What Does a Small-Home Renovation Designer Do in Farmington Hills?
Helping Michigan’s Older Homes Feel Cohesive, Functional, and Timeless
Owning a 1940- to 1970-era house in Farmington Hills is both a privilege and a puzzle.
These homes—Cape Cods, Ranches, Colonials, and early Mid-Century designs—carry real charm but often feel “off.”
That’s where a small-home renovation designer comes in.
Defining the Role
A small-home renovation designer is a residential specialist who:
Evaluates your existing home to understand its structure, layout, and original design logic.
Creates renovation plans that preserve charm while improving functionality and resale value.
Bridges the gap between homeowner, contractor, and architect by translating design intent into buildable, historically sensitive solutions.
At Turnwood Design Group LC, we focus exclusively on homes built between the 1930s and 1970s in Farmington Hills and nearby cities such as Novi, Northville, Plymouth, and Livonia.
We understand the quirks that make them special and the modern demands that often distort them.
Why Standard Remodelers Often Miss the Mark
They Treat Every House the Same
Generic remodeling firms tend to standardize materials and proportions. They rely on current trends—oversized windows, thin trim, flat façades—that flatten older homes’ depth and rhythm.
They Focus on Cosmetics, Not Composition
Painting brick or replacing windows might look “fresh,” but without restoring architectural balance, the result still feels awkward. A designer considers proportion, symmetry, and visual hierarchy—the timeless rules of composition that give a home dignity.
They Overlook Local Context
Michigan’s weather and neighborhood fabric matter. Vinyl siding that works in the South often fails here; new garages crowd narrow city lots.
We design for historic durability and neighborhood fit so the home looks native to Farmington Hills historical design style.
What We Actually Do for Homeowners
1. Architectural Assessment
We begin with a visual and dimensional study; identifying original elements worth saving (door placement, roofline angles, window rhythm). This ensures updates enhance, rather than erase, the home’s design DNA.
2. Curb-Appeal Redesign
Using the Charm-Safe Renovation Method™, we rebalance the façade, adjust scale, and highlight focal points such as the front door and porch. The result feels calm, proportioned, and rooted.
3. Functional Layout Solutions
Inside, we correct the awkward flow common in mid-century homes—adding light, storage, and connection without expanding footprint unnecessarily.
4. Construction-Ready Plans
Our deliverables include scaled drawings, materials guidance, and 3D visualizations so contractors can price and build confidently.
5. Project Guidance & Quality Control
Throughout design and construction, we ensure that detailing, trim depth, and proportion remain true to the home’s architectural intent.
Common Issues We Solve in Farmington Hills Homes
Hidden or misplaced front entries
Awkward additions that break symmetry
Over-simplified façades caused by past “modernizations”
Inauthentic materials that cheapen curb appeal
Outdated layouts that no longer fit family life
Poor energy performance due to 1950s-era construction methods
Each of these can be corrected without sacrificing authenticity—if you know what to keep and what to change.
Our Local Expertise
We design across Metro Detroit, focusing on established neighborhoods like:
Farmington Hills – Colonials and split-levels with mature trees and generous lots
Novi & Northville – Early suburban ranches and capes now ready for revival
Plymouth & Livonia – Postwar cottages and bungalows with high ROI potential
Each area has its own architectural DNA. We tailor every renovation to its setting so the home belongs in its neighborhood—not on a Pinterest board.
Why It Matters
Charm Has Real Value
Houses that maintain proportion and authenticity consistently outperform trend-driven remodels in resale.
Design Builds Emotional Equity
A balanced façade makes a house feel right—creating pride, calm, and longevity.
Planning Prevents $50 K Mistakes
Most renovation regret stems from skipping design strategy.
The right plan saves money by sequencing updates correctly and avoiding unnecessary demolition.
How to Start: The Home Revival Blueprint™
Before hiring a contractor or choosing materials, book a Home Revival Blueprint™ Consultation.
It’s a one-on-one design planning session that helps you:
Clarify what’s truly possible with your existing home
Discover upgrades that increase value without ruining charm
Create a step-by-step roadmap you can follow with confidence
Available in Farmington Hills and Metro Detroit
Blueprint sessions are available by appointment and are often waitlisted.
Whether you plan to renovate now or next year, starting with clarity will protect both your home’s charm and your investment.
Ready to See Your Home Differently?
Your 1950s or 60s home doesn’t need to be replaced, it needs to be understood.
Let’s restore its rhythm, balance, and beauty.
👉 Book your Home Revival Blueprint™ session today to begin transforming your small home into a timeless one.
