Restful Homestead

Touches of modernism, simplistic lines and a textural palette define the spaces of this restful homestead.  Located on a beautiful Northern Michigan lake, special attention was paid to maximizing lake views from every room with large windows and sliding glass doors throughout. Organic building materials on the home’s exterior and extensive millwork on walls and ceilings were utilized throughout the home.  The expansive first level has an open flow throughout, including the kitchen, living room, dining room, four-season porch and screened patio, with stained Douglas Fir ceiling details anchoring the design.  Custom-built and painted blue kitchen cabinets give a touch of lakefront whimsy. NanaWall folding doors open the four-season porch to the screened patio, which features Bluestone tile floors, lounging space and even a built-in pizza oven, providing the perfect summer evening entertaining space. The bedroom wing of the home includes a spacious master suite, laundry room as well as two bedrooms, a bunk room and two full bathrooms. A partial upper level features an expansive flex room space. A free-standing carriage house with living quarters above complete this stunning lakefront home.

Architecture | J. Visser Design
Interiors | Francesca Owings Interior Design
Photography | Geoff Shirley

Contemporary Farmhouse

Designed with simple elegance in mind, this well-appointed contemporary farmhouse combines a muted color palette with rich textures and artisanal accents.

Architecture & Interior Design  |  Via Design
Photography | Via Design & Ashley Avila Photography

Oak Park

Traditional in style, modern in layout, the Oak Park exudes elegance in every space. The earth-tone fiber cement siding and natural stone accents blend perfectly with its wooded location. Beautiful, copper roofing adorns the curved entry and transom window accent of the home’s main entrance. Special attention was paid to the custom-built, mahogany front door and its surrounding side lights and curved transom. The white kitchen cabinetry was custom built to perfectly fit the space and flow effortlessly into the open living room, complete with cedar beam details on the ceiling. A beautiful, walnut butler’s pantry flanks the kitchen and was built with care to incorporate a special mosaic tile backsplash that was a sentimental piece of history for the homeowners. The south wing of the home includes a guest bedroom and full bathroom, as well as a screened porch and laundry room. The master suite of the home boasts a cozy reading nook surrounded by bookshelves and a light palette in the bedroom and bathroom. A home office with custom-built desk and storage completes the main level. The lower level of the home incorporates more guest bedrooms as well as a comfortable recreation room with a large, wood-burning stone fireplace to anchor the space. The rear exterior of the home is centered around the courtyard, where the outdoors can be enjoyed in front of the large, gas fireplace or for dinners al fresco from the outdoor dining space adjacent to a built-in outdoor kitchen.

Architecture | AMDG Architects
Interiors | Via Design
Photography | Ashley Avila Photography

Endless View

Located minutes from the center of one of Lake Michigan’s quaint, coastal towns and just steps from the pristine shoreline of Lake Michigan, this modern lake residence was designed with the spectacular views in mind.

The expansive living, dining and kitchen areas of the home are open to one another, creating the perfect space for entertaining. The custom cement fireplace, flanked with built-in, stained shelving, anchors the soaring ceiling, sliding glass doors and transom windows that surround. The mixture of muted paint tones and rich, stained cabinetry give the kitchen added dimension. The adjacent dining space brings the outdoors in through the use of floor to ceiling windows. Accessible by hallway off the kitchen are a powder room, laundry and mudroom with access to the attached three stall garage.

The South wing of the home boasts a spacious master suite. The master bedroom takes full advantage of lake views and accesses the expansive outdoor deck by french door. A sliding barn door leads to the luxurious master bathroom, complete with glass shower, double vanity and soaking tub. A roomy walk-in closet completes the owner’s suite.

The sleek lines and easy flow of the home continues into the lower level. The family room can comfortably entertain guests with sectional seating and refreshments from the wet bar. Two bedrooms and a built-in-bunk room provide comfortable sleeping quarters, while an exercise room and lake toy storage room give space for the active lifestyle of the homeowners. Completing the lower level is a second laundry room and full bathroom.

The home’s waterfront exterior provides a variety of spaces from which to enjoy everything lakefront living has to offer. With a spacious upper level deck, lower level covered patio as well as nearly 1,500 square feet of open air patio space with built-in firepit, there isn’t a bad seat from which to enjoy stunning sunsets, the pristine sands of the beach merely steps away, or the endless views of Lake Michigan’s crystal clear waters beyond.

Architecture | Brad Douglas Design
Interior Design | Via Design Inc.
Photography | MBuck Studio

Farmhouse Estate

Nestled in the countryside and designed to accommodate a multi-generational family, this custom compound boasts a nearly 5,000 square foot main residence, an infinity pool with luscious landscaping, a guest and pool house as well as a pole barn. The spacious, yet cozy flow of the main residence fits perfectly with the farmhouse style exterior. The gourmet kitchen with separate bakery kitchen offers built-in banquette seating for casual dining and is open to a cozy dining room for more formal meals enjoyed in front of the wood-burning fireplace. Completing the main level is a library, mudroom and living room with rustic accents throughout. The upper level features a grand master suite, a guest bedroom with dressing room, a laundry room as well as a sizable home office. The lower level has a fireside sitting room that opens to the media and exercise rooms by custom-built sliding barn doors. The quaint guest house has a living room, dining room and full kitchen, plus an upper level with two bedrooms and a full bath, as well as a wrap-around porch overlooking the infinity edge pool and picturesque landscaping of the estate.

Architect | Sears Architects
Interior Design | Francesca Owings Interior Design
Photography | Tippett Photo

Timeless Elegance

This country estate exudes traditional charm with timeless architectural elements.  Upon entry into this delightful abode, a guest is greeted by an open floor plan and a subdued color palette, complimented by detailed millwork throughout.  The main floor boasts an elegant living room with wood-paneled ceiling details and stone fireplace that leads to a gourmet kitchen with a custom metal hood and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.  Surprisingly specialized spaces adjoin the main rooms, including a cozy kids’ playroom off of the dining area, a perfectly-sized nook for the grand piano, and a cozy home office built into the curved walls of the front turret.  Completing the main level are a second home office, a large laundry room and an elegant master suite, with a spa-like bathroom and luxurious bedroom retreat which opens onto the large, three-season screened porch.  The lower level includes a large family room, a workshop and three guest suites.  Architecture, decor and furnishings work together to give this dwelling a feeling of elegance without compromising the comfort needed for a functional family home.

Architecture  |  Lorenz & Co.

Contemporary Tranquility

Creating spaces that make connections between the indoors and out, while making the most of the panoramic lake views and lush landscape that surround were two key goals of this seasonal home’s design.  Central entrance into the residence brings you to an open dining and lounge space, with natural light flooding in through rooftop skylights.  Soaring ceilings and subdued color palettes give the adjacent kitchen and living room an airy and expansive feeling, while the large, sliding glass doors and picture windows bring the warmth of the outdoors in.  The family room, located in one of the two zinc-clad connector spaces, offers a more intimate lounge area and leads into the master suite wing, complete with vaulted ceilings and sleek lines.  Three additional guest suites can be found in the opposite wing of the home, providing ideally separate living spaces for a multi-generational family.

Architecture | Booth Hansen
Interiors | JP Interiors
Photography | Steve Hall @ Hedrich Blessing Photography

Lake Sanctuary

This beautiful home sits on a private lake with large windows that provide sweeping views from almost every room in the house. Both the exterior and interior draw inspiration from nature and blend practical accommodations with enchanting details. Perhaps the most unique feature of the home is the impressive water feature spanning one wall of the open living space. The main floor also includes a gourmet kitchen and dining area as well as a sun porch, home office, laundry room and private master suite.

The lower level includes a family room and game area as well as a custom bar and wine cellar. Bedrooms, bathrooms, an exercise room and storage areas complete the lower level.

Lake Gem

This impressive waterfront home provides comfortable yet refined living spaces ideal for family gatherings and festivities. The welcoming entry features abundant closet space and lockers, a powder room and laundry room. The main floor boasts sweeping views of the lake accessible from the large gourmet kitchen and breakfast nook, large dining room, screened in porch and living space that includes a grand stone fireplace and beamed ceiling. A private home office master suite and bunk room complete the main level. The lower level features a dinette and family room, additional bedrooms and baths. The walkout provides easy access to the lower level patio, grill space, backyard, and lake.

Lakeside Chic

The warmth and character of this magnificent lake home start with the grand exterior and inviting outdoor spaces. There is a large pool and pool house, a covered outdoor living area with screened porches and fireplace, blue stone patios that surround the home, as well as lavish lawn areas and colorful landscape.

The home’s interior is elegant yet comfortable. Bold use of color and clever design provide the perfect backdrop for this amazing home. From custom woodwork and cabinetry to carefully selected lighting and furnishings, no detail was overlooked. The main level features a large kitchen and gathering space, formal living and dining rooms, a home office and custom wine bar.

The upper level includes an elegant master suite with private closets and bath as well as additional bedrooms and baths, exercise room, laundry room and children’s playroom.

Architect | Sears Architects
Interior Designer | Donna Cohen Interiors