2015 DHDA: Interiors

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.