Soaking-up inspiration from the abundance of nature on its doorstep, Michigan-based design firm, KLH Custom Homes describes its projects as modern, layered and playful.
Headed up by Liz and Kevin — co-founders and life partners — it employs a double-digit team of multidisciplinary creative roles across its two-pronged design services, also embodied though sister company TEN Design Studio.
In discussion, Liz explains the importance of prioritizing natural light, compromising on expensive lighting, plus how social media has emboldened a wave of fearless interior design.
Introduce us to the team behind your design practice 👋
"KLH began as a design-build firm creating modern, light-filled spaces for clients locally in West Michigan. We now also have a secondary firm, TEN design studio, servicing architectural plans and interiors clients both locally and across the country — even select clients internationally.
I (Liz) am Co-founder and Creative Director, my husband Kevin is our fellow Co-founder and we currently have a combination of five additional designers (senior, lead and architectural) and two design assistants working on the creative side of things. All in all we have a team of fifteen, including contractors, accountant and support stuff ensuring that our constructions projects run smoothly."
What are some commitments you make to your clients when they employ your services?
"Creativity, communication and a degree of flexibility — in terms of our ability to problem solve the inevitable problems that arise with construction, and also in terms of our approach.
We believe in leaving room throughout the process, for new ideas to spark, as this is often when the magic of a space happens! As opposed to landing every decision at once, then being fully locked-in from the very beginning."
You describe designing spontaneous, rad and modern spaces for passionate souls. Tell us why spontaneity is an important element in your design process?
"We favor clean lines, sculptural, playful details, and highlighting moments of shadow and light; this is our definition of modern, that can be sculpted in many different ways to suit each client.
The spontaneity comes in leaving room for creativity throughout the process, and leaning into the dynamic nature of construction and design."
To what extent does being based in Michigan influence your design choices?
"Nature heavily influences our creative process; we're surrounded by water and trees and go long months in the winter with very little sunshine. As a result, we love to design with an emphasis on natural light, framing a strong connection to our natural surroundings — as well as dynamically contrasting each setting with geometric shapes and crisp lines.
Being Canadian, and still being based just a border away, I also think having a different set of design influences growing up, and our proximity now, have shaped our perspective.
We're lucky to be located just a short drive or flight from Toronto, Chicago, Detroit and NYC — and Michigan itself has a rich history of furniture production and mid-century design."
TEN Design Studio is the interior design and architectural drafting sister company of KLH. Can you explain how having closely linked design services enables you to deliver great projects?
"For years, we were brought in on discussions regarding house plans, landscaping design and furnishing details during the process of designing ground-up interiors. We quickly realized that it made sense to grow our offerings in this way and, as a result, have been able to hire and work with many talented designers helping us to carry out our aesthetic vision."
Sometimes, compromises have to be made throughout big projects, like a home remodel. Where do you encourage your clients to splurge, and where can they save?
"I'm so glad you said this! Compromises happen on every project. From our very first meeting with clients, we are working to download their priorities and perspectives, so that we can then design the best interpretation of their personal style and functional needs.
🧩 We like to describe it as like working on a big jigsaw puzzle. Perhaps a space has killer (and pricy!) vintage lighting, but pairing it with inexpensive tiles — patterned in an interesting way — creates a space that is striking and special.
Or the reverse could be true! If a client absolutely loves a certain marble or zellige tile, there are many inexpensive fixtures that can be installed in a way that creates lovely composition and a balanced overall budget."
Who are three other designers, or resources, that you look to for inspiration?
"For general design inspiration...
1. Arent&Pyke
2. The Local Project
3. Montana LaBelle
We also love the photography of Nicole Cohen, or Sketch42, for the excellent way her work creates mood in a space."
"There are so many talented designers all across the globe, and we're grateful for how Instagram and Pinterest have opened eyes to a more fearless approach to design."
Last one. What are your 3 top picks from our collection right now?
"We love the NOVI Wall Sconce in both wooden and ceramic finishes — with its clean lines and chunky scale, it can be a quiet moment when placed solo, or bold when placed in a grouping. We have four installing in a bunk room coming up!
We also love the pure spherical form of the Brass HALLEY Knob, and the surprise impact of the LOVELL Circular Knob in Red."
Our thanks to Liz & Kevin for taking a moment out of their busy days to reflect on KLH Custom Homes. What a cool design studio? Give them a follow on Instagram: @klhcustomhomes 🏠