Perched on a ridge at the edge of a wooded expanse, this mid-century modern home was designed to embrace both the intimate connection to the forest and the expansive valley views beyond. The site—carefully chosen from the family’s 52-acre homestead in western Wisconsin—balances privacy and openness, placing the home at the meeting point of dense trees and rolling fields. The approach winds through the forest, offering only glimpses of the structure. Upon arrival, the parking area is subtly positioned below the main level, reinforcing the sense of discovery. As one ascends the entry walk, the house unfolds, revealing a dramatic view through the two-story living space, anchored by a brick fireplace that extends from floor to ceiling. The asymmetrical roofline lifts upward, accentuating the openness and maximizing natural light. Inside, warm materials define the interiors. Wood ceilings and floors, complemented by concrete-look tile, establish a natural, grounded aesthetic. Black wood-clad beams provide scale and structure, subtly delineating spaces within the open-plan layout. A wood lattice screen partially conceals the dining area from the foyer, offering both openness and privacy. The kitchen—designed for gathering—features a large island, a dedicated baking station, and a breakfast counter that catches morning light while serving as a pass-through to the adjacent patio. Two textured glass sliding panels allow the kitchen to be closed off when needed. Just beyond, a hidden gem: the home’s personal Tiki room, complete with a vintage mug collection and a full bar. To the east, the central fireplace marks the transition to more intimate spaces. A wide stair, integrated with the hearth, leads to the lower level, while a library with a corner window creates a quiet retreat, perfect for reading and taking in the valley beyond. The primary suite extends off this wing, featuring a spa-like bath with a textured tile walk-in shower, a soaking tub positioned for dramatic views, and a private balcony overlooking the landscape. The lower level is designed for family gatherings and extended stays. A secondary fireplace, echoing the materials of the main level, anchors a cozy living area with an adjacent kitchenette. Additional bedrooms and baths provide ample accommodations, while a hidden playhouse under the stair and a dedicated bunk room add playful touches for visiting grandchildren. The home is a balance of openness and enclosure, modernity and warmth—designed not only as a retreat but as a multigenerational gathering place, deeply connected to the land.

Written by Mary Kate Hogan for Westchester Home Magazine. "The Goal: The family that cooks together has the most fun — especially when their kitchen is equipped with four ovens and tons of workspace. After a first-floor renovation of a home for a couple with four grown children, the new kitchen features high-tech appliances purchased through Royal Green and a custom island with a connected table to seat family, friends, and cooking spectators. An old dining room was eliminated, and the whole area was transformed into one open, L-shaped space with a bar and family room. “They wanted to expand the kitchen and have more of an entertaining room for their family gatherings,” says designer Danielle Florie. She designed the kitchen so that two or three people can work at the same time, with a full sink in the island that’s big enough for cleaning vegetables or washing pots and pans. Key Features: Well-Stocked Bar: The bar area adjacent to the kitchen doubles as a coffee center. Topped with a leathered brown marble, the bar houses the coffee maker as well as a wine refrigerator, beverage fridge, and built-in ice maker. Upholstered swivel chairs encourage people to gather and stay awhile. Finishing Touches: Counters around the kitchen and the island are covered with a Cambria quartz that has the light, airy look the homeowners wanted and resists stains and scratches. A geometric marble tile backsplash is an eye-catching decorative element. Into the Wood: The larger table in the kitchen was handmade for the family and matches the island base. On the floor, wood planks with a warm gray tone run diagonally for added interest." Bilotta Designer: Danielle Florie Photographer: Phillip Ennis

A 20-year old builder kitchen that desperately needed an update. That is why the Louds called us. A few years previously, we had completed a finished basement project for them that you can view here: https://www.allrd.com/project/loud-basement/ To connect the kitchen a little more with the dining room, we opened the doorway as wide and high as we could. One special feature of the kitchen is the beverage pantry. It was something the homeowner had seen online and wanted to make practical. Because pull outdoors would have been in the way, we went with slide-in, fold-out doors like what you would see in an entertainment center. The other unique feature of the kitchen is the center island. The blue was chosen to match the color theme of the connecting living room. The solid wood countertop is a striking centerpiece that steals the show. The cooktop was moved to the island, but because the homeowner did not want a bulky range hood hanging from the ceiling, we had to get creative with a downdraft range vent and a fan mounted on the outside of the house to pull the air out. Another interesting aspect to the cooktop is that we had originally recommended an induction cooktop instead of regular electric cooktop. The reason being that an induction cooktop cools instantly the moment the pot is removed whereas an electric cooktop stays hot but with no visual cue to warn you. The homeowner initially decided to go with the less expensive electric cooktop. But, before we had even finished construction, one of the family members slid their hand over the cooktop while walking by just after a pan had been removed and got burned. Immediately the homeowner requested we install the induction cooktop instead. Soft Maple Cabinets painted Simply White, Taj Mihal Granite countertops, farmhouse sink, 3” x 6” Antiqua Ceramic tile backsplash in Feelings Grigio, 30” Dacor HoodDowndraft vent, Luxury Vinyl tile floor, and LED i-Lighting undercabinet lighting.

A 20-year old builder kitchen that desperately needed an update. That is why the Louds called us. A few years previously, we had completed a finished basement project for them that you can view here: https://www.allrd.com/project/loud-basement/ To connect the kitchen a little more with the dining room, we opened the doorway as wide and high as we could. One special feature of the kitchen is the beverage pantry. It was something the homeowner had seen online and wanted to make practical. Because pull outdoors would have been in the way, we went with slide-in, fold-out doors like what you would see in an entertainment center. The other unique feature of the kitchen is the center island. The blue was chosen to match the color theme of the connecting living room. The solid wood countertop is a striking centerpiece that steals the show. The cooktop was moved to the island, but because the homeowner did not want a bulky range hood hanging from the ceiling, we had to get creative with a downdraft range vent and a fan mounted on the outside of the house to pull the air out. Another interesting aspect to the cooktop is that we had originally recommended an induction cooktop instead of regular electric cooktop. The reason being that an induction cooktop cools instantly the moment the pot is removed whereas an electric cooktop stays hot but with no visual cue to warn you. The homeowner initially decided to go with the less expensive electric cooktop. But, before we had even finished construction, one of the family members slid their hand over the cooktop while walking by just after a pan had been removed and got burned. Immediately the homeowner requested we install the induction cooktop instead. Soft Maple Cabinets painted Simply White, Taj Mihal Granite countertops, farmhouse sink, 3” x 6” Antiqua Ceramic tile backsplash in Feelings Grigio, 30” Dacor HoodDowndraft vent, Luxury Vinyl tile floor, and LED i-Lighting undercabinet lighting.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

We loved updating this 1977 house giving our clients a more transitional kitchen, living room and powder bath. Our clients are very busy and didn’t want too many options. Our designers narrowed down their selections and gave them just enough options to choose from without being overwhelming. In the kitchen, we replaced the cabinetry without changing the locations of the walls, doors openings or windows. All finished were replaced with beautiful cabinets, counter tops, sink, back splash and faucet hardware. In the Master bathroom, we added all new finishes. There are two closets in the bathroom that did not change but everything else did. We.added pocket doors to the bedroom, where there were no doors before. Our clients wanted taller 36” height cabinets and a seated makeup vanity, so we were able to accommodate those requests without any problems. We added new lighting, mirrors, counter top and all new plumbing fixtures in addition to removing the soffits over the vanities and the shower, really opening up the space and giving it a new modern look. They had also been living with the cold and hot water reversed in the shower, so we also fixed that for them! In their living room, they wanted to update the dark paneling, remove the large stone from the curved fireplace wall and they wanted a new mantel. We flattened the wall, added a TV niche above fireplace and moved the cable connections, so they have exactly what they wanted. We left the wood paneling on the walls but painted them a light color to brighten up the room. There was a small wet bar between the living room and their family room. They liked the bar area but didn’t feel that they needed the sink, so we removed and capped the water lines and gave the bar an updated look by adding new counter tops and shelving. They had some previous water damage to their floors, so the wood flooring was replaced throughout the den and all connecting areas, making the transition from one room to the other completely seamless. In the end, the clients love their new space and are able to really enjoy their updated home and now plan stay there for a little longer! Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging Less

We designed this 3,162 square foot home for empty-nesters who love lake life. Functionally, the home accommodates multiple generations. Elderly in-laws stay for prolonged periods, and the homeowners are thinking ahead to their own aging in place. This required two master suites on the first floor. Accommodations were made for visiting children upstairs. Aside from the functional needs of the occupants, our clients desired a home which maximizes indoor connection to the lake, provides covered outdoor living, and is conducive to entertaining. Our concept celebrates the natural surroundings through materials, views, daylighting, and building massing. We placed all main public living areas along the rear of the house to capitalize on the lake views while efficiently stacking the bedrooms and bathrooms in a two-story side wing. Secondary support spaces are integrated across the front of the house with the dramatic foyer. The front elevation, with painted green and natural wood siding and soffits, blends harmoniously with wooded surroundings. The lines and contrasting colors of the light granite wall and silver roofline draws attention toward the entry and through the house to the real focus: the water. The one-story roof over the garage and support spaces takes flight at the entry, wraps the two-story wing, turns, and soars again toward the lake as it approaches the rear patio. The granite wall extending from the entry through the interior living space is mirrored along the opposite end of the rear covered patio. These granite bookends direct focus to the lake. Passive systems contribute to the efficiency. Southeastern exposure of the glassy rear façade is modulated while views are celebrated. Low, northeastern sun angles are largely blocked by the patio’s stone wall and roofline. As the sun rises southward, the exposed façade becomes glassier, but is protected by deep roof overhangs and a trellised awning. These cut out the higher late morning sun angles. In winter, when sun angles are lower, the morning light floods the living spaces, warming the thermal mass of the exposed concrete floor.

A 20-year old builder kitchen that desperately needed an update. That is why the Louds called us. A few years previously, we had completed a finished basement project for them that you can view here: https://www.allrd.com/project/loud-basement/ To connect the kitchen a little more with the dining room, we opened the doorway as wide and high as we could. One special feature of the kitchen is the beverage pantry. It was something the homeowner had seen online and wanted to make practical. Because pull outdoors would have been in the way, we went with slide-in, fold-out doors like what you would see in an entertainment center. The other unique feature of the kitchen is the center island. The blue was chosen to match the color theme of the connecting living room. The solid wood countertop is a striking centerpiece that steals the show. The cooktop was moved to the island, but because the homeowner did not want a bulky range hood hanging from the ceiling, we had to get creative with a downdraft range vent and a fan mounted on the outside of the house to pull the air out. Another interesting aspect to the cooktop is that we had originally recommended an induction cooktop instead of regular electric cooktop. The reason being that an induction cooktop cools instantly the moment the pot is removed whereas an electric cooktop stays hot but with no visual cue to warn you. The homeowner initially decided to go with the less expensive electric cooktop. But, before we had even finished construction, one of the family members slid their hand over the cooktop while walking by just after a pan had been removed and got burned. Immediately the homeowner requested we install the induction cooktop instead. Soft Maple Cabinets painted Simply White, Taj Mihal Granite countertops, farmhouse sink, 3” x 6” Antiqua Ceramic tile backsplash in Feelings Grigio, 30” Dacor HoodDowndraft vent, Luxury Vinyl tile floor, and LED i-Lighting undercabinet lighting.

Dennis and Joe have a large, light-filled house. New construction meant lofted space and open floor plans with traditional styling. Running a busy dental practice by day and engaged in a rich social life by night, this couple needed a professional to take the lead on making their house a home. That’s my cue! They wanted to take risks, and stay away from “matchy-matchy”. We gussied up a plain ol’ TV room and gave it a healthy dose of luxury. Our plan was initially inspired by an abstract painting hanging over their stone fireplace. We brought in their love of the outdoors to make things cozy and used family furniture whenever possible for nostalgia and comfort. I took their love for one-of-a-kind objects and started making a design plan, aiming to solve their biggest frustration: the family room. They had a tortured relationship with a “forgotten family room,” a great space that was spacious and bright, but not at all cozy or joyful, and certainly not “them.” I wanted to create a cozy space functional for everyday curling up with puppies and watching TV after dinner, yet chic enough for hosting the pre-dinner kitchen overflow and cocktails during parties. I went looking for contrasting textures and materials. I wanted to balance patterns and scale, and use non-traditional colors as neutrals to create an overall sense of “BAM!” Dennis and Joe loved the nod to the classics juxtaposed with new and different globally-inspired pieces. For this project our design aesthetic can be described as Middle Eastern/tribal meets mid-century modern. We played to their sensible side with proportion and balance, and stayed as far away from boring/bleh as we could. You could say this room was pretty successful...It was featured in DC Modern Luxury. (#nobigdeal, right?) From there we moved on to other spaces.. We added colorful pillows and sheer drapery to finish off their formal living room. We kept an inherited bedroom set from Dennis’ Mom and added color, draperies, and pillows to overhaul the guest bedroom. Their project was not a rip-and-replace, we weren’t starting from scratch with a blank piece of paper. Rather, our goal was to take what was already there and make it better, more like them. Using functionality first, we focused on giving the house a soothing, joyful aesthetic. We upped the chic factor by a gajillion and helped them find their ‘happy’ at home. See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

Dennis and Joe have a large, light-filled house. New construction meant lofted space and open floor plans with traditional styling. Running a busy dental practice by day and engaged in a rich social life by night, this couple needed a professional to take the lead on making their house a home. That’s my cue! They wanted to take risks, and stay away from “matchy-matchy”. We gussied up a plain ol’ TV room and gave it a healthy dose of luxury. Our plan was initially inspired by an abstract painting hanging over their stone fireplace. We brought in their love of the outdoors to make things cozy and used family furniture whenever possible for nostalgia and comfort. I took their love for one-of-a-kind objects and started making a design plan, aiming to solve their biggest frustration: the family room. They had a tortured relationship with a “forgotten family room,” a great space that was spacious and bright, but not at all cozy or joyful, and certainly not “them.” I wanted to create a cozy space functional for everyday curling up with puppies and watching TV after dinner, yet chic enough for hosting the pre-dinner kitchen overflow and cocktails during parties. I went looking for contrasting textures and materials. I wanted to balance patterns and scale, and use non-traditional colors as neutrals to create an overall sense of “BAM!” Dennis and Joe loved the nod to the classics juxtaposed with new and different globally-inspired pieces. For this project our design aesthetic can be described as Middle Eastern/tribal meets mid-century modern. We played to their sensible side with proportion and balance, and stayed as far away from boring/bleh as we could. You could say this room was pretty successful...It was featured in DC Modern Luxury. (#nobigdeal, right?) From there we moved on to other spaces.. We added colorful pillows and sheer drapery to finish off their formal living room. We kept an inherited bedroom set from Dennis’ Mom and added color, draperies, and pillows to overhaul the guest bedroom. Their project was not a rip-and-replace, we weren’t starting from scratch with a blank piece of paper. Rather, our goal was to take what was already there and make it better, more like them. Using functionality first, we focused on giving the house a soothing, joyful aesthetic. We upped the chic factor by a gajillion and helped them find their ‘happy’ at home. See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

We loved updating this 1977 house giving our clients a more transitional kitchen, living room and powder bath. Our clients are very busy and didn’t want too many options. Our designers narrowed down their selections and gave them just enough options to choose from without being overwhelming. In the kitchen, we replaced the cabinetry without changing the locations of the walls, doors openings or windows. All finished were replaced with beautiful cabinets, counter tops, sink, back splash and faucet hardware. In the Master bathroom, we added all new finishes. There are two closets in the bathroom that did not change but everything else did. We.added pocket doors to the bedroom, where there were no doors before. Our clients wanted taller 36” height cabinets and a seated makeup vanity, so we were able to accommodate those requests without any problems. We added new lighting, mirrors, counter top and all new plumbing fixtures in addition to removing the soffits over the vanities and the shower, really opening up the space and giving it a new modern look. They had also been living with the cold and hot water reversed in the shower, so we also fixed that for them! In their living room, they wanted to update the dark paneling, remove the large stone from the curved fireplace wall and they wanted a new mantel. We flattened the wall, added a TV niche above fireplace and moved the cable connections, so they have exactly what they wanted. We left the wood paneling on the walls but painted them a light color to brighten up the room. There was a small wet bar between the living room and their family room. They liked the bar area but didn’t feel that they needed the sink, so we removed and capped the water lines and gave the bar an updated look by adding new counter tops and shelving. They had some previous water damage to their floors, so the wood flooring was replaced throughout the den and all connecting areas, making the transition from one room to the other completely seamless. In the end, the clients love their new space and are able to really enjoy their updated home and now plan stay there for a little longer! Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging Less

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

A 20-year old builder kitchen that desperately needed an update. That is why the Louds called us. A few years previously, we had completed a finished basement project for them that you can view here: https://www.allrd.com/project/loud-basement/ To connect the kitchen a little more with the dining room, we opened the doorway as wide and high as we could. One special feature of the kitchen is the beverage pantry. It was something the homeowner had seen online and wanted to make practical. Because pull outdoors would have been in the way, we went with slide-in, fold-out doors like what you would see in an entertainment center. The other unique feature of the kitchen is the center island. The blue was chosen to match the color theme of the connecting living room. The solid wood countertop is a striking centerpiece that steals the show. The cooktop was moved to the island, but because the homeowner did not want a bulky range hood hanging from the ceiling, we had to get creative with a downdraft range vent and a fan mounted on the outside of the house to pull the air out. Another interesting aspect to the cooktop is that we had originally recommended an induction cooktop instead of regular electric cooktop. The reason being that an induction cooktop cools instantly the moment the pot is removed whereas an electric cooktop stays hot but with no visual cue to warn you. The homeowner initially decided to go with the less expensive electric cooktop. But, before we had even finished construction, one of the family members slid their hand over the cooktop while walking by just after a pan had been removed and got burned. Immediately the homeowner requested we install the induction cooktop instead. Soft Maple Cabinets painted Simply White, Taj Mihal Granite countertops, farmhouse sink, 3” x 6” Antiqua Ceramic tile backsplash in Feelings Grigio, 30” Dacor HoodDowndraft vent, Luxury Vinyl tile floor, and LED i-Lighting undercabinet lighting.

Several years ago, one couple began an extensive renovation of this East Denver home. The residence was originally designed by Victor Hornbein, a legendary local architect best known for his work (along with Ed White) on the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The homeowner, himself an architect, spearheaded the project with the goal of staying true to Hornbein's original vision. Part of the two-year restoration included the addition of state-of-the-art appliances and lighting, and eventually the planning of the audio/video. Because the homeowners wanted to have the functionality of a first-rate home theater in a multipurpose room, ListenUp designed a setup featuring a wall-mounted 84-inch Sony 4K TV. The sleek Salamander credenza houses a McIntosh LCR80 center channel speaker, the top-of-the-line MX151 preamp/processor, an MC303 pwoer amp, and the MVP 891 universal disc player. The credenza is flanked by tow McIntosh XR100 speakers whose high-gloss finish mirrors that of the cabinet's smoked-glass doors. The surround channels are handled by two CS100 in-ceiling speakers, and three REL subwoofers deliver dramatic deep bass. This is truly a whole-house audio system, with 12 zones of audio throughout the home and outdoor areas. Family members can access their favorite music services and music stored on a local hard drive. A high-quality Pro-Ject turntable is even wired into the system. In the kitchen and some of the other first-floor rooms, the mid-century modern design is enhanced by custom wood and fabric grille covers for the architectural speakers. The pool area benefits from a Sonance outdoor system that employs strategically located speakers along with an underground subwoofer. And, of course, it's all connected to the Sonos system for endless entertainment options. Photo Credit: Vicki Kerr Photography

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Our clients came to us for help with a dated suburban home that they had built in the early 1990s, but that hadn't been lived in (or touched) for many years. They were moving back to the area and knew the house would need significant work before they could move back in. The house had great bones, but was in desperate need of a facelift. We went to work determining what could stay and what needed to go. The oak paneling in the library and fireplace mantel were great and just needed to be re-finished. The traditional oak cabinetry and soffited lighting in the kitchen had to go. We helped our clients with every last detail of their new home, down to bedding and flatware. When they moved back into their stylish home, it was new all over again.

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards For years, Jeff and Ellen Miller spent their vacations sailing in Northern Michigan—so they had plenty of time to check out which small harbor town they might like to retire to someday. When that time arrived several years ago, they looked at properties up and down the coast and along inland lakes. When they discovered a sweet piece on the outskirts of Boyne City that included waterfront and a buildable lot, with a garage on it, across the street, they knew they’d found home. The couple figured they could find plans for their dream lake cottage online. After all, they weren’t looking to build anything grandiose. Just a small-to-medium sized contemporary Craftsman. But after an unfruitful online search they gave up, frustrated. Every plan they found had the back of the house facing the water—they needed a blueprint for a home that fronted on the water. The Millers first met the woman, Stephanie Baldwin, Owner & President of Edgewater Design Group, who solved that issue and a number of others on the 2015 Northern Home & Cottage Petoskey Area Home Tour. Baldwin’s home that year was a smart, 2000-square cottage on Crooked Lake with simple lines and a Craftsman sensibility. That home proved to the couple that Edgewater Design Group is as proficient at small homes as the larger ones they are often known for. Edgewater Design Group did indeed come up with the perfect plan for the Millers. At 2400 square feet, the simple Craftsman with its 3 bedrooms, vaulted ceiling in the great room and upstairs deck is everything the Millers wanted—including the fact that construction stayed within their budget. An extra courtesy of working with the talented design team is a screened in porch facing the lake (“She told us, of course you have to have a screened in porch,” Ellen says. “And we love it!’) Edgewater’s other touches are more subtle. The Millers wanted to keep the garage, but the home needed to be sited on a small knoll some feet away in order to capture the views of Lake Charlevoix across the street. The solution is a covered walkway and steps that are so artful they enhance the home. Another favor Baldwin did for them was to connect them with Legacy Construction, a firm known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Miller home, outfitted with touches including custom molding, cherry cabinetry, a stunning custom range hood, built in shelving and custom vanities. A warm hickory floor and lovely earth-toned Craftsman-style color palette pull it all together, while a fireplace mantel hewn from a tree taken on the property rounds out this gracious lake cottage.

We loved updating this 1977 house giving our clients a more transitional kitchen, living room and powder bath. Our clients are very busy and didn’t want too many options. Our designers narrowed down their selections and gave them just enough options to choose from without being overwhelming. In the kitchen, we replaced the cabinetry without changing the locations of the walls, doors openings or windows. All finished were replaced with beautiful cabinets, counter tops, sink, back splash and faucet hardware. In the Master bathroom, we added all new finishes. There are two closets in the bathroom that did not change but everything else did. We.added pocket doors to the bedroom, where there were no doors before. Our clients wanted taller 36” height cabinets and a seated makeup vanity, so we were able to accommodate those requests without any problems. We added new lighting, mirrors, counter top and all new plumbing fixtures in addition to removing the soffits over the vanities and the shower, really opening up the space and giving it a new modern look. They had also been living with the cold and hot water reversed in the shower, so we also fixed that for them! In their den, they wanted to update the dark paneling, remove the large stone from the curved fireplace wall and they wanted a new mantel. We flattened the wall, added a TV niche above fireplace and moved the cable connections, so they have exactly what they wanted. We left the wood paneling on the walls but painted them a light color to brighten up the room. There was a small wet bar between the den and their family room. They liked the bar area but didn’t feel that they needed the sink, so we removed and capped the water lines and gave the bar an updated look by adding new counter tops and shelving. They had some previous water damage to their floors, so the wood flooring was replaced throughout the den and all connecting areas, making the transition from one room to the other completely seamless. In the end, the clients love their new space and are able to really enjoy their updated home and now plan stay there for a little longer! Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging Less