Bos Construction Co. P.A. DeHaan LLC (616) 842-2248 x116 (616) 299-1329

DBC Custom Homes (616) 878-5400 www.dbccustomhomes.com www.facebook.com/DBCcust omhomes/ www.instagram.com/dbccustomhomes

Diephuis Builders, Inc. (616) 956-7441 Eastbrook Homes, Inc. (616) 988-1324 Epique Homes, Inc. (616) 437-1767 Falcon Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 682-1700 Forest Hills Homes LLC (616) 940-9015 Habitat For Humanity of Kent County (616) 588-5220 Infiniti Custom Homes, Inc. AWNINGS (616) 322-3005 Action Awning LLC Insignia Homes (616) 874-7400 (616) 940-1703 www.actionawning.com Interra Homes www.facebook.com/pages/ (616) 862-1292 Action-AwningJ & J Concepts LLC LLC/479665515420452 (616) 540-3560 J. Peterson Homes LLC BRICK, STONE & (616) 291-1816 MASONRY Jim Tibbe Homes Belden Brick & Supply Co. (616) 916-8895 (616) 459-8367 John L. Koetje Builder, Inc. (616) 538-4241 BUILDER Kenowa Associates, Inc. Ashby Builders (616) 531-0069 (616) 893-6284 KLH Custom Homes LLC Aukeman Development Co. (269) 823-8041 (616) 669-4363 Koetje Builders, Inc. B.D.D. Construction Co. LLC (616) 457-3450 (616) 696-1226 Let Us, Inc. BDR Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 893-2341 (616) 458-8505 Lown Homes LLC Berghuis Construction LLC (616) 366-3436 (616) 217-6565 Makuski Builders, Inc. Celebrity Builders LLC (616) 299-1725 (616) 291-1808 Christin Homes Maplewood Homes (616) 874-2694 (616) 499-5054 www.christinhomes.com www.maplewoodhomes.com chad@christinhomes.com Colonial Builders LLC Mike Schaap Builders, Inc. (616) 534-2030 (616) 399-9925 Curt Moran Builders, Inc. www.mikeschaapbuilders.com (616) 293-0660 Daeco Builders, Inc. Mosaic Properties & Homes (616) 682-2422 (616) 235-0711 x201

THELIST

Snellink Builders (616) 437-4527 Snowden Builders LLC (616) 299-8455 Solomon Homes LLC (616) 437-1179 Sytsma Construction LLC (616) 437-4966 www.sytsmaconstruction.com sytsmaconstllc@gmail.com Tim Schollaart Builder LLC (616) 890-1381 Tim VerStrate Custom Homes, Inc. (616) 677-6062 www.timverstratecustomhomes.com Whitmore Homes LLC (616) 446-3482 BUILDING MATERIALS

Eikenhout Building Supplies (616)-459-4523 Foundation Building Materials (616) 534-4903 CABINETRY

Benchmark Wood Studio (616)994-7374 benchmark-studios.com Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com sales@closetandroomsolutions.com

The Williams Studio (616) 771-0530 www.thewilliamsstudio.com www.facebook.com/TheWilliam sStudio www.houzz.com/pro/williamsst udio1/williams-studio#8 CLOSET ORGANIZERS

Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com

www.pinterest.com/standaleint GARAGE ORGANIZERS

Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com sales@closetandroomsolutions.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass sarahc@slighdesign.com

Closet & Room Solutions Studio G (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com (616) 994-7050 sales@closetandroomsolutions.com https://www.instagram.com/ studiogwmi www.studioginc.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 GLASS & MIRROR www.slighdesign.com PRODUCTS www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ Closet Design www.houzz.com/pro/slighclose- (616) 772-1119 tandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass Norbert's Glass & Mirror Co. DECORATIVE (616) 531-1110 HARDWARE www.norbertsglassandmirror.com Modern Hardware (616) 241-2655 Sligh Closet & Glass www.modernhardware.com (616) 422-4321 www.facebook.com/Modernwww.slighdesign.com Hardware www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/browseReview www.houzz.com/pro/slighcloses/modernhardwaregr https://instagram.com/modern- tandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass sarahc@slighdesign.com hardware

Progressive Hardware (616) 607-7373 Houtnerf Cabinet Co. www.pro-hardware.com info@houtnerf.design www.facebook.com/HoutnerfCa prohdw@sbcglobal.net binetCo/ www.instagram.com/houtnerfcabinetco

Studio G (616) 994-7050 www.instagram.com/studiogwmi www.studioginc.com

Cosmopolitan Home Grand Rapids | 77

THELIST

An Interactive Directory for the Home

HOME AUTOMATION

Created Control (616) 356-2660

Granite Transformations (616) 726-1388

Streamline Systems (616)457-5460 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatHOME ELECTRONICS Lakes-Granite-Works INSTALLATION www.houzz.com/pro/greatBekins Audio/Video & Appliances lakesgraniteworks/greatlakes-granite-works (616) 957-2333 www.instagram.com/great_lak Created Control es_granite_works (616) 356-2660 DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Streamline Systems Premier Granite & Stone (616)457-5460 (616) 647-5538 www.streamlinesystemsmi.com www.premiergranitetops.com HOME ORGANIZATION

Closet Concepts Standale Home Studio (616) 913-9148 www.facebook.com/Closetconce (616) 453-8201 ptsofgr/ www.standalehomestudio.com Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com sales@closetandroomsolutions.com Studio G (616) 994-7050 https://www.instagram.com/studiogwmi www.studioginc.com Sligh Closets & Glass (616) 422-4321 https://www.facebook.com/Sligh Design/ ORG West Michigan https://www.facebook.com/ORG WestMichigan INTERIOR DESIGN

42 North - Architecture + Design (616) 340-8047 Dwellings, Inc. (616) 532-7897 Rock Kauffman Design (616) 956-3008 Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300

Tru Kitchens (616) 957-1969 The Williams Studio (616) 771-0530 www.thewilliamsstudio.com www.facebook.com/TheWilli amsStudio www.houzz.com/pro/williams studio1/williams-studio#8 LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Alfresco Landcapes LLC (616) 453-2530 www.alfresco-landscapes.com

Top of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444 Williams Kitchen & Bath (616) 771-0505

Old National Bank (616) 802-3921 www.oldnational.com

STONE & TILE

PNC Bank (616) 446-9632 www.pnc.com SHOWER & TUB ENCLOSURES

Closet Design (616) 772-1119

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works109217255792578/ www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/great-lakesgranite-works www.instagram.com/great_lakes_ granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com

Norbert's Glass & Mirror Co. (616) 531-1110 www.norbertsglassandmirror.com

Top of the World Granite, Inc. (616) 791-7444

Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 www.slighdesign.com www.facebook.com/SlighDesign/ www.houzz.com/pro/slighclosetandglass/sligh-closet-and-glass

Closet Concepts, Inc. (616) 913-9148 www.closetconceptsofgr.com info@closetconceptsofgr.com

SIDING & ROOFING

Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com www.facebook.com/standalelumber

STORAGE

Closet & Room Solutions (616) 785-1021 www.closetandroomsolutions.com sales@closetandroomsolutions.com Sligh Closet & Glass (616) 422-4321 ORG West Michigan https://www.facebook.com/OR GWestMichigan WINDOW COVERINGS

Klingman's Furniture (616) 942-7300 Action Awning LLC Standale Home Studio The Lighting Corner (616) 874-7400 (616) 453-8201 (616) 534-8560 http://actionawning.com www.standalehomestudio.com (616) 842-1650 (G. Haven) https://www.facebook.com/pag www.facebook.com/standaleinwww.thelightingcorner.com es/Action-Awningteriors www.facebook.com/thelight- LLC/479665515420452 www.houzz.com/pro/standaleiningcorner/?fref=ts teriors www.pinterest.com/TLC_1984 SOLID SURFACE, www.pinterest.com/standaleint/ LIGHTING FIXTURES

MORTGAGE SERVICES

Adventure Credit Union (616) 243-0125 xx1207 www.adventurecu.org

Standale Interiors (616) 453-8201 www.standaleinteriors.com

Chemical Bank (616) 588-7438 www.chemicalbankmi.com

Joseph Szymczak www.studioatslate.com

First United Credit Union (616) 532-9067 www.firstunitedcu.org

KITCHEN & BATH

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Independent Bank Greater (800) 285-3111 Grand Rapids (616) 632-2284 www.dreammakergr.com

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Inlanta Mortgage (616) 581-2374 www.MoveUpMi.com

SOLAR SCREENS

GRANITE, FABRICATION/ INSTALLATION

Great Lakes Granite Works (616) 785-3088 www.greatlakesgranite.com www.facebook.com/GreatLakes-Granite-Works www.houzz.com/pro/greatlakesgraniteworks/great-lakesgranite-works www.instagram.com/great_lakes _granite_works DBurgess@greatlakesgranite.com Premier Granite & Stone (616) 647-5538 www.premiergranitetops.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

Eikenhout, Inc. (616) 459-4523 R J Raven Corporation (616) 245-5684 Standale Lumber & Supply (616) 530-8200 www.standalelumber.com