Custom Home Architect Bloomfield Township, MI
Custom Home Architect Bloomfield Township, MI
2021 DETROIT DESIGN AWARD WINNER
2025 MICHIGAN BLUE DESIGN AWARD WINNER
2024 MICHIGAN BLUE DESIGN AWARD WINNER
This Bloomfield Township farmhouse, originally built in the 1940s and overlooking Wing Lake, captured the homeowners’ hearts with its quiet charm and setting. From the outset, the design approach was rooted in respect—honoring the home’s original architecture while thoughtfully reimagining it for modern family life. A disjointed 1980s addition was removed to restore clarity and flow, allowing the house to reconnect with its surroundings. The renovation and seamless addition were carefully planned to preserve the farmhouse character while opening the home toward the lake, transforming it into a place that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
At the heart of the transformation is a reimagined kitchen and sitting room designed for gathering, entertaining, and everyday living. Once small and inward-facing, the kitchen was expanded toward the lake and opened to a new sitting room, creating a warm, interconnected space anchored by views of the water beyond. A wall of French doors now frames the lake, filling the rooms with natural light. Antique transoms were thoughtfully relocated between spaces, while traditional window seats, built-in bookshelves, and a coffered ceiling add layers of character. Every detail reflects the family’s joyful spirit—from natural fiber furnishings to seating arrangements that invite you to relax, linger, and truly feel at home.
The renovation extended beyond aesthetics to fundamentally realign the home with its remarkable site. Primary living spaces were repositioned to take full advantage of lake views and access, with porches added to capture sunsets and strengthen the connection between indoors and out. Ceiling heights were selectively increased, blending traditional farmhouse proportions with a more open, contemporary feel. Thoughtful planning also ensured the home could adapt gracefully over time, incorporating features to support aging in place without compromising design integrity. What was once an unassuming farmhouse has been transformed into a welcoming, light-filled retreat—one that fully embraces its history, its setting, and the way this family lives today.
Photographer: Beth Singer
Interior: Colleen Farrell Design