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Great Lake Story 2014: On Manchester Pond – Chapter Three

On Manchester Pond – Craftsmanship

June 1, 2014

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A custom cabinet steel exhaust hood such as this will make an equally defining design statement in the new Old World-style home on Manchester Pond.

Great Lake Story 2014 On Manchester Pond

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Final Chapter

Superb craftsmanship is a top priority for builder Dave Morren, owner of Grand Rapids-based Insignia Homes. Just as a maestro conductor gathers the best musicians to assemble a splendid orchestra, Morren brings that same sensibility to selecting his team of top craftsmen when building a custom home such as Great Lake Story 2014’s J. Visser Design pond-side retreat in Cascade Township’s Manchester Hills.

The process starts at square one by sourcing superior quality building supplies. Morren relied on products from Zeeland Lumber to ensure structural stability for generations to come. Through the expertise of the skilled Insignia Homes team of construction specialists, the Old World-style home on Manchester Pond is built to the most demanding standards. With strict attention to detail, distinguishing design features that maximize functionality were crafted into the home. This is especially showcased in the kitchen.

To ensure his clients received their dream kitchen, Morren turned to Tru Kitchens in Grand Rapids and the creative talents of Kitchen Designer Todd Wiley. Working in conjunction with both the homeowners and Interior Designer Francesca Owings, who played an integral role as part of the Insignia Homes’ team from the project’s inception, Wiley carefully considered all of the utilitarian functions that would be required for both kitchen and bathrooms by the homeowners’ busy family, which includes six children.

Morren chose Wiley and the Tru Kitchens staff because they are passionate about innovative design. Supported by premier custom products, Tru Kitchens supplies furniture quality, custom-built cabinetry for homes and businesses alike. Made to order, their designs fulfill the specific needs of each client. For this project, a spacious hardworking kitchen was essential, along with cabinetry to impart a spa-like feel in the master bath. He also had to consider three storage-accommodating bathrooms for the children.

To meet the home’s unique kitchen requirements, yet impart the superior quality of Old World craftsmanship, Tru Kitchens selected Grabill Cabinet Company in the heart of northwest Indiana Amish country to craft the home’s cabinetry. The company’s proud heritage and long legacy of cabinet-making skills spans over six decades. The Amishmade cabinets of this home were crafted to exact specifi cations and expertly installed by the Insignia Homes crew in order to incorporate an oversized, top-of-the-line SubZero refrigerator and a professional-grade Wolf cooktop from Bekins Appliance. Inset with stainless steel, the kitchen’s commanding custom cabinet steel exhaust hood makes a defining design statement.

The room’s generous island and functionally beautiful hutch are made from special rift-cut white oak, with a contemporary custom ceruse fi nish that takes its cue from time-honored European finishing techniques. A walk-thru pantry behind the kitchen also provides plenty of easily accessible storage. “This kitchen was designed to make food preparation easy,” Wiley says. “It’s efficient and sets the stage for family and friends to share time together and have fun creating great meals.”

The custom cabinetry in each of the kids’ bathrooms was equally well thought out, with ample storage and simple clean fi nishes. In the master bath, rich walnut cabinetry creates a luxurious Zen-like vibe. “Walnut wood is naturally beautiful and it really sets the tone for that spa-like look,” Wiley adds. “It’s a very special master bath.”

Great Lake Story is a continuing series chronicling enriching stories of waterfront homes and those who design, build and own them. Look for Chapter Four of “On Manchester Pond” by Insignia Homes in Michigan BLUE Magazine’s 2014 Fall edition. To learn more, visit mibluemag.com.