New Beginnings

Noteworthy dwelling offers Bloomfield Hills couple a fresh start // Photography By Beth Singer
The architect, builder, and designer, among others, made up “the dream team” for this new-build, says interior designer Jennifer Asmar.

It takes a village to pull off a custom build like this sensational Shingle-style structure. “We had the dream team. It was such a nice collaboration,” Jennifer Asmar, of Asmar Interiors in Troy, relays about the alliance between the architect, builder, and designer who worked on this impressive project for a couple who was set to wed. “It was a second marriage for both, so they wanted a fresh start in a new home they could enjoy together,” Asmar says.

Situated on a wooded corner lot that they share with abundant wildlife, the location is especially fitting for the nature-loving couple. Fine finishes and unique architectural features can be found both inside and outside the residence, which has an effortless flow. “It’s such a nice circulation of space and a great floor plan,” Asmar says. The interiors feature “a transitional look with a mix of traditional and clean elements,” she adds. “We wanted to keep everything classic and timeless.”

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy breakfast in this lovely breakfast nook? Note how the shape of the table’s base echoes the ceiling’s design

The great room is the perfect example, with a marble fireplace flanked by walnut bookcases. Clever details include glass shelves with wood fronts that allow light to filter through. Sofas and chairs in a low-pile velvet sport a neutral palette that blends creams with emerald green. Full-height sheer ripple-folded drapery panels further soften the space.

A striking bar area off the great room overlooks a wine cellar through an interior window. Oyster marble covers the counter and backsplash, for a perfect contrast against the dark cabinetry, which is structured and thick. In the wine cellar, wall-mounted bottles supported by pegs installed on stacked stone create a dramatic display.

Beauty Throughout
The inviting family room with two comfortable Hickory Chair sofas, the well-appointed kitchen, the storage-filled mud room (let’s take a dip in the pool!), and chic bar area stand ready for everything from intimate family gatherings to large parties. Fine finishes and unique architectural features add special touches.

Deluxe details continue in the kitchen, where thick quartzite countertops and an oversized glass backsplash play a prominent role. A 10-foot-wide island easily fits four counter stools. “It’s nice for entertaining,” Asmar says. Substantial lantern fixtures above keep the sightlines open to the white Shaker-style cabinets with polished nickel hardware.

Off the kitchen, a breakfast nook with a built-in banquette has a glass-top table with a metal base that echoes the shape of the ceiling. Blue upholstery and a wavy light fixture add a lighthearted touch to the seating area.

Cozy configurations define personal spaces like the master bedroom, where an upholstered headboard featuring fabric panels fits nicely into a custom niche, along with sconces that save surface space. The bench at the foot of the bed is made of a woodgrain-embossed leather, while a custom rug mimics the porcelain on the fireplace. A nickel candelabra fixture hangs from the high ceiling, which is adorned with wood beams.

Luxury aplenty
The mosaic tile that forms an accent wall above the tub in the master bathroom also appears in the shower.

A well-appointed closet for the wife features a convenient window seat and closed storage that can conceal seasonal items. Glass-front cabinets let her accessories shine. “I love doing (this type of cabinets) for display, especially for shoes and handbags,” Asmar says. The designer clearly has an eye for lighting, like the natural agate-and-nickel fixture over the island that she says is “fun but sophisticated.”

The alabaster and aged brass pendant lights contribute to the dramatic powder room, which features a floating vanity and cream-and-gold textured wallpaper.

In the master bathroom, a turret houses a rounded tub with a globe pendant that glistens from above. “I wanted it to look like a big floating bubble over the tub,” Asmar says. Porcelain tile floors that mimic marble were arranged in a herringbone pattern, while double vanities placed at an angle leave plenty of room for two.

On the property, there’s plentiful space with deluxe amenities that include an outdoor kitchen and a luxurious pool. The cool gray/blue exterior of the home suits the aesthetic. “The homeowners wanted that Hamptons vibe,” Asmar says.

The lady of the house’s lovely walk-in closet.

The designer says the collaboration made the endeavor a pleasure. “It really was a team effort. Everyone was so well-seasoned and such a good fit,” Asmar says of the project, throughout which she worked closely with the wife. “She knew what she wanted and she was wonderful to work with, and we had people who were all on the same plane.”

One key person was Corey Campbell, architect and owner of C-arc Design Group in Bloomfield Township, where clients come for one-of-a-kind designs. “We take pride in good quality, a nice flow, quality elevation, and a great floor plan with no wasted space. We dedicate every inch of space to the client, and work with the inside and the outside to capture all the views,” he explains. “We were fortunate to have a wonderful client and there was a good working rapport. The entire process was enjoyable. It was a good experience.”

Check out the marble wall in the master bedroom!

Builder Sean Gardella, general contractor for Sean D. Gardella & Associates (SDGA) in Birmingham, agrees. “The client respected us as the professionals and allowed us to collaborate to pull off a phenomenal product,” he says.

Gardella was inspired by the custom structure. “It’s remarkably comfortable, yet very sophisticated at the same time,” he says. “It’s a fun home because of the way Corey designed it. (There’s) a formal entry, but as you step inside you see that casual lifestyle that we all live today.”


All the bells & whistles
Thanks to Millennium Cabinetry, the wine cellar is not only well-organized, but it also looks beautiful

BUYER’S GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGN
Jennifer Asmar, Asmar Interiors, Troy, asmarinteriors.com

BAR
Cabinetry
– Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Countertop and Backsplash – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Faucet – Kohler, Birmingham
Glass Shelving – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

BATHROOM, MASTER
Bathtub
– Bain Ultra, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Ceiling Light – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Porcelain tile, Virginia Tile, Troy
Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Tile Wall – Virginia Tile, Troy
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

BEDROOM, MASTER
Area Rug – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Bed Frame – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy; and Corey Campbell C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Bedding – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Bedside Tables – C.A.I. Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Bench – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Built-in Shelving – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Chandelier – Herald Wholesale, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Marble Wall – Virginia Tile, Asmar Interiors, and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Sconces – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Vases – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

BREAKFAST NOOK
Accent Pillows
– Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Bench – Custom, Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Bench Cushion – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Ceiling Light – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Ceiling Treatment – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Centerpiece – Asmar Interiors, Troy
Chairs – The Designer Group Collection, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Table – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

The Shingle-style home, on a corner lot, features a stunning pool area.

FAMILY ROOM
Accent Pillows – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Armchairs – Hickory Chair, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Built-in Wooden Shelves – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Ceiling Treatment – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Chandelier – Hudson Valley, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Coffee Table – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Drapery – Custom, Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Marble Wall – PMP Marble & Granite, Asmar Interiors, Trot; and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Sculptures – Asmar Interiors, Troy
Sofas – Hickory Chair, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

KITCHEN
Bar Lighting – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Bar Stools – The Designer Group Collection, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Hood – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Vases – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

MUD ROOM
Cabinetry and Storage – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Cushion – Kravet, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

POWDER ROOM
Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Ceiling Lights – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Crystal Planter – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Faucet – Newport Brass, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Mirror – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Star Wall Décor – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist

WALK-IN CLOSET
Cabinetry – Millennium Cabinetry, Farmington Hills
Chandelier – John Richards, Asmar Interiors, Troy
Countertop – Quartzite, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist
Window Seat Cushion and Pillows – Custom, Pindler, Asmar Interiors, Troy

WINE CELLAR
Ceiling Light – Elk Lighting, Herald Wholesale, Troy
Flooring – Engineered White Oak
Wall Color – Benjamin Moore, Balboa Mist
Wall-mounted Wine Storage – Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township
Wine Cabinet Storage – Custom, Asmar Interiors, Troy; and Corey Campbell, C-Arc Design Group, Bloomfield Township