An Oakland County rose aficionado had dreamed of having a rose garden on her property year-round. Determined to create something great, she and her husband did a lot of research before landing on a specialized greenhouse firm called , based in Wisconsin. Interior designer Rachel Nelson of Detroit-based was the designer of choice. She previously worked with the couple on their home, which they moved into in 2017.
For design inspiration, Nelson suggested her client, who wishes to be anonymous, close her eyes and share what she saw, smelled, and felt for her green-thumb haven.
βWe understood quickly that this greenhouse should have whimsy and a feminine touch with appealing colors, patterns, and textures,β Nelson says. βThis was going to not only be a place to enjoy her gardening hobby but also to connect back to her mom. So, we wanted it to feel nostalgic and homey.β
The homeowner/gardenerβs mother, who also cultivated roses, died in 2020. The greenhouse is a special way to remember her. βI grow a Neil Diamond rose in her honor because she loved Neil Diamond,β she says. This variety features a strong, classic rose scent and is red, pink, and white striped.
Here, we share how the seeds of design creativity were planted for this gorgeous retreat.
Varietyβs the spice
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The gardenerβs roses bloom in various luscious colors, including purple, red, white, peach, orange, pink, and rose.
Guiding light
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The homeownerβs favorite element is the chandelier lighting, a replica of the Heracleum style from Dutch interior design company . βWe were after whimsy,β the designer says, βso the light fixture appears like dancing leaves and rose petals.β
This works
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The homeowner wanted a workbench that lookedΜύold but was also practical. Concetti sourced a 1900s antique from e-commerce site 1stDibs.
βWe modified the existing workbench to include plumbing, lighting, and shelving for a fully functional replanting center,β Nelson says. Once the designΜύwas solidified, Concetti broughtΜύin Hamtramckβs to execute the concept. βShe can display her vase collection there but also cut and arrange flowers.β
Itβs in the details
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Turquoise chairs by complement the palette, while a cozy rug from is underfoot. The coffee table, from , looks like concrete but is hollow.
Book it
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The gardener refers to the book often. βIt helps explain things like water supply, heating, and glass,βΜύshe says. Wisconsin Greenhouse crafted the glass walls, while of Rochester Hills designed and built the stacked stone walls.
Other local companies, including and of Howell, also contributed to the construction of the greenhouse.
Her cuppa tea
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The gardener grows mostly hybrid tea roses. βI have 20 different plants and 10 varieties; they bloom most of the year,β she says, adding that hybrid tea rose breeders focus on long stems that are ideal for cutting.
Climate control
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The wood raised flower beds sit above a heatedΜύblue stone floor. Indoor temperatures are electronically regulated, so ifΜύthe couple travels, thereβs no need to worry about the air temperature becoming too hot or cool.
Hideout
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The HVAC system β installed by in Center Line β is housed in an area that looks like an old shed. Thereβs also a small powder room made of reclaimed Michigan barnwood within the shed.
Nelson procured a teal concrete sink for the space from Kast, an English company that specializesΜύin contemporary concrete basins and sinks. βThat set the groundwork for the palette of peachy pink with teal,β Nelson says.
Zen zone
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Beyond tending toΜύher greenhouse, you may find the gardener reading or enjoying a glass of wine with her husband in the space.
βWe sit out there and watch the weather; sometimes we have breakfast there,β she says. βYou can be aΜύpart of the surrounding terrain β the trees, forest. Itβs my Zen time.β
This story is part of the May 2023 issue of ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ Detroit. Read more in our Digital Edition. And click hereΜύto see more metro Detroit interiors.Μύ
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