Jean Stoffer, an award-winning designer renowned for her elegant interiors, is a celebrated figure in the design industry. She is not only the author of the book “Establishing Home” but also a Magnolia Network storyteller on the show “The Established Home,” where she undertakes ambitious design projects in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of her remarkable accomplishments is the complete renovation of her own historic home, which has recently been unveiled to the public.
After an extensive three-year renovation process, Jean Stoffer is now opening the doors of her transformed 1905 Heritage Hill house to everyone. The project involved ingenious ideas, fresh paint, and meticulous restoration work, breathing new life into every corner of the house.
In 2017, Jean Stoffer relocated from Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to be closer to her daughter and collaborator, Grace. It was then that she purchased a grand Greek Revival house on Madison Avenue, located in the city’s historic preservation district. Originally, the plan was to restore and sell the magnificent 1905 house. However, Jean admits that they underestimated the scope of the project. The restoration took three years to complete, and upon its completion, the Stoffer family made the decision to stay. With a growing family of 21 members, including Jean, her husband Dale, four children, four spouses, and 11 grandchildren, the house now serves as a gathering place for not only family but also clients, coworkers, church gatherings, charity events, and more. It has become an absolute revolving door of activity.
The heart of the home lies in the kitchen, a space dedicated to fostering togetherness. Recognizing the challenge of placing the kitchen in an old house like this, Jean relocated it to the center of the home. Historic preservation rules prevented her from altering the windows, so she cleverly used a large island and lower cabinets to provide ample storage. The cabinets were designed with Jean’s signature flush-mount, English-style drawers and doors, giving them the appearance of built-in furniture. Raw oak millwork adorns the walls, creating a library-like atmosphere. These meticulous details provide a sense of completion to the open-concept space and seamlessly connect it to the adjacent family room.
Throughout the renovation, Jean Stoffer made a point of restoring and reusing historic details whenever possible. The front vestibule, with its original tile, molding, and doors, was meticulously cleaned, reconstructed, and painted with Sherwin-Williams’ Pewter Tankard to restore its former glory. Jean appreciates the charm of these spaces in old homes, noting that the vestibule acts as an air-break during Michigan winters, allowing her to access the mail without letting cold air into the house.
Another noteworthy feature of the house is its wraparound sun porches, which have been preserved in line with the period architecture. Jean and Grace sourced Chicago floor tiles from Fireclay and designed a slate gray color palette that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic. A dark tile border frames the perimeter of the porch and coordinates with the window trim, painted in Jean’s go-to cabinet and trim shade, Bradbury Green, which matches Sherwin-Williams’ Greenblack. To preserve the home’s authenticity, a glass-paned room divider was salvaged from another part of the porch.
Jean Stoffer’s commitment to maintaining the house’s historical integrity is evident throughout, as she repurposed existing elements in unexpected ways, including cabinets and storm windows. She deeply appreciates the craftsmanship of the carpenters who built the house, as evidenced by the meticulous restoration work required, such as the intricate millwork involved in restoring the doorway trim.
In terms of color palette, Jean and Grace chose Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa, a warm white shade, to coat the walls and trim throughout the house, ensuring a cohesive and timeless look. They draw inspiration from nature, using colors that reflect the tranquility of a lake in the evening and the ethereal hues of the sky.
To bring a touch of contrast to the interiors, Jean selected modern lighting fixtures from Rejuvenation and Stoffer Home. These fixtures were intentionally chosen to complement the ornate trim of the house, striking a balance between modernity and timeless elegance. Jean’s goal was to create sophisticated, calm, and fresh spaces within the historic home.
Jean and Grace employed several techniques to achieve balance throughout the house. They embraced the imperfections that come with an old home and disguised them creatively. In the bathroom, for instance, they used Bedrosians’ Cloe subway tile, which extends almost to the top of the wall but stops short of the upper window moldings. To conceal an uneven ceiling slope, they painted the top eighth of the wall with Sherwin-Williams’ Argos color. Additionally, painting the trim helped to conceal repairs made to the wood in various rooms.
The furnishings in the house seamlessly blend the old with the new. Antique beds and nightstands can be found in the guest rooms, while chairs inherited from Jean’s mother grace the dining room. In the living room, an antique-inspired patterned rug anchors the space, complemented by slate blue Margeaux sofas and a white oak Hugo coffee table, all from Stoffer Home.
Jean Stoffer’s career as a designer began “under the radar,” allowing her to establish a solid foundation for herself and her family before relaunching Stoffer Home in Michigan. Today, her shop and home have become local destinations, contributing to the revitalization of Grand Rapids. Jean’s interest lies in creating designs that stand the test of time, and her affection for this particular home, fondly called The Madison, is a testament to that belief. She recognizes the beauty in restoring gorgeous homes like these, stating that the investment of time and money is worth it because there is something unique and irreplaceable in each one.
Jean Stoffer’s project at The Madison can be explored through seven distinct aspects. The house’s entrance showcases elegant symmetry, with an outdoor terrace connecting twin sun porches. Jean’s signature cabinet colors, Bradbury Green and Sutton Blue, enhance the home’s original molding and trim.
Stoffer’s style can be described as classic with a modern twist, which is evident in the mix of Rejuvenation wallpaper and lighting alongside original elements like the fireplace surround and woodwork, painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Grizzle Gray. The dining set holds sentimental value as it was inherited from Jean’s mother.
Comfort is a priority in this house, with sink-in seating such as the Margeaux sofas from Stoffer Home inviting guests to relax. To soften the ornate wall trim, Jean painted it with Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa, a relaxed yet refined white shade.
Preserving and conserving the original features was a guiding principle of the renovation. Existing storm windows were repurposed as room dividers, creating cozy spaces such as a chess nook. The walls are adorned with Botany Studies artwork from Stoffer Home, which references antique illustrations and bridges the gap between the past and the present.
A butler’s pantry off the dining room showcases the repurposed 1905 cabinetry, painted in Jean’s signature Sutton Blue. The alabaster and brass Linden chandelier from Hudson Valley Lighting exudes the elegance of the Greek Revival era.
The house’s six bedrooms, five full baths, and two half baths make it an ideal space for hosting overnight guests. Antique furniture sourced from estate sales adds character, while modern lighting and crisp linens create a contemporary touch.
In terms of the bathrooms, Jean selected period-appropriate fixtures from Kohler when the original materials were not salvageable. The tile choices encompass a neutral palette with playful patterns, using Bedrosians’ simple hex and subway tile as well as Kelly Wearstler’s bold Liaison Collection from Ann Sacks.
Jean Stoffer’s dedication to preserving the historical significance of The Madison, combined with her skillful design choices, has resulted in a truly remarkable renovation. The house now stands as a testament to Jean’s timeless design philosophy and her belief in the enduring beauty of historic homes.
