2015 Design Awards
Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Interiors
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice
Utility / Storage / Garage
Photo by Steve Pomerleau
1st – AZD Architects, With R J Laney Design
This residence, the home of an avid car collector, has a three-car garage for everyday commuting. Lower-level garages can store eight cars and a number of motorcycles. A special car storage space on the lower level is designed to show off a different car each month; this car is visible through the main level office space, thanks to a specially designed glass floor. These dramatic garage spaces allow the owner to enjoy his collection from both inside and outside.
Photo by Brad Ziegler
2nd – Vanbrouck & Associates
Photo by Rinne Allen
3rd – Cloth & Kind
Specialty Room
Photo by Michael Weinstein
1st – Amy Miller Weinstein/AMW Design Studio, with Sterling Development
A fantastic lower level for the kids! The colorful wall graphics and graffiti wallpaper (see wall on far right) in tones of fluorescent green and orange are electric, but greatly toned down by the charcoal grey used throughout the area. This is an indestructible space with references to sports and urban culture — in other words, kid heaven!
Photo by Gene Meadows
2nd – It’s Personal Design, LLC
Photo by Brad Ziegler
3rd – Vanbrouck & Associates
Conservatory / Screen Room / Sunroom
Photo by Jim Haefner
1st – Perlmutter-Freiwald
This solarium blends the home’s kitchen, family room, and pool areas, and the limestone floor offers a seamless plan throughout. The more transitional doors were perfect for abutting a very traditional structure — in this case, a Wallace Frost home from the 1920s. The furnishings are an eclectic mix of updated modern wicker blended with more traditional pieces befitting the style of the home. A large-screen TV (not shown) with surround sound makes this a very popular spot on the weekends.
Photo by Doug Warner
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Wine Cellar
Photo by James Cristbrook
1st – Brandywine Construction
Inspired by the homeowners and brought to life by the builder, this custom wine cellar features glass and iron doors, custom brickwork, and handmade wooden shelving. The room is separate from — yet integrated into — the basement floor plan via the glass, which acts as a transparent barrier. The brickwork coordinates with the lighting to create a rustic ambience reminiscent of old European architecture, while the waterfall countertop directly in front of the cellar increases the practicality of the area.
Photo by Chuck Heiney
2nd – Benchmark Wood & Design Studio, with Mike Schaap Builders
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Jones-Keena & Co., with Gallery Steel
Library / Home Office
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with Desrosiers Architects
This 18-by-20-foot office is the work center for the owner of this lakefront home. The ribbon-cut mahogany cabinets, desk, and shelves are all custom-designed for the space, and the coved walls are covered with fabric panels. An open gas fireplace with a TV above (not shown) features floor-to-ceiling glass shelves — part of the unit houses a secret door that opens to the master bedroom’s closet. This home office is the perfect retreat!
Photo by John Carlson
2nd – Tutto Interiors
Photo by Chuck Heiney
3rd – Visbeen Architects Inc.
Home Theater
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Schaerer Architextural Interiors. with Desrosiers Architects
This unique, sophisticated, and open contemporary theater is in the lower level of a magnificent, 12,000-square-foot lakeside residence. It features a sunken floor area with an extended lounging couch and ottoman. The floor-level portion of the theater has four B&B Italia swivel chairs and ottomans, to offer viewing flexibility. The dimmable surface-mounted light fixtures, from the PLC Lighting Crystal collection, have unique pointed lenses that offer a playful ceiling lighting experience.
Photo by Brad Ziegler
2nd – Vanbrouck & Associates
Photo by Michael Raffin
3rd – M.J. Whelan Construction
Powder Room
Photo by Carrie Acosta
1st – Birmingham Kitchens & Baths
There were many challenges in this 1927 Birmingham Tudor powder room — nestled next to the front entryway of the home — with a front-facing window. To preserve the original lead glass window yet offer privacy, the window was carefully acid-etched. The area measured just under 13 square feet, so a wall-mount toilet and wall-mount wash basin were installed to maximize floor space. Mirrored ceiling detail gives the illusion of a higher ceiling, and a Corbett ceiling light fixture adds a nice touch.
Photo by Courtney Bishop
2nd – Kristine Bishop Design
Photo by John Carlson
3rd – Tutto Interiors
Bath Up To 150 Square Feet
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with Desrosiers Architects
This unique lower-level bathroom services the outdoor swimming pool and lake for a 12,000-square-foot contemporary home. Vogue Bay aqua green glass tiles surround the floating ebony stained mahogany vanity (not shown), which has a 6-inch-deep ceramic top with built-in sink. The floor consists of stacked jura beige German tiles, and the asymmetric shower area features glass tiles that form unique floating benches with indirect LED lighting, creating a pleasant bathing experience.
Photo by Jeff Garland
2nd – Kathleen Mcgovern Studio of Interior Design
Photo by Brad Ziegler
3rd – Vanbrouck & Associates, with Olde World Homes
Bath More Than 150 Square Feet
Photo by Jeff Garland
1st – Angelini & Associates Architects
A freestanding cherry sink vanity island with a floating two-sided mirror takes this master bathroom to the next level. A makeup vanity area is enhanced with mirrored storage, matching sconces, glass shelves, and storage (not shown), and the closets and toilet room are enclosed by metal framed sliding doors with frosted glass. Three skylights provide natural light deep into the space and reinforce the symmetry of the central island.
Photo by Communication Associates
2nd – Moceri Custom Homes, with Downsview Kitchens, Bolyard Lumber
Photo by Martin Vecchio
3rd – Scavolini Store Detroit, with Vieyra Arquitectos
Kitchen Up To 200 Square Feet
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – CBI Design Professionals, with Vogue Furniture
Talk about a great family kitchen! The apron-front sink serves as a staging and cleanup area, while the cabinetry was carefully arranged for the family’s chef, and maximizes the ceiling height while providing great counter surfaces for prep work. Adjacent to this kitchen is a large pantry and refrigeration center.
Photo by Jeff Garland
2nd – Angelini & Associates Architects
Photo by Martin Vecchio
3rd – Scavolini Store Detroit, with Alexander Chapman And Mariam Chapman
Kitchen Between 201 And 500 Square Feet
Photo by Martin Vecchio
1st – Scavolini Store Detroit, with Vieyra Arquitectos
The homeowners wanted to prep food, pay bills, and eat dinner here, so the space had to allow a range of activities. An oversized island and plenty of counter space do just that. They also wanted a contemporary aesthetic, but functionality was important — the materials and finishes used here wear well and look amazing. The cabinets are European, combining dark nuance larch melamine, creamy porcelain lacquer (paint), and lichen green matte glass. Modern slab door cabinets feature a contemporary color palette.
Photo by Jeff Garland
2nd – Angelini & Associates Architects
Photo by David Steinlauf
3rd – AZD Architects
Kitchen More Than 500 Square Feet
Photo by Brett Mountain
1st – Barbara S. Bell Design
Function was critical for this young, growing family’s kitchen. The space was gutted from one end of the house to the other, and the kitchen was made wider. A wall of double ovens, a refrigerator, and pantry space were added; the cabinets transition from the kitchen into the dining space. The traditional countertops and apron-front sink can withstand heavy use. with extra storage and three large pantries in sight, everything is organized for this busy family.
Photo by Eric Perry
2nd – Caden Design Group
Photo by James Yochum
3rd – Signature Kitchens
Contemporary Master Suite
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – James Douglas Interiors
Simple and masculine, this master suite was designed for comfort. A relaxing palette of cream and cool greys was selected to complement and enhance the silver travertine used throughout the adjacent bathroom. Understated but functional bedside tables flank the stylish poster bed, upholstered in charcoal windowpane wool. A variety of textiles and textures — including hand-painted leather — create a sophisticated and inspired interior.
Photo by Jim Haefner
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with Desrosiers Architects
Traditional Master Suite
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Martini Samartino Design Group, with Cranbrook Custom Homes
This master suite is a sanctuary. The bed is designed into the wall with a niche trimmed in walnut woods and a direct view of a limestone-clad fireplace (not shown). The dressing area (also not shown) is a transition space that leads to the master bathroom, where the raised bathtub offers a stunning vista of the property beyond.
Photo by Beth Singer
2nd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Photo by Wayne Moore
3rd – Visbeen Architects Inc.
Contemporary Dining Room
Photo by Jeff Garland
1st – Kathleen Mcgovern Studio of Interior Design
This dining room is multifunctional by design. The goal was to provide a space that would work for business meetings, cocktail parties, and entertaining during the many Detroit River events to which this dining room provides front-row seating. It includes an unconventional dining table — 110 inches long by 50 inches wide — that ensures uninterrupted views of the river, historic Belle Isle, and Canada. Likewise, great care was taken in selecting the seating: It features low profiles, geometric elements, and tailored, low-maintenance fabrics.
Photo by Justin Maconochie
2nd – Serba Interiors
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Jane Redfield Schwartz Ltd.
Traditional Dining Room
Photo by Jim Haefner
1st – Gorman’s Interior Design
The homeowner wanted a round dining room with a round table (this one features a 60-inch maple top), so that each guest would feel as though they are the center of attention. The table (with a black-rubbed finish) and silk-fabric chairs, are from Hickory White. No rug was used, because the client wanted a very clean look — the flooring features 5-inch, hand-scraped birch planks. The eight-light George Kovacs pendant fixture crowns the room beautifully, while simple wall sconces finish the simplicity of this design, featured on the cover of the magazine.
Photo by Kristin Greenwald
2nd – Port Mfg. & Design
Photo by John Christensen
3rd – Laura Zender Design
Contemporary Foyer
Photo by Jim Haefner
1st – Desrosiers Architects
The exterior materials of this contemporary home are carried through the interior of the inviting foyer. Large slabs of statuary white Italian marble cover the floor, and genuine mahogany was used to construct the stair. Twelve-inch horizontal clear Western cedar covers the walls over the heavily textured Fond-du-lac stone. The powerful horizontal lines prevail throughout the foyer, and carry through to the stainless steel cable railing system and pivoting, 350-pound solid mahogany/glass door.
Photo by Comassociates
2nd – Arteva Homes, with Von Staden Architects
Photo by Jeff Bara
3rd – Robertson Homes
Traditional Foyer
Photo by Jim Haefner
1st – Desrosiers Architects
Welcome to a magnificent, three-story foyer. As you enter through the dual walnut and leaded-glass French doors, you’re standing below a soft, curving staircase. Two steps up and you enter the grand foyer — a soaring space capped with an ornamental plaster dome ceiling that incorporates a skylight with a chandelier suspended from its center. The powerful fluted columns support the cantilevered balcony, with its intricate and decorative wrought iron railings.
Photo by Beth Singer
2nd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Martini Samartino Design Group, with Cranbrook Custom Homes
Contemporary Living Room / Great Room
Photo by Justin Maconochie
1st – Serba Interiors
A floor-to-ceiling wooden fireplace wall anchors this stunning living room. Horizontal panels of rich mahogany veneers are accentuated by thin black reveals, and the hearth and fireplace surround are polished black granite. A geometric rug stands out against the parquet floor, while to the right of the fireplace, graphic book covers are displayed as art. A glass-top table features intriguing adornments in various materials.
Photo by Jim Haefner
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Desrosiers Architects, with Schaerer Architextual Interiors
Traditional Living Room / Great Room
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
This great room (not all of it is shown) invites family and friends to sit back and enjoy each other in three separate and welcoming areas: an entertainment space with an extra-long sofa and chairs; a conversation area with a sofa and chairs; and a built-in eating area. Neutral fabrics and finishes, with soft blue and aqua accessories, make this peaceful room a study of texture and layering. Antiques mix seamlessly with reproductions to create a timeless look.
Photo by Beth Singer
2nd – Paul Feiten Design
Photo by John Carlson
3rd – Tutto Interiors
Children’s Room
Photo by James Yokum
1st – Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co., with Arik Green Design
The homeowners’ dream was to house many families for weekends of fun on the shore of Lake Michigan — this dorm sleeps 12 kids in bunks and trundles. The custom rug is bold, colorful, and playful. The two-tone striped match stick shades from Hartman and Forbes add to the whimsy in this space. The dorm bathroom (not shown) has a hand-poured, trough-style concrete sink, and three shower stalls and two water closets give a camp-like setting that is mindful of privacy.
Photo by Doug Warner
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design
Photo by Jeff Garland
3rd – Kathleen Mcgovern Studio of Interior Design
Apartment / Loft / Condo
Photo by Jeff Garland
1st – Angelini & Associates Architects
This downtown Ann Arbor condo provides a welcome respite — and an elegant backdrop for entertaining. The white-lacquered cabinets and frosted-glass doors reinforce the geometric module, and join the walnut cabinets (not shown) in unifying the materials used throughout. The pale gray sofa and chairs complement the white-and-aluminum Knoll furnishings on the terrace. Fabrics on the bed coverlet (not shown) and the living room pillows add contrasting textures and unify the condo’s geometry.
Photo by Beth Singer
2nd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Photo by Comassociates
3rd – Arteva Homes, with Von Staden Architects
Contemporary Interior Design
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Amy Miller Weinstein/ AMW Design Studio
It’s the story of mixing old with new. The clean and simple lines of contemporary furnishings are absolutely compatible and harmonious with the details of this older, Tudor-style home.
Photo by Jeff Garland
2nd – Angelini & Associates Architects
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with Desrosiers Architects
Traditional Interior Design
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
This lakeside cottage in Harbor Springs epitomizes traditional cottage style. Layers upon layers of detail make each room incredibly special. Every wall and ceiling has some wood feature, including coffered and beamed ceilings, bead board, shiplap siding, and other types of wainscoting. Calcutta Caldia marble is used on countertops, floors, shower tiles, and fireplace surrounds. Furnishings are traditional in style, with many antiques and reproductions placed throughout to create an elegantly collected look.
Photo by Kristin Greenwald
2nd – Port Mfg. & Design
Photo by Jim Haefner
3rd – Desrosiers Architects
Use of Fabrics / Wall Coverings
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – James Douglas Interiors
Glass, wood, and stone dominate in this dual kitchen/dining space. Heavily textured textiles and wall coverings contrast and enhance the smooth and hard surfaces. Floor-to-ceiling semi-sheer drapery is used on the entire north and west walls. A heavily textured woven chevron stripe was applied vertically to the wing chairs, to visually elongate the height of each piece. The dining chairs are upholstered in a multicolor worsted wool stripe, also applied vertically, which incorporates all the colors of the interior.
Photo by Kate Benjamin
2nd – Redesign Home, LLC
Photo by John Carlson
3rd – Tutto Interiors
Use of Color
Photo by Brad Ziegler
1st – Vanbrouck & Associates, with Olde World Homes/Oliver Max Interiors
A restrained and timeless color palette of tonal warm and cool grays, punctuated with the softest whisper of blue, unifies the spaces in this Italian villa residence. The kitchen cabinetry is glazed in a soft Gustavian-style blue (not shown), which is repeated throughout the interior in the upholstery, draperies, rugs, and painted woods. The concept was to juxtapose the rustic boldness of the exterior stone with a refined, elegant interior in the same gray-tone color palette, with hints of blue that would be quiet and tranquil.
Photo by Jeff Garland
2nd – Kathleen Mcgovern Studio of Interior Design
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Jones-Keena & Co., with TSA Inc.
Use of a Collection, Antiques, or Art In An Interior
Photo by Beth Singer
1st – Paul Feiten Design
The homeowner’s love of flowers and gardening was inspirational in developing a room to showcase a collection of floral photography by Harold Feinstein. The botanicals, custom-framed in white frames with white mat boards and hung against white walls, pop like a spring bouquet. The walls have a shiny lacquer white horizontal strié wallpaper, and the white linen drapes are crisp and snappy. The homeowner can now relax on the matte black sofa and enjoy his collection.
Photo by Beth Singer
2nd – James Douglas Interiors
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – Paul Feiten Design
Window Treatment
Photo by Jeff Garland
1st – Kathleen Mcgovern Studio of Interior Design
This Naples Bay, Fla., high-rise features appropriate fabrics that can withstand a harsh western beach exposure. Besides a vast expanse of glass, the space has multiple doors to a wraparound veranda that are continually open to the elements, exposing the draperies to the salt air. Great emphasis is placed on not only style, but selecting fabrics and trims that are sun- and saltwater-tolerant. Because the view was king, stationary panels and sheer Sunbrella fabrics were chosen. Living room sheers are outlined by a discreet row of tiny white shells, while the tailored family room sheers have a ribbon-and-ring detailed band decorating the leading edge of the draperies.
Photo by Kristin Greenwald
2nd – Port Mfg. & Design
Photo by Beth Singer
3rd – MEM Design Group
Closet
Photo by Michael Raffin
1st – M.J. Whelan Construction
This masculine closet was designed and built for a man with distinctive tastes. Several pull-out and slide-out shelves, tie racks, single- and double-hanger racks, and custom storage accessories were included in the design. A custom dresser with glass cabinets and standing shoe shelves provides easy access. The closet island takes center stage; it houses a laundry hamper, a safe, and extra storage, and is topped with white Arabeqsue marble. Detailed four-piece crown molding adds a luxurious, country-club feel.
Photo by Comassociates
2nd – Arteva Homes, with TR Design Group And California Closets
Photo by Steve Pomerleau