After adventures along the Cape, exploring the inlet waterways and discovering all manner of treasures and wildlife, this masculine bedroom is an oasis for the weary traveler. With a view of the great Atlantic just steps away, the ikat trellis wallpaper harkens the bohemian in all of us. Incorporating precious family keepsakes adds to the spirit and essence of this design. Whether seated at the writing desk, or on the pillowed bench, the space gives pause to reflect. With a nod to the artisans of the past, the headboard of the bed was constructed in 1879 by the renowned Ivins & Brother Furniture Bedding Co. of Philadelphia, Pa. The room is enhanced by the natural tones of the carpet; the room’s original hardwood floor has been removed to be utilized in another part of the house. Photo Credit: John Armich

wood ceilings, floating shelves, cork floors and bright blue subway tile quartz and stainless counters put a twist on a traditional Victorian home. The crown moldings and traditional inset cabinets Decora by Masterbrand harken back to the day while the floating shelves and stainless counters give a modern flair. Cork floors are soft underfoot and are perfect in any kitchen.

The broad stroke design of this home harkens to sap houses and agricultural structures of the Northeast which inspired the inclusion of a clerestory, cylindrical silo-like stairwell, and site-harvested stone. It was important for the family of five to have a central living space that felt settled and intimate while being able to host guests. The resulting 36’ x 36’ great room is characterized by its “circle in a square” frame that is the core to the overall basket-like structure. Lower volumes are created, and dimensionality is woven in with arched timber brackets and curving lines. The curves and arches were realized with a combination of double sawn solid timbers and grain-matched glulams “I cannot imagine a day when I will stop smiling at this.” – Shannon, homeowner “Neither my temperament nor my history with Fine Homebuilding inclines me to be impressed by trophy houses, the place is impressive. Your designers and framers did an amazing job—craftsmanship on the highest order.” – Kevin Ireton, writer and former publisher of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Read more about this project from our design team and the homeowners on our blog. Professional Photography: Don Cochran Photography

Karol Steczkowski | 860.770.6705 | www.toprealestatephotos.com

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Andrew VanHarken

Greenhouse-like stages once provided ample light for indoor shooting of classics like I Love Lucy. Today, the lot includes Harlow, a new creative office development that harkens back to those light-filled stages — and provides the perfect environment in which to create the next big thing.

The broad stroke design of this home harkens to sap houses and agricultural structures of the Northeast which inspired the inclusion of a clerestory, cylindrical silo-like stairwell, and site-harvested stone. It was important for the family of five to have a central living space that felt settled and intimate while being able to host guests. The resulting 36’ x 36’ great room is characterized by its “circle in a square” frame that is the core to the overall basket-like structure. Lower volumes are created, and dimensionality is woven in with arched timber brackets and curving lines. The curves and arches were realized with a combination of double sawn solid timbers and grain-matched glulams “I cannot imagine a day when I will stop smiling at this.” – Shannon, homeowner “Neither my temperament nor my history with Fine Homebuilding inclines me to be impressed by trophy houses, the place is impressive. Your designers and framers did an amazing job—craftsmanship on the highest order.” – Kevin Ireton, writer and former publisher of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Read more about this project from our design team and the homeowners on our blog. Professional Photography: Don Cochran Photography

This graceful new Federal style home feels as if it has always stood here, among one of the most historic neighborhoods in the country. Sited on property that has been in the family for generations and overlooking a picturesque cove, the home reflects the region’s classic New England styling. On the approach to the home, a courtyard presents a friendly formality that harkens to over 200 years of architectural history. At the rear, a full-width, deep porch with French doors from every room invites family and friends to interact between the interior and the cove. The interiors are detailed with nautical touches that nod to the home’s waterfront perch.

A clean and simple approach was favored in this 2015 Bloomfield Hills bathroom project. Polished white Thassos tile is mitered to give the illusion of solid blocks on the shower walls and tub surround. A custom mosaic tile from Waterworks in a traditional repeating pattern of stylized daisies adorns the tub wall and wraps around the transom window, harkening back to the home's classic prairie style. A floating mirror appears to hover over the floating vanity topped with a honed Illusion quartzite countertop. A built in makeup table is framed in solid walnut and features a recessed light above the mirror. Twin showers are symmetrically arranged on either side of the tub for pleasing balance and maximum functionality. A lighted, stepped ceiling adds vertical dimension and interest to the space.

WHO IS ROSIE? With more than 20 years combined experience in restoration – from water and fire to roofing, siding and gutters – Rosie’s offers its clients the experience, judgment and knowhow to ensure that your restoration project proceeds as planned, utilizing all the appropriate materials and installation personnel, and in the end returns your property to a like-new condition. We are often asked, “Who is Rosie?” In truth, Rosie is an idea around which three individuals from widely ranging backgrounds came together with common goals and shared values. Key among these values is the core belief that the best way to ensure that we are here for years to come is by growing the company solidly and conservatively. This requires a commitment to customer service, fiscal responsibility, strong leadership and the development of the resources necessary to get any job accomplished. In this light, Rosie’s harkens back to the World War II cultural icon of Rosie the Riveter. She personifies the American work ethic, its “can-do” attitude and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.

Andrew VanHarken

The dining room fireplace is all decked out in a juniper, cedar and hydrangea wreath, garland, and fireplace arrangement. This is a memorable way to create a focal point for a fireplace that won’t be lit. Gold accents harken back to the gold-rimmed china settings.

This award-winning whole house renovation of a circa 1875 single family home in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC provides the client with an open and more functional layout without requiring an addition. After major structural repairs and creating one uniform floor level and ceiling height, we were able to make a truly open concept main living level, achieving the main goal of the client. The large kitchen was designed for two busy home cooks who like to entertain, complete with a built-in mud bench. The water heater and air handler are hidden inside full height cabinetry. A new gas fireplace clad with reclaimed vintage bricks graces the dining room. A new hand-built staircase harkens to the home's historic past. The laundry was relocated to the second floor vestibule. The three upstairs bathrooms were fully updated as well. Final touches include new hardwood floor and color scheme throughout the home.

Karol Steczkowski | 860.770.6705 | www.toprealestatephotos.com

The living room features a custom concrete fireplace inlaid with copper, inspired by Japanese Kintsugi pottery. A glowing overhead light handmade from washi paper harkens a resemblance to whales and seashells, a quiet reference to the ocean nearby. Reclaimed, FSC certified elm wood flooring with a no VOC finish was used throughout the home, bringing in natural color and patterning while giving careful consideration to environmental impact. No VOC paints were used throughout the home. A coffee table made by a local artisan offers dual surfaces for storage, with a slim profile that lets the fireplace and overhead light shine. A painting by Kaoru Mansour reflects the homeowners love of birds, and brings in a glimpse of nature in the evening. Delicate peonies in a glass ombre vase complement the detailed work of art.

The broad stroke design of this home harkens to sap houses and agricultural structures of the Northeast which inspired the inclusion of a clerestory, cylindrical silo-like stairwell, and site-harvested stone. It was important for the family of five to have a central living space that felt settled and intimate while being able to host guests. The resulting 36’ x 36’ great room is characterized by its “circle in a square” frame that is the core to the overall basket-like structure. Lower volumes are created, and dimensionality is woven in with arched timber brackets and curving lines. The curves and arches were realized with a combination of double sawn solid timbers and grain-matched glulams “I cannot imagine a day when I will stop smiling at this.” – Shannon, homeowner “Neither my temperament nor my history with Fine Homebuilding inclines me to be impressed by trophy houses, the place is impressive. Your designers and framers did an amazing job—craftsmanship on the highest order.” – Kevin Ireton, writer and former publisher of Fine Homebuilding Magazine. Read more about this project from our design team and the homeowners on our blog. Professional Photography: Don Cochran Photography

Harkenning to a time passed glass beads adorned the bottom of the dining chairs creating a glistening fringe that accented the crystals on the chandelier above. John Ellis

Seems like the ‘80s weren’t all that long ago. Reminiscing about music from the period harkens me back to all kinds of good feelings. The era’s kitchen and bath design, however, causes me to repress a bit of vomit. The lack of creativity, coupled with a love of beige and cheap brass, still makes my skin crawl. Some builder must have purchased entire container ships of that tile. Enter this bath. The homeowners did their best to add color, but nothing could hide the elements so popular in the day. In attempting to provide something outside the norm (the shower tower), yet warm and inviting, (curved half-wall behind the curved freestanding tub; compressed ceilings above smaller items), and safe (large, curbless shower with door wide enough for future wheelchair), I endeavored to create a bath that would stand time’s test. It didn’t hurt that the clients, second-timers (see Modern Walnut Kitchen and Great Room) and a delight to work with, had strong opinions. The photos will be retaken soon (we didn’t stage the shoot), but they give an idea of the space.