MDC’s “Total Transformations” Home Tour was a great success, so we thought it appropriate to highlight some of the dramatic transformations that were on display during the tour, as well as several additional renovations completed by the area’s top designers.
The home of interior designer Amy Weinstein was built in 1959 as a Colonial but was remodeled in 2016 with a modern farm-style exterior and a classic midcentury interior. A 900-square-foot addition was built onto the back. The extensive interior renovation included opening up walls, relocating the kitchen, as well as adding a home office and second bathroom. The home has all new mechanical systems, interior finishes, and built-ins. – Amy Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
“This is a master bathroom of a Grosse Pointe residence. The bathroom was in very bad repair and needed a complete overhaul. One of the biggest challenges was a sunk-in tub with long glass block windows on either side of it. We redesigned the bathroom to have a rounded tub in the back of the suite and added a large regular window. We used obscured glass on the window to avoid having to install any type of window treatment. We wanted to maintain a very clean, spa look. For some added drama, we used an oversized mirror and two crystal sconces behind the tub deck and a crystal chandelier in the center of the room. We also chose a very subtle marble that we ran all the way up to the ceiling around the entire room where the tub is. In the area where the vanity is we opted for a subtle but fun wallpaper that would pop a little off the white cabinets.” – Ann-Marie Anton, It’s Personal Design
“This former seldom-used living room, with its mauve and blue décor circa 1980s Miami Vice, was transformed into a sophisticated music room. As a child, the homeowner took years of piano lessons, and as an adult, she renewed her interest and began taking instruction again. Practicing on a simple keyboard, she dreamed of graduating to her own baby grand piano, which is now the featured item in this space. To keep the setting warm and intimate, the ceiling of the room was coffered and bronzed in a faux finish. The walls were given a two-toned color wash. A settee and accent chairs welcome guests and bring the room full circle for an evening of music. Across the hall in the dining room, the timeless travertine dining table was the only original piece retained. We used Sherwin-Williams #7583 Wild Current on the walls to help transform a very dated space into this eclectic and sophisticated dining area. Dining rooms are spaces where bold dramatic wall colors work very well as backdrops. In particular, a classic rich deep red sparks the appetite and stimulates conversation. It creates warmth and sets the stage for meal celebrations with family and friends.” – Linda Shears, Linda Shears Designs
“My client’s home that was featured on the MDC Home Tour was a complete renovation with the expansion of several rooms to improve functionality and flow. I employed bold wall colors to enhance the elaborate millwork. Traditional furnishings with modern and contemporary fabric motifs were also specified to give the home an updated, 21st century appeal. However, in some cases, antiques were mixed in with the new additions; for example the wheat sconces in the foyer and the late 19th-century bergeres that were reupholstered in white patent leather. The additional home pictured above was for clients in Davisburg. In the living room, a warmer paint color was chosen to give this space some personality. New furnishings give the room structure and functionality while the ceiling fan was swapped out for a dazzling chandelier to produce more ambient light. Accessories play a big role in giving this living room that finishing touch. In the master en suite, elaborate wall moldings, judicious use of wallcovering (on the ceiling in this situation), new furnishings, lighting, and fabrics were the key to this transformation.”
– Corey Damen Jenkins, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates
Click here to see photos from all the homes that were featured on MDC’s “Total Transformations” Home Tour.