Michigan Design Center // October 2024
MULTI-LEVEL MERRY MAKING
“The plan for this Birmingham home was to have separate spaces for entertaining that allowed for casual gatherings, as well as a space for family-style dining. The lower level is the perfect pre-dinner area for sipping warm, spiked cider and grazing on snacks while watching the Lions or playing a board game. The bar area is ideal for serving appetizers with seating for four, while the banquette seats four more guests. A special feature in the space is the floating tv console, which doubles as concealed storage for informal serveware, dinnerware, and board games.
The cozy dining room showcases a fireplace, and the unexpected detail of woven wallpaper on the ceiling. The repurposed cabinet is functional as well as decorative and displays vintage Art Deco fine china and crystal. When needed, the dining table can expand for 10 additional guests.” — Margaret Skinner, Margeaux Interiors
MARGARET’S ENTERTAINING DESIGN TIPS:
- Lighting Sets the Ambiance: Dimmers are a must, as well as different layers to accent art pieces and architectural details. Candles allow place settings and glassware to sparkle.
- Declutter: Some of the day-to-day accessories and furnishings may need to take a “mini vacation” in the storage closet to allow the holiday decor to shine and not feel cluttered.
- Flowers, Flowers, Flowers: Carry a theme, style, or color throughout your home with dining centerpieces, an accent in the guest bath, a welcoming arrangement at the entry, and low, compact vases with serveware at buffets.
Favorite Holiday Decorative Touch: Reuse unexpected items. Multiple low candle holders can be repurposed as vases to create a floral dining centerpiece, or pair a small votive at each place setting for a personalized arrangement. Transform a bowl by adding shimmery, glass ornaments and evergreens.
Available at MDC: Lower-Level Bar Area: Tennant & Associates wallcovering, Sherwin-Williams paint, City Lights Detroitceiling light fixture, Hard Rock Stone Works countertop. Lounge Area: CAI Designs tables, sofa, and chair, Pindler pillow fabric, Tennant & Associates pillow fabric, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils pillow fabric, The Ghiordes Knot area rug. Dining Room: Tennant & Associates ceiling covering, Pindler drapery fabric, Sherwin-Williams wall and cabinet paint.
