Best Of The
MithVeSt

BY CARLA JEAN SCHWARTZ

of only is Grand Rapids a hub for furni-
ture manufacturers, it is now a respect-
ed publishing center with the second
edition of Showcase of Interior Design,
Midwest Edition (Vitae Publishing Inc., $35). This
coffee-table book is a compendium of the most styl-
ish homes in the Midwest. There are 223 color
pages of interesting interior design photographs
from more than 90 designers in Michigan, Illinois,
Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota and Wiscon-
sin. After perusing through this book, one ac-
quires a broad view of the Midwest's elegant
homes. "People in the Midwest prefer a conserv-
ative look. They decorate with a richness and au-
thenticity that I don't see on either coast," says
Gregory Dekker, vice president of Vitae Publish-
ing. Dekker was surprised by the breadth of work,
from the use of historic antiques to new interpreta-
tions utilizing modern materials.
Barbara Gimesky, of Interiors By Design in
Rochester, believes in a timeless, classic look. "We
do not like a dated look. We are not designers who
deal in trends," she said. Her staff specializes in a
traditional, transitional style. She also agreed with
the book's introduction by syndicated columnist
Elaine Markoutsas. "We take the best from both
coasts, but we in the Midwest are a bit more fru-
gal," adds Gimesky.

Aubergine and gold complement the wood in this traditional library by The Frey
Company of Grand Rapids. Photography by Jon Gundry.

STYLE • MARC! 1/AP RI I- 1994 •

49