FURNISHINGS | inspired design
DESIGNERS PORTRAIT BY GARY SERAPHINOFF, SERAPHINOFF PHOTOGRAPHY
LEFT TO RIGHT: GABRIELLA ANDERSEN, MICHELE WESTON, COLLEEN GAHRY-ROBB, ENA STEWART
WHO: To create the palatial spaces shown below, Ethan Allen called in an all-star team of designers, shown at left. Michele Weston, ASID, a 30-year veteran, is National Council for Interior Design Qualification-certified. Her mission was to create and provide an aesthetically pleasing environment with purpose, originality, and sophistication. Ena Stewart, ASID, has more than 25 years of interior design experience, and incorporates her clients’ personalities in each and every project. Colleen Gahry-Robb has been an Ethan Allen designer for 16 years. Her specialty is space planning, and her trademark style is classic design with a modern perspective. Gabriella Andersen, who holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design and architectural construction, rounds out the team.
INSPIRATION: Designed by architects Benjamin and Straight in 1927, this Grosse Pointe Park English Tudor-style home was the most recent Junior League of Detroit Designers’ Show House. Inspired by French apartments and romantic architecture, the Ethan Allen design team set out to create a living space that evoked a feel of relaxed elegance. This section (the top floor) of the home was once a ballroom, where homeowners and guests enjoyed live music.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: The designers’ challenge was traffic flow. “By floating the main pieces in the room, we were able to create intimate seating arrangements perfect for entertaining or conversation,” Gahry-Robb says. The team introduced different-sized chandeliers, helping to anchor each area as if it were its own room. “The chandeliers … were perfect for the French look we were trying to achieve,” Weston says.
 Product: Weathered hurricane lampPrice: starting at $279 Ethan Allen stores, metro Detroit |
 Product: Olympia chandelierPrice: $2,599 Ethan Allen stores, metro Detroit |
 Product: Moody Blue paint Sherwin-Williams stores, metro Detroit |
 Product: Beau Bed, shown in queen size Price: starting at $2,599 Ethan Allen stores, metro Detroit |
Designer Tips for Parisian Panache
• When designing a space that is French-inspired, curves are key!
• Choose pieces that have a softness to them.
• Mixing materials like aged woods and vintage metal tones helps give a space a “collected” feel.
• Stick with pieces that are more feminine and romantic.
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