A beautiful blend of historical elegance and modern functionality — that’s how designer Lauren Tolles describes the 1914 English Revival estate she worked on in Grosse Pointe. The homeowners, a couple who felt an immediate connection to the home when they first toured and purchased it 11 years ago, were determined to bring the space up to date while honoring its storied history. “We wanted to create a home that supported how we live and entertain today, without compromising the charm of its 111-year-old design and craftsmanship,” the wife says.
Photo By Martin Vecchio
Tolles, owner and founder of Birmingham-based custom cabinetry design studio Maison Birmingham, was up for the task. She recalls entering the home and marveling at its original checkerboard floor, wainscot paneling, intricate woodwork, stunning French doors, and soaring 12-foot ceilings. There was no shortage of inspiration.
“It wasn’t until we entered the original service area that we understood why the homeowners had called us,” the designer says. “After walking through the rest of the grand estate, it was sad to see what had become of the kitchen and entire back area. It became clear to us that we would need to change the floor plan in order to bring this stately home back to its former glory and meet the homeowners’ functional requests.”
An eat-in nook off the kitchen is just the spot for a morning cup of coffee.
Photo By Martin Veechio
The owner explains that when it was originally built, the home was run and maintained by live-in staff. There were designated “service areas,” keeping the kitchen and adjoining rooms separate from the owners’ living spaces. It created “awkward, compartmentalized spaces; small rooms and hallways intended to only be utilized by staff that weren’t conducive to modern living,” the homeowners note. Not only was this an inconvenience for everyday living, but it also limited the homeowners’ ability to host the way they wanted to — they’re social entertainers who have held events including weddings, birthdays, and even Halloween parties with up to 350 guests.
Tolles and her team were tapped to rework the first-floor kitchen, rear foyer, powder room, server space, laundry room, den, and bar space, as well as the basement catering kitchen and dog pen “room” below the stairs. Sterling Custom Homes & Renovations of Bloomfield Township was brought on as the builder for the project.
The plan included relocating the laundry room to the basement, relocating a powder room, and opening up a wall to allow space for entertaining. In the kitchen, a botched dropped ceiling and faux skylight were removed so the space would feature the same 12-foot ceilings present throughout the rest of first floor — a great moment, according to Tolles, since they “realized the kitchen would be able to enjoy the same grandeur as the rest of the first floor.”
Like any renovation, this one didn’t come without its challenges. “Renovating a 100-plus-year-old home comes with all the surprises you’d expect, and then some,” the wife says. Original plumbing, outdated wiring, structural surprises, and more drove the team to be flexible on all fronts. “We knew from experience it would take much longer than planned and that our budget was probably more of an aspiration than reality. We had to adjust the plan (and the budget) more than once, but that’s part of the process with older homes — it forces you to be flexible and thoughtful with each decision,” she adds.
Tolles recalls several situations where they had to get creative. For example, the team found a large, cast-iron plumbing stack going right through the spot where they intended to install beautiful walnut and glass cabinetry. The solution? Adding walls with wainscoting around narrower walnut and glass cabinetry to hide the plumbing stack. The change wound up creating a nice separation between the kitchen and informal dining area. “It ended up being a good surprise,” Tolles says.
Another challenge was designing to the nearly 12-foot ceilings. “At that height, we didn’t want the cabinetry to go all the way to the ceiling and create narrow, vertical spaces, or even just be unreachable,” Tolles says. “By integrating a tall, stacked crown molding and introducing alcoves whenever possible, we were able to keep the cabinetry to a manageable height that draws the eye up, but without creating vertigo.”
Photo By Martin Veechio.
“… We would need to change the floor plan in order to bring this stately home back to its former glory …”
— Lauren Tolles
The extra time and planning were worth it in the end. The result is an elegant and open layout that seamlessly blends the old with the new, staying in tune with the home’s legacy. As for the homeowners’ favorite part? The transformation of the kitchen tops the list. “It was always the finish line for us,” the wife says. “To see what was once a closed-off, cold and drab space become this expansive, bright, functional area that’s central to how we live was really incredible.”
They add that the flow from the kitchen to the other entertaining spaces now meets their needs. “It’s more modern but still keeps the original, intentional room structure. We didn’t want ‘open concept’; we wanted balance, almost like it could have always been this way. And we got it.”
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Interior Designer
Lauren Tolles, Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, maisonbirmingham.com
Project Contributors
Builder: Sterling Custom Homes & Renovations, Bloomfield Hills
Electric: Gardner Electric, Troy
Flooring: Aardvark Flooring
Mechanical: Lakeview Mechanical, Warren
Millwork: Brian Bommarito, Troy
Plumbing: Tilson Plumbing, Romeo
Stone: Terrazzo & Marble Supply, Farmington Hills
Stone Fabrication: Preferred Marble & Granite, Fraser
Windows: Marvin Windows
Reese 22-inch Pendant, Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
“This pendant was the perfect choice for the charming banquette nook, as it balances clean lines and an aged feel beautifully with its linen shade and soft brass finish,” designer Lauren Tolles says. “The fine metalwork and brass chain provide warm character that complement a timeless space”
Classic CX2 Range Hood Cover in Oyster, Coppersmith, worldcoppersmith.com
“The scale of this customized metal hood really fits the room — especially the 12-foot ceilings — beautifully, as it pulls your eye upward to the beautiful, stacked crown molding. The soft white and brass tones pull on warm, traditional materials found in English Revival homes from this time period. Underneath the customized hood, you’ll find a stainless steel Wolf hood insert.
Taft Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Satin Brass, Newport Brass, newportbrass.com
“Having two of these faucets at the large workstation sink maximizes functionality while eliminating the need for a prep sink. The subtle detailing of the faucets adds a traditional nod to the surrounding area, while maintaining clean lines.”
Lineham Cordless Table Lamp, Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
“I love these lamps,” Tolles says. “They really fit the scale of this space perfectly, and help frame the sink wall as they anchor the long stretch of casement windows that were custom-ordered to fit this historic home. The alabaster in the lamps ties in beautifully with the warm tones found in the marble, brass, and walnut throughout the kitchen.”
Haniburton Appliance Pull in Satin Brass Schaub, schaubandcompany.com
Farmstead Sink and legs, Kohler, Birmingham, kohler.com
“This beautiful cast iron, freestanding sink resonates perfectly with the storied
history of the home and its iconic design. It adds both character and timeless
charm in this basement laundry, while accommodating a variety of
functions, and creating a feeling of space and airiness in this utilitarian area.”
|
|
|
