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Broker Carole Porretta, Coventry Realty and our staff of experts have been servicing equine enthusiasts for more than 30 years in the Greater Detroit area; covering territory from Genesee/Lapeer/Macomb, Oxford to Tuscola and all counties in between! We are committed to successfully representing our clients whether selling or buying and will earn your trust and confidence. Our client family has rewarded us with repeat business, and along with farms, we host a myriad of properties: condos, vacant land, lakefront estates, city housing and commercial ventures. Our “open door” policy of welcoming people to Metamora has resulted in permanent friendships, and with lower interest rates and new buyers entering the market, we are looking forward to a brisk and successful 2026 real estate season. Stop in to say hello, enjoy our quaint little Village and join in with our festivals! Carole, Tina and Ivy are all here to assist!
3801 Hollow Corners Rd, Hunt Country Elegant Folk Victorian on 20 Acres, 70% Wooded!
37 42 50 58 64 72
Pristine Paradise
On the shores of Lake Michigan, a new home takes its design cues from the land.
ON THE COVER
The Perfect Blend Modern interiors brighten up a traditional home.
Building a Bridge
A custom home responds to an expansive lot and its owners’ evolving needs.
Reimagined for Today
Updated twists and plenty of color and art result in an estate that’s perfectly tailored to its residents.
Mountain Modern Blending contemporary lines with Colorado influences works in this Franklin home.
A Dream View
Chic, organic living and magnificent views make this west Michigan new-build memorable.
I’ve always been drawn to projects that blur the fine line between style and purpose. For me, great design shouldn’t only push boundaries both in creativity and theory, but it should also be able to endure the beautiful, everyday chaos of life — children, pets, guests, work. I’m not suggesting everything needs to be covered in performance fabrics, but I believe a home or a room should have the ability to sustain the lifestyles of those residing within, without sacrificing aesthetic. I love how Frank Lloyd Wright famously put it: “Form follows function — that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”
It’s also this whole idea of designing with intent, and creating rooms with flair and reason. To me, that’s what stands out in each of the projects featured in this issue. Each is a perfect illustration of how innovative design can be used to create thoughtful projects that are deliberate and meaningful for the user. I appreciate homes and spaces that dial into an owner’s personal style — and their lifestyle, too.
Designer Valeria Zozaya recently set out to reclaim her own home when she transformed her dining room into a global-inspired hangout her whole family can use and enjoy (page 28). In Ann Arbor, Jane Henderson looked to a family’s fitness-focused lifestyle to design a lower-level retreat that supports their active lives (page 26). It’s now the most used room in the home, she says, and for good reason (check out that sauna!). At Saturn Coffee (page 30) in Detroit’s New Center area and at the city’s new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park (page 33), community helped shaped and fuel the much-talked-about additions. Both are must-sees and I encourage you to visit this spring!
High function and high style were non-negotiables in the family-friendly designs of Giraffe Design Build’s innovative Ann Arbor bridge house (page 50) and Via Design’s latest project in Ada, where the incredible vistas are just as impactful as the interior design choices, including the use of unique materials (page 72). The same could be said of Float Studio’s Mid-century Modern-inspired marvel in Bloomfield Hills (page 42), where custom pieces, one-of-a-kind art, and cutting-edge design solutions resulted in a modern yet timeless home that fits the homeowners flawlessly. Float Studio founder and Cranbrook alum Brad Sherman says many of the project’s design decisions “were guided by practicality,” but notes that style is just as important. “The (clients) were all about bringing joy into their home,” he says — which is proof that designing with intent not only feels good but looks good, too.
I believe the iconic Charles Eames explained it best: “(Design is) an expression of purpose. It may, if it’s good enough, later be judged as art.”
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS John D’Angelo, David Daniele, Austin LaRue, Chris Miele, Diana Paulson, Marta Xochilt Perez, Joseph Tiano, Martin Vecchio
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MEDIA ADVISORS Samantha Alessandri, Cynthia Barnhart, Hannah Brown, Karli Brown, Sarah Cavanaugh, Cathleen Francois, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely & Associates
PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION MANAGER Crystal Nelson
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Alessandra Taranta
ACCOUNT MANAGER Elizabeth Kowalik
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joe Salafia
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR Olivia Sedlacek
DIGITAL
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Travis Fletcher
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo
SENIOR DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Luanne Lim
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Brian Paul
IT
IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland
CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers
CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold
MARKETING AND EVENTS
MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Regan Wright
MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Puja Trivedi
MARKETING AND EVENTS ASSISTANT Kayla Yucha
MARKETING AND EVENTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Connor Cooper
For a fitness-focused family’s lower level, designer Jane Henderson was tasked with creating “a true wellness retreat” where “performance, recovery, and relaxation could all live under one roof.”
MIX & MATCH
From stripes to checks, florals, plaids, and more, patterns and prints — and an unabashed devotion to their use in everything from fashion to furnishings — are back. Our tip: the more you clash, the better.
STYLED BY
GIUSEPPA NADROWSKI
1. This timeless Cricket Tie from LOUIS VUITTON is luxuriously crafted from 100 percent silk and features angled jacquard stripes. We love it paired with contrasting patterns. $250, Louis Vuitton, Somerset Collection, Troy, louisvuitton.com
2. Add a textured accent to your home with this Interlude Hanging Lamp. The artisans at APPARATUS STUDIO hand-embroidered the playful designs seen in this one-of-a-kind piece. Price Upon Request, apparatusstudio.com
3. When it comes to prints — especially stripes — LOUIS VUITTON’S menswear creative director, Pharrell Williams, covered everything from ties to totes, shirts, sneakers, and more with bold designs. Even the runway, designed by
Studio Mumbai, paid homage to the trend. Louis Vuitton, Somerset Collection, Troy, louisvuitton.com
4. From designer Carl D’Aquino of D’Aquino Monaco, SCHUMACHER’S Promenade FourPanel Set, with its 18th-century Parisian scene, is just the backdrop for a pattern-strewn parlor. To the Trade, Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy, schumacher.com, michigandesign.com
Crypton® Badlands Home Performance Fabric, for a look that’s both durable and dramatic. $7,500, Arhaus, Somerset Collection, Troy, arhaus.com
7. Hand-tufted from New Zealand wool and distinguished by an asymmetrical diamond design, FERM LIVING’S Tilt Rug not only adds texture to your décor; it imbues a sense of playfulness. $645, Ferm Living, fermliving.us
6. ARHAUS’ Kipton Slim Arm Three-Seat Sofa comes complete with a striped
5. Featuring a whimsical floral print, LULU AND GEORGIA’S Jordan Table Lamp adds just the right amount of charm to any room. $298, Lulu and Georgia, luluandgeorgia.com
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Local author Margot Guicheteau shares details about why she left Paris, her journey to Detroit, and the inspiration behind her latest book
TEXT BY JAMIE FABBRI
MAGICAL FINDS
Locations
A City with Soul
Although she spent her childhood years in Paris, journalist Margot Guicheteau always felt pulled to Detroit, her Polish maternal family’s hometown. Ever since her first visit she’s been deeply connected to the city, and currently calls Core City home. “I still remember the first night I arrived (in Detroit, at age 24),” Guicheteau recalls. “I asked my cousin to take me to Poletown, the neighborhood where my mom grew up. It was 11 p.m., the air was freezing, and the atmosphere felt eerie, dramatic, and beautiful all at once. Even though I had traveled to the U.S. every year and taken road trips since childhood, I had never seen a city like Detroit. Immediately, I felt at home. There was history here; there were stories that needed to be told.”
Her new book, “Soul of Detroit — A Guide to Exceptional Experiences,” highlights 30 of the city’s most carefully curated gems, from hidden hotels to outstanding restaurants. Detroit Design caught up with Guicheteau to dig into her experience as a Parisian in Detroit and how this book came to life.
DD: You’re originally from Paris. What brought you to Detroit?
Margot Guicheteau: I began my career at 21 as a journalist for the French national newspaper Le Figaro, writing for the Lifestyle section, mainly about design. After a few years, I realized I wanted to tell stories that required being out in the field. I was searching for something more adventurous, more exhilarating. That’s what led me to Detroit, where my mother was from. Growing up, I heard her stories about the places she used to go, places that had since disappeared. Detroit was a mystery to me, yet I felt connected to it.
DD: What led you to create this book?
MG: After my first experience in Detroit, I lived all over the United States — New York, Seattle, the middle of nowhere in North Carolina, and Nashville, yet I always found myself coming back to Detroit. No matter where I was, I was proud to talk about my time in this city, and eventually life brought me back here.
DD: Of the 1,000 sites you tried, how did you choose 30?
MG: The locations featured were chosen for the ways they have shaped, and continue to shape, Detroit’s unique identity. The city is full of magical places you won’t find anywhere else in America. The challenge, though, is that in Detroit everything is a little hidden. You have to push doors open, know someone who can take you there, make the effort to find them. But truly, what other city has a Hare Krishna temple inside a Ford mansion, a 1930s Russian sauna, the largest Masonic Temple in the world, chocolate made entirely locally, farm-to-table food served straight from an Airstream on a vacant lot, or a bar where you can play feather bowling?
DD: Did design play a role in the selected locations and, if so, how?
MG: If we think of design as the intentional process of imagining, planning, and creating something that serves a purpose, using elements like line, shape, form, space, texture, tone, and color, then Detroiters have always embodied that mindset in what they make, and they still do. To me, there’s as much design thinking in the way Dutch Girl Donuts shaped its space back in 1947 as there is in the beer spot Collect, built just two years ago. Both show how intentional we can be with a space, even in very different contexts. On another scale, Alexandra Clark, the creator of Bon Bon Bon, brings a deeply considered design approach to her chocolates, from their wrapping to the visual identity she crafted.
DD: Are there any on the list you’d recommend for design fans? MG: Core City, the neighborhood where I live and built my house, is, I
think, the most inspiring in terms of innovative structures. The inhabited Quonset huts, the Caterpillar, and the way the units interact with light while creating a feeling of warmth are deeply inspiring. The restaurant Barda is also unique, with its sunken 30-seat bar clad in vivid blue tiles. And, of course, the wildly imaginative Warren Gateway playground is a truly avantgarde structure, as well.
DD: What does an ideal day in metro Detroit entail for you?
MG: I’d start at Trinosophes with a chai, the best in town, and a hearty breakfast. Then I’d get lost in John K. King Books, searching for hidden literary treasures. After that, I’d take a walk through the Arboretum Detroit or wander the Belle Isle Conservatory and Oudolf Garden Detroit, observing how the plants evolve through the seasons. I’d pause at Detroit’s Huckleberry Explorer’s Club in my neighborhood, and have all sorts of conversations with Stefany Anne Golberg and Morgan Meis, two of the most inspiring people I’ve met here, whose home and cardboard shrine museum always make me feel at home. A few hours at The Schvitz sauna would follow — it’s an absolute must. For dinner, I’d head to Sharaku (in West Bloomfield), an authentic Japanese restaurant. On the way, I’d stop along Woodward Avenue for a few donuts at Dutch Girl Donuts, either for the road or to save for later that night. If I stayed in Detroit for dinner instead, I’d go to Rose’s, which reopened after my book was published, and remains one of my all-time favorite spots. I’d end the day at Speaker Box. I love going there during the week. No other club really has much happening then, but Speaker Box always does.
MORE INFORMATION: “Soul of Detroit” is available online and locally at Michigan Central Station, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and area Barnes & Noble stores. jonglezpublishing.com
like the ISKCON Detroit temple (top) and Core City’s Caterpillar (bottom) were featured because they “have shaped, and continue to shape, Detroit’s unique identity,” the author says.
Design that feels like home, only better.
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With projects spanning from luxury new construction to extensive remodels, our team brings more than creativity to the table, we bring clarity. Our award- winning portfolio spans the country, including 50+ design awards, a feature in Architectural Digest and numerous publications. As innovators in the design industry,
we’ve developed a streamlined process that transforms thousands of decisions into thoughtful, well-paced phases. We lead with both precision and personality, ensuring the experience is as seamless as it is enjoyable.
What sets us apart is our belief that a home should reflect a sense of belonging, tailored to how you live, what you love, and where you find joy. Every space we design is rooted in that ethos, shaped by collaboration, layered in detail, and brought to life through expert execution.
Let’s create something extraordinary together.
All in the Family
A home’s lower level becomes “a true wellness retreat”
TEXT BY KHRISTI ZIMMETH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUSTIN LARUE
What started as a blank concrete shell is now one of the most-used areas of the house,” Jane Henderson says of the lower-level transformation near Ann Arbor that she and her designer daughter, Stephanie, of Ann Arbor and Chicago-based Jane Henderson Interiors, recently completed. After working with the client on converting a large pole barn into office space and car storage, the pair was invited back to work on the 8,500-square-foot main house.
Set on “a beautiful and very private piece of property,” the home’s 3,500-square-foot lower level was “completely raw and unfinished” when the team stepped in, Jane Henderson recalls. “The vision was to create a true wellness retreat for a fitness-focused family — a place where performance, recovery, and relaxation could all live under one roof,” she says. “Because the basement was an open, unfinished shell, the goal was to carve out distinct zones for a gym, recovery area, spa, and family entertaining, while still maintaining natural light and visual flow throughout.”
Challenges included low ceiling heights and limited natural light. “The client came to us with an ambitious wish list: an elite-level gym, a full spa and recovery suite, billiards and gaming, and a comfortable gathering space for a large family,” she says. “Even with a generous footprint,
GATHERING SPOTS
Distinct zones for a gym, recovery area, spa, and family entertaining were created in this lower level.
the difficulty was in giving each zone its own identity while still ensuring the entire level felt cohesive and connected.”
The goal was accomplished by carving the lower level into a series of zones that allow multiple activities to happen at once without interrupting one another. Custom iron and glass doors divide the zones while allowing light to travel through, which keeps everything feeling open and bright. Tied together with warm wood tones, textured brick, and layered lighting, the thoughtful design helps balance the high-energy gym areas with the calm of the spa, Henderson explains.
The gym has professional-grade equipment, integrated storage, and what the designer calls “a motivating neon moment” — a lit-up sign that encourages users to “Go One More.” The spa includes a custom infrared sauna, a cold-plunge tub, and a recovery lounge. Custom furniture and reclaimed wood beams invite relaxation in the
living area. Matte black fixtures, ribbed details, and natural finishes unify the separate zones and create a mix of modern luxury and organic warmth, Henderson explains. “Dad can be training in the gym, mom can relax in the sauna, and the kids can be in the lounge playing video games or billiards. Everyone is in their own zone, yet still connected.”
While it’s the first project the designers have done that focuses so fully on wellness, “more and more clients are looking for spaces that support unwinding, resetting, and recharging at home,” Henderson says. The project supports the family’s daily life and their wellness goals, and encourages them to spend time together, she explains. “A finished basement can easily become an afterthought, but when it’s approached with intention, it can transform the way a family lives in their home.” MORE INFORMATION: jhendersoninteriors.com
REFINED RELAXATION
Left and above: The gym features professional-grade equipment, integrated storage, and illuminated motivation. Below: The spa includes a custom infrared sauna, a cold-plunge tub, and a recovery lounge.
With headturning accents and unique pieces from her travels, designer Valeria Zozaya refashioned her dining room into a globalinspired hangout
TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JOSEPH TIANO
Worldly Appeal
Valeria Zozaya and her family weren’t using the dining room much in their Rochester Hills home, so Zozaya, an interior designer who owns Zozaya Studio, decided to transform the space into a what is now a fun and chic gathering spot.
The game room/bar is exactly what Zozaya and her husband, Jorge Morales, and their three sons needed. “It was rarely used, but now it’s a hangout for family and friends,” she shares.
Just off the kitchen, the 320-square-foot room, part of the designer’s 1976 Mid-century Modern-style home, features globally influenced accents, thanks to the family’s work and life history. The couple, originally from Mexico, lived in China for a few years for Morales’ job. Trained as an architect, Zozaya, who’s been in the design field for some 30 years, says she wanted to add a variety of unique elements from their travels, but also needed to make the family’s new hangout comfortable. Completed one year ago, the updated room, which boasts 10-foot-high ceilings, gets a thumbs-up from the family members and Timber, their Bernese mountain dog.
Head-turning accents include two large wood elements featuring walnut slats (custom-made by Ethan’s Walls). “One is like a surprise,” Zozaya says. “When you see the slats from the side, you can’t see what’s behind them — but when you move around the space, you start to discover something back there.” That something is a large, deep-black botanical mural painted in acrylic by Zozaya. “I saw a tapestry with a flower motif in black-and-white in Mexico. It was kind of like Talavera leaves, and I thought about it quite a bit and wanted to have something like it,” she says. (Talavera refers to a type of colorful, glazed earthenware pottery and tiles that were developed in Mexico.) The other wood slats are attached to the wall behind the television.
A walnut butcher block bar (from Home Depot), cabinetry from H.J. Oldenkamp Co. in Troy, and a refrigerator make up the beverage area, which is something Morales had always wanted. Behind the bar is a gold-leaf backsplash. ”I wanted a reflective background but wasn’t keen on a mirror or glass; I wanted
HEAD-TURNING
something with character,” Zozaya says, adding that the LED lights behind the shelves bring the whole area to life. “That wall treatment gives it dimension. I love doing those kinds of things.”
Zozaya says she likes to offer unique, handmade pieces for her clients, too, and often paints artwork or walls for them. A pool table that her husband procured takes center stage in the restyled room, while a high-top table with a custom-made metal base (by Flowyline) was designed by Zozaya. Its circular top consists of a pewter antique Indian tray she found at High Point.
The floor lamp is a rustic piece imported from Mexico, while the accent chair mixes global artisanal lines with European craftsmanship. “That chair was a great antique-shop find,” she says.
Beyond playing pool and crafting cocktails, Zozaya says she’s planning to learn the tile-based game Mahjong, which was developed in China — and the family’s new hangout, with its worldly appeal, is just the place in which to play it.
MORE INFORMATION: zozayastudio.com
Left: Custom accents include walnut slats created by Ethan’s Walls.
ARTISANAL INFLUENCES
Above: Designer Valeria Zozaya transformed her family’s dining room into what is now a fun and chic game room and bar. Top: Global accents including this floor lamp, (right) from Mexico, define the new gathering spot.
Energy in New Center
Architectural designers Chelsea Hyduk of CHYDUK and Chris Johnson of Chmijo give new life to an Albert Kahn lobby
TEXT BY ANNA SWARTZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN D’ANGELO
The Abington, an historic Albert Kahn building in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood, has become the ideal home for Saturn Coffee, owned by Chris and Sarah Welch. The couple’s 750-square-foot space on the building’s ground floor has been transformed into a vibrant café serving Ypsilanti-based Hyperion Coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
The Abington’s owner specifically sought a coffee shop for the former lobby of the hotelturned-apartment-building, and the tree-lined street and steady foot traffic helped seal the Welches’ decision. With a bright, playful brand in mind, they enlisted architectural designers Chelsea Hyduk of CHYDUK and Chris Johnson of Chmijo to bring the vision to life. The café, which opened last summer, is named after one of the couple’s favorite spots in Tulsa, Okla. — a funky tiki bar called Saturn Room.
“We wanted to create something fun and energetic, the way we look at coffee,” Chris
Welch says. “It’s a nice little pick-me-up, a bright spot in your day. We went with a lot of bright colors and bold material choices.”
Hyduk and Johnson created cohesion throughout the interior with radiata pine plywood and stainless steel, which were used for the coffee bar, a wrap-around banquette, and custom pieces including benches, a communal table, and two-tops.
“We’re inspired by the use of common materials in unexpected, refined applications,”
Sarah Welch says. “Detroit is such a scrappy city. We love seeing how people give new life to spaces that may have been overlooked or forgotten with time, and we wanted to play into that — even with a new build — using materials like plywood, stainless steel, and concrete.”
Bright yellow Emeco chairs, orange splatter walls, and a glossy green plywood communal table deliver what Sarah Welch calls “an immediate mood-booster.” Achieving the perfect green finish on the table proved tricky
until fabricator Surfing Cowboy Studio proposed using fabric dye, Johnson says.
One of Hyduk’s favorite features is the communal table with an egg crate ceiling tile installation above that’s filled with plants.
Both designers emphasize the essential role of their collaborators, including art curation by Matéria in Spaces, millwork and custom furniture by Surfing Cowboy Studio, metalwork by Detroit Metal Elements, and kitchen consulting by JS2 Designs.
“It’s part of why Chris and I are excited to be working in Detroit,” Hyduk says. “The amount of creative talent is unique here. To get any sort of architecture project done, it’s not just the architects. It’s all sorts of creative minds. Being able to collaborate with Chris and Sarah and everyone, it was fun to do it at this scale and see it realized.”
MORE INFORMATION: Saturn Coffee is located at 700 Seward Ave., Ste. 2, in Detroit. saturn-coffee.com, chyduk.com
MOOD BOOSTER
Bright yellow chairs, orange splatter walls, and a glossy green plywood communal table define the design of Saturn Coffee in New Center.
Detroit’s Riverwalk Grows
The city’s newest park is the result of community collaboration
TEXT BY ANNA SWARTZ
IMAGINATIVE DISPLAY
For the Delta Dental Play Garden, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) partnered with Danish playground firm Monstrum — and, most importantly, local children.
Astretch of Detroit’s riverfront has been transformed into the 22-acre Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, a major new public landscape featuring a play garden, water garden, lush green space with spectacular views, and a sports pavilion. Opened in October 2025, the $80 million project advances the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s vision of 5.5 miles of continuous public access to the river; the total is now at more than 4.75 miles.
The design emerged from what Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan calls a “tremendously inclusive process.” A 21-member Community Activation Team — consisting of Detroiters from a variety of backgrounds — traveled to Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia to gain inspiration from other top-rated parks. The team’s input, along with suggestions from thousands of community members, helped guide the selection of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), the New York-based landscape architecture firm known for creating Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York and Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, to design the space.
Matthew Bird, principal at MVVA, says his team approached the former industrial site as a “blank canvas,” using its flatness as an opportunity to introduce sculpted landforms. Rolling hills reveal vistas in a way that makes the park feel larger than its 22 acres. “Unless you’re standing at the top of the DTE Foundation Summit, you can’t see straight across,” Sullivan says. “The topography becomes a subtle yet powerful part of the experience.”
Nature is woven throughout the park, and is visible in the DTE Foundation Summit’s rolling hills, open lawns, and winding pathways, and in the 2.5-acre Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden. More than 900 trees, along with layers of shrubs, perennials, and grasses, shape a landscape that reveals something new each season, from spring’s flowering cherry walk to the saturated colors of fall.
For the Delta Dental Play Garden, MVVA partnered with Danish playground firm Monstrum — and, most importantly, local children. Youth workshops resulted in clay models, two of which were realized at full scale. “One of them is a fox and the other I call ‘the bird with no wings’; it’s something out of a child’s imagination,” Sullivan says.
The 28,000-square-foot William Davidson Sport House introduces a contrasting architectural presence. The open-air pavilion, framed by 33 steel columns and a 2,000-square-foot skylight, houses two full-size Detroit Pistons basketball courts and functions as a flexible gathering space.
Across its four distinct zones, the park is designed to be a year-round “third place” where visitors can picnic, play, sled, or simply wander among the changing seasonal textures. As Bird puts it, the aim was to create “a place where people feel like they’re escaping a little while still being right in the city.”
MORE INFORMATION: detroitriverfront.org
PRISTINE PARADISE
BY
KHRISTI ZIMMETH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTA XOCHILT PEREZ
ON THE SHORES OF LAKE MICHIGAN, A NEW HOME TAKES ITS DESIGN CUES FROM THE LAND
TEXT
PPristine land on Lake Michigan is hard to come by. Andrew McCarthy, of Freshwater Development in Traverse City, knew he had found something special when he purchased 7 acres in northern Michigan in 2021. Located between Leland and Northport, the property was unspoiled, thick with vegetation and birch trees, and boasted unmatched views of the great lake. “When we started it was just trees,” McCarthy recalls. “It was a completely untouched piece of raw beauty.”
That natural beauty and those bountiful birch trees eventually provided the inspiration for — and the name of — the 3,700-square-foot custom home McCarthy and his firm built on the property. Situated on more than 2 acres, with 110 feet of private sandy beach frontage, the light and airy home now known as Birch House includes six bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and two enviable primary suites with secluded waterfront balconies perfect for taking in the site’s breathtaking views. McCarthy, the firm’s founder and CEO, served as the developer, design architect, and general contractor for the project, which took just over eight months to complete.
The home’s rustic modern design aims to find harmony with its natural surroundings, McCarthy says. Oversized windows look out to the property’s mature birch and red maple trees,
NATURAL CHOICES
The materials and furnishings were chosen to complement and blend with their environment. One example is the white oak flooring which can be found across the home.
a meandering creek, private woodlands, and dramatic lake views. On the exterior, Eastern white cedar shake siding imported from Minnesota and Wisconsin, and a matching roof, tie the property to the site and are a nod to the East Coast cottage vernacular but also “authentic to Michigan,” he says. “(The siding) was carefully chosen for its future patina, which will naturally silver. It ages gracefully over time, blending into the natural landscape surrounding it. When it’s done, all you’ll really see is the glass and a home that blends in with the trees.”
Inside, the materials and furnishings were chosen to complement and blend with their environment, McCarthy explains. “We wanted something that wasn’t too hyper-modern, but also not too traditional. We wanted it
A PLACE TO SOCIALIZE
Filled with light, natural stone countertops, a white oak ceiling and island, dark wood cabinets, high-end appliances, and an auxiliary pantry, the kitchen was designed to be one of the home’s main gathering places.
to meet in the middle, (and) have the warmth and depth of natural stone and natural wood, but still feel like an inviting beach house.” The floors and ceiling feature white oak and nods to the blue of Lake Michigan can be found in the primary bath’s shower wall and vanity.
McCarthy says the kitchen and the home’s primary suite are his favorite spaces. Filled with light, natural stone countertops, a white oak ceiling and island, dark wood cabinets, high-end appliances, and an auxiliary pantry, he designed the kitchen to be one of the main gathering places in the home. “(Kitchens are) where people socialize and gather, both as families and when entertaining,” he says.
On the other end of the spectrum, the primary suite is very secluded and very private, and features floor-to-ceiling glass on all sides. McCarthy says he designed it as a place where the homeowners can relax at the end of the day or start their day with the sun coming in the windows. “It’s just you and the lake, and that was really important to us,” he says.
SUNRISE, SUNSET
The primary suite is not only secluded and private, but also features floor-to-ceiling glass. It’s the perfect place for the homeowners to start their day with the sun streaming in the windows and to relax at the end of the day.
The site presented some challenges. “Whenever you’re on the water, you’re dealing with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE),” he explains. “We had restrictions from them — we’re on a crested dune, which is an important feature, looking at Lake Michigan, and they obviously wanted to protect that. There’s also a stream that flows into Lake Michigan to the north side of the house, so both were site restrictions,” he says. “We found ways to work within all of that and still design something really special.
“There’s an architectural balance and relationship there,” he continues. “How the home sits in the context of the site is something we’re proud of. The kitchen, primary suite, and living room, (as well as) the limestone details around the fireplace, the front door, and the procession into the home from outside to inside, are all moments that were designed.”
The flooring in the foyer consists of a tumbled bluestone, while the bathroom floors and walls consist of Turkish Bianco Dolomiti, Italian Carrara marble, and authentic Moroccan zellige tiles. The accent walls and ceilings in the home are made from ash, maple, and oak.
“Nothing was by chance,” McCarthy says. “All those little moments add up and create great design.”
ALUMNA NINE PENDANT Tala, talalighting.com
“A nine-pendant fixture is suspended over 20 feet in the air and seems to be dripping down through the staircase and following down the stairs,” McCarthy notes.
light over the island that’s suitable for all forms
Andrew McCarthy, Founder and CEO, Freshwater Development, Traverse City, freshwaterdevelopments.com
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
General Contractor: Freshwater Development, Traverse City
Framing: Alfano Framing Contractors, Freeland Mechanical and Plumbing: D& W Mechanical, Traverse City Windows: Old Mission Windows, Traverse City
THE DIALED IN SWIVEL CHAIR Sundays, sundays-company.com
“The swivel chair offers comfort and sophistication, while also providing the ability for someone to sit at the dining table and work while looking out at Lake Michigan.”
PILAR DESK Four Hands, fourhands.com
Four Hands, fourhands.com
“The desk is positioned next to Florida ceiling glass and looks into the natural woodlands,” McCarthy says, explaining that the piece was chosen because of its dark and natural earth tones.
RUTTAN RUG
Located in the living room, McCarthy says the rug “provides a subtle texture on the floor.”
the b end perfect
Matlow
Traditional home welcomes modern interiors
Text by Jeanine
Photography by Martin Vecchio
POPS OF COLOR
Right: A blue custom Antler Studio pendant lamp adds joy and color to the dining room. Below: The kitchen’s Lostine leather stools were chosen for their family-friendly durability and impactful hue. Opposite page: In the home’s breakfast room, “the gray/green/blue wall color changes through the day, like a chameleon,” says Float Studio founder Brad Sherman.
NNative Detroiter Brad Sherman, founder of Float Studio in Manhattan, has a history with his clients Liza and Zack Gordon, and it shows in the impressive 4,600-square-foot home the couple now inhabits in Bloomfield Hills. Sherman, who grew up in West Bloomfield, attended Cranbrook with the couple and worked on their New York City apartment. “They love Mid-century Modern design and they have really beautiful artwork from their parents and Midcentury furniture from the wife’s grandfather,” Sherman says. “The apartment project was really successful, and when they made the move to Michigan, they were looking at a Mid-century Modern house.”
What they found was a very traditional 1930s Colonial. “It wasn’t the direction they were going in, but it was so well-built, and we were able to strip back the layers from the previous owners and channel Mid-century eclecticism. It was important that they had their own look and feel,” the designer explains. “The rooms were laid out in a traditional sense, so we had to adjust the position of furniture so things are floating, and lighten everything up. It leans toward minimalism. They like spaces that can breathe.”
Other intentional decisions contributed to the transformation. “We made some pretty bold moves; we bleached the red oak floors and painted the walls white, with a few exceptions. They love color, but in intentional places,” Sherman says. “The living room walls feature Studio Green from Farrow and Ball. We pulled the color from the tiles in the original Pewabic fireplace. It’s such a beautiful piece.”
Family-friendly spaces were essential, as the couple has three young children. “This was their
first large project, and budget was an important part. They wanted to spend in smart ways, with a sense of playfulness that would be friendly toward the kids,” Sherman notes. “The pebble rugs in the entry have (the kids) jumping from one pebble to the next. We wanted to reinterpret what a traditional entry felt like, (so) instead of a classic console table, we went with a mirror that gives an optical illusion and a vintage Arnold Lerber chair from Finland that looks like a sculpture.”
The main floor powder room became another playful space with the addition of a wallpaper the wife discovered. With an illustration reminiscent of abstract windowpanes, it adds something unexpected. In the kitchen, the overhead fixtures and a steely blue shade for the island were among the updates.
FAMILY TREASURES
Right: In the office, a vintage bentwood chair pairs well with a desk in the style of Jean Prouve. Opposite page: Heirlooms found in the family room include the coffee table, lucite chairs, and chrome stools.
OBJECTS TO LOVE
A mix of new and old defines the home. In the primary bedroom, for example, a bed, custom-designed by Sherman, serves as the focal point.
LIGHTHEARTED SPIRIT
From the primary en suite (top and bottom left) and bedroom (top right) to the powder room (center right) and second-floor hallway (bottom right), playful art, modern textures and materials, and perfectly curated design inform the one-of-a-kind Mid-century eclectic style.
Sherman praises his clients for being so open to new ideas. “Their love of objects makes this a special project, and also their trust in me,” he says. “There were a couple of things they brought from New York, and heritage pieces that work with the home’s core. It was a total mix. At the end of the day, we chose things that they love.”
Custom pieces designed by Sherman include a distinct bed with built-in features in the primary bedroom. “They’re the only things in the space, so it feels very light — it’s an unencumbered space with a focus on the bed and the view,” he says.
Vintage Afra & Tobia Scarpa chairs that surround the CB2 table in the dining room were a local find that were reupholstered in a Raf Simmons fabric. “We started with the chairs and the room started to take shape. The new fabric feels super playful. It feels grown-up and modern, with family in mind,” Sherman says. “The fixture adds another fun element to the mix.”
Despite the successful outcome, the designer acknowledges that remote projects can be a challenge. “There were a couple major milestones I had to come back for, like the primary bathroom that was completely reconfigured,” he says about that part of the renovation, which involved adding a floating vanity with double sinks. “The wall floating in the middle of the room is a really nice separation of space.” Hand-glazed oxblood tiles and a salmon-colored stone counter add visual interest.
Color also appears in the breakfast room, which has a conservatory feel. “The gray/green/blue wall color changes through the day, like a chameleon,” Sherman explains. “Classic Hoffmann side chairs are super light; light passes right through them. The table feels like a piece of sculpture. It’s just fun.”
The home’s lighthearted spirit starts at the entrance. “When you walk in, it doesn’t feel serious. They’re such open and nice individuals; you get that sense before you even meet them,” he says about his clients, who can often be found in the family room, where there’s a sectional and a custom console table that acts like a room divider. “The whole family uses this room all day, every day.”
Growing up in a modern house, along with his time at the iconic Cranbrook campus, inspired Sherman as a designer — and served his clients well. “When you walk into the space, we wanted to keep the soul, but give it a fresh perspective that reflects the young family,” he explains. “We would take what we had from them, and add more in a way that felt fresh, energetic, and bright.”
HISTORIC INFLUENCE
The living room walls are awash in Studio Green from Farrow and Ball, which was inspired by the the hues in the original Pewabic-tiled fireplace.
DESIGNER
AKARI 55A PENDANT Noguchi Shop, shop.noguchi.org
“Everyone loved the paper lantern for its soft, gentle glow. We wanted the breakfast room to feel like an atrium, almost like a conservatory, and a glass or rigid fixture wouldn’t have felt right. The Akari pendant was the perfect casual fixture, providing a warm glow the clients loved.”
Brad Sherman, LEED AP, Designer and Founder, Float Studio, New York, float.studio
PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR
General Contractor: Templeton Building Co., Birmingham
SLUMP MIRROR
Bower Studio, bower-studios.com
IN COMMON WITH EAVE PENDANT Lumens, lumens.com
“The previous pendant was very traditional, so to make the kitchen feel more eclectic, we chose a pendant with a clean, streamlined design,” designer Brad Sherman says.
ARNOLD LERBER VINTAGE PINE DINING CHAIR 1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com
“Entryways can be tricky. They’re often treated as a place for a console table, a mirror, and a small bowl for keys, but we wanted something different,” Sherman says. “The wood chair by Arnold Lerber is both practical and sculptural. It provides a place to perch while putting on shoes, but also stands as an artful object.”
“The mirror functions almost like an optical illusion, similar to the wallpaper in the bathroom. It tricks the eye and invites a closer look, almost feeling like a portal into another room,” Sherman says. “It adds a sense of playfulness and unconventional charm.”
HOFFMAN DINING CHAIR IN BLACK Design Within Reach, dwr.com
“The Hoffman chairs perfectly complement the breakfast nook’s conservatory feel. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and easy for the kids to move around, while adding a visually light and airy presence in the room.”
“The wallpaper is very geometric and reminded us of window panes — something you often see at Cranbrook. The homeowners fell in love with it, and it felt like a bold, playful choice for the outer room off the entrance.” and
FLAT VERNACULAR IN GOLDENROD Studio Four NYC, studiofournyc.com
Text by KHRISTI ZIMMETH
BUILDING
Photography by MARTIN VECCHIO
BRIDGE
CUSTOM HOME RESPONDS TO AN EXPANSIVE LOT AND ITS OWNERS’ EVOLVING NEEDS
COHESIVE DESIGN
Throughout the home, from the main living space (right and bottom) to the playroom (far right) and even the hallways, textures like marble, steel, and white oak come together to create a modern look that flows e ortlessly.
LLife, as the saying goes, is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. The homeowners who built this 5,100-square-foot residence on the northeast side of Ann Arbor had just built a semi-custom home in Oklahoma when they unexpectedly decided to move to Michigan, says Kerry Rodriguez of Giraffe Design Build, who worked with them on the project. “Her best friend from college lives in Ann Arbor and she decided she wanted their kids to grow up together,” Rodriguez explains of the family’s motivation for the move.
That friend recommended a local contractor she had worked with on her own renovation; the contractor, in turn, recommended Giraffe, which is based in Chelsea. Rodriguez, the lead interior designer, worked with the homeowners and lead architectural designer Adam Wilbanks, also of Giraffe, to fashion a new home in Michigan that would meet the family’s needs and exceed their expectations.
Giraffe worked closely with the Oklahoma transplants and their realtor from the project’s start. The first step was to find the perfect wooded lot. “They were moving from somewhere with no trees, so the natural area around the house was important,” Wilbanks says. The outdoor palette influenced the home’s architectural style as well as the material choices, he notes. “We wanted to build something that blended or felt at home on the site.”
The result is a low-slung, one-story contemporary structure that nestles into and becomes a part of the landscape. Inside and out, the exterior architecture and interior design were influenced and inspired by the location. “We wanted something with colors and tones that felt more organic and natural,” Wilbanks says. “We didn’t want the house to compete with the site, but to work with and complement it.”
The innovative design straddles a natural channel between two knolls, with separate wings and living areas on either side. Corridors with large windows are suspended over a channel, connecting the two wings with landscaping that evokes a creek bed. “The courtyard physically separates the two, but visually you can see across the whole house because of the amount of glass,” Wilbanks explains. More than 90 windows flood the home with natural light, while rift-sawn oak flooring throughout provides natural texture that complements the clean lines of marble and steel.
Although the homeowners gave the team a lot of design flexibility, “kid-friendly” was important. Rodriguez delivered in public areas with performance fabrics, furniture that stays away from sharp edges, and ottomans instead of tables.
Opposite page: This innovative home straddles a natural channel between two knolls, with separate wings and living areas on either side. Corridors with large windows are suspended over the channel, connecting the two wings.
A centrally located and high-functioning kitchen was also high on the clients’ list. Located in the center front of the house, the kitchen faces the street and anchors the house. The wife came to the team with a photo of a kitchen she had fallen in love with, and the photo served as inspiration that fueled the design. A green hue in the photo became central to the kitchen and was eventually carried throughout the rest of the house to become the unifying color, Rodriguez says.
The outside architecture and site helped dictate the interior palette. “I didn’t want them to
This page: A must on the clients’ wish list was a centrally-located and high-functioning kitchen. This kitchen delivers both, while also anchoring the home’s modern aesthetic.
compete, but to work together,” Rodriguez explains. Her goal for the home’s interiors was for them to be both cohesive and timeless. “Modern can feel trendy, but I wanted this to stand the test of time,” she explains. Rather than whole rooms of wallpaper or overly themed children’s rooms, she encouraged the use of wallpaper in smaller amounts, and worked to keep the main areas neutral. Two laundry areas, one in each wing, add convenience. The team worked together to craft the best overall result. “We presented what they asked for, then presented one or two better options,” Wilbanks says of the design process. On the front porch, he suggested a metal mesh instead of the slats the couple had initially requested, and they decided to use the same material on the staircase rail to the lower level. Exposed steel, also used in small amounts, “blurs the border of inside and out.”
CHIC CONNECTOR
STYLE & FUNCTION
The timeline was one of the project’s few challenges, Rodriguez and Wilbanks say. The homeowners closed on the lot in January of 2024, construction began in July, and they moved in approximately 13 months later. “It happened fast,” says Rodriguez, calling the quick turnaround “a bit of a blur.” Also challenging was “creating a cohesive whole without it being boring or one-note,” Wilbanks adds. That was accomplished through attention to detail, including windows wrapped in white oak that match the kitchen
cabinets — one of the features visitors remark on the most, he says. They also frequently comment on the home’s bridge design, especially at night when it’s lit up with channel lights.
“I look back at the mood board and the house turned out exactly like I expected,” Rodriguez says.
TRANQUIL MOMENTS
Top left and bottom right: Children’s spaces showcase personal style while remaining in tune with the rest of the home. Top right: The primary en suite features clean lines and luxurious finishes.
Bottom left: “In the entryway, the Malt lamp acts like a small sculpture. Its mushroom-like silhouette and travertine base echo the motifs and materials used throughout the home, making it feel intentional, warm, and connected to the overall design, all while setting the tone the moment you walk in,” designer Kerry Rodriguez says.
FLOWERPOT VP8 VERNON PANTON 1968 &Tradition,
“In the primary bedroom, we chose the Flowerpot VP8 because it delivers a balance of timeless and unexpected design. Its soft, sculptural silhouette feels at home, yet still adds a subtle moment of individuality,” says lead interior designer Kerry Rodriguez.
35MM COLOURED KNOBS IN PALE BLUE & BRASS us.matildagoad.com
MG & CO.,
“We kept the hardware throughout the home cohesive, except in the playroom — where we wanted something fun yet still elevated, given that it opens to the rest of the home. We chose these pale blue knobs by MG & CO., which add a playful pop of color while feeling refined. The whimsical nature provides a delightful contrast to the sophisticated home and is a reminder that this is a family home filled with young children who bring it to life,” Rodriguez says.
DESIGNERS
Adam Wilbanks, Lead Architectural Designer, Giraffe Design Build, Chelsea, giraffedesignbuild.com
Kerry Rodriguez, Lead Interior Designer, Giraffe Design Build, Chelsea, giraffedesignbuild.com
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Cabinetry: Ayr Custom Cabinetry
Hardwood Flooring: European Wood Co.
Siding: Delta Millworks
Switching: Forbes & Lomax
sophisticated home and children who bring it to life,”
KAMASADA
IRON WINDVANE ROOSTER
Tortoise General Store, shop.tortoisegeneralstore.com
refined sense of presence.
“We selected this small bird sculpture by Nobuho Miya for the formal living room shelves because its abstract form subtly captures the feeling of the woods surrounding the property. Minimal and sculptural, it adds a refined sense of presence. Its black finish mirrors the home’s hardware, while the white oak base ties seamlessly to the millwork, bringing both cohesion and a quiet touch of nature indoors.”
Tile: Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Windows: Windsor Windows & Doors
VERNACULAR 1
Cameron Wilson Ritcher Studio, cameronwilsonritcherstudio.com
“The Cameron Wilson Ritcher piece above the fireplace (a similar version is shown here) felt like the perfect fit for the living room, capturing the story of the home. Its colorful, rounded shapes echo the playful, soft forms in the furnishings, while the sharp black geometric elements reflect the architecture’s clean, linear structure. The leaf-like shape subtly nods to the site’s natural surroundings, making the artwork an expression of all three layers coming together: the site, the architecture, and the interiors,” Rodriguez explains. andtradition.com
fireplace
shapes echo the playful, soft forms
LUNAR CHAIR
Form & Refine, formandrefine.com
“The Lunar Chair felt like it was made for our CB2 Daybreak dining table. Both the chair and table legs taper elegantly at the top — a detail that’s echoed in the flatware, for a subtle sense of cohesion. I love how the pieces work together without feeling like a matching set, and the chair’s curved lines introduce a softness that contrasts beautifully with the straightlined dining room and kitchen.”
reimagined for today
FASHIONABLE TWISTS AND PLENTY OF COLOR AND ART RESULT IN AN ESTATE THAT’S PERFECTLY TAILORED TO ITS RESIDENTS
TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIANA PAULSON OF LINEA PHOTO
FFor 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-ontone 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.
A LIVING GALLERY
Above: The homeowners worked with an art consultant to select and frame most of the stunning pieces showcased throughout the home.
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.
“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.”
CHERISHED SPACES
Above: 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.” Inset: A vintage desk and custom curated artwork shine in the o ce.
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.”
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.
PASTEL PALETTE
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.
“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.”
PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR
Contractor: Thomas Sebold & Associates, Bloomfield Hills
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Carie Long, Carrie Long Interiors, Royal Oak, carrielonginteriors.com
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.
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.”
“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.” A. Rudin, arudin.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.”
TK Stool Thomas Hayes Studio, thomashayesstudio.com
M DERN M O U N
Blending contemporary lines with Colorado influences works in this Franklin home
TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN D’ANGELO
I N
WWith a rich architectural history ranging from antique to contemporary houses, the charming village of Franklin is the site of an impressive 7,100-square-foot modern rustic home that was built for a pair of empty-nesters.
The home sits on a hill surrounded by nearly 2 acres of lush private grounds in a neighborhood that embraces the area’s rural farming past.
“The clients wanted a modern home that’s also soulful, warm, and designed for modern living. They wanted a home that works whether they’re entertaining a large gathering, hosting their outof-state adult children, or just for the two of them when they’re home alone,” shares David Iannuzzi, co-founder and partner of Disbrow Iannuzzi Architects in Ferndale and the primary architect on the project.
DOWN-T0-EARTH
The use of materials like reclaimed barnwood in the kitchen (top and center) and stone near the bar (above) add to the home’s naturalist feel.
“The house needed to be livable, practical, durable, and low-maintenance — and, of course, it had to fit in and be contextual with the neighborhood while being forward-thinking and of today,” he adds.
Jill Schumacher, principal and designer at Rariden Schumacher Mio Interior Design in Bloomfield Hills, adds, “The homeowners enjoy traveling to Colorado, so their vision for their home was naturalist modern with the influence of nature, the West, and specifically Aspen — which is unusual for this area. We created this earthy, ‘Aspen Modern’ feeling with wood, natural stone, metal, and lots of texture.”
ASPEN NOW
From the kitchen (above) to the main living space (inset), the vision for this home, whose owners often visit Colorado, was “naturalist modern with the influence of nature, the West, and specifically Aspen,” says designer Jill Schumacher, of Rariden Schumacher Mio Interior Design.
“ARTWORK SHOULD COMPLEMENT THE HOME’S INTERIOR AND ISN’T MEANT TO MATCH IT.”
— JILL SCHUMACHER
FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
A unique floating wall in the primary bedroom incorporates a headboard crafted from the same reclaimed barnwood found in the kitchen. “We used and brought materials from the outside directly into the house,”architect David Iannuzzi says.
The exterior of the sizable residence has three primitive gabled building forms wrapped in regionally sourced limestone and Northern white cedar, topped by a painted steel roof. Steel canopies define the front entrance and wrap around the back pool area from the heated allseason patio to the central bar area.
“The home design is balanced and divided into three manageable sections, which allows the house to flex for the different ways the homeowners use it. We minimized the number of materials we used and brought materials from
the outside directly into the house, and vice versa, for a consistent and calm architectural language,” Iannuzzi says.
Iannuzzi worked with landscape architect Matt Mosher to “curate views” from each window, enabling further enjoyment of the natural surroundings. The home’s builder was Joel Lerman, of Lerman Corp. in Bloomfield Hills.
The interior has four en suite bedrooms and three half-bathrooms. Two bedrooms are on the second floor, while one is on the finished daylight lower level. The primary bedroom suite, which
is on the main level and separated from the main living space by a glass hallway, includes a private, spa-like bathroom as well as a relaxing office and sitting area. The ample textures in the primary bedroom include a unique floating wall that incorporates a headboard crafted from reclaimed barnwood, providing a rich mixed-patina effect that also appears in the rustic kitchen cabinetry.
The lodge-like character and the sense of welcome found throughout the house were created with earthy elements, ranging from the rustic oak flooring to the soaring 24-foot-tall
SPA-LIKE RETREAT
The primary suite, which is separated from the main living space by a glass hallway, includes a relaxing office, sitting area, and a standout en suite with a statement periwinkle blue hue.
ceilings with exposed rafters and beams. An abundance of custom fabricated furniture and handmade area rugs help add dimension and texture to each space.
Schumacher, who also worked with designers Andrea Cotter and Erin Krueger on the project, says while the home’s overall color palette is “neutral and soothing,” a standout shade of periwinkle-leaning blue appears in the primary bathroom. The homeowners’ colorful art collection adds boldness to the earthy design, with hues that include everything from lavish
golds and greens to fiery oranges and reds.
“Artwork should complement the home’s interior and isn’t meant to match it,” she explains.
Although there are many special touches and details in this home, Schumacher is especially fond of the “playful yet sophisticated” powder room: “The whispy wallpaper mural is a chic, whimsical forest scene with a hand-painted feel. The simple vanity is a gorgeous earthy stone with a soft-shaped mirror above it.”
She also highlights several custom lighting fixtures she designed, including the fourpendant metal fixture enhanced with natural rope over the kitchen island, as well as the modern “bird on a wire” gold chandelier above the dining room table.
Iannuzzi is particularly drawn to the main living area, with its bump-out bar: “This is the one place where you can take in the whole house. I really
love the exposed steel cables, the fireplace floating in the middle of the room, big windows facing south to the pool, and the nearby stairs to the wine cellar. This area is grand but comfortable. It has the layering, depth, and warmth of a ski lodge. I could hang out there all day.”
While the house may not be set in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, he reflects: “One of the things that makes me happiest about this home is that, despite its size, it never feels cold, overwhelming, or too big. The home lives comfortable, with humanity to it, and it has beautiful pastoral views with trees, wildflowers, and nature.”
“One of our project challenges was taking this amazing mass of space and making it feel open, warm, and inviting but not too vast,” Schumacher adds, “The use of materials is modern and current, but not trendy. There’s an unexpected warmth to the house that just feels good.”
EARTHY MATERIALS
Above and below: The exterior features regionally sourced limestone and Northern white cedar, topped by a painted steel roof. Left: Pastorial views of the home’s 2-acre site are easily seen throughout many of the oversized windows.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
Jill Schumacher, Rariden Schumacher Mio
Interior Design, Bloomfield Hills, rsminteriors.com
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Architect: David Iannuzzi, Disbrow Iannuzzi Architects, Ferndale
Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy, annsacks.com
“The client wanted intense color and warmth for the tile; that was easily achieved by using this earthy ceramic tile.”
PEARLY WHITE
Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com
CUSTOM FARSON PENDANT
Paul Ferrante, paulferrante.com
“Our client loved this pendant light as soon as she saw it! We customdesigned this hanging as a single pendant of four lights to give it mass and make it something special.
COMPASS SWIVEL CHAIR
Vanguard, vanguardfurniture.com
“These are tidy little swivel chairs for bar-time lounging, football, or a great room party,” Schumacher says. “The (Zinc Textiles velvet Tramontana Driftwood) fabric is peppered with little holes that have a slight gold stitch.”
BY ANDY
Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy, annsacks.com
“If you’re looking for playful texture, look no further than this Legoinspired tile from Ann Sacks,” Schumacher says.
BRINDILLE GOLDEN ACCENTED PANEL SET
Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy, schumacher.com
“We wanted the powder room to be like a forest that envelopes you,” the designer says. “Warm taupe hues and brown faux-wood wallpaper in the water closet complement the forest of whimsical trees!”
“How to find the perfect white?” Schumacher asks. “(If you want it to be) warm but not too yellow, and not too pink, you choose a pearl hue — Pearly White, to be exact.”
It’s my favorite fixture we’ve ever designed,” Jill Schumacher says.
we’ve ever designed,” Jill says.
GEODE
A DREAM
Chic, organic living and magnificent vistas make this west Michigan new-build memorable
Text by Jamie Fabbri
VIEW
Photography by David Daniele
BBrian Barkwell, lead architect and principal of Via Design, describes the new-build his team recently completed as “a panoramic vista over the treetops.” Perched atop a hillside in west Michigan’s Ada, the home was designed and built with its surroundings in mind. The result is a warm, natural, and livable home.
The Grand Rapids-based firm provided both architecture and interior design services on the property, partnering with Kenowa Builders on the home’s construction. From the beginning of the project, the team listened to their clients’ needs and wants; they stipulated that it was
NATURE-INSPIRED
Natural materials and organic textures were used throughout the house, including in the kitchen (above), where Dolomite stone was chosen for the countertops and backsplash.
important that the home work for them and their young, active children, and that it showcased their personality and warmth. They also wanted to let the site guide the planning, to ensure the spectacular land and views were highlighted.
“There aren’t many sites around here with these views and elevation,” says Isabelle McIntosh, interior designer at Via Design. “It doesn’t feel like you’re in Michigan. It’s higher than a lot of areas, and you can truly see so far out. It’s a beautiful spot for every season.”
Barkwell adds that this was the clients’ dream site. He says they had looked at many locations before finding this one, and were patient throughout the process. Once they purchased the property, the homeowners wanted their design team to spend ample time situating the building area, to maximize their lifestyle and what the site offered in terms of views and orientation. “We had this spectacular piece of property and wanted to make sure we utilized it in the best way possible,” Barkwell says.
The result is an approximately 8,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence with indoor/outdoor living spaces and an abundance of windows, allowing for plenty of natural light and a connection to nature.
LET THE SUN IN
With an abundance of windows, this Ada home allows for plenty of natural light and a seamless connection to the outdoors.
A PLACE TO GATHER
Left: With a young and active family, it was important to include spaces like the first-floor den, which features areas for entertaining.
The exterior finishes were carefully tested and selected, ensuring the finished result felt natural and would weather nicely over time. “Natural wood siding was (important), because it weathered the most,” Barkwell says. “The clients understood that the color of the wood would change, so we explored a lot of different materials.” Extensive sampling was done over time (even spanning a winter season), and the team ultimately chose Abodo re-sawn wood siding; the wood starts dark and weathers to a lighter color. The stone selection was tested and completed by Ophoff Companies.
Inside, an open-concept main floor, essentially in the shape of an “H,” includes the family room wing down one side and bedrooms down the other. “Because this is a young family, the parents were clear they wanted the bedrooms on one side of the main floor,” notes Via Design’s Sara Dupin, project manager and lead interior designer on the home. “It’s set up in a way that allows for more privacy. That way, things don’t need to be perfect all the time.”
The walkout lower level is a haven for the family’s young boys, who love being active and outdoors. It houses numerous family activities — a golf simulator, ping pong, a movie screen, a pickleball court you walk out onto, and an outdoor pool. The family loves spending time
INTENTIONAL DESIGN
Indoor/outdoor living spaces, as seen in the primary suite (below and right), along with the wood plank flooring and lime-wash walls, nod not only to the landscape beyond, but add to the home’s warmth and grounded feel.
together, but made the ability to keep clutter out of sight a priority. The solution involved creating storage space for toys and equipment in a section of the lower level that doesn’t get natural light — although Dupin notes it’s a “beautifully finished storage space” and a place “the kids can still play around in.” Third-floor flex spaces give the family an opportunity to have an exercise room, an open office, or a kids’ bonus room in the future.
The interior finishes were just as deliberately chosen as the exterior ones. Wood plank flooring, lime-wash walls, natural stone countertops, and living finish hardware lend to the home’s warm, modern organic vibe. The furniture was sourced
from Four Hands and RH, with performance fabrics in mind. At the end of the day, this is a family home that’s meant to be lived in.
Another perk? While the residence feels private, it’s minutes away from shopping, dining, and schools. “They’re close to everything a young family needs,” Dupin says, adding, “but when you’re in the house, you feel like you’re the only ones nearby.”
After a building process that took nearly three years, the family is excited to be settled in their dream space. “They really wanted to get it right,” Dupin notes. “This is where they want to be for a long time.”
Brian Barkwell, Principal and Architect, AIA, Via Design Grand Rapids, viadesign-inc.com
Sara Dupin, Senior Interior Designer, ASID, NCIDQ, Via Design, Grand Rapids, viadesign-inc.com
Isabelle McIntosh, Interior Designer, ASID, Via Design, Grand Rapids, viadesign-inc.com
PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS
Cabinetry and Millwork: Kenowa Builders, Ada
Interior Doors: TruStile Doors
Landscape Design: Windscapes Landscaping, Dorr
Masonry: Opho Cos., Jenison
Windows: Pella
house
BELGIAN REPRODUCTION clé Tile, cletile.com
Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com
“The kitchen island pendants were selected to help fill the vertical space (because of the) tall ceilings. They add coziness and help ground the island while providing adequate lighting for kitchen tasks,” McIntosh says.
McIntosh explains that these tiles were used in the foyer, sitting area, and back hall because “the handmade look makes the house feel timeless, while the pattern gives a contemporary flare.”
“We chose Dolomite stone for its durability in high-traffic areas,” McIntosh says. “This continues from the countertop to the splash to create a clean, beautiful look.”
CLASSIC SUEDE IN PINE Innovations, innovationsusa.com
“We went with a deep-color wallcovering for the family’s den to create a moody yet cozy atmosphere. The suede gives textural interest,” McIntosh notes.
VERANDA MIRROR HAND- SILVERED TILE
Artistic Tile, artistictile.com
Says McIntosh: “The mirrored tile at the bar creates a sophisticated look. It reflects light well and makes the bar area feel inviting and interesting.”
Michigan Homes, Reimagined.
In-house design + build. One expert team. One seamless experience. Exceptional results.
Let’s bring your vision to life. Scan to start your design journey or call (248) 644-6330
TRANSFORM YOUR HOME WITH PEWABIC TILE
Ceramic tile handcrafted in Detroit since 1903. PEWABIC.ORG/TILE
Workplace Redesign
At Swift Home Loans in Birmingham, a transformative new office inspires both clients and staff
“We’re an anti-corporate culture,” says Andi Numan, owner of mortgage brokerage firm Swift Home Loans in Birmingham. “It’s like a party in here that starts at 7:30 in the morning and goes until 7 at night. It’s just about having fun in the workplace. That’s always been my goal since we started.”
This lively culture is exactly what inspired Numan to transform his second location into a workplace that would not only inspire his staff but help create a relaxed and engaging environment for his clients. Having outgrown his former Birmingham space, Numan was looking to expand his staff and remain in the city when he chose the 25,000-square-foot building at 805 E. Maple Road to be his new headquarters. “We wanted to stay in Birmingham because of the quality of life,” Numan says. “It feels good to step outside and take a walk or to go to a bar after work or grab dinner.” Wanting his new office to feel more like a “second home,” Numan enlisted Mister Style, a Birmingham-based interior design studio, to help
bring his vision to life. Bold artwork (like a paint-splattered “Mona Lisa”), modern midcentury furnishings, and bright pops of color brought an uplifting energy to the décor, while a more open-concept layout with plenty of additional seating areas was designed to allow staff and clients to unwind and collaborate.
An expansive kitchen (ideal for the catered lunches Numan often orders for his teams) was also added, as was an ivy wall with a sitting bench for reflection, and even a stage for awards, meetings, and the occasional random talent show.
When the space officially opened this past January, Numan says there was a resounding “Wow!” from his staff. “It’s a place where everyone wants to work,” he says. “It’s a place where everyone has fun, and I think that’s the difference here.”
It’s a difference that’s making a big impact on his clients, too. “It’s something they’re not expecting,” he says. “We understand people’s homes are their largest financial asset in most situations, so we like to make it fun and make it relaxed. When you see everyone having a good time, it just makes the process significantly easier.”
He adds: “Everyone’s so accustomed to traditional cubicles and a quiet office — we just want to be different.”
Andi Numan, Owner
Closing Deals and Opening Doors
Meet metro Detroit’s 2026 Real Estate All-Stars
From historic homes in charming neighborhoods to sleek condos with skyline views, metro Detroit offers something for everyone — and the professionals who help turn those real estate dreams into reality are true standouts. In this special section, we highlight the agents and mortgage professionals who are making moves, closing deals, and guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions.
These Real Estate All-Stars are more than just market-savvy pros — they’re trusted advisers, skilled negotiators, and passionate advocates for their clients and communities. With deep knowledge of local trends and a commitment to excellence, they help people across the region navigate the ever-evolving real estate landscape with confidence.
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, refinance, or simply explore your options, these are the names to know in 2026. They’re setting the standard — and raising the bar — for what it means to thrive in metro Detroit’s real estate scene.
For Detroit Design’s Real Estate All-Stars 2026, we commissioned Professional Research Services (PRS) to conduct a survey of all metro Detroit brokers and agents, to determine the top agents and mortgage professionals in the area. Agents who were chosen as Real Estate All-Stars had a total residential sales volume that fell within the top 5% of metro Detroit agents. The mortgage professionals on our list came highly recommended by agents and brokers in the region, and the mortgage professionals with the most votes were the ones who were named Real Estate All-Stars for 2026 in the mortgage category. Inclusion in Detroit Design’s Real Estate All-Star list is based solely upon merit; there’s no commercial relationship to the listings, and listings cannot be purchased. While metro Detroit has many experienced real estate and mortgage professionals, the ones listed here are considered Detroit Design Real Estate All-Stars. These Real Estate All-Stars know the communities they serve. They can best guide you, whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, and introduce you to the home of your dreams.
Nicole Abbiss
Keller Williams Metro Royal Oak
Dave Abdallah
CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski Dearborn Heights
Batoul Abdallah
RE/MAX Leading Edge Canton
Flo Abke
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty 19900 E. 10 Mile Road St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 313-378-3376
flo@floabke.com
floabke.com
Dimitri Abro
Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate
2002 Stephenson Hwy. Troy, MI 48083
586-713-1534
2026
Mosed Aldhulaimi Real Estate One Dearborn
Frederick Alexander Keller Williams Showcase Realty Commerce Twp.
Gustaf Andreasen @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Detroit
Justine Anthony Reinhart Realtors Ann Arbor
Chad Apap Z Real Estate Experts Novi
John Apap
@properties Christie’s International Real Estate 325 N. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-225-9858 japap@theapapgroup.com theapaprealtygroup.com
Sakina Arastu Keller Williams Advantage Northville
Janelle Ainsworth-Tatti @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Birmingham
@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Grosse Pointe Farms
Shane Atkinson @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Royal Oak
Christopher Lee Ayers @properties Christie’s International Real Estate 400 S. Old Woodward Ave. Ste. 100 Birmingham, MI 48009 248-417-0399 • christopherayers@atpropertiesremi.com atproperties.com/site/christopherayers
Brooke Azimi DOBI Real Estate Birmingham
Dean Bach @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Birmingham
Shannon Bagdonas LPT Realty Allen Park
Niran Bahoora Real Estate One 6960 Orchard Lake Road Ste. 150 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-225-7711 nbahoorahomes@gmail.com bahoorahomes.com
Jill Bailey RE/MAX Eclipse Lake Orion
Carrie Bake BAKE Real Estate
Plymouth
Kim Balutanski Vanguard Realty Group Rochester
Maria "Mia" Bardy Coldwell Banker Professionals Birmingham
Kris Barich
Max Broock
Birmingham
Jeffrey Barker
Max Broock
Birmingham
Greg Barnas
Sine & Monaghan Realtors
Royal Oak
JoAnn Barrett
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Ann Arbor
Cassiana Barros-Ebert Real Estate One
Ann Arbor
Evan Bassy
Keller Williams Paint Creek Rochester
Angie Batten Real Estate One
Ortonville
Derek Bauer Real Estate One
Brighton
Sam Baydoun
CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski Dearborn Heights
Stacy Bazman
CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski
Dearborn
Lori Beatty
RE/MAX New Trend Farmington Hills
Jill Becker
RE/MAX Eclipse
Sterling Heights
Mathew Belanger
Keller Williams Paint Creek
Rochester
Chris Benedict
@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Northville
Justin Bercheny
Max Broock
Royal Oak
Scott Bergeron
CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski
Dearborn
Christopher Bergmans Reinhart Realtors
Ann Arbor
Matthew Berney Quest Realty
Troy
Susan Berry
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty
Birmingham
Rhonda Bessette Realty Executives
Home Towne 3543 Pine Grove Ave. Port Huron, MI 48060 810-334-8988
bliss2928@yahoo.com rhonda.rehometowne.com
Suzanne Betz Real Estate One
Ann Arbor
Tanya Biernat Real Estate One Rochester
Melanie Bishop
Debbie L Bourdon Real Estate One Dexter
Cameron Boutros Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate 2002 Stephenson Hwy. Troy, MI 48083 586-601-5759 cameron@anthonydjon.com boutrosluxuryhomes.com
Christin Bracken Real Estate One Milford
Melanie S. Bishop & Noah S. Cohen Team 210 S. Old Woodward Ave. Ste. 200 Birmingham, MI 48009 248-867-7800 melaniesold@aol.com • melaniesold.com
Nancy Bishop Reinhart Realtors Ann Arbor
Tiffanie Bissett
Sine & Monaghan Realtors St. Clair
Michelle Bittner
Sine & Monaghan Realtors St. Clair
Austin Black II
@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Detroit
Al Block RE/MAX First Shelby Twp.
Eric Bloomingdale
@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Birmingham
Jason Boggs Reinhart Realtors
Ann Arbor
Scott Bohlen Keller Williams Living Brighton
Behzad Bokani
RE/MAX Dream Properties Northville
Denise Bondoni
@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Northville
Diane Braykovich RE/MAX Classic Novi
Kevin P. Brennan Sine & Monaghan Realtors Grosse Pointe Farms
Elizabeth R Brien Reinhart Realtors Ann Arbor
Sana Brikho St. Jude Realty, LLC Troy
Lindsey Broadwell REAL Broker, LLC Clarkston
Stephan Brochu RE/MAX Platinum Grand Blanc
Eric Broesamle Next Level Property Management New Baltimore
Kathy Broock Ballard Max Broock Birmingham
Bella Brookenthal Real Estate One West Bloomfield
Mark Brown @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Northville
Marty Brown @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Northville
Mark Brown RE/MAX Classic
Bloomfield Hills
Alan Brown Real Estate One Troy
Mary Kay Buckley RE/MAX Showcase Homes Birmingham
Realty Executives Home Towne
Realty Executives Home Towne continues to set the pace in metro Detroit real estate: Eight agents have been named 2026 Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Stars, a distinction that reflects sustained performance, client trust, and results across a deep and talented bench. In an industry where consistency is everything, this level of recognition across one office speaks to a culture built on service, professionalism, and momentum.
The 2026 Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Stars from Realty Executives Home Towne include (pictured left to right in a model home by Cherry Creek Building) Michael Donelson, David Jacobson, Jennifer Stanczak, Adriana Sarti, Lisa Glombowski, Dominic Romano, Brad Mangune, and Rhonda Bessette (not pictured). Serving clients throughout Macomb, St. Clair, and Sanilac counties, the team is known for local expertise, responsive communication, and strategic guidance that helps buyers and sellers move forward with confidence.
For more than 50 years, Realty Executives agents have helped clients navigate every step of the real estate transaction, and the Home Towne team blends that legacy with a modern approach: strong digital exposure, social and video marketing, listing automation, and broad online distribution — paired with accurate pricing through detailed comparative market analysis and skilled negotiation. Clients can expect clear expectations, thoughtful advice, and updates delivered the way they prefer — by text, phone, or email.
Broker/owner Frank Locricchio leads with a hands-on, client-first mindset and a track record that includes managing over $3 billion in sales volume. Just as importantly, he’s committed to elevating the agents who deliver the day-to-day wins — making recognition a team sport. ■
Realty Executives Home Towne Local offices 1-855-464-SOLD
Dave Budny
RE/MAX First
Shelby Twp.
Sarah Budreau
Oakland Corners Realty, LLC Oxford
Lucy Burby
RE/MAX First Chesterfield
Jack Butris Real Estate One
Troy
Molly Buttleman
@properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Birmingham
Jennifer Caira-Lau Real Estate One Chesterfield Twp.
Daniel Callan
RE/MAX Platinum Hartland
Robert Campbell
Max Broock Birmingham
Michelle Carey
Century 21 Professionals
41640 Garfield Road
Clinton Twp., MI 48038 586-703-0732 mlcarey67@aol.com agentmichellecarey.com
Patrick Carolan Coldwell Banker Professionals Birmingham
Andrea Carollo
Max Broock Birmingham
Susie Carone
CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski Northville
Harry Cassidy
Real Estate Unlimited Inc.
Allen Park
Desiree Cataldo-Cialone
RE/MAX Leading Edge Dearborn Heights
Pam Ceder
Sine & Monaghan Realtors Algonac
Christine Champlin
RE/MAX Platinum Fenton
Alex Chapman
@properties Christie’s International Real Estate
400 S. Old Woodward, Ste. 100 Birmingham, MI 48009 313-475-0275
HomeServices Kee Realty 36594 Moravian Drive Clinton Twp., MI 48035 586-383-1437 lchattinger@gmail.com lorisellsmichigan.com
Zen Chen
RE/MAX New Trend Farmington Hills
Pamela Chudzinski Keller Williams Professionals Plymouth
Katja Classic RE/MAX Classic Canton
Cheryl Clossick Real Estate One Saline
Robert Coburn RE/MAX First Royal Oak
Ben Cockrum Preferred, Realtors Ltd. Plymouth
Brie Cocroft Max Broock Royal Oak
Noah S. Cohen
Melanie S. Bishop & Noah S. Cohen Team 6755 Telegraph Road Ste. 200 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 248-867-4877 • ns.cohen26@gmail.com soldbynoah.com
Meredith Colburn The Agency Birmingham Birmingham
Nancy Collias KW Domain Birmingham
Erica Collica Swink
Max Broock Detroit
Carisa Collins Keller Williams Living Brighton
Mario Como Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty 19900 E. 10 Mile Road St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 586-242-2300 mariotherealtor1@gmail.com mariotherealtor.com
Elijah Cook KW Metro 423 S. Washington Royal Oak, MI 48239 313-694-6970 elijah@ecookgroup.com elijahcook.kw.com
Pam, a highly qualified realtor, offers exceptional service, crafting innovative marketing strategies with a broker’s license, a bachelor’s, and a master’s in marketing. Covering Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, Pam excels in negotiating home sales, providing empathetic customer service, and tailored advice. Her organizational skills, integrity, and deep real estate knowledge put her in the top 1 percent of real estate professionals in Michigan and nationally. With Pam, clients embark on a journey with a trusted friend, not just buying or selling a house.
Paul Coulter
Realty Executives Main Street, LLC Lapeer
Joe Cracchiolo
Keller Williams Paint Creek Rochester
Ryan Craig @properties REMI Christie's International Real Estate Birmingham
Ashley Crain Crain Homes Birmingham
Scott Craver Opul Realty Northville
Marcus Cronce Real Estate One Fort Gratiot
Brandon Curry
Signature Sotheby's International Realty Birmingham
Mike Cutsinger Preferred, Realtors Ltd. Plymouth
Lisa Cutting
Keller Williams Showcase Realty Commerce Twp.
Priyanka Dabhi Keller Williams Professionals Plymouth
Jason Dabish
Max Broock Realtors 6960 Orchard Lake Road Ste. 150 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-939-4000 jdabishrealtor@gmail.com jasondabish.maxbroock.com
James Danley
James Danley & Associates 210 S. Old Woodward Ave. Ste. 200 Birmingham, MI 48009 248-671-3092
jamesdanley@gmail.com liveworksell.com
Joanna Darmanin Keller Williams Metro Royal Oak
Joseph Darwish RE/MAX Platinum Brighton
Gwen Daubenmeyer
Keller Williams Collaborative Lake Orion
Piyush Dave Real Estate One Plymouth
Julie Dean DOBI Real Estate Birmingham
Daniel DeCapua RE/MAX Platinum Ann Arbor
Mike DeFauw Sine & Monaghan Realtors Grosse Pointe Farms
Gary DeGrandchamp Real Estate One Northville
Debby DeHart Real Estate One Commerce Township
Matt Dejanovich Real Estate One Ann Arbor
Erin Keating DeWald KW Domain Birmingham
James Dewling Griffith Realty Brighton
Thomas Diegel RE/MAX Platinum Fenton
Jamie Dietrich RE/MAX Platinum Brighton
Jan Dijkers Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Loft Warehouse Detroit
Joy DiMaggio KW Domain Birmingham
Jim DiMora Keller Williams Advantage Novi
Domenica DiNello Vanguard Realty Group Rochester
Nick DiStefano RE/MAX First Clinton Twp.
Stefanie Distelrath Sine & Monaghan Realtors St. Clair
Jerome Dixon
Signature Sotheby's International Realty Birmingham
Anthony Djon
Nadia Dalou
Max Broock Realtors 6960 Orchard Lake Road Ste. 150 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-961-3484 nadiadalou12@gmail.com nadiadalou.maxbroock.com
Danny DeKeyser Saros Real Estate Services Grosse Pointe
Renee DeKroub RE/MAX Platinum Howell
Joe Delia
Keller Williams Paint Creek Rochester
Sal Delisi
Select Real Estate Professionals, Inc. Clinton Twp.
Heather Dell RE/MAX Leading Edge Dearborn Heights
Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate 2002 Stephenson Hwy. Troy, MI 48083 248-747-4834 anthony@anthonydjon.com anthonydjon.com
Teodora Djourova Clients First, Realtors Canton
Kate Dombrowski RE/MAX Classic Plymouth
Mike Dominick
Keller Williams Professionals Plymouth
Kristi A. Donaldson
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty 36622 Green St. New Baltimore, MI 48047
586-315-5700
kristi@kdonaldson.com kristisellsmichigan.com
Michael Donelson
Realty Executives Home Towne 49433 Hayes Road Shelby Twp., MI 48315 586-321-1391
The Agency Birmingham 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-568-7309 cindy@cindykahn.com cindykahn.com
Emily Kahn
The Agency Birmingham 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-568-0569 emily@cindykahn.com theagencyre.com/agent/emily-kahn
Ryan Kain
RE/MAX Leading Edge Dearborn Heights
Saed Kakish Golden Key Group Novi
Nick Kalte
Quest Realty Troy
David Kaplan Real Estate One West Bloomfield
Sam Kaplunov @properties REMI Christie’s International Real Estate 400 S. Old Woodward Ave. Ste. 100 Birmingham, MI 48009 248-933-0471 • sam@samkaplunov.com samkaplunov.com
Raymond Karoumy Top Agent Realty Troy
Steve Kashat Real Estate One 6960 Orchard Lake Road Ste. 150 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248-798-7408 realtorstevek@gmail.com stephenkashat.realestateone.com
Rocket Mortgage — The Local Team 635 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 313-373-1940 markhoy@rocketmortgage.com rocketmortgage.com
Joshua Hudson Movement Mortgage Northville
Emil Izrailov Lake Michigan Credit Union 34391 W. 12 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48331 248-961-4300 emil.izrailov@lmcu.org lmcu.org/emilizrailov
Dean Jamoua Right Mortgage
Troy
Angela Kakos Rate
Sterling Heights
Joseph Kassis
Extreme Loans
Southfield
Mary Katsiroubas
University Home Loan
Shelby Twp.
Kristy Klein Rate
Shelby Twp.
Chris Knoche
John Adams Mortgage Company
Milford
Mark Kossell
Midtown Home Mortgage
Shelby Twp.
Lisa Kreza-Bristow
Lake Michigan Credit Union 17420 N. Laurel Park Drive Ste. 110E
Livonia, MI 48152 734-765-4132
lisa.kreza-bristow@lmcu.org lmcu.org/lisakreza
Jeff Kujan
First Merchants Bank
Rochester Hills
Nathan Kunst
Honest Mortgage
Brighton
Amanda Lawrence
John Adams Mortgage Company
Ann Arbor
Amanda Leonard
CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC
Bloomfield Hills
Rohit Lobo
Reliance Financial Group, Inc.
Troy
James Lutz
Mortgage 1, Inc.
Shelby Twp.
Gordie MacDougal
Ross Mortgage Corp.
Allen Park
Hoodie Makki
Direct Home Loans
Dearborn
George Mansour
Ross Mortgage Corporation
Troy
Tania Maples
Michigan United Mortgage, LLC
Brighton
Tricia McFarlane
University Lending Group
Brighton
Dan Meister
DFCU Financial
Dearborn
Agnes Miesch
Michigan United Mortgage, LLC
Brighton
Claudia Mikhael
Next Chapter Financial
Shelby Twp.
John Millard
John Adams Mortgage Company
Brighton
Je Miller
University Lending Group
Ann Arbor
Carl Moraw
First Merchants Bank Farmington Hills
Brian Mutter
Forward Mortgage
Rochester
Adam Neuman
Union Home Mortgage
Rochester
Manny Nino
First State Bank
Clinton Twp.
Nathan Nix
Success Mortgage Partners, Inc.
Plymouth
Tracey Okonski
1st Securities Mortgage Bingham Farms
Bruce O’Kronley Onward Mortgage, LLC
Macomb
Nick Olczak
First State Bank
Clinton Twp.
James Paquette
Lake Michigan
Credit Union
332 W. Main St.
Brighton, MI 48116
734-604-2611
james.paquette@lmcu.org lmcu.org/jamespaquette
2026 REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS
Sergey Pesch
Extreme Loans Southfield
Laura Peters
Pointes Home Lending
Grosse Pointe Farms
Adam Phizacklea
Michigan Mortgage Pros Pinckney
Tony Pike
Movement Mortgage
Ann Arbor
Harry Polemitis
Mortgage 1, Inc.
Plymouth
Adam Poterek
Rocket Mortgage Detroit
Susan Quilter Huntington Bank
Troy
Michael Raimi
CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC Southfield
Trevor Rice Arcadia Lending Clawson
Matt Rodeghier First Community Mortgage Birmingham
Tito Rodriguez Rate Northville
Vittorio Sbrocca First Team Lending
Shelby Twp.
Jason Sebastian Extreme Loans Shelby Twp.
Mark Sera
John Adams Mortgage Company Royal Oak
Clark Sexton The Iron Co. Mortgage Northville
Toni Shaftner Rocket Mortgage Detroit
John Simpkins First Merchants Bank
Ann Arbor
Billy Slobin The Mortgage Link Farmington Hills
Jake Slobin
The Mortgage Link Farmington Hills
Tim Smith First Merchants Bank Birmingham
Tim Steinbrecher Rate
Shelby Twp.
Nathan Steiner Rate
Grosse Pointe Farms
Steve Stork
CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC Bloomfield Hills
Keanu Tabali
Lake Michigan Credit Union
332 W. Main St.
Brighton, MI 48116 810-263-6008
keanu.tabali@lmcu.org keanutabali.com
Linus Thalman Golden Mortgage Rochester
Walter Tyslicki Mortgage 1, Inc.
Sterling Heights
Scott Van Sickle Victory Home Loans Clinton Twp.
Benjie Vista
Total Home Lending Southfield
Dave Voss
Supreme Lending Port Huron
Douglas Welch Key Bank Brighton
Matt West
Michigan First Mortgage Plymouth
Ruth Young
RWM Home Loans
Troy
Jonathan Clapper, Max Broock Realtors
Elevating the real estate experience — from first home to luxury living
Jonathan Clapper believes exceptional real estate results begin with a higher level of commitment. Known for his strategic approach, attention to detail, and hands-on involvement, he delivers a level of service that exceeds that of the industry’s topperforming agents.
Working across both residential and commercial markets, Clapper approaches every transaction with a disciplined, resultsdriven mindset. His philosophy is rooted in one principle: True professionalism is defined by consistency.
One of his defining differentiators is how he prepares properties for market. Clapper understands that perception drives value, and first impressions set the tone for negotiation power. He is personally involved from the earliest stages of premarket strategy through staging, presentation, and final detailing. Often exceeding traditional expectations, he ensures each property is positioned with intention, presented with sophistication, and launched to command maximum impact.
Clapper approaches each listing with an investor’s mindset, focusing on the strategic decisions that can enhance both presentation and outcome. He is known for investing time, resources, and effort up front to help clients achieve stronger offers and a more efficient sale process — an approach that has earned the trust of both buyers and sellers alike.
His depth of experience extends well beyond traditional sales. Raised in a family deeply rooted in real estate, Clapper gained early exposure to property acquisition, renovation, and management through his family’s portfolio of apartment communities and residential holdings. He later expanded his expertise as a building contractor in Florida and Michigan, giving him a comprehensive understanding of construction, valuation, and the nuances that influence a property’s true market potential.
To further support his clients, Clapper provides access to a trusted network of professionals — including contractors, legal advisers, and staging and home service specialists — helping guide every stage of the process with confidence and clarity.
A longtime Birmingham resident, Clapper has extensive knowledge of the metro Detroit market and works throughout Michigan to serve his clients. Outside of real estate, he is actively involved in philanthropic efforts through his church and his family’s Oakland Civic Charities Foundation, supporting local meal programs and community initiatives.
At his core, Clapper is a problem-solver and advocate — fully invested in delivering results. With a commitment to preparation, presentation, and strategic execution, he is raising the standard of representation for clients at every stage of their real estate journey.
Thinking of Selling or Buying?
Positioning your home correctly can make all the difference.
Contact Jonathan Clapper for a confidential consultation on preparing your home for market or navigating your next purchase. ■
Jonathan Clapper
Max Broock Realtors 26236 Woodward Ave. Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-720-9368 clapperrealtygroup.com
SR Design LLC
The New Color Modern: Personality in Every Line
Sabrina M. Raso Vaughan is an accomplished interior design project manager with a distinctive background that bridges the worlds of automotive design and home interiors. With a degree in industrial design, a master’s in transportation design from Italy, and a specialization in 3D modeling from the United States, Raso Vaughan brings a wealth of expertise to every project she undertakes.
Her journey began in the auto industry, where her skills in precision and innovation set her apart. Now, she’s applying those same talents to home interior design, offering creative and functional solutions that elevate every room. As part of her client experience, Raso Vaughan provides custom 3D mock-ups, allowing homeowners to visualize their redesigned spaces with clarity and confidence.
Raso Vaughan specializes in both interior and exterior design, focusing on reorganizing spaces for maximum functionality and style. Whether it’s a comprehensive redesign or a simple refresh, she tailors each project to reflect her client’s unique personality and needs. Sabrina believes that design is a universal language — one that transcends words and cultures connecting people, spaces, and emotions through form, texture, and atmosphere.
With her design philosophy, you can expect a home that isn’t just visually stunning, but also practical and comfortable. Operating from Michigan and São Paulo, Raso Vaughan offers personalized, one-on-one consultations that bring your vision to life within your budget. Whether you’re looking to revamp a single room or redesign your entire home, Raso Vaughan is the expert who can turn your dreams into reality. Transform your space today with Sabrina Raso Vaughan’s artistic touch, global training, and expert design skills! ■
DISTINCTIVE DETAILS
Custom cabinetry and a courtyard view make this contemporary office thoughtful and unique.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
With a Zen garden just outside and a host of custom furnishings and fixtures, working from home never looked so good
TEXT BY TRACY DONOHUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH TIANO
When John Rattray, owner and principal of Craighall Interiors in Troy, worked with his first solo design clients 13 years ago, he established a long-term relationship that led to a recent home office renovation for the same couple, who have become empty-nesters.
Based out of the Michigan Design Center, Rattray originally worked on the redesign and renovation of the homeowners’ 4,000-square-foot, 1960s Mid-century Modern residence.
As the family’s dynamics changed, Rattray and the couple began reassessing the Dearborn home’s space. “The husband is an executive, so he really needed an executive home office,” Rattray says. “We turned their son’s former bedroom into a custom home office with a neutral palette.”
The designer says the room looks out onto a picturesque inner courtyard with beautiful foliage and a koi pond. “It’s really lovely, with lots of natural colors and a Zen garden feel. When the doorwall is open, you can hear the pond. I wanted to create that nice balance between the interior and exterior.”
Rattray designed every element of the custom room including detailed cabinetry and millwork, which was constructed by Detroit-based Christopher Tayler of DCStudios. Behind the desk, a sawtooth-front credenza has file storage and a mirrored backwall that hides the electrical elements, as well as an art track system that allows artwork to
be switched out easily. A second cabinet has a TV above it and houses both a refreshment bar and hidden space for a printer.
“There are no open cabinets or shelves in this room; everything is concealed and can be tucked away at the end of the day,” he notes.
Distinctive details abound in this thoughtful, contemporary office. The hardware and light fixtures were made to order by U.S. artisans, while the artwork and tabletop figures are one-ofa-kind antiques that were carefully curated and sourced globally. The room is wrapped in paperweave wallpaper and anchored by a leather-bordered rug, which add texture to the space.
With all the exceptional features in the room’s design, Rattray acknowledges that the custom-designed rift white oak sit-stand desk constructed by Pontiac-based Designer Furniture Services is his favorite element of the project.
“The desk is simple, clean, and heavy. It raises and lowers using a hydraulic mechanism with a hidden keypad. It’s seamless and cool.”
Not only is the area aesthetically harmonious, but it also offers flexibility. “It’s is serene and functional, yet elegant — and edited in a sophisticated way,” Rattray explains. “(And) if (it needs to be adapted) for future life changes, the room could easily (be transformed) into a guest room.”
