The Perfect Fit of Metal and Wood Furniture Create a Truly Eclectic Style

When homeowners Pat and Dan Stankey tapped Betty Swenson from our Ann Arbor, Michigan, Design Center for help in furnishing their home, they didn’t know what to expect. The home is unique, with lots of metal and wood, vaulted ceilings, and rustic touches. They were worried that she’d want to replace all their furniture with Ethan Allen. They were in for a very pleasant surprise. Inspired by the couple’s preferences and the architecture of the house, Betty helped Pat and Dan choose a combination of mostly casual pieces that gave their home the fresh, contemporary look they were after.


Behind the Design: How One Partnership Turned into a Friendship

When design consultant Gabriella met her client, Renee, to go over ideas for her master bedroom, the women had no idea that a “wow factor” project would bloom into a fabulous friendship. Renee is now married with a baby—and she’s still happy to call Gabriella a friend.  “As my life has grown and evolved, Gabriella has grown and evolved with me,” she says.

At Ethan Allen, we like to think of it as added value!


The couple walked into the West Des Moines Design Center on a whim. They weren’t at all sure they were in the right place. They told design associate Paige Mongar they had a statement room to furnish, with a very particular look in mind: modern, with midcentury and Scandinavian notes.

“They thought Ethan Allen was only associated with traditional and classic design,” says Paige, our latest Design Star, but they knew our quality was unparalleled, so they were curious to see our product line.”  Without hesitation, she reassured them that Ethan Allen offered the chic, minimalist styles they were after.

“They needed to furnish the vaulted living room of their 1988 contemporary,” she explains. “There’s a balcony above, and the living room is open to a well-defined dining area. They wanted to improve the flow and make the space more conducive to entertaining.”

The couple “favored a monochromatic palette with minimal pops of color,” says Paige. “They were looking for furniture that would reflect their love of Scandinavian and midcentury design. They wanted to highlight their artwork—and a beloved midcentury dining set and bookcase they’ve had since the 1960s.”

Paige confidently pointed them in the direction of modern, streamlined pieces, such as the delicately curved Apollo sofa, the Elgin chair, and Rowan buffet. She followed up with a house call and a detailed proposal—and the end result is this stylish and sophisticated space.

 

Facing Apollo sofas provide pleasing symmetry; their subtle curves invite conversation.

 

The scale of the room allows for generous seating—and good flow.

The Elgin chair is a midcentury-style icon; a variety of textures adds warmth to the room.

The Rowan buffet provides storage, a serving surface, and a base for showcasing art.

The vintage midcentury dining set is complemented by a Woven Symmetry Rug.

Corinne chairs create a lovely vignette—and an appealing corner reading nook.

 

Ethan Allen Design Star, Paige Mongar