--- title: "Spectrum Interiors — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/spectrum-interiors-pfvwus-pf~379663388 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~379663388.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Spectrum Interiors" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/11b3012907828688_5396-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Portage, Michigan 49024, United States" latitude: 42.1974 longitude: -85.6194 phone: "(269) 888-2049" website: https://www.spectruminteriors-designs.com rating: 5 review_count: 5 followers: 19 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # Spectrum Interiors Original Houzz profile: [Spectrum Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/spectrum-interiors-pfvwus-pf~379663388) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Portage, MI - **Serves:** Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, Holland, Coldwater, Sturgis, Grand Haven, Benton Harbor, Westwood, Saint Joseph, Three Rivers, St. Joseph, Marshall, Eastwood, Zeeland, Comstock Northwest, Otsego, South Haven, Plainwell, Vicksburg, Paw Paw, Bridgman, Mattawan, Parchment, White Pigeon, New Buffalo, Schoolcraft, Richland, Saugatuck, Hickory Corners, Scotts, Comstock, Gull Lake, Nazareth, Oshtemo - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25 Ideabook Saves What the Steve Adamko Interior Design School Is Really All About By Steven C. Adamko, Interior Designer, NCIDQ June 6, 2026 Why Some Homes Feel Extraordinary—and Most Never Do There is a question that has fascinated designers, architects, and homeowners for centuries: why do some homes feel immediately right the moment you enter them, while others—despite significant investment, careful planning, and beautiful furnishings—never quite achieve that same sense of harmony and emotional clarity? The answer is not found in trends, styling preferences, or isolated design choices. It is found in something far more fundamental and far less commonly understood: the underlying principles that govern how human beings experience space, atmosphere, proportion, and visual order. All taught by the sole master interior designer and teacher at the Steve Adamko Interior Design School; none other than Steve Adamko himself. Most people encounter this difference instinctively before they can explain it. A room may be objectively beautiful, yet feel slightly unsettled. Another may be understated in appearance, yet feel deeply comforting and coherent. This contrast reveals an essential truth that the Steve Adamko Interior Design School is built upon: interior design is not only about what a space looks like, but about what a space does to the human experience over time. A School Unlike Any Other The Steve Adamko Interior Design School is not a traditional design program, nor is it a trend-driven collection of decorating techniques or software-based instruction. It is built upon a fundamentally different premise: that the most valuable skill in interior design is not the ability to decorate, but the ability to think like a master designer. Where most programs emphasize visual output, technical tools, or stylistic categories, this school emphasizes judgment, discernment, and understanding. Students are not taught what to do in a formulaic sense, but rather how to see, how to evaluate, and how to understand why certain environments succeed while others fail. The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom Knowledge in interior design is abundant and widely accessible. It can be found in books, magazines, digital platforms, and social media feeds filled with curated interiors and design inspiration. Knowledge tells you what is popular, what is current, and what is visually appealing according to prevailing tastes. Wisdom operates differently. Wisdom explains why something works. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Lighting Design - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Custom Furniture - Custom Rugs - Home Theater Design - Artwork - Custom Framing - Floor Plan Review - Furniture - Hand-Knotted Oriental Rugs - Reflected Ceiling Plans - Seminars - Teleseminars - Upholstery - Webinars ### Areas Served - Grand Rapids - Ann Arbor - Lansing - Kalamazoo - Battle Creek - Portage - Holland - Coldwater - Sturgis - Grand Haven - Benton Harbor - Westwood - Saint Joseph - Three Rivers - St. Joseph - Marshall - Eastwood - Zeeland - Comstock Northwest - Otsego - South Haven - Plainwell - Vicksburg - Paw Paw - Bridgman - Mattawan - Parchment - White Pigeon - New Buffalo - Schoolcraft - Richland - Saugatuck - Hickory Corners - Scotts - Comstock - Gull Lake - Nazareth - Oshtemo ### Typical Job Cost $1,000.00 - $750.000.00+ $1,000.00 - $750.000.00+ ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Spectrum Interiors | | Address | Portage, Michigan 49024, United States | | Phone | (269) 888-2049 | | Website | https://www.spectruminteriors-designs.com | | License Number | Michigan Builders 2101116689 | | Followers on Houzz | 19 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SpectrumInteriors - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/spectruminteriors - Blog — https://www.KalamazooInteriorDesigner.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Spectrum Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/spectrum-interiors-pfvwus-pf~379663388) - **Website:** https://www.spectruminteriors-designs.com - **Phone:** (269) 888-2049 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Steve's work was included in the Baker Furniture catalog titled The McMillen Collection. McMillen, Inc is the longest running Interior Design Firm in America. Steve is a Licensed Michigan Residential Builder and passed the NCIDQ Exam in 1996. (The "Bar Exam" for Interior Designers) **Affiliations** - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews** ### All 5 reviews **★★★★★ — Allegretti Architects, Inc., Sept. 2016** > Spectrum Interiors is a true interior designer working with the owner's program with a spacial vision which achieves solutions greater than expected within an ambiance never envisioned. We need this type of designer's caring > > Colleague > John W. Allegretti,FAIA > LEED AP+ BD+C **★★★★★ — Integrated Smart Technologies, Inc., Sept. 2016** > The consummate definition of passion for his field of expertise; Steve knows his stuff and paints a vivid picture through a simple conversation that creates excitement and helps you visualize his shared ideas to bring a space to life! **★★★★★ — Tim Pix, July 2016** > We have a Greek revival home built in 1861. We retained Steve to redo our master bedroom and its adjacent sitting room. Because the discovery aspect of his work is so vitally important, he asked many questions that were deeply revealing in order to arrive at the essence of what we were trying to grasp and envision. We love the charm of our old home, yet wanted to bring things a little more up to date. We needed a fresher look while respecting the interior architecture. We were thinking of something a little more eclectic and contemporary to counterpoint the house architecture. > > Steve came up with a marvelous design that was clean, crisp and exciting. He delivered floor plans and sketches, which captured a look and feeling that we could not envision ourselves. He even designed a custom four-poster bed and two nightstands wrapped in faux leather and trimmed with brass moldings. The nightstands have claret colored faux lizard tops banded by brass moldings. > > He also installed specialty track lighting in our old home, which brought life to each of the rooms order to bring the rooms to life, as well as enhancing texture and color. One of the most interesting aspects of the project was removing the old hand-sewn wool carpet in order to have hardwood floors with oriental rugs and runners. We were aghast when it appeared to be a dirty pine floor instead of hardwood! After securing and sanding the floor, we were rewarded to find out that the flooring was actually Tulipwood. It has streaks of green and red in it that worked perfectly with the color scheme … as if it was planned that way from the beginning. > > We are delighted with the way the rooms have turned out. The resultant ambiance that is also clean and refreshing while still respectful of our old-world architecture. **★★★★★ — Crystal Glass, July 2016** > We have an old English Tudor house that had a combination powder room and bathroom that was in need of redoing. It consists of a small room with a counter and two windows. There’s a tiled archway opposite the counter, which leads into a small toilet chamber. It includes a toilet and sink, and has a window over the sink. All three windows overlook the dog run. Obviously, it’s not the best view to envision. > > Steve came up with a design that was absolutely stunning for such a small space. > > Because of the black and gold tiling, it reminded Steve of Egyptian or Assyrian aspects from antiquity. Knowing his history came in pretty handy! Anyway, I wanted something significantly more elegant than what it looked like with its brown floral wallpaper. > > You brought in oriental rugs, fabric wall covering, and painted the ceiling and trim black. He also brought in low-voltage lighting with well-controlled beam spreads to add contrast and drama. In addition, he custom-designed three pieces of unique furniture that fit the space superbly. He designed a bench, a pedestal, and a marble top console table. The materials on these one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture utilized black lacquer, faux lizard, and Birdseye maple veneer. > > One of the unexpected, unique things that Steve did was to cover all the windows. He completely covered the two windows in the small room in special artistic panels with beautiful blue draperies framing the panels. He covered the sink window in the toilet chamber with a mirror and then draperies over the mirror. He did the same style of window treatment over the toilet that was opposite the sink and hung a 500-year-old Chinese woodblock print that was the perfect combination of blue to go with the draperies. Additionally, a beautiful antique watercolor is now hanging between the pair of windows in the small room over the pedestal he designed that holds a beautiful example of a quartz crystal geological specimen. A pinpoint beam of light now illuminates geological specimen and another beam of light illuminates the watercolor. > > It is truly stunning and dramatic, especially when you first enter the room! > > I'm so elated with the total completed environment that I feel like Cleopatra every time I enter the room. **★★★★★ — Michelle Po, July 2016** > OVERVIEW > We live on a lake near a golf course. We had hired several different architects at different times to come up with plans to expand and enhance our lake residence. We finally came upon one that had a design that we liked, and subsequently commenced construction. At this early stage of construction, Steve happened to call “out-of-the-blue” to ask how things were, as we had not talked to him for a few years. I filled him in on what we were doing and he was interested in seeing it. > > He came to the site and overviewed the architectural plans. Since we had worked together years before, he was keenly aware of the furniture that we would be using. I have a very ornate oriental table that is inlayed with mother-of-pearl. Steve felt very strongly that the architectural details did not mesh at all with the furniture. He asked if the architect ever inquired as to the type of furniture that I have, and I told him “No”. Steve said that was a big mistake on the architect’s part. > > Because of that one small question that Steve asked, it saved us from going in a direction that would have not ended up well. Thank God, he has a very holistic vision! He sees and makes sure that both the architecture and interior design work together as a unit and complement each other. He always says, “You can never really separate architecture from interior design.” > > Well, to make a long story shorter, Steve ended up designing everything from custom moldings, a custom stairway and handrails, three custom fireplace surrounds, and custom bookcases so everything would be conducive as architectural backdrops and tie-ins to all the furniture that would come later. > > Wow! And, talking about furniture, he ended up designing several custom furniture pieces. Steve designed custom nightstands for the master bedroom, a Tansu chest for the master bedroom, and an armoire for the master bedroom. Their style and elegance are impressive. In addition, he created a pair of wonderful consoles for sitting right next to the library chaises', as well as a pair of very unique drum tables between the chaises". In short, he envisioned and designed five very exclusive pieces of furniture. > > Steve created all the wonderful and comprehensive architectural millwork. > > All the walls and the cathedral ceilings in the major rooms are covered in custom wallcoverings hand-made in Italy and Japan. The master bedroom walls and cathedral ceiling are covered in hand-painted silk wallcovering … very elegant! > > There is such an immense value added to the final finished look and feel of all the rooms when Steve outshines his peers by incorporating the electrical and specific lighting plans with the floor plan and furniture layout. Rarely, if ever, do interior designers know to do this. Our architects never considered it! How can you, when you don't know what the final finished rooms are going to be like with all the furniture in place? That's where Steve comes in! Nothing looks right if you don't light it right. > > It's become a wonderful environment for living, especially when you couple it up with living on a lake as well. Without Steve, it would never have come to fruition, and we would have missed a great opportunity! We are so appreciative of his time, talent, wisdom, insight, perception, vision, attention to detail, and most of all, his ability to see things done before they become a reality. Because of his knowledge and having carpentry skills as well, he relates very well to contractors and tradesmen. All I can say is WOW! What a blessing to have the right people and the right designer! > > The look he developed is an extension of the tastes, personalities, lifestyle, and dreams of my husband and me. Steve is truly a master of his craft! > > > ABILITY TO SEE THINGS IN THEIR COMPLETED FORM BEFORE THEY ARE FINISHED > This particular attribute that Steve has was extremely beneficial for me. It’s challenging for me to fully explain it, but I will do my best. > > Steve has a very remarkable, valuable, and precious gift. He has a knack to not only envision beautiful interiors, but also the ability to fully explain his ideas in careful and accurate details before they are transformed into reality. I personally do not have that skill, nor could I picture the total finished project in Technicolor before we met. By using specific words, he helped me create a picture in my mind of what he had envisioned. This is a gift to and for him as a designer, but also for the recipient. In this case, I was the recipient. If you are wise, you will be a recipient, too. He is precise with his word choices. I appreciated him taking the time to initially ask the right questions so that we were able to get the best results. > > Would you want to go on an expensive design and decorating journey in uncharted waters without an expert guide?! Do you prefer a guide who can see and visualize things before you arrive at the destination? One who can explain it to you in crisp detail, so that you can see it and feel it before you get there? It’s both an exciting and secure feeling to experience! > > Honestly, I’ve read so many reviews here on Houzz. The majority of the comments include “So and so designer is just awesome and wonderful!” Yet, I don’t see it in their work. I have been to New York City and have immersed myself in some of the best interior design work available. It’s only when you’ve seen and been exposed to the best that you can accurately judge the rest. > > CUSTOM FURNITURE DESIGN > There are many cases in a home where nothing on the market can be found to elicit the right connotation, look, and feel. One can look the world over to find that perfect piece of furniture and not find it. This is where custom furniture design comes into play. It’s absolutely wonderful when you can find within one designer the talent to create great interiors which have ambience. To also have that same person design furniture to go perfectly with it. . . WOW! It reminds me of French history where the Architects/Interior Designers Percier and Fontaine designed not only interiors but all the furniture as well. One can find these types of designers in New York, but it’s a rare treasure to find one in southwest Michigan. > > Steve has a great command of form, shape, proportion, and texture. He has a very fine-tuned eye. This is of immense benefit and value to any discerning client. > > For the master bedroom, Steve designed a custom Japanese stairway chest that was fabricated in three parts. Another piece is an armoire with a gold-leaf arched top and carved finials on the front corners. The double doors were subdivided by moldings in increasingly smaller dimensions moving toward the top and inset with burl veneer and unique hardware pulls. One of my favorites is a pair of custom lacquered nightstands done in an oriental design with beautiful hand-painted oriental scenic fronts. It is designed with radius corners and a scalloped open area beneath the top. The three drawers below are all sitting on a scalloped base. > > The Donghia chaises’ in the library are covered in a hand-blocked, large-scale English chintz. Next to those, Steve designed a pair of consoles with a stepped body covered in Afromosia veneer. These have silk swags on both sides. On the corners were gold-leaf spheres. This base portion sits on a plinth of birds-eye maple with Japanese calligraphy. A marble top is supported by studs which makes it appear to be floating. The marble top rests in a frame that is reeded and gilded. Steve also designed some beautiful cylinder tables that are hand-carved for texture. They are gold-leafed, and wrapped in a suede “napkin” with tassels on the corners and the addition of lion’s head pulls for easy moving. > > It was a treat and a pleasure to have something designed exclusively for me! > > P.S. Check out Steve’s YouTube video, where he has his work side by side with the work of French Architects/Interior Designers Percier and Fontaine. His YouTube design channel is “DesignAmbiance.” > > > LIGHTING DESIGN > When the architect designed my home with cathedral ceilings and a two-story dining room, there was no inclusion of lighting other than what was required by Michigan State codes. We thought that the electrician would automatically know to create lighting for our particular needs. We were fortunate that we started working with Steve before we needed that. Steve said, “It’s always a bad idea to have an electrician do the lighting plan, as they don’t know where furniture and other items will be finally placed. In addition, the fact is electricians are not lighting designers.” > > We ended up with a marvelous lighting plan keyed to the furniture placement. It brought the interior magnificently to life, and it’s more alive now than ever before! Every bulb or lamp was chosen for its’ effect regarding brilliance, color rendition, and textural revelation. > > Anyone building a new home or remodeling an existing space that doesn’t create and use a personalized lighting plan is just in the dark. Without incorporating a specialized lighting plan, you’ll never attain the full level of presentation, even if you place your expensive furniture and accessories in it. > > Steve is the only one that I’ve found who has a total vision. You need Steve’s skills and talents to showcase the particular elements, features, and characteristics in your home. > > CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING > Steve’s artwork selection and custom framing is fantastic! Not only has he designed custom frames and then built them from scratch, but he’s constructed intricate stacked and multiple frames for artwork. His ability to coordinate accessories as well as have artistic inventiveness produces a one-of-a-kind presentation which promotes a cohesive feel within the space. > > BOOK > I recently read portions of Steve’s forthcoming book. It is absolutely fantastic! There’s lots of information that needs to get out there to correct a lot of errors and wrong thinking in the realm of interior design and decoration. It is all about the magic of ambiance and how to achieve it in your home. Your home is the only environment that you can truly control and the only environment that affects your life the most. > > ARTICLES > I want to inform people that Steve has a lot of excellent articles online. He is a Diamond-Level Expert Author on EzineArticles.com. I believe he has around 25 articles written there. I have read many of them, and they are truly excellent. It is definitely worth investing your time to read them. > > SEMINARS > If you haven’t been to one of Steve Adamko’s interior design seminars, you are really missing out. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and informative, but he’s very energetic and animated, too. His funny and humorous personality shines through in his presentation as well. When he gets done explaining things, you would actually need help … to misunderstand him. He's that good. > > WEBINARS > Webinars are some of the best ways to learn and be enlightened on different topics. Steve’s interior design webinars are full of information, helpful tips, and insights. There are designers out there practicing that don’t even know their stuff. A large number of them don’t implement (or know) the stuff that Steve teaches. Many “designers” are thinking they are professionals, yet they are operating without the requisite knowledge. I can see why so many clients are deceived in thinking so much out there is awesome when it truly isn’t. > > TELESEMINARS > For pure information and for those great question and answer sessions in regards to interior design and decorating, you’ll have to partake of Steve Adamko’s teleseminars. They are very insightful. You’ll definitely experience a variety of “ah-ha” moments! ## Selected projects - [Grand Rapids Classic Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-rapids-classic-home-pj-vj~1860628) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 8 - Description: ATMOSPHERE & AMBIANCE. Complete redesign including custom furniture designed by Steven C. Adamko - [Saginaw Family Room and Entry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saginaw-family-room-and-entry-pj-vj~1859166) - Location: Saginaw, MI - Photos: 14 - Description: Total Redo of Family Room and adjacent areas. - [Caribbean ... St. Croix](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/caribbean-st-croix-pj-vj~1859179) - Location: Christiansted, St Croix - Photos: 24 - Description: Total Interior Design - [Flint Area Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flint-area-condo-pj-vj~1883715) - Location: Davison, MI - Photos: 3 - [Gull Lake Interior Designer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gull-lake-interior-designer-pj-vj~1932054) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: I would have to say that even though there a lot of beautiful homes on Gull Lake, (Which is my favorite and blue lake to boat on!) But, there is a lot of disjointed-ness between the architecture and the interior design of many of them. This can be easily be seen on websites like Zillow and other websites. Even though many of the homes could be likened to a Rolls Royce in an architectural sense, the interiors as well as the furniture look like the interiors of a Honda swapped out for the interior… - [Why You Should Hire Interior Designer Steven C. Adamko](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/why-you-should-hire-interior-designer-steven-c-adamko-pj-vj~1993288) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - Description: It is very important who you pick as your interior designer! Referrals from Friends can be very helpful, but they don't always know what is needful and necessary in regards to you and your project. Most people need more interior design orchestration and architectural integration then they are now getting or have received in the past. You need an interior designer who has more " horsepower" then you think you need. Trust me, it comes in handy in a lot of instances! Many people hire interior desig… - [Before and After in Kalamazoo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-after-in-kalamazoo-pj-vj~2043930) - Location: Kalamazoo, MI - Photos: 54 - Description: Redo of a Residence I did 30 years ago. Reupholstered all existing furniture. - [High-End Residential](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-end-residential-pj-vj~1954428) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 27 - Description: ATMOSPHERE & AMBIANCE. High-End Residential by Interior Designer Steven C. Adamko If the designer can do high and residential and commercial, they can do anything in between. If they can do a level 10 work, they can do levels 1 through 10. Make sure that you select the designer that has more "horsepower" than you need. It just might come in handy. - [Kalamazoo Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kalamazoo-home-pj-vj~1859200) - Location: Kalamazoo, MI - Photos: 3 - [Living Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-rooms-pj-vj~1935417) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - [Schedule the Ultimate Interior Design Session](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/schedule-the-ultimate-interior-design-session-pj-vj~2568622) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [The Interior Design Work of Steven C. Adamko next to the Masters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-interior-design-work-of-steven-c-adamko-next-to-the-masters-pj-vj~1905496) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 15 - Description: High-End Work in French style eclectic. - [Interior Designs in a New Light by Steven C. Adamko; Interior Designer & Author](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-designs-in-a-new-light-by-steven-c-adamko-interior-designer-and-author-pj-vj~1956966) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 21 - Description: Total Interior Design and Custom Furniture, Draperies, Toss Pillows by Steven C. Adamko - [Before & After ... Mansion Master Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/before-and-after-mansion-master-bedroom-pj-vj~1940195) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 45 - [Interior Designer Steve Adamko & Baker Furniture Co. - "The McMillen Collection"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-designer-steve-adamko-and-baker-furniture-co-the-mcmillen-collection-pj-vj~2081198) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: Interior Designer Steven C. Adamko is the Only outside Designer to have his work included in Baker Furniture’s Catalog “The McMillen Collection” West Michigan Interior Designer Steven C. Adamko is the Only outside Designer to have his work published in Baker Furniture’s Catalog “The McMillen Collection” ... which includes a collection of furniture from the Prestigious Interior Design Firm McMillen Inc., N.Y, N.Y. Established in 1924. It is the longest standing Interior Design Firm in America! St… - [Professional Reviews for Steven C. Adamko--Interior Designer/Spectrum Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/professional-reviews-for-steven-c-adamko-interior-designer-spectrum-interiors-pj-vj~2063350) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedrooms-pj-vj~1935379) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Elegant French Master Bedroom in a Mansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-french-master-bedroom-in-a-mansion-pj-vj~1859008) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 15 - Description: Mansion Master Bedroom by Steven C. Adamko. "Textbook" Louis XVI architectural backgrounds. Furniture handled eclectically with custom furniture by Steven C. Adamko. - [Steven C. Adamko's Work in Baker Furniture Catalog ... "The McMillen Collection"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steven-c-adamko-s-work-in-baker-furniture-catalog-the-mcmillen-collection-pj-vj~1961475) - Location: East Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 6 - Description: As most people know Baker furniture is a high-end furniture manufacturer seen not only in ads in Architectural Digest but in many celebrities homes. Not many interior designers get their work published in their catalogs, unless they have designed furniture for one of Baker's collections. McMillen in N.Y., N.Y. has been in business continuously since 1924. - [Seminar: Orchestrated Residential Choices for Harmonious Interior Design Schemes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seminar-orchestrated-residential-choices-for-harmonious-interior-design-schemes-pj-vj~2029461) - Location: Kalamazoo, MI - Photos: 8 - Description: Interior Design Schemes Orchestrated by Steven C.Adamko; Interior Designer Color Scheme Considerations The general purpose of the room must be considered as well as the preferences of the owner. The desired ambiance of the room should also be taken into consideration as this is critically important! You don’t just want a “look,” you want the right feeling and ambiance to be presented as a reflection of you as well! [See all 157 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/spectrum-interiors-pfvwus-pf~379663388) ## Community Q&A **Q: Picture Over Toilet** *(in Design Dilemma)* I want to hang this picture over the toilet, but I can’t decide if I should lower it, keep it centered over the toilet, center it on that part of the wall, return this and get a larger size, etc. Suggestions please? Thank you! A: You center it over the toilet just like you center the mirror over the vanity. You're looking at the artwork when you're standing, not when you're sitting on the toilet, unless you have mirror across from the toilet where you can see the picture while sitting down as well. **Q: Help with formal living area** *(in Home Decorating)* We just bought this new house. The owner has not completely moved out but I snapped some pics when we went back to show our kids. I am not a designer and need a little help. I would love to make this room warm and beautiful. I have a couple of ideas already I'll share and also an obstacle I am facing. My ideas: I'd like to white-wash the fireplace. I've looked a lot of photos and tutorials and love the way it looks. I plan on hanging curtains over the windows (probably white), we are painting the trim white and the walls a light grey. My obstacle: My husband is a hunter and therefore we have some deer mounts that will be hung in this room. 4 right now. I am not hanging them in the family room. They are big and take up room but marriage is about compromise, correct? He gets this room. Or that wall where the tv is anyways. I am also posting a photo I found of a way I may arrange them on that wall. I am feeling conflicted on what furniture I should use. There will probably not be a tv here, but it will be used to relax, read a book by the fire, etc. Should I place a chase in front of the fire place, or a couple of comfy chairs and a coffee table? What about the wall they have a large painting hanging? ANY tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. I am very open to new ideas (which is why I am here). Just an fyi, I was standing win the kitchen when I took the pics. I'll post a pic of that too in case that my influence your decision and you can get a good idea of the ENTIRE space. Thank you so much in advance! :) A: I am an interior designer here on Houzz. I'm also a deer hunter, using bow and arrow, shotgun, and a single-shot muzzleloader. I agree it's best for both men and women to feel comfortable in a room. But in certain rooms are is going to be a leaning toward one or the other. Because none of you are deer hunters, you are all missing the point of how this could be handled in a very comprehensive and beautiful way. But the backgrounds have to be right and everything about the room has to be right. The keywords are comprehensive and orchestrated. Yup, I know how to do it **Q: Updated Living Room. I need honest opinions.** *(in Design Dilemma)* 4 years ago, Houzzers helped me style the living room. Since that time I have changed a few things. Installed 2 windows to increase light, new front door, new curtains, new rugs and decor pieces. Thoughts? Advice welcome. Looking for art between the two new windows. of course, finish work will be completed soon as well as new linen blinds. A: Thanks! Great Comments! Excellent stuff here to use in a new seminar! Good luck with room! :-) **Q: Good podcasts?** *(in Home Decorating Conversations)* Lately I have been enjoying listening to podcasts on my commute to work. I generally listen to the New York Times podcast, The Daily. Also Preet Bharara's excellent show Stay Tuned with Preet, and occasionally various NPR offerings. Does anyone listen to podcasts that they would recommend? It doesn't have to be news/current events. Just smart and engaging. A: “Interior Design Beat” by Steven C. Adamko - Interior Designer, Speaker, and Author Description Candid commentary on various interior design subjects and topics including the good, the bad, and the ugly. Telling you like it really is! Giving you the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so you don’t have to hope you are lucky in any type of interior design situation. Steve is dedicated to giving you a healthy dose of Interior Design Commentary, Critique, Interpretation, and Analysis. The “Interior Design Beat” is hosted and produced by Professional Interior Designer Steven C. Adamko who is the Owner and Founder of Spectrum Interiors, established in 1982, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Interior Design Beat on iTunes Interior Design Beat on Stitcher Interior Design Beat on Player.FM Interior Design Beat on TuneIn Interior Design Beat on Podbean Interior Design Beat on Libsyn **Q: Therapist office** *(in Design Dilemma)* This is my new office. I need suggestions on color for the walls. It doesn’t get a lot of light and I want soothing colors but not bland. Want to paint it all one color. A: I would agree with the comment ... "If you have people coming to you who are depressed, I would suggest not going with a gray." **Q: Choosing designer without consultation?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We're not doing a huge remodel. We have a brand new build, very modern. Just need help with paint, furniture, and decor. How do you go about choosing a designer? I want to interview at least 3 before choosing who to work with, but everyone's initial consultations are $350-$500! I can't spend $1000 just interviewing people. How did you go about choosing a designer? A: Continued ... Sophie Wheeler also said on her post , “Anyone who uses the word “just” doesn’t understand the 10,000 decisions required on a build and the value that someone impartial and experienced can bring to that build to assist with those decisions.” She’s also right about that. Never use the word “just” to a real professional. With all due respect, anybody that uses “just” does not understand the complexity and the responsibility that a real professional interior designer brings to the table in order to invest your money properly in order for you to get the greatest value and long-term benefit. If you do that with the word “just”, it just shows your ignorance. Ignorance is not the same thing as stupidity. Ignorance is … Not knowing what you don’t know. Just know that I’m not meaning this as an offense. :-) As I know you’re asking a very important question. I’m just saying this because ignorance seems to run rampant in our world today. I’ve been in this design industry operating at a high level for 38 years. I celebrate excellence! Average and mediocre … I hate it … Kick it to the curb. When it comes to the category “Design Dilemmas,” I am amazed at the type of people that want interior design advice for free. I’m not referring to you wanting help in finding a good interior designer. That is noble! I’m referring to the ones who want free design advice, and then get 82 opinions from everybody on this platform. Talk about adding confusion to confusion. And if they can afford to buy furniture and other aspects for a house, they can surely afford to pay for real professional advice. Just remember now days everybody thinks they are a designer, and the barrier to entry in most states is so low that a Chihuahua could jump over it. Just remember for most people your home is your biggest investment. So make sure you do it right ... once ... the first time, became you may not have the money to do it over again. So it's somewhat like the song says, every step you take, and every move you make … so you better make yours right. Because I’ll be watching you. :-) The "Interior Design Beat" Podcast. On iTunes. Hosted, Presented, and Produced by Steven C. Adamko, Interior Designer NCIDQ, Speaker, Author, Podcaster. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*