2026 MBDA: Exteriors

These beautiful projects, ranging from swimming pools and lighting to kitchens and primary suites, caught the eye of the judges in Michigan Blue magazine’s second Design Awards competition
132

OUTDOOR FIRE PLACE/PIT

First Place

Dul Landscape Architecture
Photo by: James Haefner

Built for entertainment, the exterior spaces of this contemporary and sophisticated lakeside home welcome guests with a variety of amenities. A swimming pool, spa, fire pit, kitchen, dining, and lounge areas all complement the beauty of the open-air setting. The simplicity of the rectangular swimming pool, on axis with an expansive glass window, makes a stunning foreground to the lake. Highlighted by fire bowls, a subtle infinity edge visually ties the pool surface in with the lake.

Second Place

EDIT
Photo by: James Haefner

Third Place

EDIT
Photo by: James Haefner


LANDSCAPE DESIGN
(Floral, Hardscape, Beach, Lake Access, Etc.)

First Place

Dul Landscape Architecture
Photo by: Justin Maconochie

A primary focus of this project was to preserve and integrate a gingko and a copper beech tree into the design. In the front yard, the majestic gingko gently frames the home, creating a storybook view. Multi-stem birch trees soften and enhance the crisp, clean lines of the architecture, while adding texture. A magnificent copper beech tree provides a canopy in the rear yard, and the patio is punctuated by cobblestone that acts as ground cover.

Second Place

Dul Landscape Architecture
Photo by: James Haefner

Third Place

M.J. Whelan Construction
With AAK Design Custom Landscaping

Photo by: Jeff Garland


OUTDOOR KITCHEN

First Place

CBI Design Professionals
Photo by: Erin Attwood

Nestled in the crook of an L-shaped house, a court features a patio that’s ideal for special occasions and everyday use. The bluestone paving is clean and simple, and adds to the understated elegance of the court. A custom fire table of natural stone warms the space, while a crushed stone driveway adds historic charm. From the patio, a natural cleft bluestone stepper path directs the eye toward an enticing destination: the lakeside terrace.

Second Place

M.J. Whelan Construction
With Authentic Kitchen
Photo by: Jeff Garland


GATE/FENCE/WALL

First Place – Gate/Fence/Wall

First Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc.
With Luxe Homes Design and Build

Photo by: Martin Veechio

An expansive exterior wall of Brookfield gray limestone ledgestone elegantly follows the natural grade of the back patio, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape. The timeless beauty of the gray limestone, with its subtle variations in tone and texture, creates an organic and quiet fence line. As the stone wall rises, it wraps gracefully around the columns of the exterior porches. Whether bathed in sunlight or shadowed by the evening light, the Brookfield gray limestone unifies the exterior.

First Place – Gate/Fence/Wall

USE OF STONE/TILE/CONCRETE

First Place – Use of Stone/Tile/Concrete

First Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc.
With Luxe Homes Design and Build

Photo by: Martin Veechio

An expansive exterior wall of Brookfield gray limestone ledgestone elegantly follows the natural grade of the back patio, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape. The timeless beauty of the gray limestone, with its subtle variations in tone and texture, creates an organic and quiet fence line. Throughout the space, the stone’s ability to blend with the landscape while adding architectural interest makes it an integral part of the design and enhances the outdoor living experience.

Second Place Use of Stone/Tile/Concrete

Second Place

Brian Neeper Architecture
With J.P. Craig Custom Homes
Photo by: James Haefner


SWIMMING POOL/SPA

First Place – Swimming Pool/Spa

First Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc.
With Luxe Homes Design and Build
Photo by: Martin Vecchio

Nestled within a 2,500-square-foot outdoor oasis, this residential luxury pool is the pinnacle of relaxation and entertainment. The centerpiece is a stunning infinity-edge pool filled with crystal-clear water that seamlessly merges with the horizon and lake beyond, creating a breathtaking visual effect. Limestone coping elegantly frames the pool, enhanced by hidden motorized features that maintain a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic. This exquisite space isn’t just a pool area, but a comprehensive sanctuary that elevates the concept of residential leisure.

Second Place

Cottage Home
Photo by: Next Door Photos

Third Place

CBI Design Professionals
Photo by: Beth Singer


DECK/PATIO/PORCH

First Place – Deck/Patio/Porch

First Place

Cottage Company Interiors
Photo by: Joseph Tiano

The lines between interior and exterior spaces were blurred, and the natural beauty of this space was embraced with this project. One of the design challenges was ensuring a seamless material and functional flow from the interiors to the exterior, while giving each outdoor area a distinct purpose. Every level, material choice, and furnishing was selected to enhance usability while remaining harmonious with the natural surroundings. The result is a cohesive, highly functional, and elegant outdoor environment.

Second Place

Ellwood Interiors Inc.
With Luxe Homes Design and Build

Photo by: Martin Vecchio

Third Place

Creekside Companies
Photo by: Brian McDonald