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Neutral Palette: Exuberant Holidays
If you want attention, whisper. A Michigan home does just that.
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The aesthetic voice of Kelly and Matt Shuert's Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, home speaks a language of monotone neutrals. But don't grab a pillow and drift into dreamland quite yet. Spilling from one room to the next, the taupe, ivory, and brown palette is no design snoozer. Instead, the basic hues join forces for a color trifecta that delivers a chic background for elegant entertaining of people and parties-occasions where this family of five shines.
From their first discussions in 2007 about building a new house, Kelly and Matt knew that it needed to welcome and comfortably accommodate the people they care about and the celebrations to be enjoyed with them. That included not only family affairs and holidays, but also philanthropic events. Kelly, who began volunteering for Variety the Children's Charity years ago, now serves as president of the local chapter, and when the need arises for a venue to hold fund-raising events, the Shuert residence oftentimes proves the ideal location.
"Variety is part of our family," says Kelly. "I love that it's an international charity with local roots. The money we raise stays here in Michigan and helps a broad scope of needs. My own children are involved with the organization, too, so we all contribute to the community without taking time away from each other."
Gatherings at the Shuert home can tally upward of 200 people, as in one Variety gala that featured tabletop schemes by Detroit's leading interior designers. An annual Christmas Eve open house, where Matt, Kelly, and their three teenagers all invite family and friends, also brings in a crowd for festive cheer.
The property on which the new house sits was selected for its proximity to Cranbrook, a national historic landmark in Bloomfield Hills that includes a school for K-12, a graduate Academy of Art, and leading museums. Its idyllic campus of mature trees and architecture is where the couple loved to stroll. Because their children are students at Cranbrook School, choosing the neighborhood was an easy decision, but they first had to find a piece ofland that was available. Once something opened up, they builtwith a design process that proved to be a challenge. They insisted their house appear old and blend in with the Cranbrook style, avoiding attention as the neighborhood's newest addition. To meet their requirements, Matt and Kelly hired architect Alexander Bogaerts and interior designer Lucy Earl, who worked in tandem to build a structure and subsequently plan interiors that reflected their clients' vision.
"In the past, a traditional house might have blue in one room, green in the next," explains Earl. "But with the homeowners' modern sensibilities, it was more interesting to have a traditional shell with interiors that were quiet and well-edited. This house has threads of browns, grays, and taupes that run through it, with subtle color added by the rugs to give each room its own personality."
The sophisticated dressings of the house all translate into high-impact style and easily embrace the greenery and extra sparkle of Christmas decorations. Luminous velvet and silk fabrics plus twinkling light fixtures exude glamour. Handcrafted rugs in refined palettes and unique fireplace treatments nod to history and heritage. For example, reclaimed petrified wood encases the living room fireplace with rugged texture and also forms the dining room fireplace surround. Three generations of the Shuert family paid a visit to Detroit's 108-year-old Pewabic Pottery to stamp their mark on the home with the individual tiles they designed.
Whether it's an average day or a special season, the Shuert home welcomes all visitors with open arms and a beautiful visual presentation. "Christmas is an especially meaningful time, when we revisit all our family traditions," says Kelly. "The open-house ritual started by my parents continues in my home, and friends who do not have family in the area join our clan. We've hosted my son's drum teacher, priests who aren't giving Christmas Eve Mass, and countless others. It's a magical time."
Photography: John Bessler
Produced by Khristi ZimmethArchitect: Alexander Bogaerts, Alexander V. Bogaerts & Assoc., 2445 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302; 248/334-5000, bogaerts.us
Interior design: Lucy Earl; assistant designer: Rachel Hartung, Jones Keena & Co., 2292 Cole St., Birmingham, MI 48009; 248/644-7515, jones-keena.com
Builder: Thomas Sebold & Assoc., 35990 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304; 248/642-7711, tsagc.com
Landscape architect: James C. Scott & Assoc. Inc., 300 E. Long Lake Rd., Suite 120, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304; 248/646-6564, jcsa-la.com
Holiday decorating: Gabrielle Reilly, Flowers by Gabrielle, 15029 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230; 313/331-9250, flowersbygabby.comTags: -
The living room's fabrics are elegant but also practical. To determine if they could withstand family wear and tear, the designer spilled red wine on them to see if they would be easy to clean. They passed the test. A long, narrow mirror borrows its linear pattern from the lines created by the mortar between the stacked stones of the dramatic fireplace.
Rug ("Fine Angora Oushak Rug"#43-004-147): Mastour Galleries, 877/627-8687, mastourgalleries.com
Ottoman ("Tangier Ottoman" #7A-414): Stewart Furniture Designs, 276/744-0185, stewartfurniture.com
Ottoman fabric ("Lounge Lizard" #JHT49-162, limited stock): John Hutton Textiles, 888/787-7827, johnhutton.com
Sofas ("Annie Sofa"); sofa fabric, pillows and trim ("Casual Linen"/Sand): Verellen Home Collection, 336/889-7379.
Zebra bench ("Hadley"): Oly, 775/336-2100, olystudio.com
Silver tray on ottoman ("Bordeau Large Polished Nickel Tray" #2503): Arteriors Home, 877/488-8866, arteriorshome.com
Mercury glass accesories: DK Living/Barreveld, 845/265-6080, barreveld.com Chandelier ("Aix-En-Provence Chandelier"): La Forge Francaise, 631/591-0572, laforgefrancaise.com
Mirror over fireplace ("Cast Iron Window Mirror"): Bobo Intriguing Objects, 404/355-2309, bobointriguingobjects.com
Drapery ("Martinique"/Dark Beige #3322-03): Gretchen Bellinger Inc., 518/445-2400, gretchenbellinger.com
Fireplace: custom.
Wall covering: Venetian plaster. Trim paint ("Super White"): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667, benjaminmoore.com
Windows: Thomas Sebold & Assoc., 248/642-7711, tsagc.comTags: -
An antique Asian console table visually boosts a painting by artist Catharine Warren.
Chest of drawers: Whitehall Antiques, 919/942-3179, whitehallantiques.com Mirror (discontinued): Swaim, 336/885-6131, swaim-inc.com
Triangle lanterns ("Triangular Chandelier" #CH-I/510): Festoni, 713/830-1077, festoni.com
Painting (by Catharine Warren); console table under painting: owner's collection.
Lamps on console ("Antique Wallpaper Lamps"): Julian Chichester, 336/886-2454, julianchichester.com
Lampshades: Lux Lampshades, 704/376-6213, luxlampshades.comTags: -
The English Tudor-style house was inspired by the traditional architecture at the nearby Cranbrook estate and school.
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A simple lighted garland embellishes the outer edge of leaded glass panels that frame the front door.
Light over front door (#4192-2): Fourteenth Colony Lighting, 800/297-9719, fourteenthcolonylighting.com
Front door: custom.Tags: -
Hickory Chair dining chairs covered in a zebra-patterned fabric offer a modern contrast to the Royal Crown Derby dinnerware.
Drapery (custom, silk): Jones Keena and Co., 248/644-7515, jones-keena.com
Dining table ("Palafoxiana Rectangular Dining Table" #528-865-02): Alfonso Marina, 888/489-3839, alfonsomarinaebanista.com
Host chairs ("Flare Back Dining Arm Chair"/Weathered Cream #7651-10, by Mariette Himes Gomez); side chairs ("Flare Back Dining Side Chair"/Weathered Cream #7652-10, by Mariette Himes Gomez): Hickory Chair, 800/349-4579, hickorychair.com
Chair fabric (#5032-1): Swaim Inc., 336/885-6131, swaim-inc.com
Chandeliers ("10-light Galleria Chandelier"/Renaissance Silver): Eicher Collection by Woodland Furniture, 310/657-4630, woodlandfurniture.com
Fireplace tile (custom): Pewabic Pottery, 313/626-2000, pewabic.org
China ("Old Avesbury" by Royal Crown Derby); stemware: owner's collection.
Sconces ("Aura Sconce," by James Lockridge): through Allan Knight & Assoc., 214/741-2227, allan-knight.com
Rug (custom patchwork rug): Asia Minor Carpets, 212/447-9066, asiaminorcarpets.com
Mirror over fireplace ("Starburst"): Cody Foster & Co., 402/376-3369, codyfosterandco.com
Wall covering: Venetian plaster.
Trim paint ("Super White"): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667, benjaminmoore.com
Ceiling wallpaper ("Erte Silver Tea Paper" #BR-69264-904): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Placemats: owner's collection.
Candlesticks ("Frida Taper Candle Holders"): Roost, 415/339-9500, roostco.com
Napkins; flatware: owner's collection.Tags: -
Stained a rich, dark brown, the paneled library and its leather furniture exude a woodsy feeling. A red-and-brown-patterned rug adds color.
Chairs (“Damien Occasional Chair”); chair fabric (“Suede”/Champagne): Verellen Home Collection, 336/889-7379.
Pillows (carpet pillows): Chelsea Textiles Ltd., 212/319-5804, chelseatextiles.com
Ottoman (“Damien Ottoman,” with nailhead): Verellen Home Collection, 336/889-7379.
Ottoman fabric (#CHSDAG2/Olive Green Hide): Saddleman’s of Santa Fe, 505/424-7909, saddlemansofsantafe.com
Drapery (“Prestwick Wool Satin”/Espresso #51530, with band in “Prestwick Wool Satin”/Paprika #51538): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com
Leaded doors: Merry Go Round Stained Glass Inc., 248/652-7560, mgrstainedglass.net
Small table next to chair (“Tribeca Tiered Side Table”/Faux Shagreen): Julian Chichester, 336/886-2454, julianchichester.com
Rug (Heriz #33876): Asia Minor Carpets, 212/447-9066.
Mantel: custom.
Fireplace tiles: Pewabic Pottery: 313/626-2000, pewabic.orgTags: -
The family room is the setting for a second Christmas tree, decorated with Kelly's extensive collection of Christopher Radko ornaments.
Sofa ("Thibaut"): Verellen Home Collection, 336/889-7379.
Sofa fabric ("Legacy"/Cashmere #5055-07): Pollack, 212/627-7766, pollackassociates.com
Sofa pillows ("Somba"/Slate #34194-4): Clarence House, 800/803-2850, clarencehouse.com
Upholstered chairs ("Hayward Club Chair" #2003-51, discontinued): Hickory Chair, 800/349-4579, hickorychair.com
Chair fabric ("Legacy"/Cashmere #5055-07): Pollack, 212/627-7766, pollackassociates.com
Chair pillows ("Consolation," discontinued): Jim Thompson, 800/262-0336, jimthompsonfabrics.com
Coffee table (custom): Jones Keena & Co., 248/644-7515.
Chandelier ("Cabot Lodge Chandelier" #68011): Chelsea House, 252/446-3266, chelseahouseinc.com
Wallpaper ("Holland Texture on Vinyl"/Greige #69379-908, discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880.
Rug (antique): Asia Minor Carpets, 212/447-9066.Tags: -
Holiday references are pared down in the master bedroom, where a graceful garland of greenery swags the mantel.
Bed; bedside chest: owner's collection.
Quilted bed cover and pillow shams; duvet: Ann Gish, 212/969-9200.
Rug ("Fine Angora Oushak Rug #10267-33): Mastour Galleries, 877/627-8687.
Drapery (#1228-5965): Opuzen, 323/549-3489, opuzen.com
Wall covering (Venetian plaster, "Armonia"): custom.
Trim paint ("Super White" ): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667.
Mantel (custom): Thomas Sebold & Assoc., 248/642-7711, tsagc.com
Sconces above mantel ("Brantome Wall Light" #WLA55/N): Vaughan Designs, 212/319-7070, vaughandesigns.com
Fireplace surround: onyx.
Chandelier ("Treetop Chandelier" #9327): Currey & Co., 877/768-6428, curreycodealers.comTags: -
A jeweled pillow and a faux bois side table fashionably complement matching slipper chairs upholstered in taupe velvet.
Pair of chairs ("Thompson Side Chair" #2005-21, by Thomas O'Brien); fabric (#3087-64): Hickory Chair, 800/349-4579, hickorychair.com
Metallic pillow on chair: Jones-Keena & Co. Shop, 248/644-7515.
Table between chairs ("Log Stool"/silver finish #PH55914): Phillips Collection, 877/744-5547.
Drapery (#1228-5965): Opuzen, 323/549-3489, opuzen.com
Wall covering (Venetian plaster, "Armonia"): custom.
Trim paint ("Super White" ): Benjamin Moore & Co., 888/236-6667.Tags: -
In the master bath, a chandelier spotlights a dramatic tub, made in Peru from a single piece of stone. A pair of wreaths at the windows quietly salute the holidays.
Chandeliers ("Bling Chandelier"/Polished Nickel #S1000): Robert Abbey Inc., 828/322-3480, robertabbey.biz
Wallpaper ("Silver Screen"/Platinum #W3004-11, discontinued): Kravet, 888/457-2838, kravet.com
Tub: Andean Stone, 305/460-3320, andeanstonecompany.com
Tub fixtures; vanity faucet ("Waldorf Widespread"): Sigma, 760/598-5895, sigmafaucet.com
Sconces ("Dean Single Arm Sconce" #AH2000, by Alexa Hampton): Circa Lighting, 877/762-2323, circalighting.com
Tile in tub area; flooring: custom.
Shades ("Bouillion"/Oyster #7725): Pindler & Pindler, 805/531-9090, pindler.com
Trim ("Whitfield Braid"/Oyster #63161): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.comTags: -
A subtle leaf-patterned wallpaper by Kravet contrasts effectively with cabinetry stained a blackish-brown. Restoration Hardware accessories adorn the cabinets.
Cabinetry: Braam's Custom Cabinets, 877/663-2537, braams.ca
Wallpaper ("Silver Screen"/Platinum #W3004-11, discontinued): Kravet, 888/457-2838, kravet.com
Bench fabric ("Argentum Weave"/Silver #LFY 60074F): Ralph Lauren Home, 888/475-7674, ralphlaurenhome.comTags: -
"We wanted the girls' bedrooms to take them straight into college and work as they became young women," says designer Lucy Earl. Daughter Sydney's pink bedroom features a dog motif.
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Gabby's purple bedroom has a subtle soccer motif. Both girls worked with Earl on their spaces. "We wanted them to reflect their personalities," the designer says.
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Son Hunter's room is brightly colored in more boyish stripes and has artwork that demonstrates his interest in airplanes.
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Kelly and Matt Shuert and their children (from left) Gabby, Hunter, and Sydney, who is holding Coco.
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