2015 Design Awards
Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Interiors
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice
Historic Renovation / Restoration
1st – Kevin Hart and Associates, with Caden Design Group
This original late-1930s Colonial was a hidden gem that needed to be uncovered. First, a more formal foyer was introduced; the frieze boards, trims, and rake boards were fashioned from the original millwork of the house. Hardwood floors, stone tile, and door hardware were reclaimed and used throughout the addition. The kitchen was positioned between the family room and mud room, capturing natural light from the family room. Meanwhile, the master suite exudes tranquility with three exterior walls that have floor-to-ceiling windows, and French doors.
Photo by Martie Hart
Photo by Martie Hart
Small Space Remodel, up to 1,000 Square Feet
Photo by Agnes Jawoszek
1st – Reem Akkad Design
This living room was transformed from a bland, modest space into something dramatic. Rather than overlooking the ceiling as a design element, golden upholstered squares were used and it has become a focal point. Flanking the fireplace, crystal sconces are mounted on mirrors that accentuate and bounce light throughout the room. Deep wood tones enrich the space, while gold accents create a cohesive interior with a touch of glamour.
Photo by Jeff Garland
2nd – Angelini and Associates Architects
Photo by Caden Design Group
3rd – Caden Design Group
Large Remodel, More Than 1,000 square feet
Photo by Jeff Garland
1st – Angelini and Associates Architects
This mid-century modern home was tired and outdated when the new owners updated the kitchen, great room, dining room, and master suite. Walls were removed, and now the kitchen and adjacent living areas provide an open, soaring space for entertaining and relaxing. New cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, and furnishings are all in keeping with the modern aesthetic. The master bath was enlarged, and now is a serene space; the generous tiled shower is highlighted by the skylight.
Photo by David Lewinski
2nd – D Met Studio
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Jones-Keena & Co., with Kevin Hart & Associates and Victor Talia Architecture
Addition Project
Photo by Jeff Garland
1st – Angelini & Associates Architects
The owners of this home value living simply and in a small footprint. A small addition added some breathing space, enlarging the kitchen and dining areas. The new kitchen is in keeping with the retro style preference of the owners, and harmonizes with the original parts of the home. A built-in window nook is perfect for family meals and doing homework. The enlarged dining room (not shown) has just the right amount of space for dinners with family and friends.
Photo by David HAmmond
2nd – Rick Lindbeck Design Inc., with Hewson Homes
Photo by CBI DEsign Professionals
3rd – CBI Design Professionals
Vacation Home in Michigan
Photo by Keith Logsdon
1st – Michael Willoughby & Associates – Architects
This lakefront home is reminiscent of a New England cottage, with a steeply pitched cedar shingle roof, swooping eaves, and multiple dormers with copper roofs. An outdoor fireplace anchors the screened porch just off the kitchen and eating area, and the large living room has two seating areas with doors that lead to the semicircular home office on one side and archways to the stair hall and kitchen on the other. The master suite has uninterrupted lake views and a semicircular bathroom in the turret.
Photo by Justin Maconochie
2nd – Serba Interiors
Photo by Jim Yochum
3rd – Allegretti Architects with CL Construction
Vacation Home Outside of Michigan
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.
With porches on every side, the “Georgetown” is a low country-style home that was designed for functional living. The main level of the home is characterized by wide open spaces with connected kitchen, dining, and living areas all leading onto the various outdoor patios. The main floor master bedroom occupies one entire wing of the home, along with an additional bedroom suite. Although the home is large, a major effort went into making every space special and interesting.
Photo by David Steinlauf
2nd – AZD Architects
Photo by Martie Hart
3rd – Kevin Hart and Associates
Model Home
Photo by Chuck Heiney
1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.
This Shaker home would be perfect on many sites, particularly those with a view. The main floor has a variety of areas in which to gather, including a large kitchen/dining/living area, a cozy hearth room, and an expansive deck. Two separate upper levels provide space for sleeping; the quarters above the garage make a great guest apartment. Extra bunk beds, a billiards table, seating areas, and access to more outdoor living are on the lower level, making entertaining easy.
Photo by Comassociates
2nd – Moceri Custom Homes
Photo by Comassociates
3rd – Arteva Homes with TR Design Group
Contemporary Architecture, up to 4,000 Square Feet
Photo by John Carlson
1st – AZD Architects with Bob Watson
This modern residence is the perfect blend of function and aesthetic. A cantilevered, steel entrance canopy defies gravity as it pierces through the glass front into the main entrance. Sleek ledge stone provides a base and grounds the home, while custom-milled wood veneer warms the façade and contrasts with the cool gray metal details. The rear of the house has a covered porch with retractable screens and a retractable door that expands the living quarters into the outdoors in warm weather.
Photo by David Steinlauf
2nd – AZD Architects
Photo by Hewson Homes
3rd – Rick Lindbeck Design Inc. with Hewson Homes
Contemporary Architecture, More Than 4,000 Square Feet
Photo by Jim Haefner
1st – Desrosiers Architects
This contemporary two-level home offers expansive sunset views through the 6- by 10-foot bronze-tinted butt glass windows. The 32- by 40-foot multifunctional great room is the core of all activities in the 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, and four-bathroom main level. The lower walkout level boasts a guest suite, billiards area, and an open theater. A custom wine room with large arched ceilings and all-glass walls serves as the backdrop to the unique quartzite counter bar.
Photo by Steve Pomerleau
2nd – AZD Architects with Dan Castor
Photo by SCott Kunsleman
3rd – AZD Architects
Traditional Architecture, up to 4,000 Square Feet
Photo by Jim Yochum
1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.
Lakefront living isn’t often both luxurious and conscious of size, but the “Emmett” design achieves both of these goals. Despite being ideal for a narrow waterfront lot, this home offers three full floors of modern living. Dining, kitchen, and living areas flank the outdoor patio space, while three bedrooms plus a master suite are located on the upper level. The lower level provides an additional gathering space and a bunk room, as well as a “beach bath” with walkout access to the lake.
Photo by Chuck Heiney
2nd – Allegretti Architects with CL Construction
Traditional Architecture, More Than 4,000 Square Feet
Photo by William J. Hebert
1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.
A home this stately could easily be found in the English countryside. The “Simonton” boasts a stone façade, towering rooflines, and graceful arches, and features a separate wing for the main level master suite. The interior focal point is the dining room, which opens out onto the front porch. The study/large family room and back patio offer additional gathering places, along with the kitchen’s island and table seating. Three bedroom suites with private bathrooms fill the upper level.
Photo by Jim Haefner
2nd – Desrosiers Architects
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Martini Samartino Design Group, with Cranbrook Custom Homes
Overall Home
Photo by Brad Ziegler
1st – VanBrouck & Associates
This French-chateau-inspired home, approached from a winding private road, is surrounded by landscaped gardens, including a kitchen garden. It features a conservatory, wine cellar and tasting room, and large dining and gathering spaces. The Provencal-style kitchen supports multiple gourmet cooks. The home also features five bedrooms, “her” office, “his” library, an exercise room, and a media/theater room. Authentic Old World materials are used throughout, including French tumbled limestone floors, wide-plank wood floors, timber-beamed ceilings, wrought-iron stair railings, and stone interior walls.
Photo by Justin Maconochie
2nd – Serba Interiors
Photo by Jim Haefner