2019 Detroit Home Design Awards
Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Design
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice
Utility/Garage
1st – M1 Concourse, with Brad Oleshansky
The owner wanted a place to store and work on vehicles, with entertainment/lounge and office space. The challenge? It was a two-story blank canvas that prohibited the suspension or connection of any structure to the pre-engineered building superstructure. Thus, the second floor had to be built as a stand-alone mezzanine, with all structural elements supported by the freestanding steel. Custom-built furniture with automotive and industrial design details, paired with high-end appliances and fixtures, make for a garage like no other.
2nd – M1 Concourse, with LaFontaine Automotive Group
3rd – Young & Young Interiors Inc., with Young & Young Architects Inc.
Laundry Room/Mud Room
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with EuroCraft Interiors
The best part about choosing navy for cabinets is the ability to incorporate color while still keeping a visually neutral base. Clear-coated warm walnut is used as an accent and highlights the natural beauty of the wood. The locker spaces have ample room for coats, while a drawer accommodates hats and gloves, and an open space holds books, etc. The counter (not shown) completes the functional needs of this space, and is finished with a charming rattan tray and lamp.
2nd – Jones-Keena & Co.
3rd – Young & Young Interiors Inc., with Young & Young Architects Inc.
Specialty Room (Gym, Music, Billiards, Crafts, Etc.)
1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Interiors
Pop the popcorn! This expansive space combines a home theater for movie nights, with a game room for hosting football parties and other sporting events. Ample space easily accommodates large groups, while retaining a cozy ambience for intimate gatherings. Patterned wool carpeting, emulating spools of movie film, adds a touch of whimsy. Guests are invited to lounge in the comfortable theater seats, sit on the sectional, play ping-pong or board games, or indulge at the snack bar.
2nd – Arteva Homes, with Walter Herz Interiors
3rd – Jane Redfield Schwartz, Ltd., with Chris Morgan & Associates
Judge’s Insights:
Gorgeous modern-day materials bring the Jane Redfield Schwartz, Ltd., with Chris Morgan & Associates’ specialized cooking room and its wood-burning elements to life!
— Judge Kayla Cooper
Conservatory/Screen Room/Sunroom
1st – Armina Interiors
This all-season room is especially inviting for nature lovers. New windows, a natural fireplace, and new heated flooring were added to the room, which is open to a large deck. A wood-inspired plank tile in soft gray-and-white tones with a chevron pattern makes the space look modern. Light tones and a mix of textures create interesting shapes, and unique elements make the room look collected rather than decorated. This is now the homeowners’ favorite room.
2nd – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
3rd – Petrucci Johnson Homes, with Richard Daniels & Associates
Wine Room
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Oliver Max Interiors
Constructed of solid mahogany with book-matched crotch mahogany center panels, this formal living room-area wine space exudes a sense of quality and character. The bar has been meticulously finished in hand-applied French polish, executed with the same technique that has been used for more than a century. While possessing an antique, fine-furniture feel, this space also provides hidden integrated appliances, bottle storage, and leaded-glass sliding doors that conceal glassware, resulting in a high level of function.
2nd – AZD Architects
3rd – Heller & Associates, with Carrie Long Interiors
Bar
1st – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with DesRosiers Architects
Created to be one of the focal points in an open-plan lower level, this bar design is both fresh and playful. A high level of contrast was created with the material selections. Refrigeration is hidden behind panels, while a display area was established by using floating shelving and glass cabinets.
2nd – Kathleen Design, with Madaras Design
Designer’s Goal:
Create some unique touches, including a copper penny backsplash that shimmers under multi-layered LED lighting and copper mesh light fixtures.
— Kathleen Design, with Madaras Design
3rd – Vogue Furniture, with DesRosiers Architects
Library/Study
1st – Meg Corley
This newly-built library has a stained-cider, coffered ceiling and brick archways at the entrance. Both the brick and stained cider give this room an understated texture. The custom-designed, built-in shelves are stained the same color, creating a unity of warmth throughout the space. Metal grilles on the doors add a simple and traditional farmhouse style. A solution for the computer tower was found in the desk design, which shows no cords.
2nd – Heller & Associates, with Serba Interiors
3rd – Probuilt Woodworking, with Campion Platt
Home Office
1st – Cranbrook Custom Homes
This sophisticated and motivating home office is secluded from domestic distractions. The tranquil space provides privacy, which is enhanced by handmade, shiplap double-entry doors with natural markings. A smooth-painted finish doesn’t hide the barn doors’ subtle imperfections, which are accented by vintage hardware. The interior of the office has a masculine flair with a rustic, floating planked ceiling statement piece, intricate millwork, an iron-clad desk, and a trio of free-standing bookcases with goose-neck lighting.
2nd – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Interiors
3rd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Powder Room
1st – Vogue Furniture, with Elizabeth Fields Design
While only spanning 40 inches, this small powder room packs drama into every inch. Walnut wall panels wrap around a custom mitered stone vanity with blackened steel legs. Wallpaper by Holly Hunt, a light fixture by Pelle Design, and a fitting stone selection create head-turning appeal.
2nd – Kathleen McGovern Studio
3rd – Heller & Associates, with Serba Interiors
Judge’s Insights:
Love the before-and-after of the Heller & Associates/Serba Interiors project. Beautiful all around, especially the vanity sink.
— Judge Meg Lonergan
Bath (Up to 150 Square Feet)
1st – Maison Birmingham
Challenged with creating an updated, more functional bath within this well-preserved 1937 home, the layout was reworked to accommodate a separate soaking tub and shower, as well as a dual vanity. Polished nickel plumbing fixtures, lights, hardware, and pivot mirrors bring in a warm element that bounces light around the space. Porcelain tile and quartz were used for the main floor tile and countertop.
2nd – Heller & Associates, with Perspectives Custom Cabinetry
3rd – XStyles Bath + More
Bath (More than 150 Square Feet)
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with Petrucci Johnson Homes
For this master bath, practicality was as important as beauty. Extra-deep, medicine-like cabinets flank both sides of the vanity. A custom 6-inch backsplash wrapped along the bottom of the cabinets creates a gorgeous visual effect, and prevents water overflow or splashing from touching any part of the wood cabinets. Not shown are the shower floors, covered in glass mosaics, while the walls feature a clean subway tile. The tub’s matte finish and the café curtains with custom-appliqued trim are great additional touches.
2nd – Vogue Furniture
3rd – Carrie Long Interiors
Judge’s Insights:
Love the color palette and the mixture of textures in the bath by Carrie Long Interiors.
— Judge Barrie Spang
Kitchen (Up to 200 Square Feet)
1st – Marilynn Silberman of Studio Loft, with John Morgan of Perspectives Cabinetry
This kitchen gives off a modern farmhouse vibe with its glossy white subway tiles, custom Shaker-style cabinetry, and large wooden table. The contemporary hood hangs in front of a rectangular steel window, allowing extra light to shine through. Stainless steel open shelving is appealing, while a large sink set into a stainless-steel countertop is reminiscent of a chef’s kitchen. Two pendant lights the homeowners purchased in France complement a large island that seats up to five.
2nd – Maison Birmingham
3rd – Young & Young Interiors Inc., with Young & Young Architects Inc.
Kitchen (Between 201-500 Square Feet)
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with EuroCraft Interiors
This kitchen was the force that drove a complete renovation and addition. The Subzero refrigerator was the very first piece chosen. The cabinet selection incorporates navy, white, and walnut to create a traditional, timeless, and tasteful feel. Maxing out the island was a must, so a thick slab of Danby marble became a focal point. A counter-to-ceiling glass cabinet on the left side holds drinkware, and open floating walnut shelves display decorative pieces and allow easy access to everyday items.
2nd – Petrucci Johnson Homes, with Richard Daniels & Associates
Judge’s Insights:
The Petrucci Johnson Homes/Richard Daniels & Associates kitchen is a terrific space with great staging and good lighting. Bravo!
— Judge Anthony Michael
3rd – Labra Design Build
Kitchen (More than 500 Square Feet)
1st – EuroAmerica Design
The living, dining, and family rooms were opened up to a redesigned, sophisticated kitchen that has become the heart of the home. Note how the abundance of appliances practically disappears with the color of the cabinetry. European cabinetry selections are wood oak in coal and off-white colors with integrated handles. The bar area has stainless appliances with a mirrored backsplash and stainless countertop, while the coffee bar countertop and backsplash are done in a weathered marble.
2nd Dayna Flory Interiors, with Petrucci Johnson Homes
3rd – Heller & Associates with Marilynn Silberman of Studio Loft
Contemporary Master Suite
1st – AZD Architects with Force Building Company
This master bedroom and bath suite is bright and open. The sleeping area, which overlooks the living room and pool/cabana, is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass with remote flush blinds. Heated wood floors, custom-lit ceiling coves, and a padded fabric headwall create harmony. A two-sided stone fire feature separates the bath and closet from the bedroom. With the push of a button, via a smart-house program, the blackout blinds can open and close, the lights turn on and off, and the firelights can appear!
2nd – Shannon Rosati of Maison Blanc Interiors
Judge’s Insights:
Shannon Rosati of Maison Blanc Interiors has incorporated a lot of pretty design in a small space. Very hotel-like. Definitely a good floor plan to maximize space, and smart use of mirrors to make the two areas feel more spacious.
— Judge Robbin Riddle
3rd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Traditional Master Suite
1st – Jones-Keena & Co.
The master suite in this 1920s Tudor-style home is full of architectural character, including 8-foot cove ceilings, dark wooden beams, and paneling. A neutral geometric rug fills the space, while shades of chartreuse are used as an accent throughout. A traditional four-poster bed anchors the room, and matching chests, lamps, and mirrors flank the bed.
A cozy chair and ottoman provide a quiet corner to retreat. Extra special: a fireplace sitting area with two fireside cotton velvet chairs.
2nd – Petrella Interiors
3rd – Dayna Flory Interiors, with Masterworks Contracting
Contemporary Dining Room
1st – Nosan Signature Homes, with Gallery Steel
The dining room is the first room seen from the entryway of this home, and provides unobstructed views of the lake and greenery beyond through its 12-foot-high, floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall glazing. A buffet appears to float in the 14-foot width, which was accomplished with a steel beam concealed within the cabinetry. The owner wanted to ensure that the light fixture was a focal point.
2nd – Tutto Interiors
3rd – AMW Design Studio, with Sterling Development Corporation
Traditional Dining Room
1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Interiors
Inspired by the classic Shingle-style homes of the Hamptons, this dining room is richly appointed and layered. Tailored paneled millwork glazed a classic, crisp white, with delicate glass windowpane insets, frames the entry from the foyer to the dining room. A built-in china cabinet with consistent millwork detailing is centered on the fronting wall. Striped wallpaper by Nobilis creates an ordered backdrop and accentuates the vertical lines of the millwork, while the silver-tea-leaf paper on the ceiling adds glamour. Pass the champagne!
2nd – Heller & Associates, with Serba Interiors
3rd – Petrucci Johnson Homes, with Richard Daniels & Associates
Contemporary Foyer
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Oliver Max Interiors
The entry of this modern-organic Prairie-style home reaches upward while stretching outward, extending through the main core of the house and linking the glass-paned doors of the front entry — which is approached through a sheltering 28- foot extended entry-portico — to the glass-paned doors of the rear-yard terrace. The result is a connectedness between the spaces, while the boundaries between the interior and exterior environments are blurred.
2nd – Nosan Signature Homes, with Grabill Windows & Doors
3rd – Eleni Interiors with M/I Homes
Traditional Foyer
1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with Ellwood Interiors
Inspired by 12th-century Romanesque architecture, the serene beauty of the entry gallery sets the theme for this old-world residence. It is a proportioned, ordered space, highlighted by three sculptural groin vaults that reach toward the sky. Finished in a soft gray Venetian plaster that’s juxtaposed with the rustic chestnut-stained, hand-scraped hickory floor, a “centuries-old style” is orchestrated. The eye is drawn to the archway at the end of the gallery, where a Roger Guerin ceramic vase is artfully displayed on a pedestal and backlit against a stone wall.
2nd – Probuilt Woodworking, with Arteva Homes
Judge’s Insights:
The Probuilt Woodworking/Arteva Homes foyer is magnificent, impressive, and stately! I love how the entry frames the coffered ceiling.
— Judge Meg Lonergan
3rd – Petrucci Johnson Homes, with Richard Daniels & Associates
Contemporary Living Room/Great Room
1st – Carrie Long Interiors
This room is a stellar example of contemporary design, with rich textures and mixed metal finishes. The custom metal-and-glass door wall defines the space, while maintaining the illusion of an open concept. Hardwood floors complement the blue tones of the furniture and rug, while tying into a pinstripe wall covering, making the room feel like a well- tailored suit. The oil-rubbed bronze metal detailed drum fixture with milk glass panels provides a soft glow, and the back wall’s built-ins enclose a sofa — an ideal place for reading a book!
2nd – Witmer Design, with Patrick Dyke Collaborative, LLC
Judge’s Insights:
The black wall in the Witmer Design/Patrick Dyke Collaborative LLC great room nicely balances out the kitchen and makes it all feel very cohesive. With a black wall this room could have easily felt stark, but the textures and warm leather make it feel cozy.
— Judge Robin Riddle
3rd – Heller & Associates, with AMW Design Studio
Traditional Living Room/Great Room
1st – VanBrouck & Associates, with Oliver Max Interiors
This rustically elegant great room is a relaxed place for family and friends to gather. A balance of rough and refined elements with varied textures, patterns, and patinas brings depth to the monochromatic gray palette. An extension of the outdoor pool and spa, expansive lanai doors (not shown) — centered in a wall of cottage-style, double-hung windows — open directly onto a veranda that overlooks the pool, spa, and garden. Six clerestory windows, in a dormer centered above the lanai doors, augment the natural light that floods into the room.
2nd – Serba Interiors
3rd – Young & Young Interiors Inc., with Young & Young Architects Inc.
Children’s Room/Play Space
1st – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
The challenge of this space was how to convert a small office annex into a functional and fun nursery. A navy barn door (not shown) connects the nursery to a guest bedroom, making a family suite. A separate entrance was maintained for easy access to the second-floor porch. Beaded board paneling creates a nice backdrop for the whimsical draperies covering bay windows that overlook Lake Michigan. Navy-and-white accent lighting, a classic striped rocking chair, and a walnut changing table add warmth and interest.
2nd – Elizabeth Fields Design
3rd – Shannon Rosati of Maison Blanc Interiors
Contemporary Interior Design (More than One Acre)
1st – Nosan Signature Homes, with Pamela Singer & Associates
This home features an open-concept living and dining area. The foyer’s handmade wrought iron and glass staircase railing has detailing that showcases the staircase treads, while a custom-made iron chandelier perfectly accents the soaring ceilings. Modern furnishings complement the home’s contemporary architecture, and the family room’s dark wood paneling contrasts with the white furniture for a dramatic effect. The white porcelain-tiled master bathroom was inspired by Calcutta marble, but the material was chosen for its durability and low maintenance.
2nd – Glenda Meads Architects
Judge’s Insights:
I love everything about Glenda Meads’ Brush Park project. The juxtaposition of modern within the historic bones is a winner, with a lot of smart design that maximizes space. Great work!
— Judge Robin Riddle
3rd – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with DesRosiers Architects
Traditional Interior Design (More than One Room)
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with Petrucci Johnson Homes
This home embodies the new traditional mentality, while keeping formal tradition at its core. Filled with family-friendly fabrics and materials, it still portrays a high level of elegance. The formal living room, shown here, showcases the family’s antique furniture; refinishing it and covering it with luxurious fabrics gave the pieces new life. The kitchen has traditional pillar details on the cabinets and a beautifully curved butcher block cabinet. A neutral color palette gives a sense of harmony, and emphasizes the texture and silhouettes found throughout.
2nd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
3rd – Serba Interiors
Use of Fabrics/Upholstery
1st – Port Mfg. & Design, with Designs Designs
This breakfast nook off of a contemporary galley kitchen needed to function as a lounge and small dining area. The clients needed to warm this space up so it would blend with their more traditional mindset. This custom banquette accomplishes the goal of softening the space by adding a bit of drama in color and texture, providing a needed contrast to the adjacent minimalist kitchen.
2nd – RL Concetti, LLC
Judge’s Insights:
RL Concetti, LLC used a great mix of patterns, textures, and colors for this master suite.
— Judge Barrie Spang
3rd – AMW Design Studio, with Sterling Development Corporation
Wall Treatment (Special Paint Technique, Wall Covering, Etc.)
1st – Shannon Rosati of Maison Blanc Interiors
A bedroom for a little girl was designed to evoke a Parisian, feminine, and glamorous vibe. A feature wall with a large watercolor peony in black and white is the perfect backdrop to the white lacquer chest of drawers flanking the vanity. The black-and-white print pulls in the black accents and complements the acrylic and polished nickel hardware and chair (not shown). The modern black-and-white palette juxtaposes the femininity of the floral watercolor print, which is the overall design aesthetic of the room.
2nd – Carrie Long Interiors
3rd – Dayna Flory Interiors
Use of Color
1st – Meg Corley
This project brought together the use of bold colors and neutral bases, to create an against-the-grain interior. Color was in the forefront of the must-haves for the outcome of this project; the challenge of using such dynamic color was placement, and not using so much that it would take away from the home’s overall sophistication and balance. The neutral backgrounds add just enough of a sense of reflection and grounding.
Judge’s Insights:
Such beautiful use of color in the Meg Corley room. Love how the orange pops off of the grays, and the accent of orange on the stair runner is perfection. A very well-done space.
— Judge Barrie Spang
2nd – AMW Design Studio
3rd – Port Mfg. & Design
Use of a Collection, Antiques, or Art
1st – Heller & Associates, with Carrie Long Interiors
Finding a place for a collection of 1920s Art Deco bronze sculptures was accomplished by establishing three stacked drywall niches in the foyer. Each space is indirectly lit from the rear, to avoid shadowing and to create a warm glow for the sculptures. The curves of the statues are juxtaposed against the surrounding crisp, square drywall lines; the result is a sense of balance between the soft, sexy curves of the statues and the sharp, clean lines of this Mid-century Modern home.
2nd – Staci A. Meyers S|A|M Interiors, with Paula Bowers
Judge’s Insights:
The display of artwork and collected symbols in the home by Staci A. Meyers S|A|M Interiors/Paula Bowers is beautiful.
— Judge Barrie Spang
3rd – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
Window Treatment
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with V. Knevels Interiors
Café curtains are the perfect bathroom window treatment because they create privacy while allowing natural light to shine in. This particular café curtain is special; eliminating pleats and rings made the piece very clean and flat — highlighting the tailoring of the precisely applied tape trim detail. Although it might seem easy to sew something so simple, having such a perfectly flat panel made sewing perfection a must. Finished with delicate brushed nickel inside-mount rods, this window treatment is a piece of art.
2nd – Anna Versaci Design
3rd – Birch Design Associates
Closet
1st – Nosan Signature Homes, with Perspectives Custom Cabinetry
The homeowners wanted a closet with no exposed hanging areas or shelving, but with a lot of drawers. The glass doors are both functional and beautiful, allowing the shoes and accessories to easily be seen, and serving as an eye-catching display wall. The center island provides a place for folding, packing, and organizing. The master closet features flush doors made of European wood-grain laminate with simple horizontal grooves, for a paneled appearance.
2nd – Vogue Furniture
3rd – Heller & Associates
Finished Basement
1st – Stalburg Design, with Sterling Development Corp.
This waterfront home’s finished basement opens to the lake. The design incorporates a full-service bar, with a recessed refrigerator, ice-maker, wine storage, and ample counter space. The project was no easy feat, as it required an obtrusive patio staircase and main-level deck to be demolished. Custom furniture with plush and durable fabrics (not shown) makes this the perfect spot for unwinding after a day on the water.
2nd – Armina Interiors
3rd – Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with DesRosiers Architects
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