For empty-nesters who had a traditional home in Bloomfield Hills, the successful construction of a second residence in Colorado eventually led to another custom build, this time in Birmingham. “This was a huge departure from the home they originally had,” Marianne Jones says about the contemporary dwelling she worked on with her design partner, Elle Tor. “It’s definitely a lifestyle house. It’s very well-planned and low-maintenance, so they can lock up and leave.”
In addition to Marianne Jones, LLC, based in Birmingham and California, the homeowners retained Kelly Building & Development Co. and Birmingham architect Christopher Longe.
White oak walls warm the library, where a customized partners’ desk joins upholstered chairs that share an ottoman by the quartzite fireplace. Built-in cabinetry merges metal mesh doors with file drawers below. “This is our favorite room, based on the amount of time we spend here,” the husband says.
In the living room, an art television was mounted above the marble fireplace, which was offset to connect to the fireplace in the library. The stepped ceilings, which begin in the foyer of the elegant home, break up the long and narrow space. Swivel chairs along the window wall face another style of chair. “We wanted something that would look sexy from the hallway with beautiful, open backs that add visual interest,” Jones says. A velvet sofa with a tufted seat grounds the space.
A dining area is located between the living room and the kitchen. “There’s a little formality to it,” Jones explains. “It’s a sophisticated space, with the floating staircase — (truly) an engineering feat spanning four floors.” Featuring steel construction and open treads, the railing showcases a classic spindle pattern. The one-of-a-kind design, with a 30-foot-high window as a backdrop, was further embellished by pendants strategically planned by the homeowner.
Walnut cabinetry was used in the bar area and on one of two kitchen islands. The homeowner wanted the island facing the dining area to feel more like a buffet, so the seating is tucked behind it. Tor chose a neutral motif for the dining chairs. “It gave it a splash of a texture and pattern that breaks up the space and moves the eye,” she says.
Similar tones appear in the kitchen and dining area light fixtures. “There’s a connection and a lot of symmetry on the entire first floor,” Jones says. In the kitchen, Shaker-style cabinets conceal a refrigerator and a freezer that flank a pantry with a walnut frame. Glass-front cabinets are great for display.
Symmetrical elements continue on the second floor, where the master bath has an enclosed toilet area to the right and a shower on the left. Ombre film provides privacy. A floating vanity, porcelain tile flooring, and a soaking tub are among the other deluxe touches. A niche features custom cabinetry.
The master suite has a marble fireplace with window seats on either side, and includes furnishings from a previous home. “We wanted to evoke a response for the whole upstairs that has soft, subtle tones and sea glass colors,” Jones says.
A top-floor suite is a big hit with the couple’s three grown children, who visit often. “It’s like a little apartment,” Jones says. The homeowner says people claim the guest suite on the second floor until they see the one above it.
On the lower level, a custom bar on casters can be tucked away, while a round table hosts games and meals. “We wanted it to be multifunctional,” Tor says. A console behind the sectional offers additional seating, with stools below. “The vibe is warm and cozy,” she adds. “We wanted some warm tones down there, to give it a lounge feel that’s comfortable and casual, with a sophisticated spin.”
The designers both praise the homeowners. “The clients were very open-minded and they had a passion for the project,” Tor says. “They put thought into everything we proposed to them, and that made for a really good experience.”
“We enjoyed the whole process,” the husband says. “They were able to overcome the challenges from the narrow lot, and city restrictions led to better solutions in the end.” The couple also loves the location and the layout. “We wanted an in-town home with a great flow for entertaining friends and family,” the wife adds.
Guests are greeted on the front porch, which features solid cedar posts. Decorative metal roof supports adorn the distinctive exterior, where stone is combined with stained cedar-shake shingles and zinc siding. “We wanted a contemporary floor plan that was open, and a design that would be compatible with the neighborhood,” the husband says. “The team worked well together and we’re happy with the result.”
BUYER’S GUIDE
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Marianne Jones and Elle Tor, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, California,
mariannejones.com
BAR
Bar Stools – Butterfly Counter Stools, Verellen
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Chandelier – Bocci 14 Series 26 Pendant Light Fixture, Arkitektura, Birmingham
Countertop – Platinum Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Shelf – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray
BATHROOM, MASTER
Bathtub – Trivento Freestanding Tub, Victoria + Albert, Advance Plumbing and Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Countertop – Caesarstone Blizzard 2141, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Ottoman – Thimble Ottoman, Baker Furniture, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sconces – Large Bath Sconce, Polished Nickel with Etched Crystal, Barton, Visual Comfort
Tile, Floor, and Shower – Valentino Piazza DS Polished, Cercan Tile, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Swiss Coffee
Window Treatment – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Designs Designs Ltd., Wixom; Fabric, Namaste Pumice, Holly Hunt, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BEDROOM, MASTER
Armchair – Nicholas Swivel Chair, Hickory Chair; Fabric, Zurich Marcona, Holly Hunt, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Fireplace – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham; Fabrication, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Rug – Modern Flat Weave Rug, French Accents
Table, End – Nicholas Marble Round Side Table, RH
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Paper White
Window Seat Cushion – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Designs Designs Ltd., Wixom; Fabric, Streamline Whistler Blue Velvet, Romo, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Window Shades – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Designs Designs Ltd., Wixom; Fabric, Linen Sateen Marble, Holly Hunt, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
BEDROOM, THIRD-FLOOR GUEST
Artwork – “Evening View” and “Highrise,” Itinerant Studio
Bed Frame – Sawyer Upholstered Bed with Graded Fabric, Bernhardt Furniture
Bedding – Blair Midnight Duvet Cover and Hampton Flax Coverlet, Pom Pom at Home
Bench – Lincoln Bench, Cisco Brothers Corp.; Fabric, Cesta Coal, Sien + Co.
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Pillows, Accent – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Barbara Jones; Fabric, Tulu Ink, Zak and Fox
Rug – Kennedy Platinum Area Rug, Stark Carpet, Troy
Sconces – Ravello Reader Wall Sconce, Astro Lighting
Tables, Bedside – Maris Nightstand, Gry Faux Belgian Linen, Made Goods
DINING ROOM
Artwork, Set of 12 – Architectural Bronze Cube Sculpture, Kaiser Suidan, Next Step Studio & Gallery, Ferndale
Backsplash and Countertop – Crystal Premium Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Candleholders – Gold Candlesticks, Dovetail Furniture
Chairs, Dining – Tate Arm and Side Chairs, Hickory Chair; Fabric, Interlock, Golden Grey, Holly Hunt, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Light, Table – Trapeze 6 Pendant Flush Mount, Apparatus Studio
Rug – Shearling Beach Rug, Tufenkian, Ghiordes Knot Michigan Design Center, Troy
Stairs and Railing – Custom, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham
Table, Dining – Parisian Two-Legged Dining Table, Robert James Collection
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray
FOYER
Armchair – George Occasional Table, Hickory Chair; Fabric, Zoffany Verdi Applique
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Flower Arrangements – Olive’s Bloombox, Ferndale
Light, Ceiling – Arc Well Pendant Light, Allied Maker
Light, Wall – Otto Flush Mount, Visual Comfort
Mirror – Antiqued Mirror, Texture Imports
Rug – Aventine White Rug, Tufenkian, Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Display – Max Console, Julian Chichester
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray
Window Treatment – Faradine Grass Weave Roman Shade, Hartmann & Forbes, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
KITCHEN
Bar Stools – Linden Counter Stools, Fyrn
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Ceiling Treatment – Design, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham
Countertop – Crystal Premium Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Hood – Custom, Blackened Steel; Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication; Cole Wagner Cabinetry, Rochester Hills
Light, Ceiling – Trapeze 6 Pendant Flush Mount, Apparatus Studio
Light Fixture, Kitchen Sink – Otto Flush Mount, Visual Comfort
Lighting, Bar – Trapeze 1 Pendant Light, Apparatus Studio
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray
Window Treatment – Faradine Grass Weave Roman Shades, Hartmann & Forbes, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
LIVING ROOM
Armchairs, Gray – Carnelian Lounge Chair, Baker Graded Fabric, Baker Furniture, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Armchairs, Leather – Judy Swivel Chair, Pearson, Hickory Chair
Ceiling Treatment – Design, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham
Drapery – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Designs Designs Ltd., Wixom; Fabric, Suitor First Class, Holly Hunt, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Fireplace – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham; Fabrication, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Flower Arrangements – Olive’s Bloombox, Ferndale
Rug – Burlap-Ivory Gold Rug, Tufenkian, Ghiordes Knot, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Bennett Sofa, Baker Graded Fabric, Baker Furniture, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Coffee – Thaddeus Glass Coffee Table, RH
Tables, End – Kelsie Side Tables, Arteriors
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray
LOUNGE
Artwork – “Memories,” Donald Bustraan Fine Art
Chairs – Loire Chair, Hickory Chair; Fabric, Gaston y Daniela Horizontal, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chairs, Dining – Profile Dining Chair, Bernhardt; Fabric, Heathered Wool Gray, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chandelier, Table – 60/40 Dot 22-inch Pendant, Stone Black, Visual Comfort
Fireplace – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham; Fabrication, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Smoked Rustic Pine LVT, Coretec, Everlast Floors, Troy
Ottoman – Haskell Ottoman, Vanguard Furniture; Fabric, Peyote Mineral, Romo, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Sofa – Custom, TCS Designs; Fabric, Forenza Carbon, Romo, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Coffee – Campbell Cocktail Table, Arteriors
Table, Dining – 48-inch Round Ash Dining Table, Giacometti, Verellen
Table, Display – Maison Console Table, Hickory Chair
Wall Paint – Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray
OFFICE
Armchairs and Ottoman – Averline Lounge Chairs and Ottoman, Hickory Chair; Fabric, Pollack, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Armchairs, Wingback – Martin Host Chairs, Hickory Chair
Cabinetry – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham; Fabrication, Aria Custom Cabinetry, Rochester Hills
Desk – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, ANA Woodwork Studio, Oak Park
Drapery – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Designs Designs Ltd., Wixom; Fabric, Somerset, Bart Halpern
Fireplace – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham; Fabrication, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Pillows, Accent – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Barbara Jones; Fabric, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Rug – Herrick, Watch, Stark Carpet, Troy
Sconces – Arc Wall Lamp, Allied Maker
Tables, Occasional – Charleston Forge
Wall Treatment – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham; Fabrication, Aria Custom Cabinetry, Rochester Hills
POWDER ROOM
Cabinet – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Countertop – Onix Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Boen Oak Brown Jasper, Everlast Floors, Troy
Flower Arrangements – Olive’s Bloombox, Ferndale
Light Fixture – Lariat Large Pendant, Apparatus Studio
Mirror – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Shelving – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors Birmingham; Fabrication, Kelly Building & Development Co., Birmingham
Sink – Stone Forest Papillon Vessel, Advance Plumbing and Heating Supply Co., Walled Lake
Tray and Soap Dispenser – Remy Large Tray and Soap Pump, Pigeon & Poodle
Wall Treatment – Canvas Linen, Java, Phillip Jeffries, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Window Treatment – Design, Marianne Jones, LLC, Birmingham; Fabrication, Designs Designs Ltd., Wixom; Fabric, Linen Sateen Marble, Holly Hunt, Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
EXTERIOR
Building Materials – Cedar Shake
Landscaping – Matt Mosher, Mosher Design Co., Royal Oak
Masonry – Scott Albaugh, Albaugh Masonry Stone & Tile Inc., Waterford Township
Paint Color – Benjamin Moore, Amherst Gray
Siding – Rheinzink
Windows – Marvin Windows, Bolyard Lumber, Birmingham
ADDITIONAL PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Architect – Christopher J. Longe, Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture & Interiors, Birmingham
Builder – John Kelly, Mark Belden, and Eric Mallory, Kelly Building & Development Co., Birmingham
Countertop Fabrication – PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Home Entertainment System – Neal Check, SoundCheck, Southfield
Landscape Architecture – Matt Mosher, Mosher Design Co., Royal Oak
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