Serenity on Pine Lake

Our clients were relocating from their family home in Australia with a goal of creating a welcoming home that could accommodate several overnight guests and lakefront entertaining. Situated and Pine Lake, in the northern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, this house fit the bill. Stalburg Design designed and oversaw the construction of a complete renovation and overhaul of this project. We created new spaces, reimagined old ones too, and worked closely with our clients to complete the vision they had in mind. We filled in a few windows, we created new walls, and we even added the new front façade of the home and changed the location of the main entrance! Here are some of the details:

The foyer, which was once a dining area, is now divided into spaces for a large, walk-in entry closet and a larger more functional powder room. To accommodate its existing window, we reinforced the wall, floated the large quartzite countertop, and notched the sides out so as to minimize impact to the exterior wall.

For the existing mudroom, we maintained and re-purposed the wood-burning stove. Its bricks were carefully restored and lime-washed, and custom cabinetry was built around the hundred year old chimney to create a seamless update. With front-loaded washer and dryers, the large and expensive mudroom countertop allows for easy folding and drawing of clothes, as well as dropping off hunting and fishing gear from a day spent outdoors.

The next interior space, previously used for the kitchen, became a command center and tall wall of storage. This dual sided storage space feels open and airy, and the tall wall of cabinetry provides an interesting entrance to the guest room and en suite bath beyond. The guests literally walk within and between the cabinets to enter into the bedroom.

And for the focal point of the home, the former central living room was re-purposed become a larger and more functional kitchen. This newly designed space accommodates multi-functional kitchen complete with a large island, several counter stools, a seated banquette, a built-in coffee bar and end panel with under-counter refrigeration for grabbing drinks as you head outdoors.

The larger lower half-level sets the scene for a large family dining table, a custom bespoke bar, complete with under counter wine storage and display cabinetry, and an updated family room. Here we reimagined the old brick fireplace and even closed off an existing small window to add a white oak storage cabinet with floating display shelves.

Perhaps most striking renovation of all was the reconfiguration of the primary suite. We completely flipped the locations of the bedroom and bathroom, creating a large, walk-in dressing pantry that leads to the primary bathroom vanity. A separate wet room is located at the end of this space, where our homeowners can enjoy a long steam and soak, all while overlooking the views of Pine Lake. From top to bottom, this home now serves its busy nuclear family as well as all of their guests!