2023 DDA: Interiors

DDA 2023: Interiors – This year’s top picks in laundry rooms, bars, and overall design showcase artful projects
Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
This unique space by Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes takes the cake for Contemporary Interior Design (More than One Room). // Photography by Photo Kroo

HANDCRAFTED DESIGN/LOCALLY SOURCED

1st Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Guidobono Building Company | Joseph Mosey Architecture
Photo by: Beth Singer

This expansive living space encompasses a formal dining room, grand piano niche, and large living room that share an adjoining wall with a kitchen. Establishing the beautiful boundary was no small task. A chevron pattern of silver and glass creates a transparent focal point, lighting the space while guiding guests to mingle away from the kitchen. The artful glass doors beautifully blend both rooms.

2nd Place

Integrated Architectural Interiors
Photo by: James Haefner Photography

3rd Place

Concetti
Photo by: Brett Mountain


LAUNDRY ROOM/MUDROOM

1st Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Perspectives Cabinetry
Photo by: Photo Kroo

This mud hall is ready to meet the needs of a large, active family. Designed with finishes that can withstand everyday wear and tear, the space easily transitions into the rest of the home. Custom lockers built out of faux wood are up to the challenge of constant use and provide ample storage. A large wood beam, repurposed as a bench, visually connects both ends of the hall.

2nd Place

Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini

3rd Place

Continental Interior Designs with Patrick Widing Custom Homes, Jo Neenan Home
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini


WINE ROOM

1st Place

Sharer Design Group with Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry
Photo by: Diana Paulson

The glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled wine room offers an ideal environment for storing and displaying wine, while also being conveniently located for gatherings. The adjacent custom bar is ideal for mixing cocktails and storing glassware. The cabinetry, walnut with a truffle-colored stain, features polished chrome drawer caps and polished chrome mesh inserts. The cabinetry includes brushed aluminum pegs and offers storage for more than 300 bottles of wine.

2nd Place

Carrie Long Interiors
Photo by: Linea Photography

3rd Place

Sean D. Gardella & Associates with Asmar Interiors and C-Arc Design Group
Photo by: Beth Singer


SPECIALTY ROOM (GYM, MUSIC, CRAFT, BILLIARDS, PET AREA, ETC.)

1st Place

Angelini & Associates Architects
Photo by: Jeff Garland

Designed to provide a golf simulator area for the owners, this room includes a screen for media-watching and exercising. The screen, surrounded by rubber flooring, adheres to the walls and ceiling, and is held out from the wall to accept hits from golf balls. The controls for the simulator are installed on a ledge, and the projector for capturing the golf swings is mounted on the ceiling.

2nd Place

AMW Design Studio with Gittleman Construction Inc.
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini


BAR

1st Place

Jane Henderson Interiors
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

This home bar is perfect for entertaining, game nights, or enjoying a nightcap. Open shelving made of brass and glass provides a place to display bottles, glassware, and decorative objects. A slatted wood wall draws together the differing design elements and connects the main bar with the game table area, where arched wall accents nod to the curved shape of the barrel-back counter stools.

 

2nd Place

KSI Kitchen & Bath with Moceri Custom Homes
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Annie Kordas Interiors
Photo by: Kat Stevenson Photography


CONSERVATORY/SCREEN ROOM/SUNROOM

1st Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Beth Singer

With unique finishes, a wood-burning fireplace, spectacular views, and swing beds, this porch is perfect for reading or having morning coffee. It was designed to be an extension of the outdoors, so flagstone was used on the floors and the fireplace surround is river rock. A challenge was laying everything out; it had to be appropriately scaled and proportioned, with room for the swing beds to move.

2nd Place

Room Service Interior Design
Photo by: Wayup Media

3rd Place

Emery Design | Build
Photo by: Joseph Tiano


CHILDREN’S ROOM/PLAY SPACE

1st Place

Continental Interior Designs with Patrick Widing Custom Homes, Jo Neenan Home
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini

This room started as a simple play space, but evolved to include a lofted playhouse with a craft area beneath. The loft is carpeted so it’s comfortable for little knees. A removable panel can be placed on the ladder to prevent children from using the ladder unsupervised. The craft space includes a desk with cabinets that hold art supplies and toys. A tangerine rug adds color.

2nd Place

Continental Interior Designs with Patrick Widing Custom Homes, Jo Neenan Home
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini

3rd Place

Sissy Yellen Living
Photo by: Emily Engler


POWDER ROOM

1st Place

Maison Birmingham
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

Classic checkerboard tile and the faucet’s tailored, masculine lines offer contrast to an otherwise whimsical and feminine bathroom space. The fluting on the faucet handles and spout are repeated in the reeded glass sconces and bathroom accessories, bringing additional texture and detail to the space. Deep vanity drawers are complemented by a hidden medicine cabinet, and the white oak linen cabinet holds linens and cleaning supplies.

2nd Place

Merien Daka Design Group
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Johnson Custom Homes with Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio


BATH (MORE THAN 150 SQUARE FEET)

1st Place

Emery Design | Build
Photo by: Joseph Tiano

With the use of custom cabinetry, the designers created a beautiful and functional built-in to meet the homeowners’ storage needs while making the space feel airy and open. Custom white oak vanities feature powered pull-outs to house hair dryers, electric shavers, and other grooming necessities. The white herringbone shower tile uses a subtle tile installed in a detailed pattern, and the bench has a heated quartz slab seat.

2nd Place

Johnson Custom Homes with Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Victoria Vanderport | Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Petrucci Homes and Krieger Klatt Architects
Photo by: Diana Paulson


BATH (UP TO 150 SQUARE FEET)

1st Place

Maison Birmingham
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

As part of a bathroom remodel trio, Maison Birmingham aimed to create new, elevated baths to enjoy in this relatively traditional home. The use of mosaics and natural marble, along with wainscoting and unlacquered brass fixtures, tie in the traditional elements of the home, while clean lines and contrasting finishes provide a fresh, functional update to the space.

2nd Place

Carrie Long Interiors
Photo by: Linea Photography

3rd Place

Cottage Company Interiors with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Photo by: Beth Singer


KITCHEN (BETWEEN 201-500 SQUARE FEET)

1st Place

Maison Birmingham
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

This little kitchen packs a punch with a built-in custom walnut dining banquette, dog feeding station, workstation sink, and built-in custom walnut serving trays integrated in the island. The center ceiling pop-up detail, highlighted with LED strips behind cove molding, gives a spacious feeling to the otherwise small, intimate space. Full-height tile and porcelain slab wainscoting reflect and bounce light, creating an airy feel.

2nd Place

KSI Kitchen & Bath
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Johnson Custom Homes with Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio


KITCHEN (MORE THAN 500 SQUARE FEET)

1st Place

Dillman & Upton — Dena Frye
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

A combination of materials and textures were blended into one cohesive space. Black metal fixtures and sleek hardware help pull the streamlined look together. The ceiling-to-counter cabinetry keeps things behind closed doors, allowing items like small appliances and clutter to remain out of sight. A hidden Butler’s Pantry includes a second sink, dishwasher, and prep space for even more functionality.

2nd Place

Patrick Widing Custom Homes with Gladding Custom Cabinetry
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini

3rd Place

Vogue Furniture with Scharer Architextural Interiors
Photo by: Photo Kroo


KITCHEN (UP TO 200 SQUARE FEET)

1st Place

KSI Kitchen & Bath with Haven Construction, LLC
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

This was a full gut and redo that required all new cabinets, countertops, flooring throughout the main floor, relocating some appliances, and new fixtures. Finding the right countertop and determining the right balance of wood, white, and painted cabinets took a few tries to finalize. The balance of wood with the painted cabinets and the contrast of charcoal and white makes it all eye candy.

2nd Place

Maison Birmingham
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Kendall Design + Build
Photo by: Shelby Dubin Photography


TRADITIONAL MASTER SUITE

1st Place

Emery Design | Build
Photo by: Joseph Tiano

French doors lead out to a patio with a seating area. The stone fireplace with custom-built mantel and shiplap detail to the ceiling add a warm and inviting element. The walk-in closet is accessible from the bedroom and bathroom. The master bathroom features two custom-built white oak vanities and a matching linen cabinet, along with a freestanding bathtub that’s visibly centered from the bedroom entrance.

2nd Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Joseph Mosey Archtecture | Guidobono Building Company
Photo by: Beth Singer

3rd Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Beth Singer


USE OF A COLLECTION, ANTIQUES, OR ART

1st Place

AMW Design Studio
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

An oversized sectional fills this lower-level space and the seven sepia-toned botanical photographs appropriately add strong order. The scale, repetition, and minimalist subject matter provide a great deal of visual energy that doesn’t distract from the clean and cool vibe of this space, but instead adds organic forms that enhance it.

2nd Place

Annie Kordas Interiors
Photo by: Kat Stevenson Photography

3rd Place

Serba Interiors
Photo by: Justin Maconochie


USE OF COLOR

1st Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc.
Photo by: Beth Singer

The primary color palette in this story derives from the residents’ love of eclectic collectables and classical Chinoiserie. Raspberry velvet pillows, brass tea tables, and iconic blue ginger jars pose on an abstract wool-and-silk Stark rug. Framed by a porcelain white Tudor arch, a carved silver limestone fireplace sits among floor-to-ceiling millwork saturated in a seafaring naval blue. Linen and mushroom neutrals serve as a backdrop.

2nd Place

Stalburg Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Stalburg Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio


USE OF FABRICS/UPHOLSTRY

1st Place

AMW Design Studio
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

A space that can include a variety of textures and patterns in a subtle but exciting way is inviting and comfortable. It says, “Kick back, come on in, relax!” This room has that vibe. It’s like curling up inside a warm and fuzzy cocoon filled with soft woven boucles, printed linens, and shimmering metallics. Quite a magical mix!

2nd Place

Maison Birmingham
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Deidre Interiors
Photo by: Werner Straube


WALL TREATMENT (Special Paint Technique, Wall Covering, etc.)

1st Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by: Photo Kroo

A thin-cut slate stone wall material was selected to create a feature wall in this multistory foyer. The slate ties the three levels of the home together and is the backdrop for custom artwork from the client’s collection. This 100-percent natural stone material is only 1/16-inch thick, allowing it to be flexible and lightweight. The material was applied in oversized sheets, adding texture.

2nd Place

AMW Design Studio
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Ruth Casper Design Studio
Photo by: Beth Singer


WINDOW TREATMENT

1st Place

AMW Design Studio with Vantay Draperies
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

This cozy dining space is a monochromatic study in texture. The two-color drapery treatment aligns beautifully with the painted wainscotting and woven paper weave wall covering above. The understated and elegant energy in this “in town” dining space exemplifies simple design solutions at their finest.

2nd Place

AMW Design Studio with Vantay Draperies
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Annie Kordas Interiors
Photo by: Jeff Garland


CONTEMPORARY MASTER SUITE

1st Place

Continental Interior Designs with Patrick Widing Custom Homes, Jo Neenan Home
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini

A soaring ceiling with streamlined white oak beams makes the master bedroom feel expansive. The space is anchored by a custom bed that incorporates floating nightstands, and a coordinating pair of chests flanks the fireplace. The master bath is outfitted with luxurious amenities including a steam shower, soaking tub, and heated floors. A hidden door connects the master hall to the master closet.

2nd Place

Victoria Vanderport | Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Petrucci Homes with Krieger Klatt Architects
Photo by: Diana Paulson

3rd Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Vogue Furniture

Photo by: Photo Kroo


HOME OFFICE

1st Place

AMW Design Studio with Sterling Development Corporation
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

This inviting home office has a big front-facing window, along with all the efficiency and storage two professionals need when working from home. A partners desk, two computer stations, a durable porcelain countertop material (with a waterfall edge), a textured wall covering, an edgy LED pendant, and floating display shelves are harmoniously combined in this wonderful home office.

2nd Place

Haneen’s Haven
Photo by: Haneen Matt

3rd Place

PRM Custom Builders
Photo by: Eric Perry


TRADITIONAL DINING ROOM

1st Place

Sean D. Gardella & Associates with Asmar Interiors and C-Arc Design Group
Photo by: Beth Singer

The impressive custom ceiling detail sets this entire room off with a touch of elegance. The wallpaper is metallic grasscloth and adds a high-class feel to any meal savored in this room. The lighting is polished nickel, while the dining table is Hickory Chair and the dining chairs are Theodore Alexander. The room’s artwork is from a Michigan gallery.

2nd Place

Perlmutter-Freiwald Inc.
Photo by: Beth Singer

3rd Place

Textures Design
Photo by: Beth Singer


TRADITIONAL FOYER

1st Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Joseph Mosey Architecture | Guidobono Building Company
Photo by: Beth Singer

Generally the heart of a home is its kitchen, but this two-story foyer serves as the center of every activity. It allows immediate access to a slate-colored office with coffered ceilings and handsome built-ins. Large coat closets and a magnificent powder room flank the walnut front doors. The quiet and unassuming wainscoted ante room leads to a spectacular principal suite. This traditional foyer welcomes all.

2nd Place

Perlmutter-Freiwald Inc.
Photo by: Beth Singer

3rd Place

Emery Design | Build
Photo by: Joseph Tiano/p>


TRADITIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN (More than One Room)

1st Place

Johnson Custom Homes with Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

Neutral tones achieved by layering light colors such as cream, putty, and oat are peaceful, while repeating colors, textures, and metals weave a cohesiveness throughout the home’s rooms, which open up to one another. The result is a smooth transition from one space to the next. Unlacquered brass, used throughout the kitchen, great room, powder room, and elevator, has a living finish and will patina over time.

2nd Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Guidobono Building Company | Joseph Mosey Architecture
Photo by: Beth Singer

3rd Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc. with LUXE Homes Design + Build
Photo by: Beth Singer


TRADITIONAL LIVING ROOM/GREAT ROOM

1st Place

Johnson Custom Homes with Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

This great room is inviting with its two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows. The fireplace has a limestone surround with handmade cabinetry on both sides. A sophisticated brass chandelier is the focal point and works harmoniously with the wall of windows. The handmade coffee table’s undulated wavy black finish nods to the dark windows. It has a nice heaviness that anchors the furniture.

2nd Place

Sean D Gardella & Associates with Asmar Interiors
and C-Arc Design Group

Photo by: Beth Singer

3rd Place

Cottage Company interiors with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs
Photo by: Beth Singer


CONTEMPORARY DINING ROOM

1st Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Vogue Furniture
Photo by: Photo Kroo

Trending today’s active and more casual lifestyle, no walls separate communal functions. The kitchen, although in full view, is kept clean thanks to a prep kitchen/pantry. A beautiful custom screen, locally crafted of three different metals, helps define the space while a floating trellis with concealed fasteners defines the landing pad for the show-stopping, artist-made dining table below.

2nd Place

Carrie Long Interiors
Photo by: Linea Photography

3rd Place

Merien Daka Design Group
Photo by: Martin Vecchio


CONTEMPORARY FOYER

1st Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by: Photo Kroo

Decidedly functional art, the stairway has no obvious structural support and features a see-through frameless glass guard rail. Challenging gravity further, the stair dramatically scissors back and forth as it connects the home’s three levels. Just left of the door as you enter, a stunning two-story art installation’s shapes and colors represent family members. Two large lighting assemblies utilize pendants imported from Europe.

2nd Place

Continental Interior Designs with Patrick Widing Custom Homes, Jo Neenan Home
Photo by: Andrew Zecchini

3rd Place

Moceri Custom Homes
Photo by: Wayup Media


CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR DESIGN (More than One Room)

1st Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by: Photo Kroo

Hand-scraped oak floors, custom wood panels and ceiling beams, black metal-framed doors and windows, terrazzo, concrete and marble tile, and soft gold accents all play well together. A spacious kid’s loft welcomes you to the upper level. The kitchen, dining, and family room, combined as a great room, are ideal for gathering and entertaining, while the lower level’s retractable glass doors ensure the interior flows seamlessly to outdoor living.

2nd Place

AZD Associates with Valle Homes
Photo by: Wayup Media

3rd Place

AMW Design Studio
Photo by: Martin Vecchio


CONTEMPORARY LIVING ROOM/GREAT ROOM

1st Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by: Photo Kroo

This room warmly welcomes guests with features including retractable glass doors, a fireplace, a TV, and hanging chairs. Salvaged steel windows have been transformed into doors. The custom-designed metal swings and fireplace were fabricated by a local steel artisan. Luxurious furnishings and an organic terrazzo floor were selected to complement the architectural design. All these unique elements make it difficult to choose a favorite detail.

2nd Place

DesRosiers Architects
Photo by: Kay Lair

3rd Place

Victoria Vanderport | Ellwood Interiors Inc. with Petrucci Homes with Krieger Klatt Architects
Photo by: Diana Paulson


FINISHED BASEMENT

1st Place

XStyles Bath+More
Photo by: Beth Singer

Welcome to party central! Must-have requirements included entertaining space for 30-50 people; a large bar, buffet, and dancing area; and a full bath for pool guests. Central to the space are 20 feet of eye-catching Calacatta marble quartz enveloping the cabinetry in bookmatched perfection. Layered LED lighting is used to dramatic effect. Over-scaled pendants add a big dose of personality to the chic nightclub effect.

2nd Place

AMW Design Studio with Gittleman Construction Inc.
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

3rd Place

Anna Versaci Design with Vogue Furniture
Photo by: Matteo Morrisonp>


LIBRARY/STUDY

1st Place

Michael Coyne Design
Photo by: Jeff Garland

Shiny black walls and cabinets contrast with matte crocodile-embossed leather panel inserts, for a masculine feel. Golden accents on the custom bar and hardware play off the Barbara Barry gold leaf chandelier, for the perfect touch of class. A cozy wool chain-link-patterned carpet softens the space nicely, while the French antique mirror behind the bar rack adds dimension. This library gets a lot of mixed use.

2nd Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
Photo by:Photo Kroo

3rd Place

Templeton Building Company
Photo by: John Sobczak/p>


CLOSET

1st Place

California Closets
Photo by: Amanda Rose Photography

Classic white cabinetry sits atop a marble floor with pink custom countertops on the island, dresser, and vanity. The layout maximizes all of the space in this room, while keeping the windows open for natural light. Integrated lighting allows the client to showcase her most prized possessions. After years of planning, she’s thrilled with her new closet — especially her butterfly chandelier!

2nd Place

Vogue Furniture with Schaerer Architextural Interiors
Photo by:Photo Kroo

3rd Place

California Closets
Photo by: Amanda Rose Photography/p>


Detroit Design Awards 2023

Judges
Details
Exteriors
Interiors
Homes
Commercial Design
Rising Star
Readers’ Choice