CLIENT GOALS This spectacular Victorian was built in 1890 for Joseph Budde, an inventor, patent holder, and major manufacturer of the flush toilet. Through its more than 130-year life, this home evolved with the many incarnations of the Haight District. The most significant was the street modification that made way for the Haight Street railway line in the early 1920s. At that time, streets and sidewalks widened, causing the straight-line, two-story staircase to take a turn. In the 1920s, stucco and terrazzo were considered modern and low-maintenance materials and were often used to replace the handmade residential carpentry that would have graced this spectacular staircase. Sometime during the 1990s, the entire entry door assembly was removed and replaced with another “modern” solution. Our clients challenged Centoni to recreate the original staircase and entry. OUR DESIGN SOLUTION Through a partnership with local artisans and support from San Francisco Historical Planners, team Centoni sourced information from the public library that included original photographs, writings on Cranston and Keenan, and the history of the Haight. Though no specific photo has yet to be sourced, we are confident the design choices are in the spirit of the original and are based on remnants of the original porch discovered under the 1920s stucco. Through this journey, the staircase foundation was reengineered, the staircase designed and built, the original entry doors recreated, the stained glass transom created (including replication of the original hand-painted bird-theme rondels, many rotted decorated elements hand-carved, new and historic lighting installed, and a new iron handrail designed and fabricated.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.

Designed and installed in the summer of 2013, this Carmel residence is a true gem. The clients asked BPI to design a space to accommodate several outdoor living needs. The BPI design team creatively designed the space to allow each aspect of the space to flow from one to the other, but to also create separation so it did not feel too large or lack scale. The use of angles to separate the covered space from the fire pit was a clever way in doing just that. The gas fire pit is surrounded by stone seating walls, which allows for neighborhood kids to join in on the fun of smores nights. The adult space is covered by a cedar pergola to shelter from the sun and provide a sense of scale to the space. The raised planters along the house allow for another dimension of the space but also allowed the team to hide unsightly portions of the foundation. This space lives great and looks fantastic.

Kitchen in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Trailside View Residence | Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of. Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic. Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation. Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.

Bathroom in Trailside View | Refined Transitional Home in Scottsdale, AZ | Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings | Project Name: Trailside View Residence | Key Feature: A full home remodel and furnishings project anchored by white oak cabinetry and countertops, where the clients gave Living with Lolo real creative freedom to play with bold fabrics, wallpapers, and drapery that most homeowners would talk themselves out of. Challenge: Transitional design can play it safe by default, neutral palette, inoffensive finishes, nothing that makes you catch your breath. The remodel needed a strong foundation that felt refined and timeless, but the clients wanted more than that. They wanted a home with personality, and the challenge was channeling that creative openness into something cohesive rather than chaotic. Solution: Living with Lolo used white oak cabinetry and countertops to ground the remodel in warmth and quiet sophistication, then let the soft goods carry the personality. Bold fabric choices, expressive wallpapers, and thoughtful drapery gave each room its own moment without losing the thread that connected the whole home. Because the remodel and furnishings were managed together under one roof, the bolder design choices landed the way they were intended to rather than feeling like afterthoughts layered onto a finished renovation. Materials: White oak cabinetry, white oak countertops, curated wallpapers, bold upholstery fabrics, custom drapery, and layered accessories sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships. Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 | Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

The most transformative part of the project was the addition of the primary suite. Our clients wanted this space to be more than just a bedroom—it needed to become an integral part of their daily routine, where they could truly unwind after a long day and start each morning with intention. Because they worked from home, we connected the suite to their lounge office through a private seating room, allowing them to ease into the workday feeling refreshed and retreat just as easily afterward without ever leaving their sanctuary. Designed as a retreat, the suite features exposed wood beams that add character and warmth, while the walls are painted in White Flour by Sherwin-Williams for a soft, airy backdrop. Overhead, a Williams Sonoma Ingrid chandelier serves as a warm focal point, bringing elegance with a modern edge. A walk-in closet with glass-and-iron doors provides a boutique-like entrance, while the bedroom flows seamlessly into the spa bathroom. The bathroom walls are painted in that same Swiss Coffee by Sherwin-Williams, creating a light and calming foundation for the warm wood tones of the floating double vanity. At the heart of the room, the freestanding Kohler tub rests on a bed of smooth river stones, creating a grounding focal point that welcomes our clients to truly unwind. The zero-entry shower, finished with Kenridge Ribbon Maple Matte porcelain tile, adds an organic warmth, while Kohler matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast. This balance of natural warmth and modern refinement turned the suite into more than just a functional addition—it became the personal retreat our clients had envisioned, perfectly supporting their lifestyle of working, resting, and recharging at home.