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It always helps to talk things out. Whether you need assistance selecting a simple color scheme, or want insightful design direction for an entire room, the interior design professionals at Gorman’s are here to help and their assistance is complimentary.
With their guidance, your vision, and Michigan’s most complete offering of name-brand home furnishings, you can create the room – and the home – that you’ve always wanted at the right price. Learn how certain fabrics work well together, how light can influence color, and how a simple change in layout can create a space that better suits you and your family. Visit us today. Let’s talk.
Featured Tile: Macchia Vecchia, Evora, and Shapes Elongated Hex | Design by Nikki Chu
We’ll
42 Sunny Spot
Modern-day makeover awakens Birmingham abode.
50 Luxe on the Lake
This family home blends modern architecture and high-tech automation with bits of Detroit’s rich history.
60 Fresh Start
Rochester home update yields a luxurious yet livable family retreat.
68 New Point of View
This custom dwelling in Plymouth exudes charm, inside and out.
76 Classic Comfort
A Rochester home and guest house benefit from a topnotch renovation.
These unique 100% wool designs celebrate the use of natural fibers and nature’s colors in a variety of textures to embody quality, sustainability and social consciousness in rug making. To complement any space, these rugs are available in standard sizes, runners and oversized, as well as custom sizes.
We invite you to visit our showrooms today to see our new fall collections.
20 New Spin! Hampered by a style-less laundry room? Consider these chic essentials.
22 Stock the Bar It’s time to stir up some soothing autumn libations.
24 Turn it On! These lighting styles have presence.
hosts a visit from Pollack textiles’ Rachel Doriss.
36 DESIGNS ON: Commercial Chic A salon and a jewelry emporium gleam with a special sheen.
40 SEASONS: Play-time Autumn’s chill doesn’t stop these kids from enjoying a unique outdoor retreat.
16 Editor’s Letter Sriking a Chord
96 House Party A special Design Awards evening, plus an energetic gathering in Corktown.
100 Design Resources Product information.
104 Bravo! A freestanding tub is the crown jewel in a luxurious bathroom.
hen Spencer from Ferndale’s Paradigm Plumbing & Mechanical was leaving our house after spending a couple hours installing a new toilet and two new faucets, he mentioned my choice of music. Normally, when I’m working at home I listen to the SiriusXM Elevations or Escape channels because there are no words, just music. I can’t write well if there are singers, but having melodies as a backdrop steadies me.
Spencer looked to be in his late 20s and I was amazed that he approved of these channels, as they typically play renditions from bygone eras. Standing in my foyer with his hand on the doorknob, he said, “I really like the stations you listen to, those old songs done kind of differently.”
And a connection was born. Music does that. So we discussed music, and then he looked at my piano and sheet music and told me he plays guitar and a horn instrument and sings. Anyone who tells me they sing is jokingly met with a “sing me a song!”
I certainly didn’t expect him to sing, but he asked me which song I’d like to hear. I had just been singing “The Sound of Music” from the play and movie, so I asked him to channel 1965 and Julie Andrews. He belted the tune out as though he’d been singing it for, as the song says, a thousand years! I was amazed. But that’s not all. Enter from stage left his plumbing partner, Scott. Hearing Spencer sing, he just had to join in and two booming voices filled the air, in harmony!
I was stunned, and I loved it!
There were some issues with the bathtub faucet that weren’t immediately addressed, and that one visit became three, but that’s OK. You know why? The two were kind, detailed, hard-working, and they sing! There’s nothing like a song to lift spirits, especially when things are going wrong in the plumbing department.
Compare this scenario with someone from a different plumbing company who came to install our new Whirlpool dishwasher. “Ooof,” he said, looking at the opening as he tried to jimmy, wedge, and shove our new dishwasher into its home. “This doesn’t fit,” he said, getting really red in the face. In the end, he broke parts of the dishwasher and the unit’s door wouldn’t close properly. A carpenter friend had to remedy the hack job on the kitchen cabinets and help us fit the unit properly.
Months later, I was talking to Justin, who was painting an upstairs hallway. Before long, I heard him humming. He then told me about a great song whose theme is “answering prayers.”
A few days later, Kyle knocked on our door. An expert grout man, he had come to repair the deteriorating caulk and grout that occurs when a house is settling. On this morning, Alexa was playing 1960s classics. As his caulk gun started oozing silicone and whatnot, Kyle began humming. That got us talking about the Rolling Stones and Mick Jagger.
Did you know that singers, hummers, and music-lovers are said to have specific traits? Careerexplorer.com reveals that they score high on openness, which means they’re usually curious, creative, and imaginative. They also tend to score high on social responsibility, indicating that they’re agreeable, conscientious, desire fair outcomes, and have a general concern for others.
That was certainly true of Spencer, Scott, Kyle, and Justin. I’m glad they tuned in, and I hope the music was a nice backdrop for their projects. It got me wondering: Should I have had music playing during the dishwasher debacle?
VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 3
PUBLISHER Jason Hosko
EDITORIAL
EDITOR Megan Swoyer
COPY EDITOR Anne Berry Daugherty
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/STYLISTS Jamie Fabbri, Patty LaNoue Stearns, Jeanine Matlow, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Khristi Zimmeth
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lindsay Richards
ART DIRECTOR Justin Stenson
SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephanie Daniel
JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR Steven Prokuda
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Jeff Garland, Jacob Hawkins, Steve Kroodsma, Beth Singer, Hayden Stinebaugh, Nick Vansen, Martin Vecchio
ADVERTISING SALES
DIGITAL SALES LEAD Scott Drummond
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Barnhart, Karli Brown, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely and Associates, Jessica VanDerMaas
OUTREACH SPECIALIST Prynsess Partridge
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jenine Knox
SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jill Berry
AD COORDINATOR Amanda Kozlowski
PRODUCTION ARTIST Jonathan Boedecker
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jim Bibart, Kathryn Dave
WEB
DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nick Britsky
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo
SENIOR DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Luanne Lim
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Jim Bowser, Kevin Pell
VIDEO PRODUCER Nicole Toporowski
VIDEOGRAPHER Heather Moody
DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER Travis Cleveland
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Robyn Banks
IT
IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland
CIRCULATION
DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Geralyn Wilson
CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers
CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Susan Combs, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold
MARKETING AND EVENTS
MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Jodie Svagr
MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Jaime Presnail
COMMUNICATIONS AND PR Regan Blissett
MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR Sofia Shevin
MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR Kristin Mingo
MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR Alexandra Thompson
MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT Alyssa Fueri, Cassandra Morris
JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexa Dyer
MARKETING AND EVENTS INTERNS Morgan Barbat, Delia Bechman, Natalie Brooks, Julia Tatone, Yessica Villaruel
BUSINESS
CEO Stefan Wanczyk
PRESIDENT John Balardo
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Kathie Gorecki
ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER Natasha Bajju
SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Andrew Kotzian
ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES Sammi Dick, Austin Schmelzle
DISTRIBUTION Target Distribution, Troy Postmaster:
Hampered by a style-less laundry room? Consider these chic essentials. STYLED BY JAMIE FABBRI
are versatile. $375, Design Within Reach, Grand Rapids, dwr.com.
sturdy as they
is is tile Beaver 6
LG WASHTOWER 3 4 5 8
adds style and practicality to your space. Price upon request, Ferguson, several 7
several locations,
You’re crafting your kitchen or bath renovation to your exact vision. Wittock Kitchen and Bath has the perfect handcrafted products to tie together any space in any style. Explore a wide range of faucets, sinks, tubs and more from brands like Kohler that add a distinctive finishing touch to your renovation. Stop in today or call ahead to schedule an appointment with our expert consultants at one of our showrooms.
STYLED BY JAMIE FABBRI
1. A leather-bound edition of “The Drunken Botanist,” by AMY STEWART, features enticing and unique drink recipes for your gathering. $98, Fleurdetroit, Bloomfield Hills, fleurdetroit.com.
2. This FOUR HANDS artwork, created by the late PEPI SPROHGE, is a perfect addition behind the bar. Price upon request, Verce Design, Michigan Design Center, Troy, michigandesign.com, vercedesign.com.
3. Stylishly stow libations and barware in the Bayamo Dark Blue Wood Bar Cabinet by
CALEB ZIPPERER for CB2. $1,999, CB2, Birmingham, cb2.com.
4. This colorful drinking glass set from BLYTHE SHOP delivers an element of style and class to any gettogether. $56/set of 4, shopblytheinteriors.com.
5. Add depth and texture to your table or bar with this stunning tortoiseshell tray by MARK & GRAHAM. $179, archivebydm.com, markandgraham.com.
6. The Wyatt Stainless Steel Double Champagne Cooler by RALPH LAUREN
emits a classic vibe. $350, Neiman Marcus, Troy, neimanmarcus. com, ralphlauren.com.
7. From the kitchen to the party room, CRATE & BARREL’s Adina Brass Cart with Silver Leaf Concrete Shelves will get things rolling. $599, Crate & Barrel, Novi, crateandbarrel.com.
8. Tint Wine Glasses by HAY come in an array of fun hues. $50/set of 2, Design Within Reach, Grand Rapids, dwr.com, us.hay.com.
These
These lighting styles have presence STYLED BY JAMIE FABBRI
Resource Studio, Michigan Design Center, Troy, michigandesign.com, uttermost.com.
3. A Golden Onion Chandelier
REVELATION BY UTTERMOST says a lot. Price upon request, Lighting Resource Studio, Michigan Design Center, Troy, michigandesign.com, utter-most.com.
collection for BAKER stands tall with a Bronzino finish. Price upon request, Baker | McGuire, Michigan Design Center, Troy, bakerfurniture.com, michigandesign.com.
5. ORIGINAL BTC’s Pebble Pendant adds decorative charm. $3,959, originalbtc.com.
6. Elegant and luxurious are words that can be used to describe the Fiore 6 Light Crown Chandelier from ARHAUS
$4,949, Arhaus, Ann Arbor and Troy, arhaus.com.
7. GIANCARLO MATTIOLI’s Nesso Table Lamp features an iconic design that packs a bright punch. $515, Design Within Reach, Grand Rapids, dwr.com.
8. The Harlin 2-Light Wall Sconce in Clear from ARHAUS can elevate even the smallest space. $799, Arhaus, Ann Arbor and Troy, arhaus.com.
NEW-TRADITIONAL
This kitchen in a Birmingham 1950 Colonial underwent a fascinating overhaul to preserve its classic vibe. See the story inside this section.
28
SNAPSHOT: SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE
32
SNAPSHOT: TRUE TO TRADITION
34
SNAPSHOT: DESIGN DOYENNE
36
DESIGNS ON: COMMERCIAL CHIC
40
SEASONS: PLAY-TIME
TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SAUTER
When a young couple from Berkley made the decision two years ago to upgrade the kitchen in their bungalow-style home, they did so with their vast record collection in mind. Calling on 8-year-old Whiski Kitchen of Royal Oak, they immediately let designer Melissa Sauter know that it would be great to have storage space for their many vinyls.
The former kitchen was closed off by two walls that separated the dining area from the kitchen, making the space feel narrow and confined. “We were able to completely transform this area to create a more generous and functional kitchen, plus incorporate custom storage for the clients’ sizeable record collection,” Sauter says of the project, which was titled “Pistachio Colada.” (The company names all of its projects after a cocktail.)
With white cabinets and matte black hardware, the result is a clean, timeless look. The island cabinets’ custom shade (SherwinWilliams’ Acacia Haze) brings color to the
A NEW SPIN
Both pages: A clean, timeless look is what the Berkley homeowners were after when they contacted Whiski Kitchen of Royal Oak. That and a place for all those cherished vinyls!
design, while the quartz countertops inject a bright-white complement. Appliances in matte white round out the look.
“The homeowner cooks a lot, and she wanted more space,” Sauter says. Adds the homeowner: “Both of us work from home, so we naturally eat lots of meals here. We’re both vegetarians, and Mexican and Indian dishes are our go-to weekly fare.” On any typical day, you might hear music from the American jazz group the Sun Ra Arkestra playing while the couple cooks up dinner.
“The space now features a kitchen area, dining area, workspace, and a space for their albums; there’s also a little nook for listening to music,” Sauter says. A window between the album shelves provides more light and includes a shiplap wall painted Glacier White (Benjamin Moore) to match the record shelving color. The shiplap, Sauter says, adds texture and interest without competing with the albums, which are truly works of art.
“We worked with Detroit Build to have the top part of the shelving custom-made, and then we installed cabinets (from Pennsylvania-based Legacy Crafted Cabinets) along the bottom. It was quite a challenge to create, making sure all three spaces were equal along the bottom and that the albums fit perfectly on the shelves,” the designer acknowledges.
The team decided on a pistachio hue to keep the space “light and bright,” Sauter says. “It’s a small space, so even with a wall down, you need to keep a light color. Thus, we used white for perimeter cabinets and color on the island.” The team also selected matte-white subway-style tile with
a subtle texture, and chose a white grout. “The white blends in with the wall,” Sauter notes.
The light above the nook area and the two pendants above the island are black, to echo the hardware, sink, and faucet tones. Champagnebronze hardware adds panache. As for the flooring, a wood floor replaces the old linoleum tile and matches the wood on the rest of the first floor.
The entire renovation took about a year to complete. “With small spaces that are also serving as multiple spaces, you want it to be aesthetically pleasing but functional,” Sauter says. This kitchen checks all those boxes: cooking, storage, workspace, eat-in area, and display for albums.
Shares the homeowner: “I love walking into my home and seeing the open space right from the front door. It doesn’t feel overpowering, yet it reflects our personality well. I have to say, baking in a nice kitchen makes the whole experience so much more memorable.”
MORE INFORMATION: whiski-kitchen.com
TUNING IN
A sweet listening nook provides space for taking in the tunes or reading album covers. Detroit Build went to town on the custom shelving, providing perfectly measured storage sections.
The 1950 Colonial on a beautiful tree-lined street in Birmingham had a lot going for it, says Steph Morris, founder and principal designer at Clarkston-based North + Birch Interior Design. Unfortunately, the kitchen wasn’t one of them.
The space had been redone by previous owners, and the designer says the end result was a “too contemporary” style that cut the long and narrow footprint into two sections. “Surprisingly, some of the appliances weren’t even in the kitchen,” she says of the old layout. “It didn’t look terrible, but there was no natural flow.” Restoring that flow while being true to tradition was the priority, she explains.
The homeowners, who were both born in the area and recently moved back with their young family after living in a Chicago condo, originally brought Morris in to work on soft furnishings, but they quickly added the kitchen to her to-do list.
Unlike many houses on the block, which were being torn down to make way for new construction, the family wanted to both preserve and play up the home’s classic vibe. Their goals for the entire house, but especially for the kitchen, included
CLASSIC TONES
creating spaces that fit the structure’s age and architecture, and looked like they had always been there, Morris says, adding that the homeowners wanted a space that had a “clean personality that matched the home’s new traditional aesthetic and (would) function for a young family.”
Challenges included reconciling the old kitchen’s two zones and maximizing the space’s footprint. Working within the existing space, Morris brought all of the appliances back into the kitchen and added a long, oversized island to make efficient use of space that was previously a walkway. “Surprisingly, the room’s center wasn’t being used for anything,” she says of the old layout.
cabinetry by WeissWorks in Holly and a custom dining table by Gronzo Design in Holly, complement the neutral palette and organic materials, while honey bronze hardware and chunky island end panels add a hint of a contemporary feel.
ISLAND TIME
Designer Morris added a long, oversize island to make efficient use of space that was previously a walkway.
Now, the warm wood island smartly joins the two ends of the room. Other features include natural quartzite countertops and a handy builtin appliance garage — something Morris says “is standard in all our kitchens now,” with the inside stained the same wood finish as the island. “It looks good whether it’s open or closed,” she notes. Warm woods, including custom
The designer’s favorite feature is the brick alcove that once housed an awkward fireplace but now is home to the range and serves as the renovated space’s focal point. Much like the house, the range and the kitchen’s other quality elements will stand the test of time. “We wanted to design with the long view in mind,” Morris says.
Says the homeowner: “From the start, North + Birch understood our vision and designed a plan that was both beautiful and functional for our everyday use. Our kitchen turned out better than we could have ever imagined.”
Tennant and Associates hosts a visit from Pollack Textiles ‘ Rachel Doriss
TEXT BY PaTTY laNOUE STEaRNS
As vice president and director of the textile Pollack in New York
Rachel Doriss — with her team — is inventing new designs for the luxury-home, contract, and hospitality businesses. company launches two collections annually, they’re always spectacular.
Detroit Design caught up with Doriss Michigan Design Center in Troy, where textiles are represented by Tennant and in Studio 61. The designer says each fabric has a story that starts with a hand-drawing.
“That’s what sets us apart from companies — we’re designing the fabric the ground up, like architects. It’s not a pattern or a print and a theme; it’s whole cloth,” she says.
The fiber, the yarn, how it’s colored, its construction, the finishing, and the end use
are all considered in Pollack’s textile designs. Developing a fabric takes six months to a year, says Doriss, who works with more than 100 stateof-the-art mills. Most are located in the United States and Europe, and each has a specialty.
“In every collection, I try to have one fabric that pushes the boundaries,” the designer says. On the Fringe, from Pollack’s 2023 spring collection, is one of those. Doriss knew the only mill that could pull off the extremely complicated design was one in India that does hand-weaving.
Cape Cod native Doriss, 47, fell in love with textiles as a young girl. Her grandmother taught her how to sew, knit, crochet, and weave. She later studied art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, then transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design for textiles, where she earned a BFA. After a stint at luxury scarf-maker Echo Design, she joined Pollack as a designer under celebrated co-founder Mark Pollack in 2000. She’s been in her current position since 2012, and lauds her four-person staff: “They bring amazing things to the table that I wouldn’t have thought of. It’s very much a collective, and each designer gets credit for their work, which a lot of companies don’t do.”
Two of Doriss’ designs for Pollack are in the permanent collection of New York’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. She has homes in Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley, where she lives with her 13-year-old daughter, Coco, who’s taking weaving lessons and is already a creative soul.
MORE INFORMATION: pollackassociates.com
EYE CANDY
Top: Boxing Day adorns the chair and ottoman.
TEXT BY GIUSEPPA NADROWSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GARLAND (SALON) | NICK VANSEN (JEWELRY STORE)
Renovations and build-outs, upgrades and up-dos, high-tech additions and dramatic allure — when it comes to what’s new in the metro Detroit commercial design scene, it’s all about creating the perfect ambience while making the boldest statement.
Here, we spotlight two businesses that are doing just that: Crème Brûlée, a multicultural beauty venue in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood that’s redefining what a salon is and can be; and Lucido Fine Jewelry, which recently transformed its Birmingham location into a luxury designer showroom.
“I wanted to do something Detroit had never seen before,” owner and founder Katrina Wilson says of her multicultural Detroit salon, Crème Brûlée. To do that, she brought on interior designer Doreen Hunter, founder of Detroit-based Hdesigns Group, LLC.
“The salon is supposed to exude luxury,” says Hunter, who completed the project in 2021, “and be a statement of elegance. We achieved that through the colors and materials.”
From crisp white walls to the sleek yellow reclining shampoo chairs that were imported from Italy to the Halo hair dryers, IGLOO hair steamers, touchless faucets, charcoal filters in the manicure station, a luxurious velvet seating lounge complete with an electric fireplace, a
custom glass art piece of the Detroit skyline, a shimmering crystal chandelier, floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized porcelain floor tiles, and a signature scent selected by Wilson that softly wafts throughout the salon, “we wanted to make a statement,” Hunter says. The unexpected elements have helped distinguish Crème Brûlée from any other salon in Detroit.
The salon, which is located within the historic Baltimore Station at the corner of Woodward and East Baltimore and still features an original brick wall, was a blank canvas, Hunter says. Coming up with the most functional use of space was among her biggest challenges, as was navigating delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The salon is separated into distinct stations, or bars (for shampooing, color, manicures, and more), and clients are overjoyed to discover there’s also a coffee bar, a snack bar, and even an actual bar with custom mixed drinks. “You can sit there, get your hair colored, and have a cocktail while you wait,” Hunter says.
“Our tagline and our motto is that we’re a luxury beauty affair,” Wilson adds. “Once you get here, you want to stay. Having things like drinks and different social events here promotes that.” Wilson says her salon prides itself on serving guests of all ethnicities, races, and gender preferences, and she offers food to the local homeless community each day. “I want to impact both ways — people that are our customers and the community, as well.”
Located at the corner of Old Woodward and Hamilton Row, the new Lucido Fine Jewelry store is unlike any other retail experience. “We wanted to create a big-city feel with small-town charm,” explains managing partner Fran Lucido. To do so, the Lucido family sought the guidance of Farmington Hills-based Davis & Davis.
Spearheading the project was Amer Sahoury, lead designer and project manager for Davis & Davis. “The (Lucido family) wanted people to be able to come in and, rather than just stand and buy jewelry, be able to sit down and have a drink,” Sahoury says. His team accomplished the goal by dividing the boutique into four welcoming
spaces, including a plush seating lounge and a separate bridal suite.
At the entrance is a sculptural black walnut surround embellished with a warmly-lit logo and a luxurious reception desk. To ensure the wood was consistent, Sahoury had the structure constructed from a single tree. “Mod Interiors (the Ira Township-based firm behind the project’s custom millwork) selected the exact tree,” Sahoury says. “It was sliced into veneers, sewn together using a melted polyester
threading technique, applied onto the substructure, and stained to the specified finish.”
Wanting the interior to have a natural and organic palette representative of the stones and gems Lucido is beloved for, Sahoury chose bright onyx porcelain slabs to line the floors, feature wall, and bridal area; large-format Calcutta gold porcelain slabs for counters and a communal table; and customsized African Saint Laurent marble shelves. A woven linen wallcovering continues the theme, and a French wallcovering in the bridal suite emulates cascading water droplets.
Flexible magnetic track lighting was chosen so the team can easily move the lights around to meet their needs, while curved, custom glass display cases allow clients to move freely throughout. “We wanted (a luxurious yet) warm and welcoming feeling for our guests,” Lucido says. “Our goal is to be there to help our guests celebrate all life’s special moments for years to come.”
Adds owner Vince Lucido: “We’re not in the jewelry business; we’re in the relationship business.”
MORE INFORMATION
cremebruleedetroit.com, lucidojewelry.com
Ablank-slate backyard was the perfect canvas for the playhouse Bryan and Lauren Tolles envisioned for their then 4-year-old son. The couple had recently moved into their newly-built Birmingham home when they reached out to their landscape architect, Tim Shoemaker, partner at Michael J. Dul & Associates Inc. Shoemaker was tasked with creating a playhouse he describes as “something different, something appealing to look at, not just a standard store-bought piece of equipment.”
Landing on the idea of a shipping container, the Tolleses took to the internet to procure the structure. “The look on the neighbor’s faces could only be described as horrifying as an old, rusted, and terribly graffitied shipping container was hoisted into our yard via crane,” says Bryan, whose wife owns Maison Birmingham, which also has KSI Kitchen and Bath under its umbrella.
Making the shipping container work with the site was among the project’s bigger challenges, notes Shoemaker. “A large steel box painted every color of the rainbow isn’t something you see every day, especially in Birmingham,” he says.
“When our son was younger, some of our favorite memories were spending Saturday mornings with him at Eastern Market,” Bryan says. “We were particularly drawn to the murals surrounding the market, and we have a number of pictures of our son with some of his favorites. One of those was by artist Jesse Kassel.”
The structure now features a stunning display of Kassel’s vibrant work. “The inspiration was really to just paint something fun and also with
a lot of detail, to create something for the kids to visually explore,” says Kassel, whose art can be seen in Eastern Market, Ann Arbor, Oxford, and even New York City and Honolulu.
“Part of the fun about bringing a great team together is watching how they take your idea and make it exceptional with the finer details,” Bryan says. “Tim Shoemaker took it another step further by adding lighting to the interior, so we could enjoy the artwork while sitting on our patio in the evenings.”
Today, the structure has become an indispensable asset for memory-making for the family. “We love that it’s a functional piece of art,” Bryan says, as well as “an outlet for our children’s playfulness and creativity.”
CONTAIN YOUR ENTHUSIASM Autumn finds the kids outside playing, even come dusk, thanks to this cool playhouse at Bryan and Lauren Tolles’ Birmingham home.
The urban dwelling’s primary bedroom, opposite page, and kitchen, this page, contribute to a feeling that’s fresh and spacious.
GAbove and right: “The owner wanted her home (including this living area) to feel warm,” says interior designer Rita O’Brien.
Guided by interior designer Rita O’Brien, this fully-renovated urban dwelling feels like a breath of fresh air. The long and narrow home previously had dark interiors and a dated layout; thanks to O’Brien, the formerly dingy space has given way to an open floor plan with new features that take the Birmingham home to new heights. In the end, the principal of Rita O’Brien Interiors at the Michigan Design Center in Troy transformed the tired residence into a light and bright environment.
The designer says she could see the potential of the long and narrow house, which sits on a modest lot where new landscaping was another welcome addition. “We opened up the walls and
added windows, a front porch, and a French-door entrance. Previously, the only entrances were a side door and a little door to the garage,” she notes.
A spacious living area benefits from additional windows that showcase the new entrance, while cozy corner seats offer the perfect perch for the homeowner. “She’s an avid reader and there are a couple of spots (where she can) curl up,” O’Brien says. A sizable sofa with a wide chaise offers a comfy place for her to sit while entertaining friends and family.
Swivel chairs join a wood bookcase and a metal mirror in the living room. A concrete coffee table with decorative edging holds a hand-carved teak tray tray from Bali, while a soft gold-and-glass console table features custom local art above. “The space is very serene,” O’Brien says. “The owner just wanted it to be peaceful and unique.”
A sense of serenity continues in a cozy kitchen nook in front of the fireplace, which pairs three upholstered swivel chairs and a small round custom table. A petite bar fits in perfectly beside the fireplace, and a white sideboard is
the perfect place to store the homeowner’s china. Off-white walls create a soothing backdrop.
O’Brien says that at first, the homeowner was a bit hesitant to use two cabinet colors in the kitchen. “Now she likes the white cabinets with the others that have a natural finish,” the designer says. Quartz counters and concave subway tiles complete the space, where brass and wood pendant lights add a lovely touch above the peninsula.
A nod to local talent can be found in the art that appears throughout the house, much of which has been done by Michigan artists. “The owner wanted her home to feel warm,” O’Brien says, adding that sophisticated updates made existing features, like the staircase, shine. “The black lacquer adds such a nice touch,” she points out.
Other attractive add-ons include a floral grasscloth that lends texture to a hallway by the side door that once served as the main entrance to the home. “She just wanted a pop of color there,” O’Brien says. A semi-flush alabaster
and gold ceiling fixture sheds light on the black lacquer-paneled door to complete the look.
A first-floor powder room wows with custom geometric wallpaper that O’Brien calls “multidimensional.” The black ceiling and granite counter help to kick up the visuals in the compact space.
Custom details continue in a guest bedroom that has a cathedral ceiling, upholstered beds separated by a custom rolling ottoman with locking casters, and layered bedding. The long ottoman provides a place for visitors to sit during their stay. A second guest room also offers comfort with a custom queen upholstered bed and a bench.
The spacious primary bedroom, which includes a fireplace, is well-edited like the rest of the home. “The homeowner is a minimalist; less is more,” O’Brien says. Key pieces include a streamlined desk where the homeowner likes to pay bills, and a bed that combines fabric with steel and wood. A wool rug and a leather cowhide further soften the space.
Earth tones create a calming effect in the
master bath, where a glass-enclosed shower replaced a smaller version. A sculptural tub adds a luxurious touch to the well-appointed space. “She wanted to brighten it up,” O’Brien says. “We took (the bathroom) down to the studs.” Neutral cabinets support a quartz counter and double sinks. The textured floor combines the gray, taupe, and white tones that are woven throughout the home.
BALANCING ACT
Clockwise, from left: Attractive artwork by Susan Morosky (Bruce White Galleries, Clawson) injects a dose of style in the stairway area. Pretty, muted colors on a rug from The Ghiordes Knot and a blue Schumacher wallpaper create instant beauty in a hallway. Fenwick Bartel wallpaper is truly unique for this powder room.
Little lights, like the one beside the tub, come from Italy. “They run on batteries and they have chargers,” O’Brien says. “You can dim them, too.” The polished nickel hardware that also appears throughout the house features a variety of finishes. “It just works with the natural wood,” the designer explains.
As is the case in many projects, there were challenges along the way. In this home, it was the
first-floor layout. “We had to change everything and make it look like it wasn’t a long and narrow house,” O’Brien says. “We had to fill the void, but not make it look too crowded.” The well-curated rooms also had to be kid- and pet-friendly, for her client’s grandchildren and her dog.
Today the happy homeowner is living large in her freshly-renovated, right-sized home.
BATHROOM BLISS
Both pages: A Kohler bathtub, Rutt Quality Cabinetry, and Preferred Marble & Granite countertops all make the primary bathroom sing with soothing elegance.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Rita O’Brien Interiors, Troy, ritaobrien.com
BATHROOM, POWDER
Countertop – Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser
Mirror – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sink – Kohler, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Wallpaper – Fenwick Bartel, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BATHROOM, PRIMARY
Bath Mat – CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Bathtub – Kohler
Cabinetry – Rutt Quality Cabinetry, Gardner Builders, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Countertops – Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser
Lighting – Visual Comfort, City Lights
Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Mirrors – Since, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Shower – Cercan Tile, Gardner Builders, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BEDROOM, PRIMARY
Artwork, Left – Decoroom, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Artwork, Right – Mark Wollock, TRA Art Group, Clawson
Bed Frame – Hickory Chair, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, City Lights
Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Desk – Currey & Company, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Tables, Bedside – Hickory Chair, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Seapearl
HALLWAY
Candles – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chest – Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Flooring – Regenerated Core Flooring, Detroit
Lamp – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Mirror – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Seapearl
HALLWAY 2
Light, Ceiling – Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wallpaper – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
KITCHEN
Artwork – Lenore Gimpert, Bruce White Galleries, Clawson
Blinds – The Shade Store, Kravet, Kravet |
Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Cabinetry – Rutt Quality Cabinetry, Gardner Builders, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Countertops – Difiniti, Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser
Flooring – Regenerated Core Flooring, Detroit
Lighting – Palecek, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sink – Blanco, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Seapearl
LIVING ROOM
Armchairs – Custom, Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Artwork – Bruce White Galleries, Clawson
Chaise – Custom, Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Flooring – Regenerated Core Flooring, Detroit
Lamps – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Custom, Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Coffee – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Display – Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design
Center, Troy
Table, Side – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Seapearl
SITTING ROOM
Armchairs – Custom, Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Artwork – Laurel Pitynski, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lamps – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Mirror – Interlude, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Stool – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Bar – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Vase – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Artwork – Susan Morosky, Bruce White Galleries, Clawson
Chest – Rowe Furniture, Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lamp – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Tray – Rita O’Brien Interiors, Michigan Design Center, Troy
THIS FAMILY HOME BLENDS MODERN ARCHITECTURE AND HIGH-TECH AUTOMATION WITH BITS OF DETROIT’S RICH HISTORY
TEXT BY PATTY LANOUE STEARNS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE KROODSMA
TRULY TASTEFUL
Ryan and Wendi LaFontaine knew exactly what they wanted before they built their dream home. All they needed was a dream team. After they found it, the couple was intimately involved in every single room in their 11,815-square-footplus manse on Genesee County’s Silver Lake, near Fenton. The result is a monument to their family and their love of Detroit’s history.
The six-bedroom/eight-bath home was at least a five-year process, says Ryan, CEO of the LaFontaine Automotive Group, which includes 54 retail franchises, eight collision centers, and 34 Michigan retail locations.
The couple has five children, including two sets of twins, so they wanted to be sure that
Above: Northern Staircase Co., in Pontiac, worked with the design team to create a beautiful stairway.
their new house “felt like home, not a museum piece,” Ryan says. And because they’re car people who love classic cars, they needed lots of garages. The entrance to one of them is a steel vault door that’s more than 100 years old! Many pieces of Detroit adorn the LaFontaines’ home, including reclaimed bricks from their parents’ houses, a couple of doors made from Packard Automotive Plant windows, live-edge walnut countertops, and an original window from the downtown J.L. Hudson’s store.
“We love things that have history,” says Ryan, who adds that they’ve incorporated antique
Above: The all-seasons room is filled with natural light and is a great spot to read a book or look out to gorgeous landscaping. Right: Neutral tones and textural furnishings adorn the inviting family room.
“WENDI (LAFONTAINE) WANTED THE HOUSE TO HAVE A SOUL.”
LONA BATTISHILL
automotive blueprints from Ferrari, Corvette, and Cadillac into the walls and ceilings. A vintage Chris-Craft boat is also part of the couple’s décor. Many materials were found at Detroit’s Architectural Salvage Warehouse, a gem of a place on Detroit’s east side.
After razing the previous home on their 7-acre property, the LaFontaines had their team plant more than 500 new trees for privacy. All of the materials used for the residence, such as
the zinc exterior, were selected for their lowmaintenance qualities.
The LaFontaines and their builder, Fenton’s Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes, brought on Schaerer Architextural Interiors of Bloomfield Hills at the start of the project. Designer Bob Schaerer worked alongside the builder and architectural designer, Christopher Macklin Design of Fenton, to devise the unique style and layout of the home.
Schaerer calls the home’s style “urban industrial,” noting there’s lots of steel and blackened steel windows, which were created by Tom Meyer of Gallery Steel in Waterford. Despite its size, Schaerer says the house “feels pretty efficient — it doesn’t feel ginormous.”
Lona Battishill, Schaerer’s director of design, agrees: “This is a house that’s used. (With) five kids and two dogs, it’s a very active family. It’s really functional for all seven of them.”
Between the all-sports lake, the pool, and all the equipment that goes with outdoors living, one of the challenges for Schaerer and Battishill was customizing the space to hold it all. Ensuring that there was plenty of display space was big, too; a whole room is devoted to Detroit memorabilia.
The home is full of warmth, detail, and character, and there are loads of stories attached to the artifacts and artwork found in every room. One thing the LaFontaines didn’t want was the
typical living room off the foyer, so instead there’s an all-seasons room with a series of steel-framed glass doors and its own separate HVAC zone. The top terrace, with an outdoor TV, fireplace, and the best view of the lake, is adjacent to the kids’ loft.
Each room flows into the next with materials that complement each other. There are heated floors on each level and it’s also a fully automated smart home, with a state-of-the-art Savant system that Spire Integrated Systems in Troy wove throughout every room.
The lower level includes an exercise room with a massage area, a gathering room with a TV
CUSTOM CHIC
The primary bedroom is warmed with splendid wood tables and a bench, custom-built by Vogue Furniture. Artwork from Leon & Lulu adds a nice finishing touch.
and a bar, and a his-and-hers bathroom equipped with a sun shelf and hot tub, as well as lockers for guests using the outdoor pool. A full, poolside outdoor kitchen is sheltered in an outdoor pavilion whose materials and roofline mimic the main house. There’s also a surf shack by the lake, and artistic fire and water features highlight the grounds.
Wendi looks at the house as a “foundational piece for my family and the community.” At their first party, she says, “We had 110 people and dogs running around.” The home is the perfect spot for the couple to hold events for their church and the volunteer-based charity, U CAN-CER VIVE, that Ryan, a cancer survivor, co-founded with his sister, Kelley LaFontaine.
“Wendi wanted the house to have a soul,” Battishill says.
Above: A bathroom’s quirky doors add whimsy. Designers discovered them at Architectural Salvage Warehouse in Detroit.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Schaerer Architextural Interiors, Bloomfield Hills, schaererarchinteriors.com
ALL-SEASONS ROOM
Chair, Hanging – Custom, Tom Myers, Gallery Steel, Waterford Township
Chandelier – Luceplan, Pinetree Lighting, Lake Orion
Fireplace – Custom, American Fireplace, Ferndale
Flooring – Andy Fleishman, Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Metal Fabrication – Gallery Steel, Waterford Township
Rug – Luxelooms, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Table, Coffee – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Tile – Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
BAR
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Chandelier – Custom
Countertop – Custom, Capital Granite, Inc., Bridgeport
Flooring, Tile – Del Conca USA
Flooring, Wood – Everlast Floors, Troy
Stools, Bar – Pottery Barn
Wall Covering – The Detroit Wallpaper Co., Ferndale
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
BATHROOM
Doors – Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit, Detroit
Lighting – Tech Lighting, Pinetree Lighting, Lake Orion
Mirror – Perigold
Sink – Ronbow
Tile, Floor – Del Conca USA
Tile, Wall – Virginia Tile, Troy
Wall Paint – Sherwin Williams, High Reflective White
BATHROOM, PRIMARY
Bathtub – Brizo, Advanced Plumbing, Waterford Township
Ceiling Treatment – Custom, Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes, Fenton
Chandelier – Il Pezzo Mancante, Pinetree
Lighting, Lake Orion
Lighting, Vanity – Fine Arts, Pinetree
Lighting, Lake Orion
Mirror – RH
Shower – Fenton Glass Service, Fenton
Sink – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Table, Small – RH
Tile, Backsplash – Oceanside Glass & Tile, Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Tile, Floor – White Thassos, Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Tile, Floor (Mosaic) – Scribe Mosaics, Ann
Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Maritime White
BEDROOM, PRIMARY
Artwork – Leon & Lulu, Clawson
Bench – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Flooring – Everlast Floors, Troy
Lamps, Bedside – Vistosi, Pinetree
Lighting, Lake Orion
Rug – Scott Group Studio, Grand Rapids
Sofa – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Table, Coffee – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Tables, Bedside – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Maritime White
DINING ROOM
Cabinetry – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Ceiling Treatment – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Chairs, Dining – Poltrona Frau, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Flooring – Everlast Floors, Troy
Stool, Bar – Poltrona Frau, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Table, Dining – John Houshmand
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
FAMILY ROOM
Artwork – Craig Alan, Art Leaders Gallery
Chairs, Accent – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Chandelier – Troy Lighting, Pinetree
Lighting, Lake Orion
Concrete – Line Studio Detroit, St. Clair
Shores
Fireplace – Custom, American Fireplace, Ferndale
Flooring – Everlast Floors, Troy
Metal Fabrication – Gallery Steel, Waterford Township
GATHER ‘ROUND
The bar has plenty of seating and is a great spot to watch some sports. Opposite page: The gathering room looks out to pure beauty.
Pillows, Throw – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Sofa – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Table, Coffee – Minotti, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Tile – Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
FOYER
Artwork – Custom, Matthew MacDougall
Chandelier – Kuzco, Pinetree Lighting, Lake Orion
Flooring – Everlast Floors, Troy
Glass – Bolyard Lumber, Birmingham
Handrail – Custom, Tom Meyer, Gallery Steel, Waterford Township
Staircase – Northern Staircase Co., Pontiac
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
GATHERING ROOM
Ceiling Treatment – Custom, Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes, Fenton
Chairs, Accent – Kekke, Piet Boon, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Fireplace – Custom, American Fireplace,
Ferndale
Flooring, Tile – Del Conca USA
Flooring, Wood – Everlast Floors, Troy
Rug – Tufenkian, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Poltrona Frau, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
Wall Treatment – Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit, Detroit
HALLWAY 1
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Flooring, Dark – Marca Corona, Virginia Tile, Troy
Flooring, Wood – Everlast Floors, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
HALLWAY 2
Closets – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Flooring – Everlast Floors, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
KITCHEN
Backsplash – Andy Fleishman, Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Cabinetry – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Countertop – Dwyer Marble & Stone Supply, Farmington Hills
Flooring – Everlast Floors, Troy
Lighting – Hudson Valley, Pinetree
Lighting, Lake Orion
Stools, Bar – Poltrona Frau, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
STAIRCASE
Ceiling Treatment – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Flooring – Del Conca USA
Handrail – Custom, Tom Meyer, Gallery Steel, Waterford Township
Pots, Plant – Gerych’s Greenhouse, Flowers and Events, Fenton
Stairs – Northern Staircase Co., Pontiac
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Light Pewter
EXTERIOR
Composite Panels – CEI Materials, Manchester
Fascia – RCI Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., Brighton
Landscaping – Outdoor Living, LLC, Clarkston
Lighting, Pool – Clearwater Construction, Livonia
Patio – Silverek Travertine Pavers, High Format, Charlevoix; Border, Gotham Nero Porcelain Tile Pavers, Unilock US
Pool – Aquascapes, Clarkston; Coping, Rock Bottom Stone Supply, Burton
Roofing – RCI Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., Brighton
Siding – RCI Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., Brighton
Soffit – RCI Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc., Brighton
Tiles, Glass – Oceanside Glass & Tile
Windows – Marvin Windows & Doors, Bolyard Lumber
Architectural Details – Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit, Detroit
Builder – Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes, Fenton
House Automation System – Spire Integrated Systems, Troy
Pool, Landscaping – Outdoor Living, LLC, Clarkston
This page: A tiered chandelier highlights a refurbished staircase. Opposite page: The lower-level living room is a great place to gather.
MMeg Corley, interior designer and principal at Meg Corley in Birmingham, recently embarked on a full-house renovation for a couple with five grown children. “Now that the kids are older, we can spread throughout the house,” the wife says of her Rochester residence. “It’s glamorous, but it’s a family home.”
The deluxe rooms exude comfort at their core. “It’s a great space for all of us to come together. Essentially, it’s a full nest where the kids can all gather,” she adds. “It has such a flow to it, with the warm colors and all the attention to detail. It’s traditional with a twist. I’m very tactile, and I wanted people to feel the warmth when they come in.”
Her designer gets high praise. “Meg was phenomenal. She got to know us so well, and she was so professional and respectful,” the wife says.
Corley found creative ways to incorporate important sentimental treasures like photos and mementoes. “It’s a family-oriented house,” the designer says. She also worked closely with the husband, who’s a local contractor. “He’s meticulous, and he’s very detail-oriented, so we hit it off right away,” she says.
Wainscoting, archways, and painted details are among the fine features that enhance the house. “We wanted to really hone in on those
PERFECT PAIRS Left and above: Classic symmetry and complementary patterns play up the great room, where comfort and style rule.
layers that the couple appreciates,” Corley says. “They wanted a finished home, down to the accessories and artwork.”
Her clients also wanted a contemporary touch. “They appreciate a classic background,” Corley adds, “so we brought in a contemporary feel through color — warm creams and grays, and black accents. We strived to do that streamlined contemporary that’s almost like a monotone color scheme with a high punch of contrast.”
Existing features include an intricate ceiling in the great room, where black grasscloth accents the insets that flank the fireplace. Custom upholstered pieces from the Meg Corley line feature a variety of patterns, while the coffee tables have antiqued mirror tops. Streamlined window treatments and a wool rug ground the space.
Distinctive details can also be found in the foyer, where a tiered chandelier highlights the full-height wainscoting. The gel stain on the staircase railing
A contemporary color palette combines warm creams and grays with black accents in the inviting great room.
and treads has a black gloss finish that contrasts with the wood floors. “It’s a little unusual to do the treads the same color as the railing, but we wanted to punch that black color up,” Corley says. A plush runner adds another lovely layer.
In a hallway with an arched entry, the charcoal shade that was chosen for the barrel vault ceiling was embellished with hand-gilded vines painted by a local artist. White trim provides high contrast.
“It’s an experience to walk through it,” the designer says.
Glamorous details extend to the master bedroom, where a grasscloth mural framed with trim backs an upholstered bed with horizontal wood channeling. The couple also requested a comfortable sitting area where they could enjoy some quiet time. Wall-to-wall carpet and a sideboard with a mural done in muted tones suit the soothing space.
On the lower level, a living area features built-in bookcases lined with chocolate-colored cork that includes gold metallic details. The fireplace sports a shimmery gray metallic tile with a matte finish. While the
ceiling panels had to be removable for access to mechanical functions, the molding makes it look like an authentic coffered ceiling.
Artwork on the lower level is a little more modern and abstract, compared to the pieces in other parts of the home. Cushy seating includes swivel chairs and a sectional. Blackout draperies enhance the family space. “This is their movie room,” Corley says.
A lower-level kitchen incorporates two refrigerators under the counter with a dishwasher and microwave that are also tucked away. “They didn’t want it to feel like a traditional kitchen,” she explains.
Highlights include a tile backsplash in an understated burnished gold, and gray velvet bar stools that make the space lounge-worthy. Porcelain tile floors stand up to foot traffic, as does the wall-to-wall indoor/outdoor carpet in the lower-level living space. Built-ins come in handy for guests who want to stash their belongings when heading to the sauna, hot tub, or pool.
FEET UP The comfy primary suite incorporates an inviting sitting area.The wallpaper in the changing room, which features a contemporary vine design, continues in the bathroom, where glass tile has a pattern that looks like flowing water. “It made sense to install it in a vertical direction,” Corley says. She wanted the shower to feel a bit more masculine, so “we took that black to add more contrast,” she says. “We found this really cool stone, and the floor pebbles are almost therapeutic for your feet.”
With design details like these, the reactions should come as no surprise. “Friends say ‘Wow, this is magnificent,’ yet at the same time it has that homey (quality) that (gives off) a welcoming feel,” the wife says.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Meg Corley, Birmingham, megcorley.com
BATHROOM, SPA
Baskets – The Container Store
Closet – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
Flooring – Beaver Tile & Stone, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Light, Ceiling – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
Wallpaper – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BEDROOM, PRIMARY
Artwork – John-Richard
Bed – Century
Bookshelf – Four Hands
Carpet – Whitfield Natural Textiles
Chest, Brown – Century
Chest, Mural – John-Richard
Drapery – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Light, Bedside – Century
Pillows – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Meg Corley Private Label, Birmingham
PARTY TIMEContemporary wallpaper creates a unique backdrop in the changing room. The vine pattern weaves its way into the lower-level bathroom.
Wall Mural – Phillip Jeffries, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
FOYER
Carpet, Staircase – Prestige Mills
Chandelier – Pine Tree Furniture & Lighting, Lake Orion
Sconces – Visual Comfort, Meg Corley, Birmingham
Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound
Wall Treatment – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
GREAT ROOM/MAIN LEVEL
Armchairs – Meg Corley Private Label, Meg Corley, Birmingham
Artwork – John-Richard
Chests – John-Richard
Curtains – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Fireplace – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
Light Fixture – Visual Comfort & Co., Birmingham
Rug – J Mish Mills
Sofa – Meg Corley Private Label, Meg Corley, Birmingham
Stools – Theodore Alexander
Tables, Coffee – Schnadig International Corp.
Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Modern Gray
LOWER LEVEL/ ENTERTAINMENT AREA
Armchairs – Bernhardt
Artwork – Soicher Marin Gallery
Cloth Inset, Grass – Thibault, Rozmallin, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Curtains – VillaNova, Tenant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Fireplace – Virginia Tile, Troy
Flooring – Surface Designs
Ottoman – Meg Corley Private Label, Meg Corley, Birmingham
Sectional – Bernhardt
Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, City Loft
LOWER LEVEL/BAR AREA
Artwork – John Richard
Backsplash – Beaver Tile & Stone, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Cabinetry – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
Ceiling Treatment – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
Countertops – Meg Corley, Birmingham; Stewart Building, Utica
Curtains – VillaNova, Tenant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Faucet – Brizo, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Troy
Flooring – Beaver Tile & Stone, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lighting – Visual Comfort & Co., Birmingham
Stools, Bar – Sunpan Trading & Importing
Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, City Loft
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTOR
Builder – Stewart Building, Utica
TEXT BY JEANINE MATLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYDEN STINEBAUGH
ELEGANCE TIMES TWO
This page: A freestanding tub in a rounded bay is a focal point in the primary bath. Opposite page: Beautiful Kravet Couture wallpaper graces the powder room.
What led to the creation of a Shingle-style home with distinctive architectural details like custom millwork began when Debbie and Rick Haller hired architect Corey Campbell, of C-arc Design Group in Bloomfield Township. “Debbie wanted (to live in) the house on the street that everybody slowed down to look at — and ultimately, we think we achieved that, because it’s so charming,” Campbell says.
After living in Ann Arbor, the couple, who have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter, decided to leave the area and build a home in Plymouth — another location with a great downtown. They wanted a first-floor lifestyle that would continue to work for them as they age, as well as a second level for guests.
According to Cynthia Evans, designer and owner of Cynthia Evans Interiors in Birmingham, who was brought on to help with the 3,800-squarefoot residence, the couple’s aesthetic had evolved. “They had very traditional furniture in their previous home,” she says. “They wanted to build a house that was more transitional, but still comfortable and inviting for family and friends.”
The Hallers also wanted to be closer to family, and they agreed they were ready for a change as Rick retired. Even though he had worked as an executive with a multinational construction company, this was their
first time building their own home. “We thought about exactly how we would live here, and built that (vision),” Debbie says. “Our previous home in Ann Arbor was large, but we didn’t even use half of it. The first year we moved here, we had Christmas with 24 people, and it was the first time everyone could sit together and face each other.”
White and gray create a neutral palette, and occasional turquoise and coral accents add bright splashes of color. Ebony floors provide contrast in the kitchen, where the island has separate levels for food prep and seating. A hood with gold brass trim is a unique detail, while gray subway tile complements the darker gray stain on the island.
“THEY (MY CLIENTS) HAD VERY TRADITIONAL FURNITURE IN THEIR PREVIOUS HOME. THEY WANTED TO BUILD A HOUSE THAT WAS MORE TRANSITIONAL, BUT STILL COMFORTABLE ... FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”
CYNTHIA EVANSPOPS OF COLOR
White cabinets line the perimeter, where leathered granite counters and a gray farmhouse sink lend a casual feel.
A deluxe combination space near a back staircase is the perfect spot for Debbie, who’s very much into art, to work on her projects. The area combines a laundry room and craft room with Debbie’s home office. “It’s a multipurpose room with tall ceilings and lots of light,” the designer says.
The primary bedroom, which features a barrel ceiling, includes an upholstered bed and ottomans beneath a light fixture that incorporates a fan. Wall-to-wall carpet adds comfort underfoot. Evans calls the room “a cozy retreat.”
In the primary bath, a freestanding tub in a rounded bay becomes a focal point, and is flanked by his-and-hers vanities. Granite counters team with white cabinets and light gray tile to deliver dimension to the space. Varied tiles, like the penny rounds below the tub, contribute to the mix. “They create this visual when you walk into the bathroom,” Evans explains.
A powder room offers a dramatic departure from the rest of the home’s décor, with Asianinspired lily pad wallpaper paired with a shapely mirror and a granite counter. Brushed gold fixtures provide a finishing touch. The spacious great room,
meanwhile, includes two chairs the owners already had that were reupholstered. Evans says the couple liked the geometric pattern in the fabric. Sofas get a colorful kick from turquoise pillows, while geometric shapes reappear in the light fixtures. Artwork the couple has collected, along with antiques and travel mementoes, surround the limestone fireplace.
Burnout velvet chairs enliven the dining room. “That was one space where the clients decided
to add a little color,” Evans says. “They also wanted a dining table that was functional, and (the one we selected) has some distressing to it.” The light fixture adds a little sparkle. “We wanted to mix the black and gold metals found in other parts of the home with a silver tone in the dining room,” she explains.
The designer worked closely with her clients, and she says they were really involved, which made it a fun process. “They were willing to
GOLDEN TOUCH Ebony floors provide contrast in the kitchen. A hood with gold brass trim is a gorgeous detail.step a little outside their comfort zone, as they had been so traditional in the past,” Evans says.
As the results show, following your heart can lead to a lovely home. “It’s really important to find things that resonate with you,” Evans says. “If you love a color, you’ll be happy with it long after the trend is over, and it will have more of a timeless and updated feel.”
Rick says he enjoys the outdoor spaces, which include a terrace that leads to a fire pit and a garden area that’s perfect for entertaining. “We can open up the doors and be outside and inside,” he says. Indoors, he favors his main-floor office, which doubles as a guest room with a Murphy bed and an adjacent bathroom. When their granddaughter was younger, he says, it was like her own little apartment.
The couple shares that their new location in Plymouth has an added bonus: “We’re in a wonderful neighborhood where we have block parties,” Rick says. “It’s a different environment for us.”
PRETTY INSIDE & OUT
INTERIOR DESIGN
Cynthia Evans Interiors, Birmingham, cynthiaevansinteriors.com
BATHROOM, POWDER
Countertop – PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Mirror – Uttermost, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Sink – Herald Wholesale, Troy
Vase – Mackenzie-Childs
Wallpaper – Kravet Couture, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BATHROOM, PRIMARY
Bathtub – MTI Baths, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Chandelier – Elan, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Flooring – Ceramic Tiles International, Anatolia Tile, Virginia Tile, Troy
Wall Tile – Ceramic Tiles International, Virginia Tile, Troy
BATHROOM, SERVICE
Cabinetry – Braam’s Custom Cabinets
Countertop – PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Mirror – Uttermost, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Wallpaper – Thibaut, Rozmallin, Michigan Design Center, Troy
DINING ROOM
Chair, Accent – Bernhardt Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chairs, Dining – Bernhardt Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chandelier – Hubbardton Forge, Lighting Resource Studio, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lamp – Currey & Company, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – Stark Carpet, Troy
Table, Dining – Bernhardt Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Silver Chain
KITCHEN
Backsplash – Sonoma Tilemakers, Virginia Tile, Troy
Cabinetry – Braam’s Custom Cabinets
Chairs – Custom, Lorts, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Countertops – PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Hood Vent – Custom, Vogler Metalwork & Design
Lighting – Hudson Valley, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Silver Chain
Cabinetry – Braam’s Custom Cabinets
Chandelier – Elegant Lighting, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Flooring – Emilceramica, Cercan Tile, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Silver Chain
LIVING ROOM
Chandelier – Hudson Valley, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Flooring – Stark Carpet, Troy
Lamps – Port 68
Pillows, Throw – Century, CAI at MDC, Troy, MI
Sofa – Century Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Shoreline
SITTING ROOM
Armchairs – Bernhardt Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lamp – Currey & Company, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Ottoman – Sherrill Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Pillows, Throw – Pindler, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table – Mackenzie-Dow, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Silver Chain
STAIRCASE
Flooring – Stark Carpet, Troy
Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Architect – Corey Campbell, C-arc Design Group, Bloomfield Hills
Contractor – Trademark Construction Services, Royal Oak
IT’S IN THE DETAILS
A ROCHESTER HOME AND GUEST HOUSE BENEFIT FROM A TOP-NOTCH RENOVATION
IIt was time. After this couple had been living on their 150-acre Rochester property for some three decades, they decided to overhaul the home and one of two guest houses on their gorgeous parcel of land.
“We began reconfiguring and redesigning the home in 2019,” says Lisa Petrella, owner of Troy- and Detroit-based Petrella Designs. “There were little hallways going nowhere; I don’t think they’d touched it in 20 years.” She launched the guest house redesign in 2022.
Today, the two homes ooze with a welcoming, family-friendly vibe that’s dipped in classic appeal and features dashes of comfort, all while maintaining top-of-the-line quality. The end
result is no surprise, given Petrella’s reputation as one of the area’s most sought-after designers. She has a knack for creating layered, masterpiece spaces (adorned with luxe details at every turn) that are friendly and inviting. While she ensures that nothing is too fussy, she guarantees that it’s all extremely classy.
“The clients wanted just about every corner touched — every room and every bathroom,” Petrella says. They moved out of the main home for an entire year, and lived in the second guest house during the overhaul.
Petrella worked with some of her favorite design partners for the main home, including Eric Vogler Construction of West Bloomfield
SUITE-EST!
Both pages: Notable changes included a reconfigured primary suite. A wall behind the bed leads to the hallway, new closets, above and the bath area, opposite page.
CUE THE COMFORT
CAN-DO!
Big changes included a new canning room. “He (the homeowner) has many gardens, and he cans all his tomatoes as well as other items,” says designer Lisa Petrella.
and designer Dave Peterhans, who recommended Petrella for the interior design.
One of the most significant overhauls was the kitchen, which was made more accessible to the dining room. “We opened the kitchen and made the entire space inviting,” Petrella says, noting that the kitchen now showcases a gorgeous wood island and a statement light fixture above the island. “It was an L-shaped space with a peninsula and was very awkward,” she says. “And they both cook, so they needed beauty and practicality.”
The cabinetry was designed by Peterhans and built by Vogler. “Dave designed for restaurants in the past and the owners knew him from their professional lives,” Petrella says, adding that the kitchen plan encompassed a lot of teamwork. “We worked on this together. I came up with the plan and layout, Eric built the cabinetry, and Dave incorporated the texture on the island.”
The homeowners love antiques, so a wall of vintage cookie molds has special appeal. “I picked those up in Williamston at an antiques shop,” Petrella recalls.
Other notable changes include a reconfigured primary suite with designs Petrella oversaw. A wall behind the bed leads to the hallway, new closets, and the bath area.
Big changes included expansions on two sides of the house. On one side, a new library was built, while on the other, a canning room was added. “He (the homeowner) has many gardens, and he cans all his tomatoes as well as other items,” Petrella says. Peterhans’ magic touch, including the millwork, is showcased in
this space. Brick tile floors, pendant light fixtures, inviting barstools for guests, and a hanging rack over the island to store harvesting baskets add to the room’s appeal.
As for the library, Petrella says she adores its funky, tall, carved wood chair from Theodore Alexander. “We saw it when we were out making some selections, and I told the homeowner it would look fantastic in the corner of the library and would be a great statement piece. When she sat in it, she said it was very comfortable, and not what she expected.”
In the lower level, Petrella orchestrated a moody look. Peterhans developed architectural designs to incorporate a variety of materials, including a wood bar milled from trees on the property. “Eric built that, as well as all the paneling, which was also made from trees on the property,” Petrella says.
All of the home’s new cabinets and millwork were made by Vogler at his shop, and were a critical component of the project. “Much of what they had in the way of cabinetry was outdated,” Petrella notes.
“Overall, the homeowners let me do what I wanted. I just needed to be sure to use (the color) green, because she loves green,” Petrella says with a smile, pointing out a beautiful green mohair sofa in the living room. The designer says the wife also wanted a wallpaper mural in the master bath.
WHAT A VIEW
Golfers are sure to be a tad envious of the homeowners’ three-hole golf course. Par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes make for lots of fun come party time. A charming red barn, in which the homeowners lived before they built their current home, adds to the property’s entertainment value.
The two guest houses are historic Sears, Roebuck and Co. kit homes. (Sears, Roebuck and Co. sold more than 70,000 kit houses through their catalogs from 1908 through the 1940s. By the middle of the bungalow era, a host of companies offered pre-cut kits, which were shipped by rail for on-site construction.)
The guest house Petrella refurbished includes two bedrooms, two baths, an inviting sitting room with a big stone fireplace, and a full kitchen.
Nearly all the rooms in the main house feature high-end window treatments. “I love drapery in a home,” Petrella says. “It’s the finishing touch that makes a room complete and cozy.” She says when you mix that concept with great millwork, you have a winning combination. “Millwork is a foundation for all interior design; you build from there by layering furniture and fabrics,” she asserts.
As for challenges, Petrella says there really weren’t any. “It was just a large undertaking with many decisions to be made, but the team and homeowners worked very well together to make all of the selections in a timely manner, which kept the project moving forward smoothly.”
Both pages: The guest house brims with a yesteryear appeal, from the writing desk area and the living room to the kitchen nook and a bedroom.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Petrella Designs, Troy, petrelladesigns.com
BATHROOM, POWDER
Cabinet – Petrella Designs, Troy; Eric Vogler Construction, West Bloomfield
Sink – Advance Plumbing and Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake
Wallpaper – York Wallcoverings
BATHROOM, PRIMARY
Bathtub – Victoria + Albert, Advance Plumbing and Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake
Wallpaper – Brunschwig & Fils, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BEDROOM, GUEST HOUSE
Bed – Four Hands, Petrella Designs, Troy
Blinds – Schumacher
BEDROOM, PRIMARY
Bed Frame – Kravet, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Bedding – Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Cabinetry – Custom, Petrella Designs, Troy
Chair – Hickory Chair, Petrella Designs, Troy
Chest – Hickory Chair, Petrella Designs, Troy
Drapes – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy; Accent Custom Drapery, Sterling Heights
Flooring – Stark Carpet, Troy
Lamp – Visual Comfort, Ray Lighting, Sterling Heights
Ottoman – Hickory Chair, Petrella Designs, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, White Down
CANNING ROOM
Cabinetry – Custom, Eric Vogler
Construction, West Bloomfield
Flooring – Virginia Tile, Troy
Lighting – Visual Comfort, Ray Lighting, Sterling Heights
Stool – Four Hands
CARD ROOM
Chairs, Dining – Hickory Chair
Chandelier – Currey & Company
Curtains – Holland & Sherry
Table, Game – Woodbridge, Petrella Designs, Troy
CLOSET, PRIMARY
Flooring – Stark Carpet, Troy
Light, Ceiling – Visual Comfort, Ray Lighting, Sterling Heights
Millwork & Walls – Custom, Eric Vogler
Construction, West Bloomfield
DESK SPACE, GUEST HOUSE
Baskets – Four Hands
Blinds – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chair – CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Desk – Four Hands, Petrella Designs, Troy
DINING ROOM
Chairs, Dining – Hickory Chair, Petrella Designs
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, Ray Lighting, Sterling Heights
Curtains – Chinois Palais, Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Flooring – Stark Carpet, Troy
Table, Dining – Woodbridge, Petrella Designs, Troy
ENTRYWAY
Break Front – Hickory Chair
Chair, Host – Lee Industries
Lamp – Bunny Williams Home
Wallpaper – Phillip Jeffries, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
KITCHEN NOOK
Blinds – Hunter Douglas
Drapes – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wood Molds – Antique, Antique Markets of Williamston, Williamston
KITCHEN NOOK, GUEST HOUSE
Lighting – Visual Comfort
LIBRARY
Chair, Accent – Theodore Alexander, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Drapes – Thibaut
Flooring – Stark Carpet, Troy
Pillow, Accent – Pollack Jab, Rozmallin, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Hickory Chair
Table, Coffee – Woodbridge
Wall Sconces – Visual Comfort
LIVING ROOM
Break Front – Theodore Alexander, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chair, Swivel – Hickory Chair
Chair, Wood – Hickory Chair
Drapes – Holland & Sherry
Lamps – Bunny Williams Home
Pillows – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Hickory Chair, Petrella Designs, Troy
Table, Console – Woodbridge
Table, Side – Woodbridge
LIVING ROOM, GUEST HOUSE
Lighting – Visual Comfort
Stool – Wayfair
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Simply White
Window Treatment – Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Architect – Dave Peterhans, Architectural Interiors, Bloomfield Hills
Builder – Eric Vogler, Eric Vogler
Construction, West Bloomfield
WHAT STARTED AS A VISION FOR AN INTERNATIONALLY INFLUENCED UPGRADE IS NOW A REALITY
TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN VECCHIO
This page: A built-in by Vogue Furniture impresses in this inviting lower-level sitting room. Opposite page: An elevated, sophisticated vibe defines the wine room.
When the owners of this Clarkston residence returned to the U.S. after spending five years in Korea and a year in China, they brought with them not only a collection of furniture, art, and accessories gathered from their travels, but an internationally influenced style and sensibility.
Upon their return, the family, which includes three grown children, decided to upgrade parts of the home they had bought in 2005 to reflect their experiences. They hired Armina Kasprowicz, of Armina Interiors in Rochester Hills, to spearhead the renovation. Among the spaces they tackled
together were the lower level, first-floor master suite, great room, foyer, and some second-floor areas.
At the start of the renovation, the house was a long way from the cleanlined contemporary space the homeowner envisioned, the designer says. “It was very traditional, very Tuscan,” she says of the 13,000-square-foot “before.” The overall goal for the project was to lighten up the spaces and reflect the homeowners’ fresh outlook and personal style, while giving the rooms an “elevated, sophisticated feel,” Kasprowicz says. “The challenge was updating it, but still working within the feel of the house.”
Included on the to-do list: a lower-level entertaining area including a bar, wine room, billiards/games room, a lounge area/sitting area with a fireplace, a theater room, home gym, and bathrooms. “They wanted a unique and cozy place to entertain family and friends,” the designer explains. “They didn’t use the lower level much before, and the family loves to watch movies and spend time together in the game room and bar.”
SPA-AAH-LIKEA beautiful guest bath features dark tones and captivating materials.
A TRUE OASIS
STAIRING AT BEAUTY
Both pages: The family barely used the lower level before it was transformed by Armina Interiors into a gorgeous entertaining space including a bar, wine room, billiards/games room, lounge, theater, and more.
The handsome custom bar and nearby banquettes were designed with Vogue Furniture, Kasprowicz says. “A lof of the lower level was gutted to create a sophisticated space, but also one that would be comfortable and fun,” she says. The team also modernized the theater room, removing tall wainscoting and updating the space with black-and-white carpet, black velvet lounge chairs, custom-made, textured wallpaper, and updated audio equipment. Layered lighting was added to make the room cozy in the winter.
Polished concrete tables and lighting by Tom Dixon added to the stand-out style. “I mixed different materials and finishes, walnut with dark metal,” the designer explains. “To add warmth, I worked with a plaster artist to create texture (for the walls) in a modern way.” She also added quartzite on the fireplace and nearby built-ins to house the homeowners’ Asian artifacts. The existing wine room was updated and a new iron door was added. “This level of customization was very challenging, but we’re all happy with the results,” Kasprowicz says.
After gutting the first-floor primary bath, the designer updated it by removing a cathedral ceiling and elevating the steam shower and tub to create an elegant, spa-like ambience.
“We wanted to create a welcoming oasis,” she explains. “Taking inspiration from nature, we
used a palette of natural textures and warm earth tones to transform the space from a dated, cold, and uninspired bathroom into one that surrounds our clients with luxurious finishes and textures.”
She says the renovated space is her favorite part of the house. “It’s amazing, luxurious and serene, with a mix of materials that include walnut floating cabinets, custom mirrors, stone, and porcelain,” she explains.
The bath’s layered textures and sophisticated aesthetic make it stand out, yet blend harmoniously with the rest of the owners’ firstfloor suite, the designer adds. She says she worked with California Closets to redesign the closet, making it more modern as well as lighter and brighter. She also reworked the room’s fireplace and created an updated look with new furniture, a beautiful mix of neutrals and dark wood, and soft textures — including alpaca upholstery.
The designer also updated the first-floor great room and foyer, installing a new floor in the foyer and integrating new furniture and art, some from the family’s travels. “I love working with their collections of artifacts brought from Asia and
Both pages: The homeowners’ firstfloor suite oozes with luxury, including a finely designed closet, inviting fireplace, and layered appeal in the bedroom.
pieces that have special meaning to them,” the designer says. “The spaces become very personal and unique.” Art brought from Asia also was used to update the second-floor loft.
Phase one of the renovation just wrapped up, but Kasprowicz is about to start on the lower-level bedrooms. As with the rest of the house, she’s looking forward to working with the clients to reflect their experiences and interests. Doing so, she says, assures that the home is one-of-a-kind. “A lot of the renovation process is integrating the clients’ personal taste,” she explains. “Putting it all into the mix makes it truly unique. Creating something unusual and so customized is the best part of the job.”
The homeowners were thrilled with the results, especially the designer’s work on the lower level. “I asked her to transform our basement into something that had a natural, organic feel and was lighter and brighter than what we had previously,” the wife says. “She knocked it out of the park! It’s now our favorite place in the house to spend time together.”
Armina Interiors, Rochester Hills, arminainteriors.com
Cabinetry – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Countertops – Wilsonart, Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser
Flooring – DuChateau, Flooring Design Inc., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Light Fixtures – Tom Dixon
Stools, Bar – Bradley USA
Wall Plaster – Venetian Plaster Co., Lake Orion
Wall Paint – SherwinWilliams, Panda White
Countertops – Wilsonart, Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser Flooring – DuChateau, Flooring Design Inc., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lighting – Troy Lighting, Lighting Resource Studio, Michigan Design Center,
Troy
Mirror – Sterling Custom
Homes, Bloomfield Hills
Sink – Etsy
Wall Plaster – Venetian Plaster Co., Lake Orion
BATHROOM, PRIMARY
Bath Mat – Crate & Barrel
Bathtub – BainUltra, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Chandelier – Bocci Lighting, Lumens
Countertops – Laminam, Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser
Drawers – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Flooring – Antolini, Terrazzo & Marble Supply, Farmington Hills
Mirrors – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Wall Tile – Porcelain, Antolini, Terrazzo & Marble Supply, Farmington Hills
BEDROOM
Bed Frame – Robert James Collection
Chair, Accent – Roberta Schilling Collection
Chandelier – Hammerton Studio
Fireplace – Sterling Custom
Homes, Bloomfield Hills
Flooring – Stanton Carpet, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lamp – Visual Comfort
Rug – Loloi Rugs
Sconces – Hammerton
Studio
Table, Accent – Palecek
Table, Bedside – Kindel Furniture, Baker | McGuire, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – SherwinWilliams, Panda White
BILLIARDS AREA
Chandelier – Ted Abramczyk, Ralph Pucci
Flooring – DuChateau, Flooring Design Inc., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofas – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Tables, Coffee – Custom, Mark Jupiter
Table, Pool – 11 Ravens
Wall Plaster – Venetian
Plaster Co., Lake Orion
CLOSET
Closet – California Closets, Birmingham
Chandelier – Eurofase, Lighting Resource Studio, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Drawers, Island – California Closets, Birmingham
Flooring – Stanton Carpet, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – SherwinWilliams, Panda White
SITTING ROOM/ LOUNGE AREA
Bookcase – Vogue Furniture, Royal Oak
Fireplace – Sterling Custom
Homes, Bloomfield Hills
Flooring – DuChateau, Flooring Design Inc., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – Ashley Stark Home, Stark Carpet, Troy
Seat, Accent – CB2
Wall Paint – SherwinWilliams, Panda White
STAIRCASE
Pot, Plant – CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – SherwinWilliams, Panda White
THEATER ROOM
Flooring – Cella Carpet, The Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Lighting – Jonathan Browning, The Bright Group, Merchandise Mart
Seats – Fortress Seating Wallpaper – Innovations USA, Rozmallin, Michigan Design Center, Troy
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Builder – Todd Emerson, Sterling Custom Homes & Renovations, Bloomfield Hills
Closets – Maegan Donovan, California Closets, Birmingham
BUILDERS, DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, and other design-industry mavens poured into One Campus Martius in Detroit for an evening of excitement as Detroit Design magazine announced the winners of its 2023 Detroit Design Awards competition. Celebrating two decades of showcasing stunning, top-notch projects made this year’s gala even more special. Enter the 2024 Detroit Design Awards competition at detroitdesignawards.com —
By Megan Swoyer
BUILDING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS gathered at the Zero Net Energy Center in Detroit’s Corktown to honor the Detroit Energy Challenge winners. The program, a collaboration with the Detroit 2030 District and Michigan Battle of the Buildings, recognizes building owners and managers for reducing energy waste in their buildings. The goal of the Detroit 2030 District is reducing energy and water consumption, as well as transportation emissions. The first place Biggest Loser is Fifth Third Bank, Detroit Eastside, with an 18.85 percent reduction. 2030districts.org/detroit
By Megan Swoyer
ADVANCE PLUMBING & HEATING
313.831.7770 | 248.669.7474 Detroit & Walled Lake, MI advanceplumbing.com
ANNIE KORDAS INTERIORS
313.378.2125 Grosse Pointe, MI anniekordasinteriors.com
BEAVER TILE AND STONE
248.476.2333
Farmington Hills, MI beavertile.com
BOURLIER’S BARBEQUE & FIREPLACE
248.582.1084 Royal Oak, MI bourlierbbq.com
CLOSETS BY DESIGN
888.348.1475
South East Michigan detroit.closetsbydesign.com
CONTINENTAL INTERIOR DESIGNS, INC.
810.629.7211
Fenton, MI
CALIFORNIA CLOSETS
248.624.1234
Birmingham, MI californiaclosets.com
DAVINCI DESIGN AND BUILD 586.855.3859
Washington, MI davincidesignandbuild.com
HAGOPIAN
(7847) hagopianrugs.com
PEWABIC TILE 313.626.2030 Detroit, MI pewabic.org/tile
PRM CUSTOM BUILDERS 248.240.3051 Bloomfield Hills, MI prmcustombuilders.com
RICHARD ROSS DESIGNS
248.544.9957 Birmingham, MI richardrossdesigns.com
ROCHE-BOBOIS 248.833.0300 Novi, MI roche-bobois.com
STUDIO HARMONY Royal Oak, MI harmony.build
SUB-ZERO, WOLF, AND COVE 800.482.1948 Auburn Hills, MI subzero-wolf.com
SMITHS HARDWOOD & CONSTRUCTION 586.218.7597 St. Clair Shores, MI smithshardwood.com
THORNTON AND GROOMS 248.479.4925
Farmington Hills, MI thorntonandgrooms.com
A Victoria + Albert freestanding tub’s volcanic stone material ensures the water stays warm for a longer period of time.
TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER | PHOTO BY MARTIN VECCHIO
Fall is in the air, and interior designer Merien Daka believes there’s no better place to end a chilly day than in a luxurious bathtub. “I wouldn’t say it’s a trend to have a freestanding tub (no one uses, but it looks nice),” she notes. “A lot of my clients actually take baths.”
Daka says the tub she chose for this primary bathroom in a Macomb home, in which she renovated three rooms, was purchased from Victoria + Albert. It’s made from volcanic stone, “which ensures the water stays warm for a longer period of time,” she explains.
As for size, it fits perfectly. “Freestanding tubs take up a lot less space than built-in tubs. They allow for a larger shower or larger vanity, depending on the layout of the bathroom,” says the owner of Merien Daka Design Group in Birmingham. Plus, she adds, freestanding tubs make a huge statement.
Working with Dedaj Construction of Sterling Heights, Daka specified a cozy, vertical shiplap for the space. “Dedaj did an amazing job on the shiplap,” she says. The way it’s
used here evokes a sleeker and simpler look, rather than shiplap’s typical farmhouse vibe.
Daka also opted for mitered marble countertops (Grey Stone, from Ciot in Troy) on the vanities (cherry wood, custom-designed). “We did a lovely, mitered build-up countertop to create a thicker look, and you’re able to see more of the beautiful marble,” she continues. The mirror is from Regina Andrew Design (Wyandotte), while the sconces are Visual Comfort.
“My client loved a mixed-metal look, so we decided to go matte black in conjunction with polished nickel and thought it came out so beautifully. The homeowners’ design goal was to have an updated, relaxed, and organic space. That’s why we stuck with natural materials. From the indulgent soaking tub to the luxurious marble countertops, every detail has been thoughtfully planned to provide the ultimate spa experience.”
MORE INFORMATION: meriendakadesigngroup.com
