Left: A steel weaved-

mesh railing lines

the landing from the

children's bedrooms

(to the right), then

down five steps to

the master suite (to

the left), then down

to the living room,

for a staggered

effect within the

wide-open spaces of

the loft-style home.

"We had a goal to

eliminate as much

drywall as possible,"

says Akey.

Left: A mirror in the

foyer reflects the

dining room and the

kitchen beyond.

Below left: An entire

wall of exposed brick

lines one side of the

lower level, and left-

over exterior lime-

stone builds the face

of the bar, which dis-

plays a collection of

Hard Rock Cafe

hurricane glasses.

Steel accents, duct-

work and main-level

floor joists on the

ceiling are exposed,

Above: Friend and neighbor Jodi Caden t designer and owner of

while Kahan's love

Caden Design Group in Birmingham, drew up designs for the

for Gordie Howe,

kitchen. "Mike had this fantastic exterior and a great archi-

Steve Yzerman and

tect, so I wanted the inside to be as creative," she says. She

the Beatles takes

designed an all-wood wall between the kitchen and dining room,

front and center.

the only one on the main level, that wraps like a piece of sculp-

ture while affording the dining room privacy from the kitchen.

The outer island was placed on a radius to enjoy views of the

family room and outdoors while working at the sink; the inner

island follows the shape of the kitchen while offering extra prep

space. The use of multiple woods adds warmth and interest.

JN

November 10 • 2011

41

