A newly married couple had finally found their dream home, but it came with a catch. The 1990s-built house in Medina felt dated, with cavernous, white spaces and cherry woodwork galore. The solution? Drench the 10,000-square-foot, five-bedroom home in the richest jewel tones and infuse the spaces with a Mad Men vibe.
“The owners really wanted a fresh look that was their style, but more eclectic, more modern,” says Studio M Interiors Owner and Designer Annie Graunke. “A place they could grow into as a family, something that felt a bit warmer and cozier.”
Photography by Rob Grosse/Spacecrafting
That warmth is felt in the sumptuous study, with its dazzling blue walls and arched window. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves bring the drama, and a gentle press upon one of them magically reveals a secret room just behind. Then, nearby, a burl wood cabinet lends a chic silhouette, as does the textured ceiling with its sputnik-style light fixture. “It’s definitely one of my favorite rooms,” Graunke admits. “You walk in and feel like you want to sit down and enjoy a cigar, or maybe just hang out for the night with an
after-dinner cocktail.”
That same ease extends into the main seating area, where the massive ceiling height proved a bit challenging. The design team needed to figure out how to make the soaring space feel more welcoming while maintaining its grandeur. “The great room was difficult to configure because it was so full of volume,” Graunke recounts. “We worked a long time to figure out how to make it feel cozy. That’s when we came up with the idea for these huge light fixtures with lots of texture and woven shades. They really bring the ceiling height down and completely transform the room.”
Another creative solution was to install a pair of custom-made wallpaper panels around the two doorways leading into the space. Extending from the floor to the ceiling, the sublime de Gournay wallpaper adds a leafy hint of art deco glamour. “At first, when there was nothing there, the wall felt really bare,” Graunke points out. “Finally, we landed on a wallpaper pattern with an organic design, then decided to add some brass for a touch of metallic.”
For the room’s crowning gem, a swanky little lounge is situated adjacent to the sitting area. Set off with a charcoal gray enameled bar, it is the ultimate petite cocktail spot. Leather bar stools and softly glowing wall sconces create the mood, which feels both celebratory and chic. “They wanted a space in the corner where they can entertain on the main level and host parties, but with a really cool, almost hotel lobby look,” Graunke explains.
In business for 15 years, Studio M Interiors in Plymouth prides itself on creating opportunities to reflect a client’s individual style and vision within the home. With expertise in everything from new constructions, remodels, interior plans and custom furnishings, the team takes great care in designing each and every space. Plus, they provide a highly detailed level of service from the first meeting to the final touch.
For this project, the family’s most beloved hangout is surely the light-filled sunroom, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. Here, shiplapped walls are painted the darkest shade of green (Benjamin Moore’s Miramichi), while a Holly Hunt wallpaper (Latitude: Forest) adds soft woven texture to the ceiling. Then, grounding it all, a Currey & Company medallion-shaped light fixture mimics the floral plantings framed by the windows. “We wanted it to have a courtyard feel, as if you are sitting outside on a patio surrounded by gardens,” Graunke explains.
That same dynamism is on display in the kitchen — crafted in partnership with Hendel Homes, a leading builder in Excelsior — where the teal-colored, 48-inch BlueStar range is the shining star. To set it off, a palm-patterned tile backsplash brings a bit of exoticism. Then, for functionality, the main island is clad in a honed, richly veined marble. Flanked by walnut counter stools, the kitchen is a lively spot for friends and family to gather during the holidays and other festivities.
Finally, what’s a restful retreat without its own wellness center? This lower-level destination is the home’s best-kept secret. Boasting a custom sauna and a separate steam shower, it’s all about luxury in this space. Across the hall, a bespoke yoga studio beckons with a calming, Zen-like vibe. Then, to keep things moving, just around the corner is a custom sport court for that “game-on” spirit all year round. “The moment you walk through the double glass doors, you know you’re entering the wellness center,” Graunke affirms. “It’s such a treat — like having your own personal spa right at home.”
Project Partners
Interior designer: Studio M Interiors
Builder: Hendel Homes
