Lived-In Luxury

CAREFULLY CURATED
“When our client moved into her Royal Oak home, she loved its potential, but the dark, masculine finishes and disjointed layout weren’t ideal. She envisioned a space that felt lighter, more functional, and truly her own, while also showcasing her growing art collection. An underwhelming fireplace became a striking focal point with a new antique mirror facade. We layered a palette of blush pinks, soft woods tones, warm green accents, and black-and-white surfaces, creating a bright, cohesive living and dining space. Clean lines and custom touches elevate every detail.” — Rachel Nelson, Concetti

RACHEL’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Your home is the biggest opportunity for self-expression. It’s an extension of your energetic field and should feel like you.
• Throw away all the rules or conventional constraints. Surround yourself with colors, textures, and decor that excite you.
• Self-reflection is key; pay attention to the things you’re drawn to! You will start to see a pattern.

Available at MDC: Lighting Resource Center lighting; CAI Designs drapery fabric.

STORYTELLING
“Our goal for this family room was to make it as cozy and homey as possible. In celebration of the client’s family, we framed a collection of ‘Little Mary Mixup’ comic strips that were written and drawn by his grandfather and syndicated nationally for nearly 40 years. The black frames help to set the color palette and are supported by an oversized mirror, new hearth/surround granite, and newly painted fireplace. Although this wasn’t intended to be a primary living space, the family now uses it more than they had anticipated because of the warm and familiar atmosphere.” — Colleen O’Brien-Seitz, Rita O’Brien Interiors   

COLLEEN’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Celebrate your family’s history by adding a few subtle pieces into each space in the home.
• Use those special pieces to tell a story. Each object should build upon the next as you move through the home, drawing you toward it and creating a flow. 
• Trust your designer to help personalize your home. We listen. If you don't listen to your clients, their history, and their story, your design is dead from the start. We can design for ourselves all day, but it’s not about us. We want to tell your story.

Available at MDC: Rita O’Brien Interiors sofa, planter, and accessories; The Ghiordes Knot rug; Fifi and Coco throw pillows; Bruce White Gallery framing of original art; CAI Designs cocktail table.

REFINED ESSENTIALISM
“Luxury is measured not by excess, but by comfort, craftsmanship, and the feeling of truly being at home.

Inspired by the sense of ease our clients experienced while staying in luxury hotels around the world, we designed this primary suite as a true sanctuary — one that feels restorative rather than simply impressive. Every design decision was made to encourage slowing down, whether curling up with a book in the sitting area, enjoying the glow of the fireplace, or unwinding at the end of a busy day.

Rather than relying on stark minimalism, we layered warm materials, soft textures and ambient lighting to create a contemporary space that feels welcoming and deeply personal. The suite demonstrates that contemporary interiors can be elegant, timeless, and beautifully lived in.” — Armina Kasprowicz, Armina Interiors

ARMINA’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Layer warmth through texture, not clutter. A luxurious room doesn't need an abundance of accessories. Combine natural wood, soft upholstery, woven textiles, and layered lighting to create visual depth that makes a space feel inviting while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
• Design around daily rituals, not just furniture placement. The most successful bedrooms support the way clients actually live. Thoughtfully planned seating, intuitive storage, comfortable lighting, and functional circulation create a space that naturally encourages rest and relaxation.
• Create a relaxing atmosphere with multiple layers of light. Instead of depending on a single overhead fixture, combine decorative lighting, bedside sconces, ambient lighting, and natural daylight. Layered lighting allows the room to transition effortlessly from bright and functional during the day to warm and intimate in the evening.

Available at MDC: CAI Designs dresser; Tennant & Associates lounge chair upholstery and drapery fabric; Lighting Resource Studio chandelier.

PASSION PROJECT
“This waterfront Walloon Lake great room was designed for clients whose lives revolve around the outdoors. As avid hunters and nature enthusiasts, they wanted a home that reflected their passions while remaining comfortable, welcoming, and deeply personal. 

From the earliest planning stages, the clients were actively involved in shaping the design. Together, we focused on creating a gathering space centered around the fireplace and adjoining kitchen; an inviting place for family and friends to connect after a day on the water or exploring the surrounding landscape. Warm, earthy neutrals were selected throughout the furnishings and finishes to create a sense of comfort without competing with the home's breathtaking lake views. Subtle accents of green and rust echo the surrounding foliage and northern Michigan sunsets, further connecting the interiors to the natural setting. 

While the furnishings and materials are inherently luxurious, the clients were clear that they did not want the home to feel formal. Plush seating, richly textured fabrics, reclaimed timber beams, and handcrafted details create an elevated yet approachable atmosphere. The result is a space that embodies lived-in luxury and one that celebrates the clients' interests and supports the way they truly live.” — Amanda Rink, Jones-Keena & Co. 

AMANDA’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Start with the client's story, not a design trend. The most memorable interiors begin with understanding how clients spend their time, what inspires them, and the experiences they value most. Those personal details often become the foundation for the most authentic design decisions. 
• Incorporate meaningful collections in a thoughtful way. Personal collections tell a story and add character that cannot be replicated. In this home, we dedicated wall space to display the clients' European mounts from hunting adventures around the world, transforming cherished memories into an intentional design feature. 
• Invite clients to participate in the discovery process. Helping clients explore furnishings, antiques, art, and accessories allows their personality to emerge organically. During buying trips with these homeowners, we selected pieces that resonated with their lifestyle and tastes, resulting in a home that feels uniquely their own rather than professionally prescribed. 

Available at MDC: CAI Designs sofas, chairs, and sofa table; City Lights Detroit hanging kitchen pendant.