2017 Design Awards
Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Design
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice
Utility / Storage / Garage
1st – CBI Design Professionals
Directly adjacent to the indoor gym, outdoor pool, and motor court, this room had to serve a variety of functions. The tile floor in the mudroom is in a herringbone pattern, with a tile border that extends the length of the hallway. Sliding doors conceal a utility room that features storage for the children’s backpacks, supplies, coats, and shoes. The room also has a stackable washer/dryer and sink. Arched French doors along the motor court wall allow natural light to fill the space, making the hallway feel more open.
2nd – Ruth Casper Design Studio, with KSI Kitchen & Bath
3rd – TR Design Group, with Main Street Homes
Specialty Room
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
Spanning the length of the oversized three-car garage below is the ultimate playroom for two young boys. There are three distinct functional areas: cozy built-in bunk beds accommodate six; a comfortable sectional is the centerpiece of the play area, perfect for games and TV-watching on rainy days; and a desk area provides a place for laptop computers and iPads. Playful cubbies provide creative storage solutions for games and toys. The space is timeless and happy, designed for creating precious childhood memories of carefree nights and days.
2nd – Marianne Jones, LLC
3rd – Gorman’s Interior Design, with Arteva Homes
Conservatory / Screen Room / Sunroom
1st – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company Fine Builders
The beautiful outdoors takes center stage in this sunroom, located on the third floor, and guests can enjoy the best of both the indoors and outdoors. Comfy linen fabric chairs swivel to allow for a 360-degree view of blue sky and water, while the natural wicker coffee table provides texture and interest.
2nd – Marianne Jones, LLC, with Moceri Custom Homes
3rd – Patrick Widing Custom Homes, with WW Masonry
Wine Cellar
1st – Revel Custom Wine Cellars
The Fijian mahogany wine cellar cabinetry components and the cellar entry door were designed and manufactured by the custom wine cellar builder, and the ceiling and wall treatments, countertop, and flooring were chosen by the interior designer. A dramatic, gracefully arched expanse of low-E insulated, tempered glass affords a striking view into the richly appointed wine cellar, which can store more than 1,300 bottles. Two floor-to-ceiling wine wheel towers anchor the back wall of the cellar, which is flanked by sliding pull-out drawers for individual bottles and case storage.
Judge’s Insights
“The Revel Custom Wine Cellars project — with its Fijian mahogany cabinetry and its diamond-style bins — is rich and appealing.”
— Judge Kyra Hartnett
2nd – CBI Design Professionals
3rd – Ann-Marie Anton for It’s Personal Design, with Young & Young Architects
Library / Home Office
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with Patrick Dyke Collaborative
A his-and-hers study was the inspiration for this home office. The partner’s desk allows the couple to use the space together, while providing enough room for each to work on their individual tasks. The desk is a custom design, made locally from faux leather and finished with large brass nail heads. The custom black lacquered built-in provides ample display space for keepsakes, and the Strada pendant is a statement light fixture that provides an immense amount of task lighting. The tribal rug and stretched leather desk chairs add an earthy element.
2nd – Rariden Schumacher Mio
3rd – Heller & Associates Design + Build, with Carrie Long Interiors
Home Theater
1st – Spire Integrated Systems
How do you celebrate 15 years in business? You unveil an awe-inspiring home theater to showcase your company’s creativity and excellence. The original theater was completely gutted and redesigned, taking into account both aesthetic and technical improvements. A custom leather reclining sofa, chaise, and chairs were added, as well as a beautiful cabinet to house the audio/ visual processors and sub woofers. Seven-inch wall and ceiling speakers, plus an audio processor, result in amazing sound that’s enhanced by acoustic panels on the walls. Finally, a 120-inch screen gives outstanding picture quality.
2nd – M.J. Whelan Construction
3rd – DesRosiers Architects, with April Designs
Powder Room
1st – Port Mfg. & Design, with The Blake Company
Due to space restrictions, the plumbing here was consolidated on one wall, leaving very little room for flexibility. When walls were being torn down, the unlikely gift of 30 additional inches was granted, making it possible to move the toilet to a private water closet. A Directoire-style vanity in a lacquered black finish with unlacquered brass details is both functional and beautiful. Ample storage is concealed, and a side towel rack keeps the counter and wall clutter-free. The tone-on-tone geometric wallpaper adds punch without overpowering the space.
2nd – Chatham House Interior Design, with Patrick Widing Custom Homes
3rd – Dayna Flory Interiors
Bath Up To 150 Square Feet
1st – Serba Interiors, with Todd Persinger Construction
Flat ceilings were removed in this former home office and attic space eliminated to create a vaulted ceiling. A diamond-pane leaded window was designed and handmade in the style of original windows found throughout the home. The floors and shower walls were laid with honed Carrara marble, coordinating with the Carrara marble countertop of the open-legged double vanity. Above the vanity, chrome inset medicine cabinets provide convenient storage. With its lack of pattern, clean white surfaces, and polished accents, this bathroom offers a tranquil atmosphere with plenty of visual interest.
2nd – Xstyles Bath + More
3rd – Heller & Associates Design + Build, with Serba Interiors
Bath More Than 150 Square Feet
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Oliver Max Interiors
The geometric lines of the architectural framework and the encaustic tilework in this master bath result in a strong graphic expression. A beautiful symmetry is created with his-and-hers flanking vanities and built-in shelves, drawing the eye through the space from the double-door entry to the sculptural free-standing bathtub, centered under a steeply-sloping gable roof on axis with the doors. A carpet of Newcastle Antique encaustic tile sweeps through the space, in the age-old tradition of encaustic tile floors that have graced the great residences of Europe and Morocco for centuries.
2nd – Katie Rodriguez Design, with Brandywine Construction
3rd – Marianne Jones, LLC, with Moceri Custom Homes
Kitchen Up To 200 Square Feet
1st – Zebrowski & Associates
Located on an upper floor of a high-rise, this space proved a design challenge. A section of the wall between the kitchen and living room was removed, as well as a portion of the wall dividing the entry hall and kitchen. The reworked walls provide improved sight lines, with the wood flooring and coordinating white paint unifying the space. The small kitchen and adjacent dining area were two distinctly different spaces; this design sought to unify the two rooms. Reshaped and layered ceiling planes now blend yet identify each space.
Designer’s Goal
“In this 1927 Prairie-style home in West Village, Detroit (see 3rd place below), the intent of the kitchen design was to take advantage of its architectural quirks and incorporate quality craftsmanship into a comfortable layout. It begged for a renovation!”
— Designer Rebekah Tull
2nd – Serba Interiors, with Todd Persinger Construction
3rd – Whiski Kitchen Design Studio, with Renaissance Restorations Inc.
Kitchen Between 201 And 500 Square Feet
1st – Tutto Interiors, with Scavolini Store Detroit
The homeowners had no idea what they wanted for their kitchen design, but knew they liked a Restoration Hardware look. In the finished product, industrial meets contemporary — and it’s a perfect blend of the two styles. The range hood is a custom design, fabricated by a local ironsmith. The iron material was left in a semi-finished state, to give it a more weathered look. The glass panels are anchored with heavy bolts. The cabinet finish has a linen textured look that adds character to the overall appeal of this kitchen.
2nd – Dayna Flory Interiors, with EuroCraft Interiors
3rd – Whiski Kitchen Design Studio, with Renaissance Restorations Inc.
Kitchen More Than 500 Square Feet
1st – Heller & Associates Design + Build, with Marilynn Silberman from Studio Loft
The monochromatic scheme of this kitchen is easy on the eye, as are the natural Cristallo quartzite stone countertops. A polished linear stainless range hood adorns the range wall, and two generously sized islands create flow and work space while a large inset sink window wall provides ample natural light. The breakfast bar is surrounded by Italian stainless steel counter stools, and side-by-side dual refrigerators/freezers stand adjacent on one side of a large walk-in pantry with a frosted glass door. Recessed LED lighting throughout the kitchen facilitates multiple levels of light.
2nd – Jacob & Company, with Ciot Detroit
3rd – Liz Firebaugh CKD
Contemporary Master Suite
1st – James Douglas Interiors
Simple and masculine, this master suite was designed for comfort. A relaxing palette of charcoal and warm neutrals was selected, then accented with bright gold. Oversized bedside chests flank a custom bed upholstered in Belgian linen with a contrasting nail head detail. A variety of textiles and textures, including embroidered drapery panels, were used, and the result is a sophisticated and inspired interior.
Judge’s Insight
“The James Douglas Interiors space uses a great charcoal with warm neutrals. It has a well-balanced palette, pleasing textures, and wonderful patterns.”
— Judge Kyra Hartnett
2nd – Tutto Interiors
3rd – Marianne Jones, LLC, with Moceri Custom Homes
Traditional Master Suite
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
Exquisite architectural detailing, cohesively integrated throughout the bedroom and bathroom, is executed with an artful simplicity in this master suite. The spaces are a study of textures, patterns, and patinas united by a monochromatic color palette of soothing beachy grays, punctuated with crisp, white trim and a whisper of coastal blue. In the bathroom, a sculptural free-standing bathtub is set in an alcove, centered under double-mulled cottage-style double-hung windows and transom lights. The tub is surrounded by walls of rough-cut limestone and exudes a romantic, fairytale ambience.
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design, with Arteva Homes
3rd – Heller & Associates Design + Build, with Marilynn Silberman from Studio Loft
Contemporary Dining Room
1st – Ann-Marie Anton for It’s Personal Design, with Young & Young Architects
This contemporary dining room has the feeling of timeless elegance. Unique leather chairs flank a spectacular custom rosewood and stainless steel dining table; the cabinetry, meanwhile, floats between the long horizontal windows that draw your eyes to the outdoors — a beautiful backdrop for this refined and gracious setting.
2nd – AMW Design Studio
3rd – Jane Redfield Schwartz, LTD.
Traditional Dining Room
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
Paneled millwork glazed a classic, crisp white frames the entry into the dining room from the foyer. The detail flows throughout the room, with beautiful white-glazed, paneled wainscoted walls and a beamed ceiling. Romantic raw-linen slipcovered chairs gather around a vintage trestle dining table of distressed walnut, which adds rustic charm. A simple handforged iron chandelier floats overhead, while iron wall sconces provide ambient light. A wool-and-silk blend Tibetan rug, in soft shades of sand and oyster gray, bestows a coastal ambience that is relaxed and calming.
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design, with Arteva Homes
3rd – Tutto Interiors
Contemporary Foyer
1st – Sharon Kory Interiors, with AZD Architects
Floor-to-ceiling glass, high ceilings, and sparse window coverings in this two-story foyer bring the outdoors in! The solid walnut treads, custom-made for the home along with the clear cedar stained curved wall, add warmth. Three black-and-gold metal pendants in various sizes are spaced carefully in the ceiling and are visible from both the entrance and the catwalk. The glass railing continues to the lower level and gives a view of the floating walnut treads. The furnishings, limited to a bench and console, maintain an open and airy space.
2nd – Probuilt Woodworking
3rd – Jane Synnestvedt Interior Design
Traditional Foyer
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
From the entry hall, views of the front and rear verandas and landscapes are visible, creating a lyrical connection between the spaces. The foyer is grand, refined, and elegantly relaxed. The eye is drawn upward to the balcony of the second-floor loft and the beautiful coffered ceiling, where a graceful iron chandelier floats overhead. The crisp white trimwork contrasts elegantly with the dark-stained walnut floors and alderwood double-entry doors. An exquisite Tibetan rug, pedestal table, and two settees, all in hues of aqua-blue and sand, complete the graciously welcoming ambience.
2nd – Martini Samartino Design Group, with La Marco Homes
3rd – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
Contemporary Living Room / Great Room
1st – James Douglas Interiors
Tailored furniture pieces upholstered in luxurious textiles are arranged for conversation in this intimate and comfortable space, perfect for entertaining. Stylized wing chairs and a custom leather cocktail ottoman flank the walnut-paneled fireplace, and a bar cart is beautifully highlighted with a wall-mounted Mid-Century light fixture. A finely quilted sofa in ecru, paired with a shocking blue lounge chair, complete the second seating area. The room is accented with a brass cocktail table and a simple floor lamp.
2nd – Tutto Interiors, with Scavolini Store Detroit
3rd – Sharon Kory Interiors
Traditional Living Room / Great Room
1st – Serba Interiors, with Todd Persinger Construction
In this traditional great room, classic forms, conventional materials, and neutral tones all create a space that is both edgy and traditional. A contemporary granite fireplace surround was replaced with a custom-designed limestone mantelpiece; the walls were then carefully faux-painted to emulate limestone block. To the right of the fireplace, the wall was paneled and stained dark. Along the ceiling, a 17th century oak beam from England was mounted for additional texture and architectural interest. An assortment of art styles, traditional accessories, and upholstered furniture with classic lines add form and interest.
2nd – Serba Interiors, with Todd Persinger Construction
3rd – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
Children’s Room
1st – Armina Interiors
When creating this space, the designer was challenged with giving the room its jungle-inspired look without creating too much of a theme. The answer was to give the youthful space a sophisticated spin by mixing luxe textures — from the zebra rug and the cornice board to the custom pillows and zigzag pouf — with a vibrant green and blue color palette. A custom mural, papier-mâché animal heads, and a gallery wall of custom-framed bugs give the room an artful edge. To ensure there’s space for schoolwork and relaxing, a window seat, loft bed, desk and casual modular sofa complete the room.
2nd – Port Mfg. & Design
3rd – Gorman’s Interior Design, with Arteva Homes
Apartment / Loft / Condo
1st – Cottage Company Interior Design, with Cottage Company Fine Builders
Amazingly refreshing, this single-family condo perches above a beautiful harbor and sandy beach. Calm and serene, with a touch of whimsy, the condo was designed for a family of five and their extended network of family and friends. Natural fibers, neutral colors, and interesting textures grace the rooms with a touch of aqua. The goal was to create spaces that were cozy, yet comfortable, for both small and large groups. Extensive millwork, beadboard, and hand-blown lighting make this home truly special.
Judge’s Insights
“We love the light and serenity in every single space of the Cottage Company Interior Design condominium.”
— Judge Amy Fleischman
2nd – Kathleen McGovern Studio
3rd – Ethan Allen
Contemporary Interior Design (More Than One Room)
1st – Marianne Jones, LLC, with Moceri Custom Homes
The clients, an active, empty-nest couple, decided to trade in their larger home for a smaller, well-appointed residence. The architect was tasked with creating a reduced square footage floor plan that would continue to provide the key lifestyle features of the couple’s existing residence. The house was designed with a quiet, monochromatic, and muted palette of layered textures and tone, allowing one space to flow easily into the next. The kitchen adjoins the family room and dining area, and opens up into a three-season outdoor room with a phantom screened-in porch.
2nd – James Douglas Interiors
3rd – Katie Rodriguez Design, with Brandywine Construction
Traditional Interior Design
1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Ellwood Interiors
The classic architectural detailing that defines the home’s exterior is integrated throughout the interior. White-glazed panel-millwork orchestrates a timeless aura in the entry hall, library, dining room, and music room, while cottage-style shiplap millwork, showcased in the library, sunroom, master suite, mud hall/laundry room, and children’s bedrooms, evokes an easygoing ambience and nostalgic charm. Silk and wool rugs, linen upholstery, and cashmere throws are balanced with rustically charming weathered woods, leather, and ironwork and glazed-and-distressed wood pieces. Artwork and collected items add visual interest, and light dapples into the rooms from abundant groupings of windows.
2nd – Gorman’s Interior Design, with Arteva Homes
3rd – Rariden Schumacher Mio
Use of Fabrics / Wall Coverings
1st – James Douglas Interiors
It’s the perfect marriage of a textile and furniture silhouette! The vibrant coloration and movement of this unique fabric became the inspiration for this home’s entire interior. The curved backs of the gracefully designed chairs seen here are enhanced by the organic flow of the embroidered linen. The graphic patterns appear to envelope the chairs, and entice one to enjoy their comfort and luxury.
2nd – Cloth & Kind Interiors
3rd – Dayna Flory Interiors
Use of Color
1st – Armina Interiors
Like a page out of the Jungle Book, this room is bold, bright, and wild. When creating the space, the designer wanted to ensure the vibrant colors meshed rather than clashed. The solution was to first introduce beautiful and varied shades of greens; then, from the jungle-bright green of the custom mural to the lime green cornice board and the green ladder, balance was added with soft and subtle pale yellows and pretty blues. White papier-mâché animal heads and a black-and-white zebra rug add a calming touch to the vibrant room.
Judge’s Insights
“Armina Interiors created an energetic and charming space!”
— Judge Kyra Hartnett
2nd – Ann-Marie Anton for It’s Personal Design
3rd – VanBrouck & Associates
Use of a Collection, Antiques, or Art In An Interior
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors
A custom built-in showcases collectibles and prized art in this his-and-hers study. The rich black lacquer backdrop allows the accessories to boldly stand out. Centered in the space is a vintage 1960s Josef Albers original abstract painting. While most of Albers’ work features intense colors, this piece is a little more unusual in its neutral color palette, making it perfect for this space. The clients’ art books were divided and arranged by color, adding color to the space while also providing visual quietness and order.
2nd – PDC Design
3rd – James Douglas Interiors
Window Treatment
1st – Michael Coyne Design
This springtime-influenced living area features window treatments that enhance the ice blue-and-cream wool carpet. Two velvet sofas and matching custom 9-foot, narrow cocktail tables welcome guests. The wall grid patterned trim runs through the space, and the gold-leafed feather art is the perfect “pop” factor — and an easy way to mix metals. Nickel accents keep things clean and crisp, while the alabaster urn table lamps look amazing with the Greek key elements on the toss pillows and side table scrolls. A serene waterscape reminds the homeowners of their winter oasis.
2nd – AMW Design Studio, with Vantay Draperies
3rd – Kathleen McGovern Studio, with Vantay Draperies
Closet
1st – California Closets
The client wanted to convert a spare bedroom into her dream closet, and wanted a level of sophistication that would inspire her fashion sense. The use of symmetry, color, texture, and lighting give a timeless look to the finished design. The lighting reflects from the mirrors, decorative wallpapered ceiling, and focal areas of the room. Velvet-lined tack boards are inside the doors of the island, and are perfect for inspirational pictures and fashionable jewelry. The client’s dream closet is now also an elegant dressing room.
2nd – Kevin Clickett, with Andrew Newbery
3rd – Heller & Associates Design + Build
Sustainable Design
1st – Laura Zender Design
The goal of this kitchen and adjoining sitting-area remodel was to add storage space, increase natural light, and update all the finishes. The floor’s cement tiles are warm and soft underfoot — and earth-friendly, too, as they cure naturally. A wood-burning fireplace was switched to gas, to eliminate hydrocarbon emissions. The urge to demolish an entire wall was resisted; with one small structural change, light and storage were added without tearing down walls and filling a dumpster with landfill material. An existing closet became a large pantry by adding shelves and “Farmhouse” pantry doors.
2nd – Armina Interiors
3rd – M.J. Whelan Construction
Bar
1st – Dayna Flory Interiors, with EuroCraft Interiors
Some of the most charming bars are found on bar carts, and that was the inspiration for the nook in this butler’s pantry. Eliminating upper cabinets and adding the large floating marble shelf invites guests into the room; the shelf also provides a serving surface, almost doubling the countertop space. Outlets were added above the marble shelf to layer moody lamp lighting with the dramatic overhead light fixture. Black-and-white artwork rests casually on the top shelf, and softens the space when it’s party-ready and filled with cocktails and sparkling glassware.
2nd – Heller & Associates Design + Build, with Marilynn Silberman from Studio Loft
3rd – DesRosiers Architects
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