“The home was essentially a tear-down when I bought it,” describes John. Built in 1960 and designed by Michigan-based architect Paul Moffett, it sits on the banks of a lake on a winding Bloomfield Hills street. The rear of the home is heavily wooded and, with lake views from the main living areas, you are surrounded by nature in every room. John is only the third owner and the home has not changed much structurally since it was first completed. The only material structural change was converting the breezeway into a mudroom, which was completed by the prior owner. Rather than tear the home down, John undertook a two-year restoration. During that time the structure was stabilized and the interior was fully modernized with a nod to its mid-century past. Many of the original homes in the neighborhood have been demolished and replaced by much larger homes. This home therefore remains one of the few original designs left. 

My Style: Mid-century modern with some soft touches. 

Inspiration: I worked with local design firm Parini Design and they came up with a wonderful aesthetic based on materials, textures, and colors that reflected my Irish upbringing while remaining true to the mid-century bones of the home. 

Favorite Element: The lake and wood views, as well as all the visiting wildlife. You feel immersed in nature even though you are ten minutes from town and just twenty five minutes from downtown Detroit. 

Biggest Challenge: Dealing with the challenges brought about by COVID lockdowns. For a period of time, all work essentially stopped and progress was sporadic for a while even when it restarted. 

What Friends Say: It’s a peaceful and calming place, the perfect size home, too. 

Biggest Embarrassment: Discovering a major plumbing issue behind a wall that had been beautifully tiled. Thankfully the damage was relatively small and we had some tiles left over to patch it up once resolved. 

Proudest DIY: Just having my own art work displayed at home. It’s helpful when prospective clients visit to discuss commissions. That’s if my art counts as DIY.

Biggest Indulgence: Spending about $50K on the metal roof. Totally unnecessary as the prior roof was in good shape. But it completes the exterior look so nicely. 

Best Advice: Find a great design team and, once they establish a vision you are enthusiastic about, have faith they’ll be able to execute. I was likely too involved at different points, mostly out of frustration with a lack of progress. 

• Most of house — Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace” (white all over)
• Guest Bath — Farrow and Ball’s “Studio Green”
• Lower bedroom accent wall and powder room — Benjamin Moore’s “Evening Sky”
• Fireplace brick — Benjamin Moore’s “Black Knight”

• Moss green chairs — Article
• Nuevo Anders sectional sofa — Unlimited Furniture
• Coffee table — Burke Decor
• Artwork — John Neary

• Dining table — CB2
• Dining chairs — Burke Décor Kink chair

• Custom cabinetry — Tambour around island and stone is from Concrete Collaborative (all counters)
• All flooring — Montauk black slate

• Bed — Lulu and Georgia

• Tile — Cle tile (walls and shower)
• Floor — Anne Saks tiling

Thanks, John!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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