Copyright Grand Rapids Press Jun 10, 2001

PORT SHELDON -- When Tammy Kerr designs a home, she begins from the inside out.

Once the floorplan is polished off, she goes to work on the home's exterior design.

Her high-end homes forgo the rarely used formal living and dining rooms. In her latest effort, the main level is devoted to a dramatic great room that unites a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious dining area and a family room. A stone fireplace climbs up a 19-foot wall and a built-in walnut entertainment center floats between the eating and lounging areas.

Kerr thinks of the home as cozy and kid-oriented, yet large enough to accommodate a nice-sized party.

Her latest effort is a seven-level home built into a sand dune a short walk from Lake Michigan. The New England-style cottage is the third collaboration for Kerr and Tony Zahn, owner of Zahn Builders Inc. He builds the homes she designs and decorates.

One of their collaborations is Zahn's residence on Pigeon Lake. Another is her 2000 Parade of Homes award-winner situated on the edge of a golf course in the Saugatuck area. It was selected by Parade judges for "best layout" for homes over $300,000. Better Homes & Gardens has approached her about featuring the home in its pages.

Kerr and Zahn's recently completed 4,700 square-foot "cottage" is one of 58 homes featured in this year's Lakeshore Parade of Homes. Created to showcase local builders' talents, the annual event kicks off Thursday and runs through June 23.

Located along the Lakeshore from Spring Lake to Glenn, the homes come in a range of sizes from a 1,200-square-foot condominium to a 5,400-square-foot executive home.

Their price tags range from less than $200,000 to more $600,000, said Joy Smith, event organizer for the Home Builder's Association of the Holland Area.

"This is a way builders can showcase workmanship, new products and innovative designs," Smith said.

Bosgraaf Builders says it has been working with designers to dress the front exteriors of the homes its sells. A variety of materials are being used to add more distinction to the houses.

"Interest is shifting more to curb appeal," said Mike Bosgraaf, president of the family-owned business. "For a while, people were having us keep them as plain as possible."

Inside, Bosgraaf is decorating rooms with hand-painted scenes -- a detail that has been included in more higher-priced homes.

"Cost-wise, it's similar to what wall-papering a whole room would cost," Bosgraaf said.

Three Bosgraaf homes are featured in this year's parade. The 2,100- to 2,600-square foot homes range in price from $240,000 to $275,000.

On the market by Summit Properties for just under $700,000, Kerr and Zahn's home comes with deeded access to Lake Michigan. The homeowner will share a pristine 300-foot stretch of beach with four neighbors.

Building on the 2-acre site required adherence to strict environmental regulations. It's the third home Zahn has built in a critical dunes area.

"I like a challenging building site," said Zahn, who constructs five homes a year, ranging in price from $150,000 to $800,000. He also does remodeling jobs.

He has two homes in the Parade of Homes tour. In addition to the Port Sheldon "cottage," Zahn Builders has a 2,600 square-foot home with natural cedar siding in South Haven.

He worked with more than 20 subcontractors or trade partners on the cottage project. Zahn has 14 years in his profession and started his own firm six years ago. His crew not only constructs each of the Zahn homes but does all the carpentry.

Zahn says his trademark is natural materials.

That style is evident on home's exterior of cedar-shingled, white trim and stone. Inside, Australian Cyprus hardwood covers most of the main floor. Smooth granite covers counters in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home comes with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, home theater and bonus room with treetop views. When the leaves disappear in the cold months, the vista is filled with the blue of Lake Michigan.

It's the home's details that Kerr is proud of: Two storage closets in the master bedroom in addition to two walk-in closets. The glass alcove in an oversized shower that also serves as a window onto the Jacuzzi tub. A wrought iron spiral staircase leading up to the bonus room.

Camel-colored carpet in the upstairs living areas coordinates with the light buttercup cream walls. Kerr has broken up the relaxing neutral tones with splashes of dramatic color. The short corridor leading to the guest bathroom is painted eggplant purple. Barnwood red brightens up some of the walls in the master bathroom, contrasting against the pale stone tiles.

Large expanses of walls provide a gallery-like backdrop for dramatic art. Paintings, framed art and sculptures -- from the De Graaf Forsythe Galleries in Saugatuck -- accessorize the home. Every piece is for sale. As is the hand-carved and hand-painted girl's bedroom set, on loan from the Good Goods Gallery in Saugatuck.