From a successful collaboration on a highly-customized home in Novi comes a French-inspired residence that has its inhabitants at heart. Alyson Derry, owner of Alyson Derry Interiors in Ann Arbor, worked closely with the homeowners, who have four children. “The husband was more involved with the construction end, and the wife more with the furniture,” Derry says. “It had to be warm and comfortable, and not too formal. They’re a very active family, so there had to be places for the kids to play. They’re outside all the time, (but we had to be sure) all the spaces would flow together.”
In addition to the classic architecture with historic features like arches, reclaimed elements — such as the oak floors the husband helped source — lend authenticity to the stately home. “While it’s a new-build, they wanted natural materials like marble and stone, and antique materials,” Derry says. “The over grout on the exterior brick also makes the home look old. The couple had built homes previously and they wanted to go in a French Country direction, which I had never done before, so it was fun.”
VINTAGE SURFACE
“This reclaimed antique French limestone mantel is the anchor the living room needed. The scale is commanding without being overwhelming, and the carved details and naturally aged patina bring a sense of history and warmth that feels right at home in this space,” says interior designer Alyson Derry.
Still, there were challenges. The pandemic slowed the process, and some repurposed items like the floors and the antique fireplace took some time to find. “We had to search high and low, but we (finally) found one,” the designer says. In the living room, the unique piece from a French farmhouse complements wood beams that could pass for relics. Paired sofas and chairs provide ample seating. “They wanted to have enough space for the whole family,” Derry shares.
Kid-friendly spaces include the mudroom, a well-equipped prep kitchen, and a spacious laundry room with a dog wash station. “That’s where the messy living takes place,” Derry explains. The French blue paint found on the laundry room cabinets also adorns the front door and the den. “It’s the only color we used,” she says. Other unique features include a tile backsplash with a Parisian theme that Derry notes is both pretty and functional.
Timeless details elevate the home’s interior. “We found a special piece for each room, like the vintage chandeliers in the primary bedroom and bathroom,” she says. “In the kitchen, the stone was important for warmth and texture.” Other special items include a custom wrought-iron staircase railing, and an old stone trough sink with a custom base that was used in the powder room.
EUROPEAN ELEGANCE
This stunning kitchen features counter stools with leather seats that supplement the marble island, while the stone walls and the wood beam that accents the range hood deliver an authentic French Country feel.
The luxurious yet livable interiors, like the dining room with a round table that also incorporates antique mirrors, are ideal for entertaining. “They were the first purchase we made, before we even had the floor plan down,” the designer says. “The space isn’t casual, but it’s still cozy.” In the kitchen, counter stools with leather seats supplement the marble island, while the stone walls and the wood beam that accents the range hood deliver an authentic feel. “They wanted to do stone and not a lot of upper cabinets,” Derry explains. A range by La Cornue contributes to the French aesthetic.
The primary bedroom also features a stone accent wall behind a shapely bed. Neutral fabrics and natural linen draperies lighten the space. “The stone wall really cozies it up in there,” the designer says. In the primary bath, floors made from old stone pavers support a freestanding tub. Other highlights include his-and-hers vanities and an arched shower door.
NATURAL LAYERS
The primary bedroom features a stone accent wall behind a shapely bed while in the primary bath, floors made from old stone pavers support a freestanding tub.
French-blue walls envelop the peaceful den, with its built-in desk, a sofa, and an ottoman. “It’s a quiet living space where family members can close the door and work, or read a book,” Derry says.
Another contributor, Matthew Guidobono, owner of Guidobono Building Co. in Northville, says he appreciated the clients and the collaboration. “They put a great team together,” the builder says. “Joe Mosey was the right architect; he’s great at creating an authentic look, like the wood beams and the stone. Alyson was a great designer who gave the home more character. The homeowners were great to work with, which alleviated any challenges that come with a custom new-build.”
Impressive selections enhance the house inside and out. “On the exterior, the painted brick with weeping mortar joints adds texture. All the interior features are very custom, like the vanity we built for the powder room,” Guidobono adds. “Some components capture that Old-World charm, but at the same time, it’s completely new, with all the modern conveniences.”
Mosey, principal architect with Joseph Mosey Architecture Inc. in Northville, echoes the value of the team effort. “The clients had a vision and we all worked diligently with them to execute it,” he says. “The architecture is very authentic, with the low-pitched roof. The white-painted brick on the exterior has a really cool mortar pattern with unraked joints; it looks very rustic.”
He also points out the pure symmetry and authentic scale of the refined residence. “It was very well-thought-out and planned and intentional,” Mosey says. “We do a lot of authentic work, but this home didn’t just reference the past — it actually recreated it.” 
B E H I N D T H E D E S I G N
Principal Designer
Alyson Derry, Alyson Derry Interiors,
Ann Arbor, alysonderryinteriors.com
Project Contributors
Architect: Joseph Mosey Architecture, Northville
Builder: Guidobono Building Co., Northville
Kitchen: E.W. Kitchens, Michigan Design Center, Troy
Landscaping: Shecter Landscaping, Keego Harbor
Stone: Genesee Cut Stone & Marble, Flint
Acanthus Sconce
Niermann Weeks, niermannweeks.com
“These sconces were a natural fit for the dining room. The carved acanthus leaf detail and weathered Mendocino White finish give them a vintage, collected quality that ties beautifully back to the limestone fireplace and the overall character of the home. They add just the right amount of warmth and texture to the space.”
Antique French Louis XV Style Giltwood Mirror
1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com
“I love finding ways to weave in vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces that bring a sense of history and depth to a space,” Derry says. “This antique giltwood mirror was an easy choice — its beautifully carved acanthus leaves, scrollwork, and floral details (make it) feel like it was made to hang against the Au Bord du Lac wallpaper.”
Painted Rococo Style Mirrors
1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com
“These mirrors were actually purchased before the floor plan for the house was even finalized — the homeowners saw them and fell in love,” Derry says. “They’re one of my favorite things about this project. The intricate scrollwork and soft, weathered painted finish became a touchstone for the finishes of the dining room and beyond, with their color and details carried throughout the rest of the home.“
Brantley Lantern
Visual Comfort, Birmingham, visualcomfort.com
“The Brantley lanterns were the perfect choice for the kitchen. The verdigris finish plays beautifully off the stone range wall, creating a natural, organic connection between the two,” says designer Alyson Derry, adding, “The classic lantern form adds character while letting the stone remain the true focal point of the space.”
French Empire Petite Side Tables
1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com
“Mixing antique pieces throughout the home was important — it gives each space a sense of history without sacrificing livability. These early 20th century French Empire side tables do just that. Their soft sage green finish and gilded details bring a collected, personal touch to the living room, sitting beautifully alongside the new sofas and chairs,” Derry says.
Au Bord Du Lac
Pierre Frey, pierrefrey.com
“While the rest of this home leans into a clean, neutral palette, we wanted the powder room to feel more dramatic. This stunning panoramic wallpaper — inspired by 17th and 18th century Aubusson tapestries — draws you into a lush forest scene complete with subtle metallic reflections. In a small space, it feels like stepping into another world entirely,” explains Derry.
Atlas Gray Rustic Limestone
Exquisite Surfaces, xsurfaces.com
“The Cisco Home Emily Chair (in the living room) has a classic silhouette and subtle tapered legs, giving just the right vintage feel to hold their own alongside the antique mirrors and limestone mantel. Upholstered in Thibaut’s Paxi fabric, the soft, woven texture keeps the overall palette light and neutral while adding just enough warmth and depth,” Derry says.
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