As a homeowner in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, you live in one of Detroit’s most prestigious communities, known for its historic charm, upscale amenities, and breathtaking estates. With families adapting their homes for changing needs—whether it’s an empty nest, multi-generational living, or aging in place—remodeling offers the perfect opportunity to enhance both function and value.
Given the distinctive character of homes in the city of Grosse Pointe, renovations require a trusted expert who understands their unique architecture. MainStreet Design Build, one of the area’s premier remodeling firms, specializes in preserving your home’s elegance while seamlessly integrating modern updates. Discover innovative ways to enhance your home with family-friendly remodeling solutions, from adapting to lifestyle changes to creating better spaces for entertainment.
While Grosse Pointe is known for its architectural heritage, residents eagerly invest in updating their home interiors. Whether you’re modernizing your kitchen or making dining and bathrooms more lavish, creating a home entertainment center or office, a trusted local remodeling firm like MainStreet Design Build is poised to make your gorgeous residence even more luxurious and practical. Discover family-friendly remodeling ideas designed to transform your home with versatile solutions for your growing family.
Open Up Your Multipurpose Kitchen
While “open-concept” renovations are all the rage, they come with unique considerations when upgrading Grosse Pointe homes. These timeless residences are defined by their structural interior walls and exquisite handcrafted stone and brickwork, which require a thoughtful approach to modernization. An ideal approach for architectural classics such as your home is to honor its traditional design and solid construction by reworking the layout to improve overall design, traffic flow, and overall spaciousness. In short, we enhance your home’s functionality while preserving its original character and charm.
An exemplary remodel was done for a Grosse Pointe couple having a claustrophobic kitchen with a cumbersome archway and separated nook. The design-build team at MainStreet embraced the project with enthusiasm. “We set out to open and brighten their kitchen up!” smiles Kim McDevitt, General Manager. “Matching the architectural integrity of their traditional style was key, characterized by large rooms, heavy wainscots, and original crystal chandeliers.”
“Their home was built with a unique block and brick veneer, which presented an immediate challenge,” acknowledges Steven Ramaekers, Founder and Creative Director. “The exterior walls were thick, and the framing construction was all steel. That made removing the archway and recessing the nook difficult. So we minimized disruption to the classic structure by relocating a steel support post in the basement. Our client was amazed by the final result!”
“The homeowners were tired of cooking in a dark, congested space,” nods Amy Fisher, Interior Designer. “So we installed white cabinetry, white marble, and a white range hood to give their new open layout a burst of bright light.” A range wall with hand cut tile, narrow mantle custom flared hood, open shelving, and soft brass accents became the kitchen’s focal point. Oversized stainless steel appliances, and a beautiful soft blue island completed the refreshing design.
Bathroom Bliss for the Whole Family in MI
Grosse Pointe homes were designed and built during an era when bathrooms were considered more functional than aesthetic, and the concept of the “home health spa” didn’t exist yet. Nonetheless, these bathrooms embodied the timeless elegance of the homes they were built in, often featuring stunning antique plumbing, fixtures, lighting, and storage. As families grow and lifestyles change, bathrooms should evolve too—and MainStreet Design Build ensures they do so seamlessly.
By blending luxury with functionality, we create open, relaxing spaces designed for ultimate comfort. Our expert team incorporates exquisite design elements and premium materials to craft a one-of-a-kind, spa-like retreat tailored to your family’s needs.
“Seamlessly blending the new with the old is our specialty,” insists Christine Ramaekers, Creative Director. “Imagine having a hot tub time machine, bringing you the best of both worlds.”
Freestanding Tubs
The focal point of any custom-designed luxury bathroom is a freestanding tub, ideally constructed from high-quality materials such as cast iron, acrylic, copper, or stone resin. A great tub is also super comfortable, with lumbar support and handrails for seniors and universal living arrangements.
Steam Showers
An enclosed, personalized steam room is the apex of luxury and the pinnacle of any home health spa experience. Expert designs feature multiple showerheads, handheld sprays, and body jets. A frameless glass enclosure reveals the exquisite stonework or mosaic custom tile.
High-End Materials and Finishes
Grosse Pointe homeowners expect nothing less than the elegance of natural stone and polished tile, with flooring options like porcelain, travertine, and marble. To make a bold statement, fixtures shine in brushed gold, polished nickel, or matte black. And no luxury bathroom is complete without high-end custom cabinetry!
Heated Floors and Towel Racks
Underfloor heating is the height of luxury and practicality, especially during our frigid Michigander winters. Heated towel rails add an extra layer of opulence and create the ultimate spa-like mood, particularly appreciated whenever you step right out of the shower or tub.
Smart Lighting and Tech
Imagine effortlessly controlling your shower’s temperature, steam settings, and lighting with a digital touch. Now, enhance the experience with built-in Bluetooth speakers and custom TV screens. To complete your personal spa retreat, picture task, and accent LED strips with precision dimmers and customizable color effects, creating the ultimate ambiance for relaxation and wellness.
Evolving Entertainment Areas for Grosse Pointe Homes
Another exciting contemporary infusion into traditional Grosse Pointe homes is the creation of expansive home entertainment areas. Popular elements include the latest technology, comfortable seating, and a stylish atmosphere.
With digital controls, mood lighting, and WiFi connectivity, modern technology enhances both aesthetics and comfort. Thoughtfully designed storage, integrated plumbing, and convenient snack stations make entertaining effortless. Together, these elements create an immersive and enjoyable experience for both family and guests.
“Grosse Pointe basements tend to be under-utilized,” grins Kim. “So when we had the opportunity to completely transform an 875 square foot lower-level home into a stunning, multipurpose home entertainment, gym, and refreshment area, we went all-in.” Able to start from scratch, the MainStreet Design Build team created an ideal open layout, nonetheless partitioned by the home’s support structures, and the needs of the various living spaces.
“The entertainment area became a stunning focal point,” agrees Amy. “We designed and built a full wall of custom-made built-ins, with a large screen tv and a vast array of books and games embedded within the black wall-hung cabinetry. An open bar detail with customized wood columns and a live edge ash bar top also acted as a partition. A distinctive Lego table was created to match the adjacent cabinetry and finishes, and we even added a full service bath.”
Topping off the transformed basement experience was a complete home gym, including an easy clean, soft rubber floor surrounded by vanity mirrored walls and a professional barre for all types of workouts. “We escorted the client through every step of the design-build process,” beams Steven. “They felt assured knowing our dedicated project manager was accountable every step of the way, keeping them posted on progress, and the team focused on efficiency and quality.”
Functional and Fabulous Mudrooms for Michigan Families
Michigan’s cold, wet winters make a well-designed mudroom essential. Grosse Pointe families are prepared with stylish, durable, and highly functional mudroom remodels that blend practicality with timeless elegance. “The transitional space between outside and inside,” says Kim, “usually near the home’s front or rear entrance and flush with a laundry room or kitchen, is often a mess. That makes them challenging and fun for MainStreet. Our designers are eager to make the most of the limited and congested space.”
Custom Builds and Storage
Every available square foot is utilized with specially designed cubbies and lockers for bags, coats, shoes, and other needs for the whole family. Custom lockers, cabinetry, and integrated bench seating with built-in drawers and compartments satisfy every need.
Premium Flooring and Finishes
MainStreet creates thoughtfully designed spaces for Grosse Pointe homeowners, using only the finest materials like natural stone, luxury vinyl, and porcelain tile. Elegant details such as polished hooks, drawer pulls, and fixtures in brushed brass, polished nickel, and matte black add a sophisticated finishing touch.
Convenient Cleaning Areas
Many Grosse Pointe families choose to incorporate a dedicated wash station or utility sink—ideal for rinsing off muddy boots, washing pets, or cleaning gardening tools. A built-in hose and spray nozzle, paired with a tiled floor drain, ensures effortless clean-ups while preventing water buildup.
Benches and Lighting
Ample seating, custom LED lighting, and thoughtful design elements turn an underutilized space into a stylish and functional transition area. High-quality finishes and detailed millwork create a seamless flow between the mudroom and the rest of the home.
“Many of these personalized features were incorporated into a recent laundry/mud room renovation,” points out Christine. “The family had several children, who came loaded not only with school backpacks, heavy winter coats and boots, but two midsized dogs. So we widened the archways and removed a door between the spaces, and optimized the space with built-in lockers, fancy white utility cabinets, and a small but functional desk of shining quartz and wood.”
Convenient and Comfortable Home Offices for Grosse Pointe, Michigan
More cross-generational Grosse Pointe family members are working from home than ever before, and MainStreet Design Build is also an expert in creating seamlessly integrated, stylish, and functional home office spaces to fit every need and exceed every expectation. With an eye toward form and function, beauty and practicality, comfort and convenience, a luxurious home office remodel inspires your family with the added flexibility of working or studying remotely.
Recommended features include:
- An ergonomic and comfortable setup, centered around an adjustable sitting-and-standing desk for health and flexibility and a high-end office chair that provides excellent back support and gorgeous style. Enable heat and air conditioning control with integrated HVAC solutions, too.
- Most advanced technology integration, with large, high-resolution screens and cameras, and noise-canceling microphones. Don’t forget ample and preferably concealed outlets for all the gear, and plenty of wiring to enable flexible arrangements and scalable solutions.
- Custom craftsmanship, with tailored cabinetry, integrated desk features, and expansive bookshelves for storage. Insist on premium materials and finishes, including quality hardware and fixtures, luxury hardwood flooring or carpeting, and plenty of soundproofing.
- Layered and natural lighting are essential for practical and aesthetic reasons, further empowered with precision dimmers, smart controls, and optimized window placement. Consider mechanized shades, and customized decor to create a relaxing but productive mood in your work area.
“We’re seeing more and more local homeowners wanting comfortable, quiet, and dedicated workspaces,” nods Amy. “Grosse Pointe houses never had these as part of their original layouts, but we’ve mastered creating ergonomic spaces that smoothly blend with legacy kitchen nooks, living room partitions, and traditional guest bedroom arrangements. The trick is to match the existing style with modern conveniences in a creative way that heightens each.”
Durable Flooring and Custom Storage Solutions for Grosse Pointe Homes
Busy families can wreak havoc on flooring, especially within classic, luxury Grosse Pointe homes. But high-end flooring options go beyond mere functionality and durability and showcase the exquisite taste and commitment to luxury of the homeowner and their experienced local contractor. MainStreet Design Build takes tremendous pride in providing its clients with gorgeous and practical choices, from select materials to premium designs and finishes.
“Flooring is often an afterthought,” cautions Christine. “But we’re detail focused from head to toe, so to speak. We offer our fantastic Grosse Pointe clients exotic hardwood selections from Brazilian cherry to mahogany and walnut, marble and stone from onyx to granite, and a broad and beautiful range of designer tiles, polished concrete, and terrazzo, not to mention parquet designs, mosaics, medallions, and border inlays with custom stains and protective coatings.”
Like flooring, storage is often neglected – but not at MainStreet. Luxurious custom storage options utilize premium materials and are built by expert craftspeople with an eye toward integrated design and exquisite detail. From boutique-style walk-in closets to kitchen and pantry organizational units, from built-in displays to hidden storage, Grosse Pointe homeowners expect nothing less than high-end materials, smart integration, and top-notch lighting ambiance.
“Doing storage right is tricker than you’d think,” insists Amy. “Finding the right balance between convenience and style is a mixture of design and build. You want storage spaces to be easily and immediately accessible but hidden until needed, and when seen gorgeous and seamlessly integrated into the legacy style and layout of the living space you’re enhancing. That’s why at MainStreet we use only the best materials, and only the most experienced craftspeople.”
Embracing the Great Grosse Pointe Outdoors with Family-Friendly Features
Michigan summers are delightful, and even winter can be refreshing when enjoyed in a well-designed outdoor space. A thoughtfully crafted outdoor living area allows homeowners to take in the beauty of their surroundings year-round—especially those with stunning views near the Grosse Pointe shores.
“A luxury outdoor renovation creates a personalized experience that can feel like a private resort,” points out Steven. “At MainStreet we consider a Grosse Pointe resident’s yard an organic extension of their home, and an integral part of their exceptional property. So we approach it with the elegance and sophistication that it deserves.”
A few of MainStreet’s recommendations and success stories for your backyard:
- Wood decks and stone patios, featuring limestone, slate, and travertine, and weatherproof hardwoods, laid out in tiered, partitioned plans with built-in seating, furnishings, and fixtures.
- Pools and water features, including cool infinity or zero-edge pools beach-like environments, spas and hot tubs with hydrotherapy jets and privacy screens, fountains, ponds, and water walls.
- Fire pits and BBQs, with high-end grills and cooktops, smokers and pizza ovens, ventilation and prep stations, fridges and storage, and plenty of island and bar seating all around.
- Outdoor structures and lounging areas, with pergolas and pavilions, louvers and conversation pits, illuminated by step and path lights, accent, ambient, tree and shrubbery fixtures.
- Innovative tech and entertainment systems, featuring embedded outdoor TVs, speakers, cameras, and centralized remote controls for convenience, security, and guest hosting.
“Exactly as we design and build interiors,” adds Christine, “our outdoor renovations and enhancements smoothly blend with the rest of our client’s home and land. And like those interiors, we use only premium materials, fixtures, and appliances, embedded within a masterfully constructed layout that optimizes the space for the unique needs of each Grosse Pointe family. From patios to decks, pools to kitchens and structures, quality is our goal.”
Partner with Grosse Pointe’s Design Build Remodeling Contractor
Make sure you partner with a local and integrated design build contractor who can bring your dream remodel to life! Whether you and your family choose to update your kitchen, bathroom, or basement, create an entertainment area or home office, only a genuine design build firm can ensure that your renovation team will be managed by a single point of contact and transparently communicate with you every step of the way. Don’t assume; make sure to ask.
MainStreet Design Build is such a full-service, design-build remodeling firm headquartered in Birmingham, MI. The local leader, MainStreet, is committed to delivering a luxurious end-to-end experience defined by personal care, accountability, timeless design, and exacting attention to detail. Since 1991, our team has made the renovation process comfortable, enjoyable, and safe, ensuring your home and basement transformation exceeds your expectations at every turn.
With a deep bench of architects, interior designers, and craftspeople, MainStreet Design Build is favored by discerning homeowners throughout the cities of Southeast Oakland County who value a high level of comfort and trust in knowing that their remodeling project will be done RIGHT. Browse our gallery of award-winning local renovations and schedule a virtual design consultation. Let’s partner today to make your dream kitchen a reality and do it on time and on budget.
