For a client who had relocated to Michigan from California, Carrie Long, of Carrie Long Interiors in Royal Oak, reimagined the interior of a Birmingham estate. The end result is an exquisite contemporary home that works for the family’s lifestyle.
“The couple has three young kids. They’re well-traveled, have lived in different places, and love beautiful, unique things, (and) color and texture,” Long says. “We started out by playing and dreaming. We brought in so many rich textures throughout the house, like tone-on-tone floral wallpaper and the preppiness of the textured chairs in the dining room.”
The elegant seven-bedroom home was built in 2015 and designed by DesRosiers Architects of Bloomfield Hills. The couple had previously lived in urban locations, and they were drawn to all the activities and amenities that downtown Birmingham offers. They purchased the home in late 2020 and started the renovation process the following year.
The homeowner explains, “My husband is originally from Michigan. He fell in love with the home right away — it had details that we’d only seen in California. It’s an entertainer’s paradise with lots of natural light, beautiful landscaping, and a knife-edge pool.
The homeowners worked with an art consultant to select and frame most of the stunning pieces showcased throughout the home. Photo by Diana Paulson of Linea.
“We wanted Carrie to preserve the architectural integrity of the home but make it lighter and more contemporary with a fresh, modern twist,” she continues. “All the cherrywood was changed to white so it looks and feels fresher, lighter, and brighter. We wanted upscale, sophisticated Mid-century design, but we wanted it to be timeless and done right so it only had to be done once.”
In the homeowners’ favorite room, the family room, designer Carrie Long says the furnishings were chosen to create “a sculptural, gallery-like composition that balances comfort with curated style.” Photo by Diana Paulson of Linea.
The residence’s redesign put an emphasis on family and entertaining spaces, and included a renovation of the family room, where a sleek bar and built-in shelving were added. The two-year project showcases new sculptural lighting, dramatic artwork, and custom stylish furnishings, as well as architectural updates that were made throughout the home.
From the mostly serene color palette to splashes of bold hues, the use of color in the house is now one of its most striking features. “I’m not a fan of an all-neutral home. I wanted elements and pops of color, especially when the climate here can be drab for months of the year,” the owner shares.
A charming use of color can be found in the couple’s young daughter’s alcove bedroom — a current yet fairytale oasis featuring shades of pink and a vintage reupholstered lavender sofa.
The homeowners worked with an art consultant to select and frame most of the stunning pieces found in the home. Says the wife: “It was a collaborative process and I love the results. It feels like we’re living in an art gallery.”
Various elements of color, whether through textiles, wallcoverings, or artwork, appear throughout the residence.
“I’m not a fan of an all-neutral home,” the homeowner says. Photo by Diana Paulson of Linea.
Long used minimal color on the walls and furniture, to “allow the art to make the space come alive.”
When asked about her favorite area of the renovation, the homeowner shows no hesitation. “It’s the family room, the heart of the home. Focally, all points lead to it — and there’s a view to the backyard.”
She also notes the distinct, color-rich woodcut artwork series on the wall that offers “contrast but continuity” in the room.
“As always, Lou DesRosiers did an amazing job with layout,” Long says. “The renovation enhanced the home and gave it the perfect face-lift. As the home is now, is how it should be. It’s livable art yet functional, and designed for how this family lives.”
Adds the homeowner: “The house feels tailored to us because we were so involved in the process. Carrie and her team worked really hard to achieve this. Entertaining family and friends is important to us, especially my outgoing husband. We like being the house that’s warm and inviting, where everyone is welcome. We’re blessed with a beautiful, functional home to share and enjoy.” 
B E H I N D T H E D E S I G N
Interior Designer
Carie Long, Carrie Long Interiors,
Royal Oak, carrielonginteriors.com
Project Contributor
Contractor: Thomas Sebold & Associates, Bloomfield Hills
Cherry Bomb Fringe Chandelier
Lindsey Adelman, lindseyadelman.com
“The space centers around this dramatic light sculpture — adding movement, glow,
and an unmistakable sense of artistry,” designer Carrie Long says.
Carpo Club Chair and Roulette Coffee Table
Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com
“A 60-inch Holly Hunt architectural coffee table (above and right) becomes a centerpiece; its spinning function adds both playfulness and precision. Paired with two Holly Hunt chairs (right), the grouping creates a sculptural, gallery-like composition that balances comfort with curated style.”
Geo Ponti Desk
Vintage, New York City
“The vintage desk (left) serves as the sculptural anchor of the home. Positioned directly in the sightline from the front door, it creates an immediate (sense) of refinement and artistry. Its architectural presence sets the tone for the entire design narrative — functional, expressive, and timeless,” Long says.
TK Stool
Thomas Hayes Studio, thomashayesstudio.com
Says Long: “Thomas Hayes bar stools (above) introduce a refined, handcrafted touch.
As a designer whose work you consistently reach for, Hayes’ pieces have a level of craftsmanship and detail that elevates the bar experience.”
No. 2743 Sofa
A. Rudin, arudin.com
“The seating is grounded by A. Rudin sofas, (which were) selected for their impeccable construction and sophisticated silhouettes. The metal stretcher detail lifts the sofas off the floor, offering a lighter, architectural read and reinforcing the elevated modern aesthetic.”
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