LOCATION: Birmingham, MI
McIntosh Poris Architects transformed a 1,900-square-foot historic farmhouse, maintaining its blend of existing raw and rustic details, and refreshing others for a contemporary feeling. A consistent palette of materials includes solid-wood floors, crisp white walls, original molding refinished in black, and neutral-toned furniture. The molding contrasts against the crisp white walls, while natural furniture tones warm the dark framework. Local artists and crafters created most of the furniture from re-used and salvaged industrial materials.
A new entry for the master suite was created to allow room for a hall closet where the existing entrance was, and the master bath was reconfigured to accommodate a new location for the shower and vanitys. An existing large soffit in the mud/laundry room hallway, which made for a very low and dark space, was removed and replaced with a steel and wire glass skylight. The glass ceiling doubles as the stair landing between the first and second floor above, allowing for a unique view of the custom bookcase and a constant natural light source. In the kitchen, simple farmhouse cabinetry was given a gray-green faux finish and complimented with mahogany butcher-block countertops. A pass-through was created that extends the kitchen to the diner-style eating area, complete with a custom-banquette. White subway tile with dark grout create a classic backsplash and farmhouse plumbing and lighting fixtures complete this rustic-inspired kitchen.
2021 Detroit Design Award
