Room of the Day: Eclectic and Casual in a Michigan Great Room

“Casual” and “family” were the two keywords that drove the design of this great room in a new west Michigan home. The open floor plan allows the couple and their two young boys to be together even while doing different things, while a comfortable breakfast booth and durable finishes keep the vibe laid back and inviting.

The approach to the style of the space was “free-spirited,” says the builder, Mike Schaap, who worked with Benchmark Wood Studio on the project. The result is a mix of styles that spans midcentury, traditional and coastal. “They weren’t interested in being married to a style,” Schaap says.

Distressed soft maple custom cabinets painted blue evoke a coastal feel in the kitchen. A hickory custom island with a driftwood-like stain, white oak floors in a seashell-distressed finish, and a Chicago brick wall that wraps around the kitchen add to the worn feel.

The solid brick backsplash was treated with a waterproof sealant. “I wouldn’t throw spaghetti sauce on it, but it holds up nicely,” Schaap says.

The countertops are quartz.


White tongue and groove wood walls punctuate the breezy style around the breakfast nook.

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While the kitchen, dining and living spaces feel open and connected, architectural features like the crown molding in the living room, ceiling beams in the dining room and drop ceiling in the kitchen help set them apart.

The limestone fireplace is a see-through version so the family can enjoy it whether they’re in the dining room or on the other side on the patio.

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Various chair styles surrounding the dining table further push the eclectic atmosphere. The couple was “really open-minded to what would look good,” Schaap says.


Decorative tile in a herringbone pattern defines a nearby staircase.

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