Flora Fireplace: Arts & Crafts Charm in a Michigan Cottage Nature takes center stage in this handcrafted ceramic tile fireplace surround in Boyne City, Michigan. Designed for an English cottage-inspired home, the installation features Motawi Tileworks' 6x6 Flora art tile in the Ivy colorway, paired with coordinating Bay Leaf 5213 field tile in soft, earthy green. A classic clipped-corner pattern in Bone 5000 and Black Matte 5157 creates a distinctive tiled “hearth rug,” adding geometric contrast to the graceful botanical design above. Homeowner Judy Parrott collaborated with Motawi designer Jessica Pruss and her son, who built the home, to create a fireplace inspired by her love of William Morris, the Arts & Crafts movement, and the natural beauty of northern Michigan. The custom wood mantel and built-in bookshelves complete the composition, creating a warm, inviting focal point where handcrafted tile and thoughtful architecture come together. Location: Boyne City, Michigan Completed: 2024 Tile Manufacturer: Motawi Tileworks, Ann Arbor, Michigan Design: Jessica Pruss, Motawi Tileworks Tile: Flora 6x6 in Ivy; Bay Leaf 5213 field tile; Bone 5000 and Black Matte 5157 hearth tile

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

A masterclass in serene minimalism, this bathroom blends simplicity with thoughtful elegance. A freestanding soaking tub takes center stage, sculptural and smooth, resting beneath a wall of vertical wooden slats that bring warmth and rhythm to the space. Light filters gently from an unseen skylight, softening the crisp geometry of the pale plaster walls. The flooring—clean, seamless, and likely polished concrete—grounds the space in calm neutrality. A slim, wall-mounted wood vanity with a rectangular vessel sink adds function without clutter, its lines echoing the vertical slats behind. Minimalist fixtures in matte black or brushed nickel punctuate the palette, modern but quiet, allowing the materials and natural light to speak. There’s no art, no flourish—just architecture, light, and material in perfect harmony. A retreat for the senses, designed to slow the pace and clear the mind."

This beautifully appointed primary bathroom blends refined finishes with spa-inspired comfort. A freestanding Kohler Memoirs soaking tub takes center stage, complemented by an open-concept walk-in shower and elegant double vanities. Greenfield Augusta Shaker cabinetry in Coastal stain with a satin finish adds warmth and character, accented by Top Knobs Ascendra pulls in polished nickel. MSI Calacatta Elysio quartz enhances the countertops, shower threshold, and niche shelves with sophisticated veining. The shower features Miramo Sand mosaic tile on the partition wall, Yosemite Lyell 2" x 2" mosaic tile on the shower floor and accent wall, and coordinating 12" x 24" Yosemite Lyell floor tile. Kohler Artifacts faucets, sinks, and coordinating hardware bring classic elegance to the vanity area. Minka Lavery Calera wall sconces and a striking Tilbury six-light chandelier illuminate the space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The result is a luxurious retreat where thoughtful details, rich textures, and timeless design come together beautifully.

This 1952 Huntington Woods bungalow once had a peninsula jutting into the space, cutting off the flow and making entertaining nearly impossible. The homeowners love to cook and gather with friends, so creating a space that felt connected and welcoming was key. By removing the peninsula and adding a run of shallow pantries opposite the cooktop, the new layout feels more open while also adding valuable storage. The countertop now wraps the corner into a built-in banquette where the couple can sit with guests just off the kitchen, keeping everyone part of the conversation. The cabinetry is designed for real, everyday cooking, with thoughtful details like angled utensil dividers, pegs for dishes and pans, a spice pullout, and tray dividers above the oven. Panel-ready appliances keep the space streamlined, allowing the materials to take center stage. The combination of moody blue base cabinets, white oak uppers, and brushed pewters hardware gives the kitchen a grounded, confident feel that fits the home’s character and the way the couple loves to live. Contractor: MAV Design + Build Photographer: Jacob Hawkins Photography

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space. The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces. The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality. The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs. Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication. Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas. The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space. The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces. The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality. The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs. Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication. Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas. The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

Flora Fireplace: Arts & Crafts Charm in a Michigan Cottage Nature takes center stage in this handcrafted ceramic tile fireplace surround in Boyne City, Michigan. Designed for an English cottage-inspired home, the installation features Motawi Tileworks' 6x6 Flora art tile in the Ivy colorway, paired with coordinating Bay Leaf 5213 field tile in soft, earthy green. A classic clipped-corner pattern in Bone 5000 and Black Matte 5157 creates a distinctive tiled “hearth rug,” adding geometric contrast to the graceful botanical design above. Homeowner Judy Parrott collaborated with Motawi designer Jessica Pruss and her son, who built the home, to create a fireplace inspired by her love of William Morris, the Arts & Crafts movement, and the natural beauty of northern Michigan. The custom wood mantel and built-in bookshelves complete the composition, creating a warm, inviting focal point where handcrafted tile and thoughtful architecture come together. Location: Boyne City, Michigan Completed: 2024 Tile Manufacturer: Motawi Tileworks, Ann Arbor, Michigan Design: Jessica Pruss, Motawi Tileworks Tile: Flora 6x6 in Ivy; Bay Leaf 5213 field tile; Bone 5000 and Black Matte 5157 hearth tile

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

This master bedroom is a light-filled retreat designed to feel both calm and elevated. Expansive black-framed windows and oversized sliding glass doors flood the space with natural light while creating a seamless connection to the private outdoor balcony. The clean white palette enhances the room’s airy feel, allowing the architecture and natural surroundings to take center stage. Soft, plush carpeting adds warmth and comfort underfoot, balancing the modern lines of the space with a sense of everyday livability. Recessed ceiling lighting provides subtle, even illumination, keeping the room serene during the day and relaxed in the evening. The thoughtful layout offers generous wall space and flexibility for furniture placement while maintaining an open, uncluttered aesthetic. Designed for both rest and retreat, this master suite reflects a refined, modern approach to luxury living—bright, quiet, and intentionally simple, with every detail focused on comfort, light, and timeless appeal.

This beautifully appointed primary bathroom blends refined finishes with spa-inspired comfort. A freestanding Kohler Memoirs soaking tub takes center stage, complemented by an open-concept walk-in shower and elegant double vanities. Greenfield Augusta Shaker cabinetry in Coastal stain with a satin finish adds warmth and character, accented by Top Knobs Ascendra pulls in polished nickel. MSI Calacatta Elysio quartz enhances the countertops, shower threshold, and niche shelves with sophisticated veining. The shower features Miramo Sand mosaic tile on the partition wall, Yosemite Lyell 2" x 2" mosaic tile on the shower floor and accent wall, and coordinating 12" x 24" Yosemite Lyell floor tile. Kohler Artifacts faucets, sinks, and coordinating hardware bring classic elegance to the vanity area. Minka Lavery Calera wall sconces and a striking Tilbury six-light chandelier illuminate the space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The result is a luxurious retreat where thoughtful details, rich textures, and timeless design come together beautifully.

This kitchen transformation celebrates the beauty of natural materials while bringing new life to a traditionally styled home. Once defined by dark cabinetry, heavy granite countertops, and an island cooktop, the kitchen has been reimagined with warm wood tones, lighter surfaces, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday living. Custom cabinetry with refined door profiles, glass-front accents, and beautifully integrated storage creates a sense of architectural continuity. A spacious island provides an uninterrupted work surface, while the relocated cooktop allows for a more functional cooking area. A dedicated coffee station combines open shelving with concealed storage, creating a beautiful space for daily rituals. A separate beverage bar, complete with refrigeration and a prep sink, adds another layer of convenience for entertaining. Light countertops, textured stone surfaces, and carefully selected lighting soften the space and allow the natural character of the wood to take center stage. The result is a kitchen that feels lighter, more inviting, and effortlessly timeless, balancing the warmth of traditional craftsmanship with the simplicity of contemporary living.

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space. The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces. The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality. The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs. Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication. Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas. The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

This 1952 Huntington Woods bungalow once had a peninsula jutting into the space, cutting off the flow and making entertaining nearly impossible. The homeowners love to cook and gather with friends, so creating a space that felt connected and welcoming was key. By removing the peninsula and adding a run of shallow pantries opposite the cooktop, the new layout feels more open while also adding valuable storage. The countertop now wraps the corner into a built-in banquette where the couple can sit with guests just off the kitchen, keeping everyone part of the conversation. The cabinetry is designed for real, everyday cooking, with thoughtful details like angled utensil dividers, pegs for dishes and pans, a spice pullout, and tray dividers above the oven. Panel-ready appliances keep the space streamlined, allowing the materials to take center stage. The combination of moody blue base cabinets, white oak uppers, and brushed pewters hardware gives the kitchen a grounded, confident feel that fits the home’s character and the way the couple loves to live. Contractor: MAV Design + Build Photographer: Jacob Hawkins Photography

This custom fireplace was designed as a sophisticated focal point within the home's open-concept living space. Clean-lined stone surrounds are accented with subtle brass inlay details, bringing a refined touch to the contemporary design while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. Framed by custom arched millwork, the fireplace seamlessly integrates with the home's architectural language, creating a sense of balance, scale, and elegance. Soft neutral tones, warm white oak flooring, and carefully curated furnishings allow the architectural details to take center stage. Decorative styling, layered textures, and thoughtfully selected accessories add warmth and personality without competing with the clean lines of the design. The result is a luxurious yet inviting gathering space that feels both elevated and comfortable for everyday living. Every detail of this custom home was intentionally designed to blend beauty with function, creating a living room that will remain timeless for years to come.