2019 DHDA: Homes

2019 Design Awards – Homes

2019 Detroit Home Design Awards

Judges | Details | Exteriors | Interiors | Commercial Design
Homes | Rising Star | Reader’s Choice


Historic Renovation/Restoration (50 Years and Older)

Photograph by Martin Vecchio

1st – Maison Birmingham

This historic Wallace Frost home in Birmingham’s Holy Name neighborhood was built in 1929. Although most of the home was well-preserved in its original, beautiful condition, an addition completed in the early 2000s resulted in a dark kitchen that needed to be reimagined to relate to the rest of the home. Drawing from a palette of classic materials and tones, the kitchen was reworked to enhance functionality and allow more light in, while weaving in design elements to match the character and integrity of Frost’s original design. A soft, off-white color was chosen for the cabinetry, while black soapstone and burnished brass give a historic feel to this new space.


Photograph by Mike Kline

2nd – Heller & Associates, with Carrie Long Interiors


Photograph by Beth Singer

3rd – Kevin Hart & Associates, with Patricia Keller


Sustainable Design (Environmentally Green Flooring, Lighting, Etc.)

Photograph by Justin Maconochie

1st – Templeton Building Company, with Duncan Fuller Interiors

The desire to conserve resources — both monetary and natural — prompted the homeowners to invest in solar panels for the roof, synthetic turf in the yard, and a cistern to collect rain to water their vegetable and perennial gardens. Sustainable materials — stucco and stone — were used as exterior siding and are packed with foam and insulation to conserve energy. Indoors, heated floors keep the space warm, while blackout shades
keep the house cool when necessary. A water filtration system is used to reduce the use of bottled water.


Photograph by Jeff Garland

2nd – Kathleen McGovern Studio

Designer’s Goals:
Built in 1949, this is one of the original bungalows on Casey Key, Fla. We needed to renovate without destroying character and retain the original exposed wood trusses and Pecky Cypress paneling on most of the interior walls.
— Kathleen McGovern Studio


Small-Space Remodel (Up to 1,000 Square Feet)

Photograph by Boswell Hardwick

1st – Maison Birmingham, with The NEAT Method

The main goal of this renovation was to update a mid-century home to suit a modern lifestyle, while still maintaining its original character and aesthetic. To create a more open, family-friendly space suitable for entertaining, walls between the kitchen, dining room, and living room were removed, resulting in an open area to house the kitchen. Custom cabinetry in both white and anthracite matte lacquer is notable. Keeping the island and perimeter base cabinet finishes the same makes the space feel more open.


Photograph by Mike Kline

2nd – Heller & Associates, with Carrie Long Interiors


Photograph by Mike Kline

3rd – Heller & Associates, with Carrie Long Interiors


Larger Remodel (More than 1,000 Square Feet)

Photograph by Beth Singer

1st – Patrick Dyke Collaborative, LLC, with Jonna Luxury Homes

This Bloomfield Hills mid-century ranch-style home underwent an extensive renovation. The residence, nestled in a sub-division, has an expansive and serene backyard, and the homeowner wanted to take full advantage of the property and construct a home that pays homage to yesteryear with a “twist.” Because the backyard is reminiscent of an intimate and serene “country” setting, the architectural inspiration of a “modern farmhouse” emerged.

Designer’s Goal:
Stretch the home across the maximum width of the lot for a dynamic street presence, and to shield the backyard for as much privacy as possible.
— Patrick Dyke Collaborative, LLC


Photograph by Martin Vecchio

2nd – Dayna Flory Interiors, with Masterworks Contracting


Photograph by Carlson Productions

3rd – Tutto Interiors


Addition Project (Architecture)

Photograph by Mike Kline

1st – Heller & Associates, with Carrie Long Interiors

This addition included matching the existing brick and window styles, as well as meeting the fascia height, overhangs, and roof pitch. The addition includes an open kitchen and family room with an entry from the detached garage. The kitchen (not shown) features a symmetrical layout with an arched cooking hearth, a granite-topped island, and a custom-built hutch with a buffet and wine bar. The family room includes a romantic fireplace flanked by built-in shelving, and large windows on three sides flood the room with sunlight.

Designer’s Goal:
Blend the new construction on a Huntington Woods home (top) with the exterior of its historic 1920s Tudor style.
— Heller & Associates


Photograph by Mike Kline

2nd – Heller & Associates, with Marilynn Silberman of Studio Loft


Photograph by Lynn Stinson

3rd – Kevin Hart & Associates, with Patricia Keller


Apartment/Loft/Condo

Photograph by Beth Singer

1st – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs

The goal for this 1,700-square-foot Harbor Springs condominium was to design efficient yet creative use of the space, maximizing both functionality and aesthetic beauty. The common areas were designed to be larger, more open, integrated, and filled with natural light. Continuity was created through the use of neutral colors, natural materials, textured fabrics, and a variety of styles of wainscoting (horizontal shiplap, board and batten, and vertical beaded board), which all contribute to a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.


Photograph by Gabriella Andersen

2nd – Ethan Allen


Photograph by Chelsea Diffenderfer

3rd – RL Concetti, LLC


Vacation Home in Michigan

Photograph by Martin Vecchio

1st – Petrella Interiors

Bright, colorful, and comfortable describe this vacation home on west Michigan’s Lake Pentwater. An inviting, renovated retreat with three floors covered in white painted shiplap, the cottage features a casual dining atmosphere, pops of oranges and blues, several porches, stripes aplenty, a porch swing bed, ginghams galore, vintage maps, art, and a charming garden shed.


Photograph by Beth Singer

2nd – Cottage Company Interiors, with Cottage Company of Harbor Springs


Photograph by John Allegretti

3rd – Allegretti Architects


Vacation Home Outside of Michigan

Photograph by AZD

1st – AZD Architects

This 6,000-square-foot house in Miami, on the Intracoastal Waterway, was designed for minimal maintenance and full resort-like entertainment. The exterior is a combination of stone, wood, metal, and glass, while the main-level living area has retractable doors that open to a covered porch overlooking the pool and intracoastal, and a full kitchen and bar. The open floor plan and walls of glass open the entire home to the pool and waterway. Upper-level balconies on the front and rear provide water views in both directions.


Photograph by AZD

2nd – AZD Architects


Photograph by Jeff Garland

3rd – Kathleen McGovern Studio, with Mark Johnson & Associates


New Model Homes (Architecture)

Photograph by Beth Singer

1st – Arteva Homes, with TR-Design Group

Following months of planning, sourcing materials from around the globe, and designing and fabricating custom millwork, fixtures, and furniture, this unique collaboration resulted in a splendid lakefront paradise. The exterior of the European manor-style home is defined by the use of limestone, brick, copper, and iron. Oval accent windows, French doors, and custom lighting fixtures provide unique character. An airy walkout level extends to the outdoor pool and lakeshore.


Photograph by Mike Buck

2nd – Visbeen Architects Inc.


Photograph by Communication Associates

3rd – Cranbrook Custom Homes


Contemporary Architecture (Up to 4,000 Square Feet)

Photograph by Justin Maconochie

1st – Templeton Building Company, with Duncan Fuller Interiors

On a tree-lined street in a quaint, quiet Birmingham neighborhood, this contemporary home stands out amidst its traditional neighbors. The airy residence was inspired by minimalist loft-living and measures around 2,800 square feet. An open floor plan on the second level takes advantage of its height by looking out onto trees and overlooking a lush backyard featuring garden beds, a pool, and an inviting patio. The first level houses necessities like mechanical and laundry rooms, a workshop, garage, elevator, a large bathroom, and a guest space.

Designer’s Goal:
Pack a punch on a small lot, incorporating such design elements as a Murphy bed in the guest space, which allows it to double as a small gym.
— Duncan Fuller Interiors


Photograph by Ashley Avila

2nd – Visbeen Architects Inc., with Vision Interiors by Visbeen


Photograph by Kris Ilich

3rd – AZD Architects, with Force Building Company


Contemporary Architecture (More than 4,000 Square Feet)

Photograph by Beth Singer

1st – VanBrouck | Luxe Homes, with Oliver Max Interiors

This modern-organic Prairie-style home was conceived and developed as an integral whole, with the architecture, interior design, hardscape and landscape, and site intrinsically interlinked. Each element and component is interconnected, creating a unified composition and an uplifting and livable home. The horizontal and vertical lines of the architecture are delineated with organic materials of stone, wood, metal, and glass that are intermixed throughout the design.


Photograph by Meghan Nicholas

2nd – Labra Design Build


Photograph by AZD

3rd – AZD Architects


Traditional Architecture (Up to 4,000 Square Feet)

Photograph by Mike Buck

1st – Visbeen Architects Inc.

This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed traditional exterior. The front elevation features a distinctive twin gable upper-level roofline and a hipped roofline. Large windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch with details such as square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting. At the heart of the home is a living room with traditional moldings, columns, and a tiled fireplace surround as well as an expansive open-concept kitchen.

Designer’s Goals:
Expand the entertainment capacity by creating a screened room with a stone fireplace and retractable screens. Also, provide privacy with a master suite that’s tucked away in its own private wing off the main-level stair hall.
— Visbeen Architects Inc.


Photograph by Mike Kline

2nd – Heller & Associates


Photograph by ARCE 6

3rd – TR-Design Group with DaVinci Design & Build


Traditional Architecture (More than 4,000 Square Feet)

Photograph by Martin Vecchio

1st – Petrucci Johnson Homes, with Richard Daniels & Associates

This home is highly ordered, yet has a feeling of exploration, discovery, and uncertainty combined with elegance and intentional quirkiness; the interior is elegant without being verbose. The form of the house was designed as if there were a quaint farmhouse that was sited amidst open acreage. As a result of time and development, this property became more urban than rural in scale, but its historic roots remain. Architecturally, it conveys a time-honored story and identity to its occupants, and respects the planning of the neighborhood.


Photograph by Beth Singer

2nd – CBI Design Professionals


Photograph by Beth Singer

3rd – VanBrouck & Associates, with Ellwood Interiors


Overall Home

Photograph by Justin Maconochie

1st – Templeton Building Company, with Duncan Fuller Interiors

This contemporary home stands out amidst its traditional neighbors in Birmingham. The result of a collaboration between a seasoned builder and a talented designer, the residence is considered a dream home and features loft-style living amid its 2,800 square feet. The open floor plan of the second level takes advantage of its height by looking out into the treetops and overlooking a lush backyard with beautiful garden beds, a pool, and patio. The first level houses necessities like mechanicals and a laundry room, as well as guest space.


Photograph by Martin Vecchio

2nd – Cloth & Kind

Judge’s Insights:
There’s so much character and classic beauty found within each room of Cloth & Kind’s project. Stunning!
— Judge Kayla Cooper


Photograph by Martin Vecchio

3rd – Petrella Interiors