2025 MBDA: Details

The inaugural Michigan BLUE Design Awards showcases 90 top honors in waterfront living — from boathouses to landscaping and interiors.
9

STAIR & RAILING

First Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc. with VanBrouck and Associates | Vantage Construction
Photo by: Beth Singer

The stairway of this Prairie-style lake house was placed in the core of the home to become a “sculptural piece of modern art.” Beautifully articulated horizontal and vertical lines that define the exterior are repeated in the design of the stairway, rendered in wood, metal, and glass, with minimalistic detailing. The metal handrails, glass-panel supports and fasteners, and structural steel were finished with a topical acid and hand-brushed to create the unique pewter/zinc finish.

Second Place

DesRosiers Architects with Northern Staircase
Photo by: James Haefner

Third Place

MPN Fine Home Builders
Photo by: Cerys Fryczynski


FLOORING/RUGS

First Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Beth Singer

The most unique rug in this residence anchors the great room and sets the tone and color for the rest of the home. Every thread color and composition were hand-chosen and viewed with the other fabrics and finishes in the room. Even the combinations and percentages of Tibetan wool and silk threads were carefully contemplated and considered before three rounds of samples were created by artisans in Nepal.

Second Place

Gemma Parker Design
Photo by: Justin Halleck

Third Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma


INTERIOR USE OF STONE OR TILE

First Place

Heller and Associates with Davis and Davis
Photo by: Jonathan Humphrey

This project showcases meticulous craftsmanship and innovative use of stone and tile, resulting in a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. An expertly crafted mitered-stone fireplace surround serves as a stunning focal point, combining precision and artistry to enhance the warmth and sophistication of the living spaces. Throughout the interior, walls clad in stone slabs add a sense of texture and depth, seamlessly integrating natural elements with contemporary design aesthetics. Meanwhile, a backlit stone bar exudes elegance and functionality, merging innovative lighting techniques with the inherent beauty of the stone, to create a captivating ambience for entertaining.

Second Place

CBI Design Professionals
Photo by: Erin Attwood

Third Place

DesRosiers Architects
Photo by: James Haefner


INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTING

First Place

Heller and Associates with Davis and Davis
Photo by: Jonathan Humphrey

The fusion of custom fixtures and indirect lighting enhances this home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring every corner exudes a harmonious balance of light and shadow. Thoughtful consideration of lighting angles and intensities enhances the overall ambience, providing a tailored experience for residents and guests alike. Custom craftsmanship meets innovative technology to ensure the  spaces are not only illuminated, but imbued with a sense of elegance and comfort.

Second Place

Outdoor Living
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma

Third Place

Johnson Custom Homes with Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio


FIREPLACE

First Place

DesRosiers Architects
Photo by: James Haefner

There’s no place cozier than around this fireplace. The focal point for the great room, the gas-flamed fireplace rises from its cantilevered stone base and is surrounded by a massive wall of porcelain slabs rising all the way up to the cedar ceiling. Matching the 6-foot width of the fireplace is a flat-screen TV, ensuring the homeowners stay warm and toasty while watching their favorite show. The integrated design is bookended by floor-to-ceiling Fon-du-Lac stone columns.

Second Place

Authentic Kitchen & Design
Photo by: Jeff Garland

Third Place

Concetti
Photo by: Brett Mountain


CUSTOM CABINETRY OR FURNITURE

First Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Gallery Steel
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma

Conceptualized from a client’s travel-based inspiration photo, these modern-industrial hanging chairs became reality. The design was created by combining preferences regarding shape, size, and formality. A local metal artist engineered and constructed the chairs from metal sheets and rods to accomplish the vision. Once a metal shell foundation was formed, custom leather upholstered seat cushions were fabricated to fit the one-of-a-kind chairs, which hang along a wall of retractable glass doors with invisible screens.

Second Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Beth Singer

Third Place

Authentic Kitchen & Design
Photo by: Jeff Garland


MILLWORK

First Place

DesRosiers Architects with Vogue Furniture
Photo by: James Haefner

This magnificent foyer showcases six two-story pencil-stripped sapele columns designed in a chevron herringbone pattern with recessed horizontal bands that match the railing levels. The two-story curved-face fireplace façade, meanwhile, features plain-sliced sapele mahogany wood bands with oiled bronze reveals separating the panels.

Second Place

Schaerer Architextural Interiors with Patrick Widing Custom Built Homes
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma

Third Place

Heller and Associates with Davis and Davis
Photo by: Jonathan Humphrey


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