Detroit Home magazine doled out a host of awards to over 100 worthy members of the local design community at the 9th-annual Design Awards last month.
The panel of judges included interior designers and editors from across the country: Eve Robinson, interior designer, Eve Robinson Associates in New York City; Jason Kontos, editor-in-chief of New York Spaces magazine; Kevin Alter, architect, Alterstudio Architecure in Austin, TX; Melanie Turner, interior designer, Melanie Turner Interiors in Atlanta, GA; and Stephen Chung, principal of Stephen Chung Architect in Boston, MA.
Video coverage of the 2013 Detriot Home Design Awards
This year’s rising star winner was 28-year-old owner of Port Manufacturing & Design, Anne Strickland. “I pull pieces with personality—fresh and funky, classic and timeless, old and new— from sources all over the place,” she said. “As for the name, Port, “We’re a hub of creativity and a harbor for your interior design needs.”
![]()
Strickland
In the interiors category, the following designers were recognized:
Closet—Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with Vogue Furniture and Birmingham Glass & Mirror
![]()
Custom wardrobes line three sides of this finely detailed walk-in closet. Features not shown include a foldaway ironing board and a full-length, three-way, fitting-room-style mirror. Back-painted glass reflects light and counteracts the darkness of the surrounding woodwork in this windowless room.
Use of Fabrics of Wallcoverings—Schaerer Architextural
![]()
Interiors Wall fabrics and texture weaves strengthen the relationship between the home’s millwork and “soft-scape” features. In the foyer, the horizontal bands of the millwork continue on the fabric walls with fabric-wrapped boards that abut to the millwork. In the dining room, woven leather on the custom table and buffet complete the link between the furnishings and their surroundings.
Use of Color—K.C. Interiors
![]()
Inspired by the Tuscan flair of the home’s interior, this timeless, traditional powder room features a mural of browns, blues, greens, and golds that are infused with poppy red. The mural strikes a contrast against the antique wood vanity cabinet.
Use of a Collection, Antiques, or Art in an Interior—James Douglas Interiors
![]()
Antique tools, antique spools/bobbins, hand-colored antique prints, a printing block, and more hang from small wire supports that allow objects to stand off the wall. An architectural black iron table lamp and glass collector’s box housing old family photos cap the vignette.
Apartment, Loft and Condo—Jeffrey King Interiors
![]()
Neutrals with brief and brazen pops of bold color throughout the space marry classic with brilliance. The highlight of any apartment in the sky is the view, so windows feature sheer curtains, while glass tabletops complement the window treatments and seemingly enhance the size of the space.
Contemporary Interior Design—Lily Diego, with Extraordinary Works and RYLN Construction
![]()
This space showcases the elegance and simplicity of contemporary design in both the bold dining room and adjoining kitchen. The kitchen offers the commercial-level function to entertain en masse while providing the intimacy of serving a family of four.
Traditional Interior Design— Marianne Jones, with The Blake Co.
![]()
This home on Lake St. Clair is reminiscent of an East Coast seaside colonial. Warm and inviting millwork, bold colors, and the calming blues and greens of its natural setting add to its appeal. Lifestyle and organization were considered in every aspect of construction. “Hip, pretty,” said judge Kontos.
Living Room and Great Room—Jeffrey King Interiors
![]()
This living room envelops its occupants in monochromatic blues, which convey both serenity and sophistication. The customized metal chandelier hovers unassumingly, drawing the eye upward toward the square mirror above the fireplace.
Foyer— Jeffrey King Interiors
![]()
This configuration of shapes is harmoniously welcoming and stars a wooden circular table and a hexagonal rug. A soft blue paint hue uplifts in the light of day and turns comforting and calm in the dark of night. “Bingo—great!” said judge Kontos.
Library and Home Office—VanBrouck & Associates, with Tim McPherson
![]()
Custom, finely detailed walnut millwork is featured in the beautiful fireplace mantle and surround, and in the bookshelves that flank the fireplace. A hand-woven wool rug complements dark-stained walnut floors.
Dining Room—Michael Coyne Design
![]()
In this sleek dining room area, a number of new and vintage pieces, including a natural walnut slab table, leather dining chairs, hip molecule-like chandeliers, and intriguing silver-leaf jumbo fish sculptures swim in a sea of beauty. The floors are custom-dyed and polished concrete. “Very fluid,” said judge Kontos.
Master Suite—Tie between Caden Design Group and Marianne Jones
![]()
Caden Design Group, GETA Design—Here, a king-size bed and nightstands appear to float on a wall of rich mahogany. The rich linear grain pattern proves to be a perfect fit, and the combination of finish materials gives the inhabitants a warm and inviting space to unwind after a long day’s work.
![]()
Marianne Jones, The Blake Co—This space introduces architectural elements reminiscent of some of the homeowner’s favorite vacation spots. Ceiling millwork combines beams and v-grooved trim. A soft white, ivory, blue, and green palette reflects the water.
Kitchen Over 500 Square Feet—Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes, with Woodcraft Kitchens
![]()
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets with full overlay doors, an espresso finish, natural maple flooring, Calacatta Gold marble countertops, a stainless rollup pantry, a full-height backsplash, and a comfortable seating area all add up to what judge Kontos said is “now and sexy!”
Kitchen Between 201 and 500 Square Feet—Caden Design Group
![]()
The male homeowner here is traditional, while the female has contemporary taste. The result: A blending of styles and details. Flat-slab doors in white offset the stone and rich wood, while sea-green glass sets off the entire back wall for a modern, clean backsplash; cool industrial appliances and modern sconces tie the floor plan together.
Kitchen Under 200 Square Feet—Signature Kitchens
![]()
The owner’s goal was threefold: increase storage, expand countertop space, and make room for a lighted display. Taller cabinets and a new rectangular window visually increase the size of the room and provide an aesthetic continuity. Multiple drawers instead of cabinets put all supplies within easy reach and vastly expand function. Waterfall quartz countertops and brushed stainless accents meld with walnut and brush-stroke antique-white painted cabinets in an expression of high style and practicality.
Bath Over 150 Square Feet—Perlmutter-Freiwald, with DesRosiers Architects
![]()
This master bath takes full advantage of pristine lake views. Electronic blinds achieve privacy, while mirroring the walls adds to the view and keeps the room light and dramatic. Said judge Chung, “The infinite reflection in the mirror, juxtaposed with the view of the landscape, is very nice.”
Bath Under 150 Square Feet—Scavolini by Cucina Moda
![]()
“This is very crisp and clean,” noted judge Chung. Indeed, this modern master bath features clean lines and spa-like decor with dual sinks and mirrors in a simple and elegant style. Dark oak veneer cabinetry and an integrated channel handle system are stellar choices. Marble tiles in the floor and shower and floor-to-ceiling glass panes that keep the room open and bright add to its overall appeal.
Powder Room—Michael Coyne Design
![]()
This tiny gem features Cole and Son wallpaper, which helps to play down the ultra-modern, custom-designed vanity. A Baker mirror and mirrored sconces provide just enough drama, while the intaglio-framed art is custom-matted to match the wall covering.
Children’s Room— Shannon Rosati Interiors
![]()
Called the “Butterfly Nursery,” this space features tans and pops of gold that add a touch of glam. To help filter and reflect natural light, a crib of clear acrylic sits in the center of the main wall. A mobile made from paper butterflies floats above, creating a sense of fragility. “It’s surprising,” said judge Chung. “These Surrealist touches seem like the ideal place for special child dreams,” he added.
Conservatory, Screenroom and Sunroom—VanBrouck & Associates, with Olde World Homes and CW Interiors
![]()
This renovated sunroom space features a 12-foot coffered ceiling that is light, elegant, and consistent with the Shingle-style home. It is comfortable and welcoming, yet exquisitely restrained with large, 3-foot-square transom windows stacked on top of large, double-hung windows on two sides of the room, creating an envelope of glass with beautiful views. Hand-scraped, dark-stained walnut floors complement furnishings that are comfortable, child-friendly, classic, and upscale.
Speciality Rooms— VanBrouck & Associates, with European Country Homes
![]()
Inspired by the vast underground wine cellars of the French wine regions, this tasting room is great for private wine tastings. Electronically controlled humidity and temperature controls are key appointments, as is a comfortable heated space for guests. The architecture of ancient French castles is suggested in the heavy, thickened, barrel-vaulted stone arches, the cross-vaulted plaster ceiling, the Old World shelves, and the stone walls.
Garage—Educated Garage Systems
![]()
“Clean fun,” said judge Kontos. This tidy, well-lit, organized space features lots of shoe room, a workbench, an integrated tool chest that makes it easy to find that elusive wrench or screwdriver, and an epoxy floor to keep it all clean. Designed for a fast-paced sports enthusiast who doesn’t want to waste time looking for shoes or equipment, the space is just the ticket for the utmost in organization.
Utlity and Storage—VanBrouck & Associates, with Epique Homes
![]()
This ultimate laundry/craft room and its edgy urban design elements include a stackable front-loading washer and dryer, a gift-wrapping area, pops of orange against a soothing color palette, a craft table, and a built-in desk. A barn-door hardware/sliding-door system, with frosted and reed-themed art glass, lends style to the space and closes it off from the gallery hall while allowing light to filter through.
Awards were given in the categories of details, exteriors and homes as well. To view all of the 150 winners' work, click here.
The panel of judges included interior designers and editors from across the country: Eve Robinson, interior designer, Eve Robinson Associates in New York City; Jason Kontos, editor-in-chief of New York Spaces magazine; Kevin Alter, architect, Alterstudio Architecure in Austin, TX; Melanie Turner, interior designer, Melanie Turner Interiors in Atlanta, GA; and Stephen Chung, principal of Stephen Chung Architect in Boston, MA.
Video coverage of the 2013 Detriot Home Design Awards
This year’s rising star winner was 28-year-old owner of Port Manufacturing & Design, Anne Strickland. “I pull pieces with personality—fresh and funky, classic and timeless, old and new— from sources all over the place,” she said. “As for the name, Port, “We’re a hub of creativity and a harbor for your interior design needs.”

Strickland
In the interiors category, the following designers were recognized:
Closet—Schaerer Architextural Interiors, with Vogue Furniture and Birmingham Glass & Mirror

Custom wardrobes line three sides of this finely detailed walk-in closet. Features not shown include a foldaway ironing board and a full-length, three-way, fitting-room-style mirror. Back-painted glass reflects light and counteracts the darkness of the surrounding woodwork in this windowless room.
Use of Fabrics of Wallcoverings—Schaerer Architextural

Interiors Wall fabrics and texture weaves strengthen the relationship between the home’s millwork and “soft-scape” features. In the foyer, the horizontal bands of the millwork continue on the fabric walls with fabric-wrapped boards that abut to the millwork. In the dining room, woven leather on the custom table and buffet complete the link between the furnishings and their surroundings.
Use of Color—K.C. Interiors

Inspired by the Tuscan flair of the home’s interior, this timeless, traditional powder room features a mural of browns, blues, greens, and golds that are infused with poppy red. The mural strikes a contrast against the antique wood vanity cabinet.
Use of a Collection, Antiques, or Art in an Interior—James Douglas Interiors

Antique tools, antique spools/bobbins, hand-colored antique prints, a printing block, and more hang from small wire supports that allow objects to stand off the wall. An architectural black iron table lamp and glass collector’s box housing old family photos cap the vignette.
Apartment, Loft and Condo—Jeffrey King Interiors

Neutrals with brief and brazen pops of bold color throughout the space marry classic with brilliance. The highlight of any apartment in the sky is the view, so windows feature sheer curtains, while glass tabletops complement the window treatments and seemingly enhance the size of the space.
Contemporary Interior Design—Lily Diego, with Extraordinary Works and RYLN Construction

This space showcases the elegance and simplicity of contemporary design in both the bold dining room and adjoining kitchen. The kitchen offers the commercial-level function to entertain en masse while providing the intimacy of serving a family of four.
Traditional Interior Design— Marianne Jones, with The Blake Co.

This home on Lake St. Clair is reminiscent of an East Coast seaside colonial. Warm and inviting millwork, bold colors, and the calming blues and greens of its natural setting add to its appeal. Lifestyle and organization were considered in every aspect of construction. “Hip, pretty,” said judge Kontos.
Living Room and Great Room—Jeffrey King Interiors

This living room envelops its occupants in monochromatic blues, which convey both serenity and sophistication. The customized metal chandelier hovers unassumingly, drawing the eye upward toward the square mirror above the fireplace.
Foyer— Jeffrey King Interiors

This configuration of shapes is harmoniously welcoming and stars a wooden circular table and a hexagonal rug. A soft blue paint hue uplifts in the light of day and turns comforting and calm in the dark of night. “Bingo—great!” said judge Kontos.
Library and Home Office—VanBrouck & Associates, with Tim McPherson

Custom, finely detailed walnut millwork is featured in the beautiful fireplace mantle and surround, and in the bookshelves that flank the fireplace. A hand-woven wool rug complements dark-stained walnut floors.
Dining Room—Michael Coyne Design

In this sleek dining room area, a number of new and vintage pieces, including a natural walnut slab table, leather dining chairs, hip molecule-like chandeliers, and intriguing silver-leaf jumbo fish sculptures swim in a sea of beauty. The floors are custom-dyed and polished concrete. “Very fluid,” said judge Kontos.
Master Suite—Tie between Caden Design Group and Marianne Jones

Caden Design Group, GETA Design—Here, a king-size bed and nightstands appear to float on a wall of rich mahogany. The rich linear grain pattern proves to be a perfect fit, and the combination of finish materials gives the inhabitants a warm and inviting space to unwind after a long day’s work.

Marianne Jones, The Blake Co—This space introduces architectural elements reminiscent of some of the homeowner’s favorite vacation spots. Ceiling millwork combines beams and v-grooved trim. A soft white, ivory, blue, and green palette reflects the water.
Kitchen Over 500 Square Feet—Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes, with Woodcraft Kitchens

Floor-to-ceiling cabinets with full overlay doors, an espresso finish, natural maple flooring, Calacatta Gold marble countertops, a stainless rollup pantry, a full-height backsplash, and a comfortable seating area all add up to what judge Kontos said is “now and sexy!”
Kitchen Between 201 and 500 Square Feet—Caden Design Group

The male homeowner here is traditional, while the female has contemporary taste. The result: A blending of styles and details. Flat-slab doors in white offset the stone and rich wood, while sea-green glass sets off the entire back wall for a modern, clean backsplash; cool industrial appliances and modern sconces tie the floor plan together.
Kitchen Under 200 Square Feet—Signature Kitchens

The owner’s goal was threefold: increase storage, expand countertop space, and make room for a lighted display. Taller cabinets and a new rectangular window visually increase the size of the room and provide an aesthetic continuity. Multiple drawers instead of cabinets put all supplies within easy reach and vastly expand function. Waterfall quartz countertops and brushed stainless accents meld with walnut and brush-stroke antique-white painted cabinets in an expression of high style and practicality.
Bath Over 150 Square Feet—Perlmutter-Freiwald, with DesRosiers Architects

This master bath takes full advantage of pristine lake views. Electronic blinds achieve privacy, while mirroring the walls adds to the view and keeps the room light and dramatic. Said judge Chung, “The infinite reflection in the mirror, juxtaposed with the view of the landscape, is very nice.”
Bath Under 150 Square Feet—Scavolini by Cucina Moda

“This is very crisp and clean,” noted judge Chung. Indeed, this modern master bath features clean lines and spa-like decor with dual sinks and mirrors in a simple and elegant style. Dark oak veneer cabinetry and an integrated channel handle system are stellar choices. Marble tiles in the floor and shower and floor-to-ceiling glass panes that keep the room open and bright add to its overall appeal.
Powder Room—Michael Coyne Design

This tiny gem features Cole and Son wallpaper, which helps to play down the ultra-modern, custom-designed vanity. A Baker mirror and mirrored sconces provide just enough drama, while the intaglio-framed art is custom-matted to match the wall covering.
Children’s Room— Shannon Rosati Interiors

Called the “Butterfly Nursery,” this space features tans and pops of gold that add a touch of glam. To help filter and reflect natural light, a crib of clear acrylic sits in the center of the main wall. A mobile made from paper butterflies floats above, creating a sense of fragility. “It’s surprising,” said judge Chung. “These Surrealist touches seem like the ideal place for special child dreams,” he added.
Conservatory, Screenroom and Sunroom—VanBrouck & Associates, with Olde World Homes and CW Interiors

This renovated sunroom space features a 12-foot coffered ceiling that is light, elegant, and consistent with the Shingle-style home. It is comfortable and welcoming, yet exquisitely restrained with large, 3-foot-square transom windows stacked on top of large, double-hung windows on two sides of the room, creating an envelope of glass with beautiful views. Hand-scraped, dark-stained walnut floors complement furnishings that are comfortable, child-friendly, classic, and upscale.
Speciality Rooms— VanBrouck & Associates, with European Country Homes

Inspired by the vast underground wine cellars of the French wine regions, this tasting room is great for private wine tastings. Electronically controlled humidity and temperature controls are key appointments, as is a comfortable heated space for guests. The architecture of ancient French castles is suggested in the heavy, thickened, barrel-vaulted stone arches, the cross-vaulted plaster ceiling, the Old World shelves, and the stone walls.
Garage—Educated Garage Systems

“Clean fun,” said judge Kontos. This tidy, well-lit, organized space features lots of shoe room, a workbench, an integrated tool chest that makes it easy to find that elusive wrench or screwdriver, and an epoxy floor to keep it all clean. Designed for a fast-paced sports enthusiast who doesn’t want to waste time looking for shoes or equipment, the space is just the ticket for the utmost in organization.
Utlity and Storage—VanBrouck & Associates, with Epique Homes

This ultimate laundry/craft room and its edgy urban design elements include a stackable front-loading washer and dryer, a gift-wrapping area, pops of orange against a soothing color palette, a craft table, and a built-in desk. A barn-door hardware/sliding-door system, with frosted and reed-themed art glass, lends style to the space and closes it off from the gallery hall while allowing light to filter through.
Awards were given in the categories of details, exteriors and homes as well. To view all of the 150 winners' work, click here.