$5.00 Chicago High-rise Before & After MDC Turns 40
1 michigandesign.com Michigan Design Center, Ste. 100 248.649.4422 Sterling Heights, MI 586.254.4960 Farmington Hills, MI 248.476.7850 Grand Rapids, MI 616.942.6200 Warrensville Heights, OH 216.591.1660 Brooklyn Heights, OH 216.741.8400 Wood Dale, IL 630.595.0515 Chicago, IL 312.380.5400 www.virginiatile.com C E R A M I C S T O N E P O R C E L A I N G L A S S M E T A L M O S A I C S T E R R A C O T T A
2 michigan design center @home 2017
3 michigandesign.com Walk in with Walk out with trevarrowinc.com • 248-377-2300 1295 N. Opdyke Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Try out Sub-Zero and Wolf products in full-scale kitchens. Talk details with resident experts. And get a taste of all that your new kitchen can be.
4 michigan design center @home 2016 Interior Design by Dunlap Design Group | Photography by Beth Singer ewkitchens.com Extraordinary on every level. EW KITCHENS Showroom & Main Office 29750 Anthony Drive | Wixom, MI 248-669-1300 EXTRAORDINARY WORKS - Luxury by EW Kitchens Michigan Design Center | Open to the public 1700 Stutz Drive, Suite 93 | Troy, MI 248-649-0500
5 michigandesign.com 22 8 Welcome Letter 9 Contributors 10 Reality Check Luxe faux materials fool the senses and are often an environmentally responsible choice. 15 Well Mixed Far from looking chaotic, blending different patterns in the same room is an art unto itself. 19 Designer Talk Designers have smart solutions for some of the most common decorating challenges people face. 22 The High Life Design firm Art | Harrison neatly compartmentalized a sprawling contemporary condo in Chicago without sacrificing its airy feeling. Photo by Janet Mesic Mackie
6 michigan design center @home 2017 30 Modern Accents Four experts share their creative advice when tasked with accessorizing a contemporary space. 36 Go with the Flow Three designers talk about recent projects in which they had to tailor their clients’ spaces to improve the flow of their homes. 43 Start to Finish Before embarking on a renovation project, snap a few “before” photos to remind you how far you’ve advanced from the starting line. 49 True to Form Sculptural furnishings add an architectural flair and rugged elegance to any room setting. 52 Trending Toward Timeless A trend usually implies something fleeting, but some are destined to become classics, designers say. 58 Rest Easy Sleep may be a necessity, but high-end bedding and accessories can help to make it a luxury, too. 64 Alfresco in the Midwest In their sophisticated but comfortable design, many outdoor spaces resemble indoor rooms. 68 Looking Back 40 Years A timeline of events and trivia from 1977, when Michigan Design Center first opened its doors. 43 64 MICHIGAN DESIGN CENTER S E V E N T H I S S U E Cover photo: John Carlson Top photo: Beth Singer | Bottom photo: courtesy of Schumacher, Suite 110
7 michigandesign.com STOCKHOLM LONDON PAR I S NEW YORK DETRO I T MICHIGAN DESIGN CENTER • 1700 STUTZ DR., SUITE 111 • TROY, MI 48084 • SALES@HASTENSDETROIT.COM BR I NG I NG THE WORLD ’ S BEST SLEEP TO METRO DETRO I T D E T R O I T What is the secret behind a good night’s sleep? For us it is simple: all natural materials and genuine craftsmanship, without compromises over six family generations since 1852.
8 michigan design center @home 2017 MDC CELEBRATES 40 YEARS Michigan Design Center may be marking 40 years as the region’s go-to resource for fine furnishings and materials, but we’ve got our eyes trained on the future as we celebrate everything modern in this issue. InModern Accents, we share designers’ best advice on accessorizing modern rooms, and you’ll see some fresh ideas for contemporary lighting options. Reality Check explores faux alternatives to expensive materials that look like the real deal, but are more environmentally and socially responsible. And, as Detroit experiences its own surge of new and renovated apartments, take a trip with us to Chicago, where local designers Arturo Sanchez and Barry Harrison created a redesign of a sparkling city condo on the Gold Coast for a Michigan native and her husband. For our 40th anniversary, MDC will take its own leap into the future with a redesign project of our own. Stay tuned as we unveil our new lobby design later this year. It will be a beautiful and functional space for creative types to meet, collaborate, and dream. In fact, you’ll see fresh décor throughout the building and new landscaping. Great ways to start our next 40 years! Forty years is a long time for a business to survive. It takes many people to make it work. Thank you to the people in our showrooms, who continue to bring the newest, finest products available anywhere, and who offer the expert knowledge that helps bring them to life. Thank you to our trade members, who inspire us every day, and who create living environments that are well-planned and great-looking. And special thanks to the many who have attended and supported MDC events through the years. We will never stop looking for ways to showcase the breadth of design knowledge in Michigan. It’s always fun to look back at where it all began, but it’s even more gratifying to plan for the future – and to watch those plans take wing. Jim Danto Susan Todebush President, Michigan Design Center EVP / General Manager, Michigan Design Center Michigan Design Center | 1700 Stutz Drive | Troy, Michigan 48084 | 248.649.4772 | michigandesign.com
9 michigandesign.com SUSAN TODEBUSH, EVP and general manager at MDC, appreciates the deep bench of talent our design community offers and she loves to tell the stories of how well-designed spaces make our lives better. A former designer herself, she has been busy renovating her own 1930s-era home – with lots of help and advice from MDC’s showroom experts. WHITNEY GILLESPIE, VP of leasing, is excited about her move from the Merchandise Mart in Chicago to Michigan Design Center. She is amazed at the burgeoning renaissance taking place in Detroit and of the potential for MDC’s tenants and design community. Having recently purchased a downtown condo on the Detroit River, she is happy to showcase some of the offerings to be acquired here. JEFF AISEN is MDC’s CFO and CPG (Chief Photo Guy), gaining design and photo inspiration from his travels. Having just returned from Japan, he’s now preparing for a trip to West Africa. With his camera in hand, Jeff can be seen roaming the halls of MDC, the streets of Huntington Woods, and at many charity events. CHERYL BEISEL, MDC’s concierge, supports the marketing team with special events and group tours. She especially enjoys the creative process and interacting with our guests, designers, and showrooms. Cheryl has been active in the performing arts since childhood, primarily singing, and is energized by all artistic forms. Marketing Specialist CRAIG ARGENTI is going into his fourth year at MDC and still finds himself in awe of the possibilities offered through MDC’s showrooms. A true believer in the adage “laughter is the best medicine,” Craig often turns up at local venues catching his favorite comedy acts. He also enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Special Events and Resource Center Manager EMILY CRAWFORD is excited to continue to build her relationships with designers, showrooms, and newcomers to Michigan Design Center. Emily enjoys learning about new trends in the industry, and shopping the showrooms’ new products. GEORGE BULANDA, MDC’s director of marketing and communications, was happy to write about Art | Harrison’s impressive design of a high-rise condo in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, a city he frequently visits. “I usually stay at a friend’s 1920s apartment that’s just a stone’s throw away from this sleek contemporary condo,” he says. “One of the things I like most about Chicago is its remarkable architectural diversity.” An MDC veteran of 11 years, Art Director BARB CAMERONhas brought her design and creative skills to every issue of Michigan Design Center @home. Barb holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and has worked in advertising design her entire career. In her spare time, she sews pillows, bags, and quilts for friends and family made from Michigan Design Center fabrics.
10 michigan design center @home 2017 In texture and appearance, these furnishings look like the real thing, but they do a clever job of fooling the senses of sight and touch – and still manage to avoid looking like cheap imitations. When many materials such as ivory, crocodile, coral, sharkskin, and some woods are either illegal or endangered, choosing a faux alternative is also environmentally and socially responsible. – George Bulanda Reality Check
11 michigandesign.com Used on floors or walls, this product appears to be weathered ash barnwood, but it’s actually porcelain. Shown is Atlantic City from the Boardwalk collection, by Mediterranea. Beaver Tile & Stone, Suite 101 The Blakely Tea Table, designed by Art | Harrison, has a top that looks and feels like onyx, but it’s really glass. Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 In texture and appearance, this Shagreen wallcovering appears to be sharkskin. Pictured in Caribbean and Cloud. Schumacher, Suite 110
12 michigan design center @home 2017 Carved Chest fromHickory Chair with sable finish and antique ivory finish on front, which resembles carved ivory. Henredon, Suite 122 At first glance, this selection of Weitzner Mezzanine fabric seems to be mohair, but the “faux mo” fabric is made of acrylic. Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 “Mock croc” Crocodile Topaz upholstery in vinyl. Pindler, Suite 69 Faux Elephant Vaquero hide upholstery in vinyl. Pindler, Suite 69
13 michigandesign.com Anatolia Tile is porcelain that does an excellent job of mimicking Carrara marble. Virginia Tile Company, Suite 100 The look and texture of the Celestite Cocktail Ottoman by Jean-Louis Deniot for Baker appears to be shagreen (sharkskin), but it’s made of cowhide. Baker Furniture, Suite 60
14 michigan design center @home 2017 The finest quality natural stone and quartz, fabricated and installed by our award-winning and certified skilled workmen. Need cabinets? We offer a great selection to suit any budget. Plus, financing is available! www.hardrockstoneworks.com TROY SHOWROOM (248) 280-8000 2922 Industrial Row Dr. Troy, MI 48084 STERLING HEIGHTS FACILITY (586) 532-7763 44038 Phoenix Dr. Sterling Heights, MI 48034 Visit us in the Michigan Design Center Resource Center, Suite 84!
15 michigandesign.com Whether in fashion or décor, the old rules for combining patterns have evolved, and a fresher, free-spirited mix has emerged. But when does the look go from interesting to just plain mixed-up? Follow some simple cues to create a layered space that’s complex and memorable, effortless and inviting. – Susan Todebush Well Mixed Bold blue patterns in large-scale floral and geometric prints stand proudly against the deep blue accent wall. Pillows and bench in smaller-scale raspberry motifs balance the blues and add whimsy. Cowtan & Tout, available at Rozmallin, Suite 60
16 michigan design center @home 2017
17 michigandesign.com Make a statement by using two dramatic, colorful patterns at once. The large geometric wallcovering pulls a single shade of green from the oversized floral curtain, and the sleek console and simple vases give the eye a place to rest. Jim Thompson, available at Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 Six distinct tile patterns were used in this bathroom suite. The herringbone pattern on the wall by the tub creates subtle texture, and the cocoa-toned accent tile in the shower enclosure adds focus. The clean, airy, color scheme allows the patterns to support the room’s design rather than compete with it. Walker Zanger, available at Virginia Tile, Suite 100
18 michigan design center @home 2017 For a nuanced approach, choose neutrals with plenty of texture to add interest. The grid-like wallcovering pattern is crafted with alpaca fibers on a paper background. The geometry of the paper contrasts with the larger florals on the pillow fabrics. To prevent two larger scale patterns from competing, choose one in a tone-ontone variation and allow the other to take the spotlight. Weitzner, available at Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 The vibrant floral tablecloth provides the color inspiration for this striking table setting. While each of the supporting fabrics draw their colors from the floral, the repetition of the circular shapes – note the beaded edge on the charger plate, dots on the placemats, and curtain and chair cushion patterns – ties everything together. Duralee, Suite 38
19 michigandesign.com How do you help your clients prioritize their budget? Jane S. Synnestvedt Jane S. Synnestvedt Interior Design Consultant, LLC Narrowing the project scope is the first step to take after establishing a preliminary budget. We can help customers with this very important step if the estimated cost is over budget. Focusing on specific rooms is an important decision to make. For example, kitchen and bath renovations are costlier. It is also important for the customer to become educated about their options, discuss the way they need their space to function, and decide on the aesthetic they want to achieve before determining the final budget. A best practice that we always use is to add 15 percent to the estimates to cover any price changes that may occur or additions that are requested. Ongoing twoway communication is essential because this sets the tone of the trusting relationship between the client and the design professional. Ann-Marie Anton It’s Personal Design It’s very important to have an overall realistic budget in mind when embarking on any design project. Usually at our first meeting I like to create a “dream wish list” where every idea we have gets written down. Once a total estimate has been put on the project, the wish list is a great tool to go through item by item and together we decide what are the most vital aspects of the project and what can be eliminated or postponed for a later date. I also do floor plans for all the rooms that need to be completed with an allocation of estimated cost for each piece of furniture as well. However, this number is obviously a moving target. Having a sense of what you have to work with and a total vision for the project allows my clients to get comfortable with a cohesive master plan. Designer Talk Top designers tackle some of clients’ most common questions. – Emily Crawford
20 michigan design center @home 2017 What is a creative use for an unused office or library? What about an unused formal living room? How do you help your clients find their design style when they’re unsure of what they like? After you’ve finished the inside of a client’s home, what are ways you help them extend your design plan outside? Paul Feiten Paul Feiten Design I had a client with a living room that they were not using, in a conventional colonial home with a formal living room and a young family with children. That formal living room just didn’t work for them, so I created a party room with a pool table, and the kids are happy to have extra room to play. Art | Harrison Interiors What we do is have them come to the studio, then we open up our large portfolio, then let them explore our design process and become engaged in their design project. It’s like a book; you don’t buy a detective story and end up with a romance novel. Creating an outline is the designer’s job, but if a client has important items that they want to keep but may not fit the design, there is always somewhere we can fit them in; let’s say the guest room. Amy Weinstein AMW Design Studio An unused office or library could be turned into a kids’ homework room, a kids’ playroom, craft room, or a sewing room. For an unused formal living room: Turn it into a formal dining room. Dawn Jacobs Artichoke Interiors When designing a home, I like to have a cohesiveness between the inside and outside. This is accomplished through landscaping style (formal or unstructured), hardware styles, and finishes and colors on the paint and accessories. For example, exterior rugs, furniture, and cushions should be in a coordinating palette with the interior. This unifies the visual of the living space as you look through the windows to the areas beyond.
21 michigandesign.com What are some of the ways to know if it’s time to renovate or redecorate a home? Jane Spencer Jane Spencer Designs When your paint and tile/grout are starting to look tired and dingy, it’s a sign it’s time for a refresher. Michigan Design Center carries some amazing vinyl wallpapers that can be a much more durable and interesting application for high-traffic areas where the paint always seems to wear. Grout can be cleaned only so many times and I find that people get that 7-year “itch” for bathroom and backsplash renovations. New tile with power grout can give a major facelift! Elizabeth Moore MEM Design Group Do you want to just go on vacation because the hotel’s accommodations are better than yours? It might be time to renovate or redecorate your home. We are all very busy these days, and taking on a big project can seem daunting, time consuming, and costly. Many questions will come up, such as: How much can I afford? Do you think I can do it myself to save money? How long will it take? At that point, this is when you should consider speaking with a professional architect or an interior designer. They will be able to take your dreams and make them a reality for the renovation/redecoration of your home. What are the benefits of an environmentally friendly/ LEED credited home? Or where do I begin if I want an environmentally friendly home? Margaret Skinner Margeaux Interiors Here are some of the benefits: Reduces carbons, making air and water cleaner, energy efficient. After initial investments, it will save costs on utilities, add value to one’s home, and there’s currently eligibility for tax credits. A simple way to start with one’s home is using low and zero VOC paints. Using sustainable products on the exterior, brick and stone masonry, fiber cement board. Repurposing, or donating unused items to resale shops. Planting an herb garden, adding more trees to the property. Putting lighting on dimmers and using LEDS, and don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room! Geothermal heating is a good option, which after initial investment, will save money. At a dinner party, using cloth napkins instead of paper, and glass instead of plastic. Pay bills online, opting for paperless.
22 michigan design center @home 2017
23 michigandesign.com The High Life By George Bulanda Photos by Janet Mesic Mackie The twinkling Chicago skyline at sundown imparts a magical spell. The homeowners spend a good deal of time in the living room when night falls.
24 michigan design center @home 2017 Barry Harrison and Arturo Sanchez of Royal Oak-based Art | Harrison Interiors broke up a sprawling floor plan into a living room, dining room, and sitting room. This photo shows the living room and dining room. Sofas and stools: Hickory Chair, available at Henredon, Suite 122 Accent tables: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 Cocktail table designed by Art | Harrison, in conjunction with client Adrienne Brown Most living room fabrics: Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 | Draperies: Robert Allen, Suite 28 Lighting: Visual Comfort, available at City Lights Detroit, Suite 98 Dining chairs: Edward Farrell + Lewis Mittman, Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 Dining table: Bolier & Company, available through RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90
25 michigandesign.com Homeowners often gripe about living in tight, confined spaces, but sometimes the problem is just the opposite: a wideopen floor plan that begs to be compartmentalized without sacrificing its airy feeling. That was the task faced by Arturo Sanchez andBarry Harrisonof Art | Harrison Interiors when they were hired to design a sprawling 3,300-square-foot contemporary condo in a Chicago high-rise in the posh Gold Coast section on the city’s near north side. The views of the skyline from the 11th floor are breathtaking, particularly at night. But arranging the space to make it more livable for the owners was their chief challenge. “There were no square rooms in the condo,” Harrison says. “The feeling was very loft-like. “With that open floor plan, we had to create a dining room, a living room, and a family room, all in one big open space,” he explains. “We also had to warm it up, so we used a soft, muted palette,” Sanchez says. “In the den, we warmed it with darker colors.” “As an architect, I’m drawn to open spaces, but for practical livability purposes, I understood why Barry and Art wanted to break it down into distinct spaces,” says Adrienne Brown, who shares the condo with her husband, Jonathan Marcus, who’s employed in the financial sector. She founded her own architectural firm, AKB Works, in Chicago in 2015. The two give high grades to the designers. “Probably the most incredible thing they did was turning this enormous space into three spaces,” Brown says.
26 michigan design center @home 2017 The results, though, don’t look choppy or abrupt; the living room alone is 40 feet long, Harrison notes. And the high ceilings lend an airy atmosphere. The 24-story building was completed in 2007 and has a striking curved glass exterior. It was built by the renowned architectural film Booth Hansen, with offices in Chicago and San Francisco. But why hire a southeast Michigan design firm for a job nearly 300 miles away? It’s simple. Brown is a Michigan native, and Art | Harrison designed her parents’ home in Bloomfield Hills when she was in college. “I liked them and their work,” she says. “We already had a great relationship,” Sanchez says, “and they did interview Chicago designers for their condo, thinking it might be easier. But then she called us and I said, ‘We can do this very quickly.’” “Our ability to do custom work also intrigued her,” Harrison says. Several Art | Harrison custom furniture pieces are interspersed throughout the home. Brown’s training as an architect aided her in ironing out details with Sanchez and Harrison. “Being an architect helped me to articulate what I wanted,” she says, “and I understand things like detail and scale.” In fact, the three collaborated on designing a cocktail table in the living room. Viewed from above, the top of it resembles the roof lines of a building, a salute to Brown’s profession. “She has a strong sense of spatial relationships, which made things easier during the whole project,” Sanchez says. Art | Harrison warmed up the foyer with a deep, dark palette. Arte wallcovering: Rozmallin, Suite 60 Custom carved chair by Art | Harrison: Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 Console table: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, Tennant & Associates, Suite 61
27 michigandesign.com A third bedroom was converted into a comfortable den. Pillow fabric from S. Harris: Marie-Howard Showroom, Suite 119 Karastan rug: Flooring Design Distributors, Suite 73 Lighting: Visual Comfort, available through City Lights Detroit, Suite 98
28 michigan design center @home 2017 Changes and additions were relatively modest. One was adding a bath to the master suite, a request from the homeowners. A kitchen wall was also removed for better sightlines. As with most condominiums, rules and stipulations created a few impediments, but the designers deftly negotiated those hurdles. However, transporting furniture and other items sometimes was challenging. “There is no freight elevator in the building, so we had to reserve very long lead times in order to use the elevator,” Harrison says. “Also, nothing taller than 8 feet can go into the parking structure, so if you bring a large truck, you have to get permits from the city to park out in the street, then it has to be transferred to a van, and the van has to be taken under the building.” There were a few other sticking points. “While we were doing the renovations, they insisted we pad the entire elevator hall to protect the carpet,” Sanchez adds. “On Fridays it had to be removed, and on Monday put back down again. We couldn’t do any work on the weekends because we couldn’t inconvenience the neighbors.” The draperies also had to be a consistent color, but the designers took the restrictions in stride. “As high-rise regulations go, they were pretty easy with us,” Sanchez acknowledges. The immediate neighborhood throbs with vitality. Crowds frequent top-drawer restaurants and upscale designer shops like Barneys, Hermès, and Christian Louboutain. “Their location is dynamic,” Sanchez notes. “You come out of the house, and the energy just hits you.” The floor plan was so extensive that a cozy family room was added. Wood and steel table by Art | Harrison: Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 Chair with ottoman: Hickory Chair, available through Henredon, Suite 122 All fabric: Tennant & Associates, Suite 61
29 michigandesign.com But sometimes the owners just want to curl up in their comfy perch above the bustling city. You can’t blame them. “They live in every part of this unit,” Sanchez says. “They sit in the living room in the evenings, because the view at night is pure magic.” Brown echoes his assessment. “I wanted all the rooms to be comfortable and livable, where we could relax or entertain. “When I was growing up we had a formal living room that nobody used, and I didn’t want that kind of formality. We truly use all the space in our place.” ABOVE | With a view like this through the breakfast area, who wouldn’t be in sunny spirits in the morning? Custom banquette designed by Art | Harrison Pillow fabric: Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa, Suite 105
30 michigan design center @home 2017 Modern Accents Whether decorative or functional, accessories can completely change the look and feel of any space while allowing personal expression to shine through. Unique art, sculpture, lighting, colorful pillows, and textured paintings are just a few accents that can warm up a room, help tell a story, and create a remarkable living space. We asked four experts to share their best accessorizing tips when decorating a contemporary living space. – Cheryl Beisel
31 michigandesign.com Though the house was contemporary, the client brief for this room (opposite page) was to create a collection of international pieces from the 1950s, so when it came time to select accessories, we started first with historical research. Since all of the furniture used either gently curvilinear forms or strong pure geometry, we also tried to select pieces to repeat these shapes. The table lamp is Italian, Salviati, whose blown glass teardrop geometry appears to curve with the ombre coloration. A pair of serpentine Marion Anderson Noyes silver candlesticks for Towle 1955 contrast with the flat plane of the dining table top. Conversely, the amber Paul Kedelv Flygsfor Coquille bowl seems to repeat the exact shape of the flanking lounge chairs. The period glass bottles and vases were chosen for their strong geometry and matching coloration. When considering a contemporary space and the scale of that space, a few bold pieces used sparingly ensure a modern feeling through contrast and impact, even if the items are hundreds of years old. Accessories do not have to be modern to support a modern décor. This family room bookcase in a midcentury restoration is new but is based on the details of the period architecture. The homeowner had a tiny collection of pottery that she had collected. Building on her three or four interesting “studio” pieces, we expanded the collection with both valuable collectibles and “funky finds.” All are of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s era. A single turquoise vase adds a jolt to the otherwise neutral palette. – Mark Johnson, Mark Johnson & Associates Photos by George Dzharistos
32 michigan design center @home 2017 In this living room, a custom built-in bookcase in a warm walnut finish stretches the length of the back wall. In accessorizing these shelves, great attention was paid to the neutral palette and casual, relaxed atmosphere of the space. This resulted in an edited look that showcases each individual object, creating visual balance within the space. A mixture of natural artifacts and industrial objects presented on custom iron stands were selected to play up the original building’s past as a former shipping warehouse. On the cocktail table, glass objects and a vase of fresh flowers give a lighter feel to the space, balancing the weight of the warm chenille sofas and dark velvet chairs that surround it. In the master bedroom, opposite page, two Harold Latham English watercolor landscapes, with their beautiful pastel tones, were hung on each side of the tester bed in order to mirror the height of the tall headboard. The nightstands were accessorized sparingly in order to allow the artwork and bed to remain the focal points. Tall crystal lamps were chosen for their light, translucent appearance, while a grouping of antique Vietnamese bowls recovered from the Hôi Anwreck add texture and antiquarian interest. As a finishing touch, a simple crystal vase of fresh cut flowers enhances any nightstand. – Kevin Serba, Serba Interiors
33 michigandesign.com Photos by James Haefner
34 michigan design center @home 2017 Photo by Beth Singer
35 michigandesign.com Approach accessorizing as if you are a painter and have an empty canvas in front of you. Build a composition, and build relationships between the objects and the space they occupy. Pay attention to size, shape, texture, and color, and always create with strong intention so that the end result is pleasing to the senses. Modern spaces like this foyer, opposite page, look best with curated accessories that are bold and sculptural. Choose carefully, and pay attention to color, scale, and visual weight. Accessories should never overpower a room. They are intended to enhance and support the overall design along with providing elements of surprise and delight. – Amy Weinstein, AMW Design Studio Lighting a contemporary environment requires artistic sensibility, each item to be selected as an art piece unto itself. – Harriett Pauluzzi, Designer Group Collection A. Handmade in the Philippines, the pale gold shade comes with matching gold hardware; pewter shade comes with pewter hardware. No two shades are exactly alike. Zedd by Oggetti Luce, Designer Group Collection, Suite 34 B. The Twist is a best-selling lighting fixture from the creative mind of Vito Selma. All the wood pieces move easily so the owner can create a cage-like effect or a more closed piece. The reflections of light are dramatic. A commanding light for a special place. Twist Trapezoid by Oggetti Luce, Designer Group Collection, Suite 34 C. This lighting fixture has a unique design typical of its creator, Vito Selma. The pieces snap open at just a touch so the owner can create the pattern. The structure can be totally opened for a star-like effect or some parts can be left closed for more variation. The warmth of wood adds to the light’s beauty. Nova by Oggetti Luce, Designer Group Collection, Suite 34 D. The Constella Large is the brilliant concept from Vito Selma. A honeycomb of wood is carefully crafted and fit together to diffuse and radiate light. Constella by Oggetti Luce, Designer Group Collection, Suite 34 A. B. D. C.
36 michigan design center @home 2017
37 michigandesign.com Every home naturally develops a flow based on the paths the homeowners typically take to reach other rooms. But not every home’s floor plan is ideal, and many hindrances that plague a poorly designed space may have been avoided if they had been addressed during the design process. Three of the area’s top designers share some recent projects and explain the decisions made to tailor spaces to best fit their clients’ lifestyles and improve the flow of their homes. – Craig Argenti “While in the planning stages of this new construction home, I worked through the details with the clients to integrate the kitchen and family room rather than having these rooms separated. The clients have an active family, so they wanted a comfortable living space but did not want to compromise style. Proportion is everything, as it gives a home its rhythm. Every element in a room relates to the next. We started this main level with the design of the kitchen where industrial meets contemporary. When the elements are mixed effectively, the mix looks effortless. A tight seating arrangement is always nice to add to the comfort and flow of the room. We used a soft neutral color palette, which mixed perfectly with the kitchen materials. The coffered ceiling was the finishing detail, and pulled the space together. The finished design of this home is inviting, filled with personality without being overdone.” – Cheryl Nestro, Tutto Interiors The initial floor plan called for the kitchen to be separate from the family room, but once the space was opened up the clients no longer felt they were forcing something that didn’t feel right. Drapery: Tennant & Associates, Suite 61 Kitchen stools: Marie-Howard Showroom, Suite 119 Photos by John Carlson Go with the Flow
38 michigan design center @home 2017 ABOVE | Living room lamps were intentionally oversized to balance the artwork, but did not overpower because of their transparency. The “Green Man” artwork is an image of a sculpture created by Mathilde Roussel-Giraudy, a French artist. Lighting: Baker Furniture, Suite 60 RIGHT | Textured fabrics without pattern were selected and art and accessories were kept to a bare minimum. Dining room lighting: Lighting Resource Studio, Suites 18 & 97 Photos by Jeff Garland
39 michigandesign.com “Design choices are key to help maximize the flow of a home, especially when working with a small area. Our design narrative for this 1,200-square-foot loft in Dearborn was to bring a modern sensibility to a dated-looking residence and to visually expand the perceived size of the space. Because of the small footprint of the rooms, we used every trick in the book to make them appear larger without sacrificing comfort and style. We selected tables with generous top surfaces, but simply designed legs. Seating was generous, but arms were kept slim and low profile with open, airy bases. Each room had a subtle neutral paint color, but had a dark focal-point wall that visibly receded, allowing the space to take on size and depth. Because we wanted the eye to move easily around the small spaces, strong colors were limited to accent pieces only.” – Kathleen McGovern, Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design Bed sizes were not compromised, but footboards were eliminated to maximize floor space in the bedrooms. Blue guest bedroom nightstands, bed, and headboard: RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90
40 michigan design center @home 2017 “One important thing to keep in mind when developing a floor plan, especially when planning kitchen, dining, and living room areas, is the space’s ability to play host. This familyfriendly home features multiple open areas that double as cozy gathering spaces while they also have the potential to host many guests. The centrally located dining table provides an additional area for activities besides just family meals. The morning room off the kitchen provides the space with an intimate area to host a small group of friends, while the patio with sliding doors offers the potential to expand further and host many people on a perfect Michigan summer night.” – Jill Schumacher, Rariden Schumacher Mio
41 michigandesign.com Photos by Beth Singer ABOVE | Measure your existing furniture before developing a floor plan to avoid future mishaps with implementation. Morning room seating and fabric: RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90 OPPOSITE PAGE TOP | Keep the homeowner’s lifestyle in mind when developing a floor plan. This young family’s incredible modern art collection complements the interior aesthetic of the classic transitional design, allowing this family space to be user-friendly while still always looking tidy. Sofas and sofa fabric: Henredon, Suite 122 Side chair and fabric: RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90 OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM | Play up different spaces in an open floor plan. This flexible space can accommodate the perfect family movie night or a large dinner party for many friends. Lighting: City Lights Detroit, Suite 98 Bar stools: RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90 Bar stool fabric: Robert Allen, Suite 28
42 michigan design center @home 2017 Divide &Conquer Open floor plans can be attractive, but the space has to be controlled in order to give the eye a place to rest. A screen, rug, or panel can serve to help “control” the area while at the same time provide privacy and visual appeal. Here are some options from MDC showrooms that can keep you from being lost in space. – George Bulanda This 8 x 10 flat-weave wool rug fromDue Process can hang in a doorway or on a wall because it’s reversible. The Ghiordes Knot, Suites 19 & 20 This transitional four-panel screen in distressed silver finish and open fretwork from John Richard is 76.5 inches high and 60 inches wide. RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90 Even a one-panel divider can have a strong impact. This metal “Rusty Vine Trellis” from Paragon is 76 inches high and 31 inches wide. Decoroom, Suite 37 Lexington’s three-panel Twin Palms Exuma Screen is 80 inches high, 70 inches wide, and made of twisted rattan with a leather-wrapped frame and antique brass-finished ferrules. RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90 At 96 inches tall, the Radiant Screen by Thomas Pheasant for Baker in Luxe finish would be effective in a room with high ceilings. Mahogany with custom cast resin top and bottom bands in relief. Baker Furniture, Suite 60 Floor rugs can also serve to break up the space in a wide-open room. This 9 x 12 wool-and-silk blend rug made in Nepal is by Tamarian. The Ghiordes Knot, Suites 19 & 20 Photo by Jeff Aisen Photo by Jeff Aisen Photo by Jeff Aisen
43 michigandesign.com Start toFinish Many questions come up when doing home renovations. “Where do we start?” “How long will this take?” “What are my options?” and even “What was I thinking?” are heard again and again. However, once you’ve decided to take the plunge and tackle a renovation project, don’t forget to snap a few “before” photos to help recall where the space started. It will help you appreciate, if not the journey, the satisfying results. – Susan Todebush
WhenCynthia Evans of Cynthia Evans Interiors was tapped to transform a cramped, dated kitchen, she knew she first needed to get the two opinionated homeowners to agree to a single vision for the space. One craved a cozy, rustic look while the other insisted crisp white with modern touches was the way to go. Evans removed the bulkheads and reconfigured the layout to open up the space. The ceiling along the door wall was raised, and transom windows were added to flood the room with light and highlight the view to the garden. The raised ceiling area was trimmed in wood, which adds texture and defines the traffic flow in the home. Warm cherry cabinets and a textured ledge stone backsplash bring more rustic elements, while dark granite perimeter countertops and a marble island add a clean, modern touch. Sleek metal hardware and an industrial vent hood are the finishing touches. ABOVE & PREVIOUS PAGE Ledge stone: Beaver Tile and Stone, Suite 101; Bronzeworks decorative tile: Virginia Tile, Suite 100; Table: Marie-Howard Showroom, Suite 119 michigan design center @home 2017 44 Photo by K. C. Vansen
45 michigandesign.com Photo by K.C. Vansen Initially, these homeowners planned on a modest, cosmetic re-do of their kitchen, as a part of a larger renovation once their children had grown and left the home. But, as other areas were completed through the home, their enthusiasm grew and they decided to make a completely fresh start. Dan Davis and the team fromDan Davis Designhelped their clients redesign the flow of the room, and added updated colors and personality. Wood floors, matched to the adjoining rooms, expand the space, and the peninsula was replaced with an island to allow easier circulation through the space. The door from the kitchen goes directly into the garage. The homeowners, who also enjoy entertaining at home, needed a place to sit to remove shoes and boots. The custom banquette was the perfect solution. Instead of hinged seats that lift for storage, Davis designed seating with lower shelves with storage baskets to easily tuck footwear and gloves out of sight. As an added bonus, the seating allowed the clients to keep the larger windows at that end of the kitchen intact, an option they would not have had with additional cabinetry. Davis chose Sunbrella fabric from Pindler for the bench seat cushions, making them very durable and easy to clean and perfect for worry-free entertaining. LEFT | Diagonal backsplash tile: Beaver Tile & Stone, Suite 101; Small pillow fabric: Kravet, Suite 105; Bench fabric: Pindler, Suite 69 Start with a tired, 1980s fauxColonial house and stir in an active, modern family who craved space to watch television and spend time together, and you’ll have the starting point Dan Davis and his team fromDan Davis Design faced in this living room project. The natural wood floors were left intact, trim was painted, and curtain panels were added to unify the series of windows. They selected new seating and accents, and repurposed the animal-like legs from the existing coffee table to use on a new, larger custom version. The biggest transformation was the fireplace wall. Davis chose large-scale commercial three dimensional tiles and installed them edge-to-edge without grout lines for a sleek, modern feeling. The large television was built into the wall above the fireplace, and custom cabinets were designed to conceal electronics, creating a dramatic focal point for the room and a space the family can really enjoy together. ABOVE | Ottoman and curtain fabrics: Duralee, Suite 38; Rug: The Ghiordes Knot, Suites 19 & 20
46 michigan design center @home 2017 This laundry room/mudroom area was part of a whole-house renovationDayna Rasschaert of Dayna Flory Interiors completed for her clients, a young family who appreciate natural touches in their décor. Because this area is in view of the hub of the home, custom cabinetry with doors designed to look like smaller drawers was added to conceal the appliances, visually reducing the large mass of the washer and dryer. Cabinets and bench are topped and trimmed with wood slabs that have been treated with a special clear coat suitable for countertops. The 24" square sink was fashioned by a local concrete provider. Overall, it was quite a transformation bringing a dated laundry room and storage closet into the 21st century. Tile: Virginia Tile, Suite 100 Photos by Michael Raffin
47 michigandesign.com When longtime clients were ready to remodel the kitchen of their lakeside home, Pamela Livingston Hardy, Creative Renovations, let the homeowners’ desire for mixing contrasting elements of light and dark guide her design choices. Two cabinet finishes were selected: a rich cherry for the perimeter, and warm white for the island. The home has high, vaulted ceilings, so cabinets of varying heights were selected to accent this feature. Existing windows were replaced to enhance the view of the lake, and walls were painted a shade of green that helps bring the outside in. In the end, she achieved a functional space that sacrifices none of the rich aesthetic the clients wanted. Photos by Visions in Photography
48 michigan design center @home 2017 Enjoy Epic Café’s custom-designed menu and daily specials featuring the season’s best ingredients. Located in the D Lobby of Michigan Design Center inTroy 248.649.1540 In-house and off-premise catering available An Epic Café by Design at Michigan Design Center www.theepicureangroup.com
49 michigandesign.com Sculptural objects add a note of rugged elegance to a room, lending definition and visual interest to the setting. Whether they’re freestanding art sculptures or an intrinsic part of a lamp or table, strong sculptural forms invest any design style with an architectural accent that can’t be ignored. – George Bulanda True toForm ABOVE & LEFT | Ogassian Brise Field Tile in cast concrete Ann Sacks, Suite 91
50 michigan design center @home 2017 Thalia Lamp available in Bronze or Silver finish, fromWildwood Lamps RJ Thomas, Ltd., Suites 77, 80, 82 & 90 Agate Accent Table with antique silver finish and clear glass top, by Jean-Louis Deniot for Baker Baker Furniture, Suite 60 Petalo Mirror fromLaura Kirar Casegoods for Baker Baker Furniture, Suite 60
51 michigandesign.com Oil-Rubbed Finish Brass Objet d’Art, fromMaitland-Smith Henredon, Suite 122 Eight-light Lily porcelain and hand-forged iron pendant with Enchanted Silver Leaf finish Lighting Resource Studio, Suites 18 & 97 Zagi Console table, wood with glass top with rounded corners, designed by Vito Selma for Oggetti Designer Group Collection, Suite 34
52 michigan design center @home 2017 Trending toward Timeless While trendy can be temporary, we asked designers to share their takes on which 2017 trends are destined to become classics. Inspired by travel, art, or fashion, designers spot trends in everyday life and use them to influence their work. They suggest it’s time to warm up your décor using sustainable materials and updated paint colors, be authentic and reflect your own taste, set the mood in unsuspecting places, take time to relax, and to use locally sourced home goods that let Detroit artisans shine. – Emily Crawford
53 michigandesign.com DETROIT RENAISSANCE Extraordinary Works - Luxury by EW Kitchens, and interior designers Krista Nye Nicholas andTami Ramsay of CLOTH & KIND collaborated on the rehab of this Detroit home, choosing a custom blue Mouser Cabinetry hutch, hand-painted ceramic backsplash, and other accessories to pay homage to the age and location of the home. “This lovely home, originally built in 1907, maintains many of its beautiful original features. However, the kitchen had been renovated in the 1980s and it wasn’t looking or functioning how the homeowners wanted it to. CLOTH & KIND worked with the homeowners, a young couple with a newborn baby, to design the kitchen you see now, which is a fluid mix of timeless and modern, meeting their needs with a sense of character and style,” says Krista Nye Nicolas, CLOTH & KIND. Backsplash: Virginia Tile, Suite 100 Cabinetry: Extraordinary Works – Luxury by EW Kitchens, Suite 93 COLOR MODERNIZES KITCHEN CABINETRY Cabinets are appearing in rich jewel tones like navy and hunter green for a fresh take on kitchen design. The Exeter Series fromRutt Handcrafted Cabinetry, available at Gardner Builders, Suite 106, debuted in 2016 at the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York City. “In addition to the wood designs of the Exeter, we’ve also designed an exclusive bespoke solid brass hardware that is specifically designed to complement this design series,” explains Jason Artus, vice president of sales and marketing for Rutt. “Modern in its design, the pulls are strategically placed to accentuate the panel facades. This is truly unique within the cabinetry industry.” OPPOSITE PAGE | Wallcovering: Tennant & Associates, Suite 61
54 michigan design center @home 2017 Photo by Hedrich Blessing
55 michigandesign.com Photo by K.C. Vansen ACCENT ON COMFORT People are living healthy lives longer than ever, so aging in place is a consideration designers are hearing from their clients. Dan Davis, of Dan Davis Design, selected cork flooring for this kitchen addition. Not only is the product sustainable, but its softer surface is easier on the joints and back. Says Davis, “Our clients were world travelers. We loved the copper pendants as an ode to Moroccaninspired lighting. Plus, the copper color was a wonderful counterpoint to the blue and gray cooler kitchen palette.” A custom butcher block island and a blue glass backsplash add warmth and blend the couple’s love of midcentury modern style with inspiration from their travels. ABOVE | Tile backsplash: Beaver Tile & Stone, Suite 101 WARM IT UP Anne Strickland, of PORT Mfg. & Design, sees a trend in accents with warmer tones and patinas. “We have seen a lot of gray over the last couple of years and I think there comes a time where we design as a reaction to what we are used to seeing,” Strickland says. “Color, warmer wood tones, layered textures, and patinas that have a history and personality are things to look for. I meet a lot of people who have a zest for experiencing life through travel and passions, so why wouldn’t we want our homes to reflect that distinguished narrative?” RIGHT | Sconces: City Lights Detroit, Suite 98 TECH-FREE Create a technology-free zone in a quiet place to relax away from screens. “This window seat is a cozy place to read a good book or take in the stunning view,” says Jill Schumacher, of Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co. OPPOSITE PAGE | Window seat and pillow fabric: Rozmallin, Suite 60
56 michigan design center @home 2017 COLOR CLUES Greige is now the rage. Combining the contemporary sophistication of gray with the warmth of beige, it’s the new neutral. As with gray, bright colors pop against greige and are not absorbed by it. It promotes a sense of sanctuary, and looks spectacular with white woodwork and trim. Wonderful gray/beige paints are Sherwin-Williams 7029 Agreeable Gray andBenjamin Moore’s HC-172 Revere Pewter. Greenery, Pantone’s color of the year, is nature’s neutral. Green is the color of the heart chakra, so it gives us a sense of peace, tranquility, and relaxation, and helps our heart to beat slower. This shade of green is a buoyant hue, (comparable is Sherwin-Williams 9032 Stay in Lime). One easy way to introduce this color is to bring live plants into a space. – Linda Shears, Linda Shears Designs SOURCE LOCALLY The environment around you can be a tremendous “green” resource for building and furnishing your home. In this beautiful retreat home in Michigan, the floor, vaulted ceiling, and door jambs were made from timber that was cut down on the property, and the closet door was made from wood from a barn on the property. The beautiful stone flooring that flanks the fireplace is from rocks that were also found on the property. Although the house was built from the ground up at the beginning of 2016, the fireplace was repurposed from the original house that was torn down. – Jane S. Synnestvedt, Jane S. Synnestvedt Interior Design Consultant RIGHT | Chair: Henredon, Suite 122; Rugs: The Ghiordes Knot, Suites 19 & 20 Photo by Beth Singer Photo by Jeff Aisen
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODE1NzU3