Cultivated

Collections

From Judaica of all variety to a massive
custom-built library, a West Bloomfield couple has
filled their home with things they love.

WRITTEN BY JEANINE MATLOW I PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGIE BAAN

Every inch of Kent and Judy Siegel's home was designed to be one-of-a-kind. And
that philosophy didn't end with the overall function and flow of the house — for it's
the couple's collections that add yet another layer, along with a highly personal touch,
to their West Bloomfield home.
Collecting has become a passion for the Siegels, and their hobby has turned their
contemporary home into a treasure trove of uniquely sophisticated pieces gathered
from their travels across the globe. "Everywhere we go, we collect something," says
Judy, a dental administrator.
Collected from destinations including Turkey, Rome, London, St. Petersburg and
Jerusalem, the Siegels have gathered a variety of items but, explains Judy, "Wherever
we go, we look for a Jewish community so we can bring back something symbolic of
it." Among the couple's "accidental" Judaica collection are mezuzahs and works of all
different media created by Jewish artists.
Among their favorites is a large tapestry that is framed and displayed over a buffet
in the dining room, that Kent, a tax attorney, is particularly drawn to. "It's a smashing
piece — so unique," he says. A sterling-silver menorah whose pieces disassemble is
Judy's pick. "I have a deep love for Israel," she explains. "We met the artist in a small
community there. Seeing him make the menorah and hearing his life story gave the
piece even more meaning."
Much of the home's furniture was custom-made by Designs Unlimited in
Birmingham and many of the modern pieces house the couple's sentimental collec-