Delight is in the Details

by Cara McDonald

Architect Nick Liebler weighs in on how to create warm and welcoming spaces rich with detail and authenticity.

Most prospective custom-home clients are eager to hire an architect for the big-picture plans—it’s the surest way to a oneof-a-kind dwelling that speaks to your distinct lifestyle and honors the setting and site.

But beyond building envelopes and interior floor plans, an architect brings to life the design inspiration and feel of the home by uniting period details, focal points and materials that make a home feel cohesive, welcoming and contextually beautiful.

White & Liebler Architects in Petoskey is known for classic and period-inspired designs rich with historic details and embellishments. “We help clients focus on features of the home that really bring the custom-design aspect of it to life,” explains Nick Liebler, LEED AP and partner at White & Liebler.

Here, he shares seven guiding principles that will help elevate the look and feel of any Up North home.

1. Focus on the fireplace. Liebler treats fireplaces as the central feature of the house, one that everyone gravitates toward. “Fireplaces are the focal piece of the room, the showstopper,” he explains. “When you step in the front door, you want to have a visual to that—put the featured element where you can celebrate it; when you step in, your eye lands on it.

2. Draw people through the spaces. According to Liebler, this is critical: “When someone enters the home, you want to pull them through with long sight lines in a way that is very clear, very orderly,” he explains. For example, good design can create an instant visual connection to the water, or draw people through the home to key focal points.

3. Build in beauty and function with millwork. This is where you can create a sense of authenticity in detailing. “We’re known for capturing period style,” Liebler explains. “We’re not chasing trends, but working through traditional forms.” He helps clients capture this sense of history and utility by creating beautiful built-ins and striking molding, trim, doors and more.

4. Consider the staircase a piece of art. If you’ve only ever thought of stairs as a way to get you from A to B, you’re missing an opportunity to create a moment. “Staircase design can make or break that part of the house,” Liebler says. “Stairs are beautiful; a feature that’s celebrated. The beauty of the handrail, the continuous curve of the form … these elements are critical.”

5. Make room for a four-season porch. Not only is the porch a traditional part of a lake home, but for contemporary homeowners, porches have become almost year-round extensions of the living space and a connection to the outdoors. To add more draw to the porch, Liebler often adds a fireplace and big folding doors that lead out to those spaces.

6. Choose materials with authenticity. For one, don’t shy away from wood. “Homes have been built out of wood for hundreds of years,” Liebler says. So cedar shingles, siding and trim are natural products that “add a ton of authenticity.” A cedar roof gives a house a timeless appearance, too. He also likes working with copper flashings and trim which, although expensive, “add so much visual interest and can elevate the look.”

7. Utilize an extensive amount of glass. From an investment standpoint, windows can be one of the biggest-ticket items, but Liebler reminds, “What you are paying for is the view of the lake, the experience of living on the water. That interaction through the windows is worth the investment.”

8881 ALVINAS TRL, LAKE ANN

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,800 Sq Ft

How sweet it is at this one of a kind Sweet Lake waterfront estate. Custom finishes you don’t see every day. Stone fireplace that is a work of art. Full log home that has been loved and cared for over the years and stands the test of time. Stunning wrap around porch with covered area overlooking the lake for enjoying sunsets or the summer rain. Many recent updates including a newer Geothermal heat system, kitchen counters, appliances, roof, chinking and stain. Rare opportunity to have peace, tranquility and privacy with this legacy, one of a kind waterfront property. Situated on 5 acres with 300’ of private frontage on Sweet Lake which is a private lake. Many happy memories made here, ready for the next owner to enjoy. 15 Minutes to Downtown TC, 15 minutes to Crystal Mountain! Custom built by Maple Island Log homes, windows, interior, floors, everything feels better than new! Over the years the owners added extensive gardens with water scapes and pond that adorn the gentle rolling slopes to the waters edge. Sandy bottom lake that is perfect for swimming. Dock and outdoor shower. Being a private lake you won’t experience jet skies or big boat tie offs, just nature, the loons call, campfires, kids laughter and joy. A true “legacy” waterfront estate which can sleep up to 12 of your most favorite people!

Peninsula Drive Waterfront Home- west facing to take in the pristine waters of West Grand Traverse Bay and all its splendor. Overlooking sunsets, Power Island views, sitting in an Adirondack chair, your feet in the sugar sand with a bonfire crackling--ready for you to move right in. This turnkey, immaculate-fully furnished Peninsula home provides instant comfort and relaxation. From the front covered porch overlooking the bay to the outdoor shower and woodside deck in the back, you will have no problem claiming where you want to relax. Generous kitchen, dining and living areas to entertain a crowd, yet not overwhelming for the day-to-day. Master suite has a main bedroom with additional sleeping area or sitting room and 2 extra closets for seasonal storage, relaxing garden tub and separate shower. Gorgeous maple floors on the main floor. Large main floor laundry to keep up with the beach towels. Bountiful storage throughout with basement and garage, plus extra linen, coat, and broom closets along with cabinetry in main floor laundry. This lake home has been exceptionally maintained over the years--pride of ownership shows! Minutes to the wineries or for a quick bite at the Boat House or Peninsula Grill. If you want all the magic of the Peninsula, this home has it all!

10191 PENINSULA DR, TRAVERSE CITY

3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,191 Sq Ft | $1,200,000

Cindy Anderson Cindy Anderson MANAGING BROKERMANAGING BROKER 231.218.5324 canderson@lakehomes.com www.LakeHomes.com 12935 SW Bay Shore Dr., STE 335

Traverse City, MI 49684

231.218.5324 canderson@lakehomes.com www.LakeHomes.com