Warm & Homey
Lauren Tolles and Tori Olijar
Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, MI
Maison Birmingham updated the primary bath in this home in 2018, and that led to various projects throughout the home in the following years. Tolles and Olijar, working with Meg Corley of Meg Corley Interiors, finally got their turn at the main floor, which included the kitchen and dining areas. A clean yet warm aesthetic was used throughout the home, with crisp lines balanced by rich materials such as walnut, quartzite, polished nickel and brass accents. The main floor design embraces the same aesthetic but it is softened somewhat since this is where the family spends most of their time.
The walnut island features a crisp style to tie in notes from the lower level areas, but in an inset application that delivers more of a timeless, handcrafted feel. Hand-forged brass brackets help support the stone overhang while providing flexibility for stool positioning. The walnut is repeated in all of the tall elements in the kitchen, evoking an armoire-like style with more traditional door styles. Burled walnut panels at the hutch introduce another element of texture and interest while staying well within the cohesive design of the space.
Along the perimeter, base cabinets are finished in Cloud White. The backsplash and countertops throughout are porcelain, with the range area framed in Calacatta marble. A 48″ Thermador range is paired with a custom hood that includes a Zephyr hood insert.
Along the far wall beneath an expansive window is a Rohl Culinario 33″ sink, along with a Heaney faucet and cold water dispenser from Newport Brass. A paneled dishwasher from Miele is also featured.
Directly opposite, a Kallista Bacifiore 18″ prep sink with a Kallista Quincy bar faucet is housed in a spot that provided an ideal option for a butler area, with shallow storage behind paneling in the wall. A rollout stone shelf in the corner includes a coffee machine, and a paneled 24″ Thermador bar dishwasher sits near the sink. A paneled Thermador refrigerator and freezer are included in the kitchen, as well as a Thermador microwave and 15″ wine refrigerator from U-Line.
