VIRGINIA PARK STREET

Photography: Martin Vecchio Photography

Kitchen
Powder Room
Custom Built-in Coat Closet
Owner’s En-suite

Kitchen

With a lengthy client wishlist and limited square footage, we had to be creative to achieve such an elegant, high-functioning kitchen. We created a beverage center by swapping the sink and radiator locations (the radiator is now hidden by the decorative brass door panel to the right of the bar sink). We removed the original 11-foot pantry and rear staircase, which took up much-needed space. Once the footprint was expanded (from 130 sq ft to 155), we moved the refrigerator to the other side of the kitchen and added a pantry cabinet. The original ice box was refinished and repurposed as additional storage. We were also able to provide a place to eat in the kitchen– a big, beautiful island with seating for two, topped with a stunning slab of hand-picked Michelangelo Quartzite with rich veins of gold, rust and black. Crackle tile, typically seen in historic kitchens, was added to create backsplash and wainscoting, paired with wood beadboard for a continuous sightline. The Rook® Collection by Brizo in luxe steel exudes stately elegance, its classic craftsman style reminiscent of an early 20th century aesthetic with a contemporary touch. Further elevating the space, a collection of Hicks Large Pendants by Thoman O’Brien (in bronze and hand-rubbed antique brass) brings a rich glow and consistency with period detail. Mixing metal finishes adds a layer of nuanced contrast found throughout: matte/glossy, modern/historic, and hard-working/sophisticated.

Powder Room

When our clients asked for a powder room on the first floor, one clear answer emerged: An unused rear staircase and coat closet were combined to create the necessary space. A beautiful antique dresser serves as a glamorous vanity, anchoring the small space and setting the tone for an upscale powder room with historic charm. The perfect top to this significant piece, we repurposed the original soapstone from the kitchen for the vanity countertop and backsplash, adding custom cut-out flourishes that reflect the antique shapes in the mirror and antique chest of drawers. The antique mirror, which previously hung in the foyer, provides the perfect deco shape and detail. Teal and gold peacock wallpaper (Cole and Son – Kravet), unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures (California Faucets) and Savannah Sconces (Visual Comfort) in hand-rubbed antique brass provide a richness, warmth and depth that make this room feel so special. 

  • Detroit Design Awards 2022: First Place, Repurposed Furniture

Custom Built-in Coat Closet

When an unused rear staircase and coat closet were combined to create a powder room, a new mudroom coat area had to be created — or cleverly relocated — under the main staircase. Using beautiful quarter-sawn oak and a dark stain to match the wood and trim throughout the home, the custom built-in closet and storage nook fits seamlessly into this 1910 historic home. This reconfigured and beautifully designed entry/mudroom not only offers an updated, practical solution to an otherwise underutilized space, it also provides a stunning, statement-making transition across the threshold. Door profiles and millwork matches existing cabinetry in the house, and we reused brass hooks from the original coat closet. 

Owner’s En-suite

In order to increase the footprint of the owner’s bath, we reallocated a closet from an adjacent guest room, making room for a spacious shower. Inspired by the bathroom’s original tile–classic white subway with a hex mosaic floor–we updated the concept with beautiful Savoy subway tile in Driftwood from Ann Sacks, pairing it with honed Carrara hex mosaic tile on the floor. Savoy stacked-mosaic tile detail caps the top of the wainscot and wraps around the front of the bench and inside the niches. Originally, a single pedestal sink stood between windows. We reoriented the layout and upgraded to a two-person vanity, topped with Carrara marble. French, vintage-inspired gold medicine cabinets, which were added to maximize storage, and traditional Hudson Valley sconces in aged brass lend the reserved palette a chic flourish.