Rae Muranski and her team at Moderne Living craft a breathtaking Petoskey, Mich. home for clients returning to their roots.

The sculptural Pininfarina Segno sofa is framed by a floating wood pedestal that doubes as a side table.

THE CLIENTS

After finding success with business ventures in Indiana and Michigan, a couple set their sights on retiring with their son in style in their picturesque hometown of Petoskey, Mich. Enter Rae Muranski, designer and owner of River North-based firm Moderne Living, who set about helping the trio create their ultimate oasis in an abode surrounded by rich vegetation and the immense wilderness surrounding Petoskey.

“Our client was immediately drawn to our seating products for the main living area,” Muranski says.

The clients selected king-sized Italian beds from Moderne Living.

THE PROJECT

“The primary goal was to create comfortable and functional living spaces that do not distract from the awe-inspiring views of Little Traverse Bay,” says Muranski, who worked closely with the owner on commissioning a painting for the main living room. In addition to the interiors, Muranski and team worked on several outdoor spaces including a jacuzzi, lounge areas by the water and a sprawling hanging deck suspended on 14-inch metal beams.

The pristine white kitchen, appointed with Sub-Zero appliances, features clean lines and elegance.

THE DETAILS

“The aesthetic chosen was a contemporary interpretation of the prairie style, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide a connection to the outdoors,” explains Muranski. Inside, a comfortable elegance defines the living spaces, and a clutter-free ambiance complements grand moments such as the atriumlike foyer, a glass sanctuary separating the primary suite from the public and family spaces. “Their visionary project captures the essence of opulence and refined living,” Muranski adds. “With a design philosophy that revolves around the magnificent panorama of the azure waters, every detail has been meticulously crafted to embrace and accentuate the unrivaled views.”

A Pininfarina dining table and chairs in a light bronze finish.

THE CHALLENGE

Because the home is nestled on a steep plot of land, the topography was daunting, Muranski confesses. But Michigan’s AZD Architects pivoted with a smart concept: a garage below the garage. “This innovative design allowed them to conquer the formidable slope and connect the two levels through an elegant bridge,” says Muranski. “By capitalizing on the natural landscape, they not only overcame the challenge of the steep lot but also reaped numerous benefits from the clever arrangement such as unobstructed views from all of the living spaces.”

Varaschin patio furniture sits at the bottom of the home’s dramatically cascading lot.

THE OUTCOME

After nearly a year, the abode emerged a grand vision of luxury lake living. “The culmination of their achievements and aspirations, this lakeside haven stands as a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their unwavering connection to the land they call home,” Muranski concludes. “We celebrate their triumphant return to their cherished roots, where dreams of luxury and tranquility have seamlessly merged with the unending allure of Lake Michigan.”

The oversized deck seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living spaces.