Success Story

A gorgeous Franklin home is the cherry on a long-standing creative relationship // Photography by Martin Vecchio
The living room has multiple elegant touches, including a stunning window and beautiful piano.

You can’t argue with success, according to the owner of this new-build in Franklin. He had already worked with designer Jeffrey King on a number of projects, including a previous residence, business offices in three cities, a condo, and a city apartment. Recently married, he and his newly expanded family decided the time had come to upsize. “It was evident we needed more space,” he says.

Not surprisingly, the Birmingham-based designer had the perfect answer: a spec home he’d been working on in Franklin with Lake Orion builder Rock Homes. At 11,000 square feet, the traditional, Tudor-inspired red brick residence — with a design King calls “classic Franklin” — is large, yet doesn’t feel cold or cavernous.

Banquette seating, designed by Jeffrey King, is a favorite in the kitchen area.

Part of what makes the home work is the interior design, which King unified with a warm neutral color he calls “where gray meets beige.” It’s punctuated with bold art and accessories, including an eye-catching and colorful custom collage of faces in the dining room that asserts “People Make All the Difference.” A unifying palette can be found throughout most of the home, in both public and private spaces — from the two-story living room and open-plan kitchen and family room to the home’s six full suites, including two masters, two children’s rooms, and two rooms for guests.

King says he’s seen a rise in requests for two master suites, as they can be used to house grandparents or for homeowners who are looking to change sleeping arrangements with the seasons. That’s exactly how these homeowners use them, King says; they sleep downstairs and upstairs at different times of the year.

While the bedrooms designed for adults soothe in shades of gray, those destined for younger occupants represent a colorful and creative departure. “I worked closely with the kids to personalize their spaces,” King explains, adding that the 10-year-old daughter’s “Under the Sea” theme was inspired by a visit to the Cayman Islands. “Behind the bed is a gigantic, 12-foot mural, with the whole ceiling done in bubbles,” he says. The 9-year-old son, on the other hand, requested a room that pays homage to Pokemon, his favorite game. King obliged with walls that feature character decals by Fatheads that can easily be removed when the lad’s favorites change. The youngest homeowners also dictated the design of the playroom, which features large framed movie posters.

A more adult playroom is found in the lower-level bar area, which King tailored to the homeowners’ hobbies and interests. One part of the home that intentionally feels expansive, it’s a favorite spot for entertaining business clients and her large, extended family. The family often gathers to watch movies in the theater, surrounded by walls that sport posters from their favorite films. King worked closely with Spire Integrated Services of Troy to design the open-concept theater, which he says is a trend. “We’re definitely doing more open-concept theaters than closed theater rooms these days,” the designer says.

Nearby, an extensive wine cellar houses at least 500 bottles. “The bar is bigger than a lot of the restaurants in downtown Birmingham,” the designer proudly shares. Touches of red in the furnishings and fabrics throughout add punch to the space, which King says “has a lot of energy.” He says he’s experienced enough events and parties there to see how the space actually lives. “You can’t not have a good time there,” he asserts. “It functions as well for 10 as it does for 150.”

Lots of diversions await in the lower level entertainment suite, including a handsome bar, game space, and wine room (steel fabrication by Gallery Steel in Waterford).

Working from home during the pandemic has helped the homeowners fully appreciate all that the residence and its 2.5-acre lot have to offer. While the husband says he frequently used the first-floor library and office pre-pandemic, he’s begun spreading out into other spaces. “This year I really started using and appreciating the lower level,” he explains. “Going downstairs makes me feel like I’m going somewhere.”

He sometimes finds himself taking work downstairs, he says, and enjoys the swivel chairs surrounding the round table. “It might be my favorite part of the house,” he admits, adding that he often uses the area for meetings. “It’s quiet; it’s a little slice of heaven.”

Rich materials and quiet colors are found in a guest room (lower level), powder room, library, and master bathroom.

The natural features of the large lot have been another surprise. “I thought I’d miss the city and the convenience of being near everything, but the trees and the wildlife here are just unbelievable,” the homeowner raves. Future plans include working with Deborah Silver, owner of Detroit Garden Works and landscape company Deborah Silver and Co., on a new deck and pool area, and acting on an exterior plan that’s designed to take better advantage of the lot’s natural attributes. Inside, he also spends time in a  newly converted  bonus room above the four-car garage that’s now a home office.

King says he often works with spec homes and finds the projects enjoyable. “For this one, I’d been involved even before the shovel went into the ground,” he says.

The homeowners have been in the house three years, and are still discovering new ways to enjoy the house.  They’re especially fond of the huge kitchen, with its two convenient islands, and note that even with the large lower level, people frequently end up in the kitchen and family room. “It’s large but doesn’t feel cold or industrial,” the homeowner says. That could also describe the whole house — a feat the homeowner credits to King. “It’s big, but Jeffrey did such a great job that it doesn’t feel too big or overwhelming,” he explains. “It’s a warm and friendly home with a wonderful flow.” And that’s not at all surprising for a designer with such a long history of success.


While the rest of the home features muted tones, kids’ spaces charm with a rainbow of hues in bed linens, wall treatment, and art.

BUYER’S GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Jeffrey King, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham, jeffreykinginteriors.com

BATHROOM, MASTER
(Not all elements are shown in photos.)
Artwork – Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Faucet – Kohler, Wittock Kitchen & Bath, Birmingham
Flooring – Porcelain Tile, Ciot, Troy
Furry Circle Mat – Fur Rug, Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham
Mirrors – Custom, Reid Glass, Southfield
Sconces – Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Treatment – Phillip Jeffries Ltd., Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

BATHROOM, POWDER ROOM
Cabinet – Custom, Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Chandelier – Herald Wholesale, Troy
Countertop – White Carrara Marble
Mirror – Global Views
Sconces – Herald Wholesale, Troy
Sculpture – Uttermost
Towel Bar – Russell Hardware, Bloomfield Hills
Wall Treatment – Phillip Jeffries Ltd., Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

BEDROOM, DAUGHTER
Bedding – Scandia Home, Birmingham
Bench – Outpost Original
Bench, Upholstered – Chaise, Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham
Blanket, Throw – Scandia Home, Birmingham
Drapery – Custom, Vantay Draperies, Madison Heights
Flooring – McLeod Carpet One Floor & Home, Bloomfield Hills
Headboard and Bedframe – Lexington
Lamps – Robert Abbey Inc.
Pillows, Accent – D.V. Kap Home
Wall Treatment – Custom, “Under the Sea” Mural; Stripes by Wolverine Painting
Window Treatment – Hunter Douglas

BEDROOM, GUEST
Bedding – Scandia Home, Birmingham
Chair – Bernhardt
Drapery – Custom, Vantay Draperies, Madison Heights
Dresser – Bernhardt
Lamps, Nightstand – Arteriros
Light, Ceiling – Visual Comfort
Mirrors (Above Bed) – Global Views

DINING ROOM
Artwork – Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Buffet, Display – Bernhardt, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Candleholders – Global Views
Ceiling Paint – Graytint, Benjamin Moore
Centerpiece – Gerych’s, Fenton
Chairs, Dining – Bernhardt, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chandelier – Boyd by Donghia, Boyd Lighting
Drapery – Custom, Vantay Draperies, Madison Heights
Flooring – 4-inch Light Oak
Rug – Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham
Sculpture – Uttermost
Table, Dining – Hickory White, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Treatment – Phillip Jeffries Ltd., Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

ENTERTAINMENT SUITE
Armchair – Vanguard Furniture, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Artwork, Car Photography – Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham; Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Artwork, Metallic – Mirrors, Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Blinds – Hunter Douglas
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Flooring – Vinyl Wood
Lamp – Arteriors
Rug – Chevron Hyde, Professional Rug Works Inc., Troy
Wall Treatment – Snakeskin, Phillip Jeffries Ltd., Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wine Room Fabrication – Gallery Steel, Waterford

The living room’s artwork, by Joseph Piccillo (from the Robert Kidd Gallery), turns heads.

KITCHEN
Appliances – Wolf and Sub-Zero
Artwork – Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Bar Stools – Designmaster Furniture
Booth, Dining – Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham
Cabinets – Perspectives, Troy
Chairs, Dining – Designmaster Furniture
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Countertop – Super White Granite
Drapery – Custom, Vantay Draperies, Madison HeightsFlooring – White Oak Stained Ebony
Lighting, Overhead – 5-inch Recessed Lights, Juno Lighting

LIBRARY
Armchair and Ottoman – Motion Craft Furniture, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Bench, Zebra – Fine Furniture; Kravet Upholstery, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Chandelier – Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Desk – Vanguard Furniture, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Drapery – Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham; Vantay Draperies, Madison Heights
Fireplace – American Fireplace & Barbeque Distributors, Ferndale
Flooring – 5-inch White Oak Ebony Stained
Lamp, Floor – Ralph Lauren, Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Treatment – Phillip Jeffries Ltd., Tennant & Associates, Michigan Design Center, Troy

There’s never a dull moment at this home, where a fabulous entertainment area awaits friends and family.

LIVING ROOM
Armchairs, Winged – Bernhardt, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Artwork (fireplace) – Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Artwork (sofa) – Joseph Piccillo, Robert Kidd Gallery, Birmingham
Chandelier – PF Custom Chandelier, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Drapery – Vantay Draperies, Madison Heights
Fireplace – American Fireplace & Barbeque Distributors, Ferndale
Flooring – 4-inch White Oak Stained Ebony
Lamp – Visual Comfort, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Piano – Evola Music
Pillows, Accent – Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham
Rug – Custom, Jeffrey King Interiors, Birmingham
Sofa – Bernhardt, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Coffee – Century, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Table, Glass Coffee – Vanguard Furniture, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Vase, Geode – Versace

MUD ROOM
Artwork – Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Cabinetry – Perspectives Cabinetry, Troy
Countertop – White Caesarstone
Flooring – 4-inch White Oak Stained Ebony
Wall Paint – Benjamin-Moore, Graytint

PLAYROOM
Artwork – Danielle Peleg Art Gallery, Keego Harbor
Chairs, Beanbag – Amazon
Drawers, Storage – Ikea, Canton
Drum Set – Amazon
Flooring – McLeod Carpet One Floor & Home, Bloomfield Hills
Sofa – Bernhardt, RJ Thomas Ltd., Michigan Design Center, Troy
Wall Paint – Benjamin-Moore, Graytint