Diane Falanga of Space Defined Interior Design tackles the most personal of projects—a family getaway on the site of a former Boy Scout camp in Michigan—with jawdropping results.
In the airy, light-filled kitchen, Caesarstone quartz countertops in Pebble and AKDO marble backsplash in White Haze play off the warm wood cabinetry by T2 Cabinet and Caspian counter stools by AllModern.
THE PROJECT
Logan Square residents Diane and Mark Falanga were searching for a second home in a rural setting that would complement their city-dwelling lifestyle. They found it within Camp Madron, a 260-acre former Boy Scout camp that surrounds a 60-acre lake. The interior design question was a no-brainer, as Diane is the founder of Space Defined Interior Design. As for the architect? Notes Diane, “We were both absolutely sold on Mathison Mathison Architects (MMA) in Grand Rapids after meeting them, seeing some of their residential projects and connecting with them at our deeply wooded plot of land. MMA went to great lengths to translate our objectives for the house into spectacular architecture through an inclusive and interactive process that delivered on our functional desires and aesthetic sensibilities.”
A reading nook beckons with a custom white oak built-in covered in Stereo Pewter fabric by Robert Allen; Uttermost’s Aegea accent chairs and Azami coffee table; and a framed print of photographer Josh Soskin’s “Girl Jumping.”
THE PRIORITY
“We live in a residentially converted former industrial warehouse in Logan Square on the 606 Trail,” explains Mark. “Although we capture light and views from a glass-enclosed atrium/ courtyard and a large skylight that runs the length of our space, our windows are high for privacy. Therefore our focus in our Chicago home is predominantly inward. So with the Michigan home, we wanted loads of windows and an outward focus to take in the remoteness of the deep, mature woods by which we are surrounded.”
“We’re in awe as we drive down the wooded, winding roads of the former Boy Scout camp and then come upon our home.” – Mark Falanga
THE CHALLENGE
The primary obstacle the team faced? “Retaining the integrity of the maturely wooded setting while building a home required a lot of heavy equipment moving around our land,” admits Diane. “Our contractors, AVB, took great care to preserve a tree line close to the house and to get materials and supplies to the home through the narrow, winding dirt roadway leading to the house.”
Concept gray porcelain floor tile, Interior Define’s Jasper corner sectional sofa in Oat performance pebble knit, and precast concrete fireplace cladding in Harbor Gray by Hard Topix make for serious cool factor in the living room; photographer Serhii Kicherep’s “Bonfire” completes the cozy picture.
THE DETAIL
Asked to point out their favorite parts of the finished project, the two list several aspects: The relaxing vibe and various entertaining and game-playing spaces; the stunning, constantly changing views into the woods; the amount of open space; the six outdoor “rooms”; the home’s treehouse-like feel; the integrity and quality of the interior design, which matches that of the architecture and the surroundings; and finally, the fact that it’s a space that welcomes living and working, with dedicated workspaces for all family members and guests.
THE OUTCOME
Sums up Mark, “We’re taken aback with joy every time we set foot in the house, and we’re in awe as we drive down the wooded, winding roads of the former Boy Scout camp and then come upon our home. We were very involved with the process, and the success of the finished product is reflective of the effective collaboration of an engaged, creative and smart architectural and contracting team. Our architects and contractors will be our lifelong friends. When the project was completed, we had a reception for all of the contractors and subcontractors who worked on the home for them to enjoy the finished product of their outstanding efforts.”
DESIGN DETAILS
TYPE
Single-family home
LOCATION
Buchanan, Mich.
ARCHITECTURE
Mathison Mathison Architects (MMA)
BUILDERS
AVB
INTERIOR DESIGN
Space Defined Interior Design
MILLWORK
Portage Building Components
PLASTERWORK
Hard Topix
PAINTERS
Dave Roberts Painting
269.217.2102
LIGHTING INSTALLATION
Esper Electric, Kalamazoo, Michigan
FLOORING/TILE/CARPET INSTALLATION
Great Lakes Flooring Specialists
269.207.0441
RESOURCES
BLU DOT
Various furnishings
CAESARSTONE
Countertops throughout
EQ3
Beds and bedside tables
FOUR HANDS
Living room coffee table
INTERIOR DEFINE
Living room sectional
ROBERT ALLEN
Fabric on custom built-ins
SIGNATURE HARDWARE
Door hardware throughout
SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING
Custom dining table
SURYA
Area rugs in living room/bedrooms
T2 CABINET
Cabinetry throughout
Photography by: Scott Norsworthy
