Some people can spot potential, even if it involves a Bay Harbor cottage with ornate windows that block the highly sought-after views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, and with an outdated, Victorian style. That was the case for a couple with a passion for real estate and design who turned to Harbor Springs-based Cottage Company for a major renovation to make their diamond-in-the-rough the ultimate summer retreat.
“(COLOR CONTINUITY) IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE ONE ELEMENT THAT TIES IT ALL TOGETHER, TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT FLOWS.”
— KELLY KONOSKE
Floral wallpaper and heavy draperies were among the “before” features that had to go in order for this savvy couple to have their happily-ever-after home. The cottage’s Victorian style gave way to a fresh and sophisticated vibe that represents the current owners, who make their home on the East Coast but have childhood ties to northern Michigan. “No room was left untouched,” says Kelly Konoske, president of Cottage Company Interiors (the design arm of Cottage Company). “(The home) had good structure and decent bones, and the clients could envision what it could be. We didn’t change much structurally or architecturally, and the location was a big selling point.”
With seven bedrooms, including a main floor master, five full baths, and two half baths, there’s plenty of room for the family and their guests to spread out. The second floor has four bedrooms and a bunk room, while the lower-level walkout features a guest room, a kitchenette, and a game room. Color continuity connects the deluxe guest rooms to the bathrooms. “It’s a great opportunity to have one element that ties it all together, to make it feel like it flows,” Konoske says.
Practicality was a priority that was met with performance fabrics and hardwood floors. Casual living areas with a purpose answered the homeowners’ request for no formal or wasted space. “The goal was to make the home accommodating and welcoming for friends and family, (and to ensure it’s) a place for entertaining and making memories,” says Konoske, who adds that she thoroughly enjoyed this project. “The (homeowners) were so fun to work with and so trusting of my ideas. We just gelled, and the process was seamless.”
Wanting to give the home a sense of place, Konoske took inspiration from the serene surroundings and brought in varying shades of blue, as well as pattern and texture that lend interest and keep the rooms cohesive. Low-profile furnishings expand the views, while distinct ceiling treatments — like the single beadboard in the great room — define each space.
Select artwork plucked from the couple’s existing collection was refreshed with new frames. An intriguing array of seating showcases pieces with architectural details, like the stools in the great room. “There are so many places to seat people,” says Konoske, who arranged the back porch by placing chaise lounges near the master bedroom, and dining and lounging options by the main rooms.
The master bedroom provides a soothing respite, with shiplap walls and a wool carpet that provides comfort underfoot. Gray tones appear on the fabrics, including the subtle animal print worn by the couple’s Art Deco-style chairs. In the master bathroom, a soaking tub becomes a focal point in the calming space; geometric tile floors add texture. His-and-hers vanities feature custom built-ins, while vertical shiplap gives the illusion of a taller ceiling. Contemporary fixtures deliver a modern twist to the classic cottage environment.
“(IT’S A) HOUSE THAT’S COMFORTABLE FOR 10, BUT INTIMATE FOR TWO.”
— KELLY KONOSKE
Lighting makes a statement in the dining room, where a modern chandelier hangs from the coffered ceiling, illuminating the teak table with its metal base and chairs upholstered in an abstract animal print. “I love contemporary lighting,” Konoske says. “That’s one area where you can push the boundaries.” An adjacent sitting area with swivel chairs creates a cozy spot for enjoying a cup of coffee or playing a card game.
An open layout that resulted from the renovation led to an airy white kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a handmade Chain Homme geometric tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. The window seat in the breakfast nook can easily accommodate company when the table is pushed beside it. “They like having a house that’s comfortable for 10, but intimate for two,” Konoske says.
With their childhood ties to northern Michigan, this reimagined cottage creates a home base with a special connection the couple can share with their three grown children and endless guests. The coveted location lets them spend time outside, with the added convenience of being able to walk to the beach or stroll down the street for dinner or drinks. The bunk room with six beds is a favorite with kids, while the couple loves the meditative quality of the lake and the back porch that enables them to eat outside whenever possible. Another big hit is the fire pit, where everyone gathers for laughter and s’mores.
According to the owners, thanks to its fabulous reinvention from dated to delightful, the home has already created priceless memories.
Buyer’s Guide
INTERIOR DESIGN
Kelly Konoske, Cottage Company Interiors, Harbor Springs, cottage-company.com
BATHROOM
Bathtub – Waterworks, Russell Hardware, Bloomfield Hills
Cabinetry – Kelly Konoske Custom, Cottage Company Interiors, Harbor Springs
Drapery – Kelly Konoske Custom, Klebba Interiors, Duralee Grandeur With Dusk Embroidery, Macomb Township
Floor Treatment – Glazzio Tile, Emmet Brick & Block, Harbor Springs
Mirrors – Restoration Hardware
Sconces – Waterworks, Russell Hardware, Bloomfield Hills
Table, Occasional – Cyan Design
Towel Bar – Emtek, Russell Hardware, Bloomfield Hills
Wall Treatment – Shiplap Paneling
BEDROOM
Bench – Thibaut Fine Furniture, Schumacher Horst Stripe In Grisalle, North Carolina
Comforter – Pine Cone Hill Coverlet And Shams
Headboard, Bedside Chests, And Armchairs – Vanguard Furniture, North Carolina
Lamps – Visual Comfort
Table, Occasional – Made Goods
Window Shades – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Klebba Interiors, Duralee Grandeur with Dusk Embroidery, Macomb Township
BREAKFAST NOOK
Accent Pillows – Rytan Studio + Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Decors Studio, Flushing
Artwork – Serena & Lily
Ceiling Treatment – Single Headboard Paneling
Chairs, Dining – Palecek, Perennial Dot In White Sands, RJ Thomas Showroom, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chandelier – Arteriors Home
Floor Treatment – White Oak
Fruit Bowl – IMAX Worldwide Home
Table, Dining – Redford House
Windowseat Cushion – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Allerding Upholstery, Colefax & Fowler Farina In Indigo, Harbor Springs
DINING ROOM
Chairs, Dining – Lee Industries, Hinson Nevis In Blue
Chandelier – Arteriors Home
Flooring – White Oak With Custom Finish
Table, Dining – Bernhardt Furniture, LiDa Development, Rochester Hills
Window Shades – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Klebba Interiors, Ginko Embroidery In Marine, Macomb Township
ENTRYWAY, BACK
Accent Pillows – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Decors Studio, Schumacher And Jane Churchill, Flushing
Cabinetry – Kelly Konoske Custom, Cottage Company Interiors, Harbor Springs
Flooring – Tile, Emmet Brick & Block, Harbor Springs
Table, Console – Vanguard Furniture, North Carolina
FAMILY ROOM
Accent Pillows – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Decors Studio, Flushing
Floor Treatment – White Oak With Custom Finish
Lamps – Regina Andrew Detroit, Detroit
Patterned Armchairs – Pearson Co., North Carolina
Rug – Stark Carpet, Digby In Oatmeal, Troy
Shelving, Display – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Allerding Upholstery, Davis In Birch, Harbor Springs
Sofa and Armchairs – Lee Industries, North Carolina
Stools – American Leather, Texas
Table, Side – Emerson Bentley, North Carolina
Table, Occasional – CTH Sherrill Occasional, North Carolina
HALLWAY/STAIRS
Armchair – Selemat, Osborne & Little Brera Linen In Denim
Flooring – J Mish, Baytown II In Oyster
Table, Occasional – Arteriors Home
KITCHEN
Bar Stools – Baker Interiors Group, Troy, Michigan Design Center
Cabinetry – Signature Kitchens, Petoskey
Flooring – White Oak
Stove and Hood – Wolf
Sink – Blanco, Ferguson Plumbing Showroom, Petoskey
Wall Treatment – Fireclay Tile, California
PORCH
Accent Pillows – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs; Decors Studio, Perennials Diamond Back Denim In Tick Tock Stripe, Flushing
Sofa and Chairs – Summer Classics
Table, Coffee – Janus et Cie
Table, Side – Summer Classics
SITTING ROOM
Accent Pillows – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs, Decors Studio, Seemakrish Union Square In Hudson-Indigo, Flushing
Armchairs – Bernhardt Design, Stella Group, Stucco Texture In Indigo, Grosse Ile
Ceiling Treatment – Single Beadboard In Ultra White
Fireplace – Screen from Rejuvenation Lighting
Floor Treatment – White Oak With Custom Finish
Lamp – Regina Andrew Detroit, Detroit
Rug – Stark, Darko In Oatmeal, Troy
Shelving, Display – Custom
Tables, Coffee And Side – Bungalow 5
Window Shades – Kelly Konoske Custom, Harbor Springs; Valances By Klebba Interiors, Oaxaca In Navy, Macomb
EXTERIOR
Landscaping – Vidosh North, LLC, Petoskey
Windows – Marvin
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Builder – Cottage Company Interiors, Harbor Springs
Kitchen Designer – Signature Kitchens, Petoskey
Landscape Architect – Vidosh North LLC, Petoskey
Original Architect – White & Liebler Architects, Petoskey
|
|
|
