Bringing the Past Into the Future
Down to the Details
Taking cues from Prairie-style masters, Fortman modeled the dwelling’s design after its surroundings. “The home was sited around an existing 150-year-old oak tree, and details were drawn from it” he explains, pointing to the entry’s carved-wood panels—designed by him and executed by local maker WoodLogic Custom Millwork—as a “literal interpretation of bringing nature indoors.” The leaded glass sourced from Drehobl Art Glass (much of it a century old), the handmade Motawi tiles, and a gold-leaf ceiling by Simes Studio “are a celebration of craftsmanship and the Arts and Crafts aesthetic,” Goldberg says.
Light from All Angles
Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Little House living room, reconstructed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fortman designed the main living space to mirror the tranquil Lake Michigan views to the east. The same handmade Motawi tiles found in the entry adorn the fireplace. In another reference to the Great Lake, designer Linda Arkules Cohn incorporated Holly Hunt seating in an eye-catching blue.
From the Top Down
For the two-story dining room and library, Fortman once again referenced Wright—this time looking to the wood ceiling beams of the legendary architect’s home studio. The Drehobl Art Glass windows offer panoramic views of the landscaping and the lake beyond. Cohn selected Holly Hunt chairs to surround the table designed by Fortman.
Easy Living
The sitting room was initially imagined as a true sun porch, but, to avoid blocking lake views, it was transformed into a living space that, in Fortman’s words, “juts out into the yard like the prow of a ship.” To create a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, Cohn turned to Michael Taylor Designs for a deep sofa and pair of chairs that encourage lounging. The leaded-glass windows by Drehobl Art Glass and hand-stenciled border tile on the floor from The Fine Line carry through the handcrafted story of the home.
Gathering Place
Capturing the light in the south-facing kitchen was key. “We wanted to bring that light in, but not focus on the view of the neighbor’s house,” says Fortman, speaking to the team’s decision to use clerestory and under-cabinet windows. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and custom quarter- and rift-sawn oak cabinets by WoodLogic Custom Millwork create the warm, cozy atmosphere the homeowners wanted.