After two decades of daily use, the clubhouse at the Knollwood Village Apartment community in Grand Blanc received a comprehensive redesign. The project, led by the interior design team at Home Interior Warehouse, transformed the space into a welcoming, functional, and refined environment. The design team, Jackie Schwartz, Jaclyn Kruse, and Kelley Berger, focused on creating distinct zones for lounging, working, and gathering within the existing architecture.
The Design Vision for the Knollwood Village Clubhouse
The primary goal of the redesign was to move beyond a dated interior and create a space that felt both inviting and purpose-driven. The clubhouse had not been updated for 20 years, so every element, from seating to lighting to surface finishes, needed a fresh approach. The design team prioritized a calming neutral palette, warm wood tones, and layered lighting to make the large double-height volume feel intimate and usable. Comfortable seating arrangements were carefully positioned so residents could socialize, work remotely, or relax without the space feeling empty or overwhelming.
Creating Distinct Functional Zones
One of the key challenges in a large clubhouse is preventing the room from feeling like one vast, undifferentiated space. The Home Interior Warehouse designers solved this by creating several clearly defined zones. A lounge area with plush sofas and armchairs encourages conversation. A work zone with tables and task lighting supports remote work or study. A gathering area near the kitchen or bar invites larger groups for community events. Each zone is visually separated by furniture placement, area rugs, and curated décor, yet the overall palette keeps the clubhouse feeling cohesive.
Balancing Double Height Architecture
The clubhouse features a double height ceiling, which can make standard furnishings look undersized. The design team addressed this by selecting thoughtfully scaled furniture and vertically oriented art and shelving. Tall bookcases, large scale pendant lights, and substantial seating pieces help ground the room. Layered lighting, including ambient, task, and accent, brings visual warmth to the tall space and avoids harsh shadows. The result is a room that feels grand without being cold.
Design Elements Used in the Redesign
Every piece and finish in the clubhouse was chosen to support the overall vision of welcoming comfort and refined livability. The research pack notes specific elements that define the new interior.
Calming Neutral Palette and Warm Wood Tones
The color scheme relies on soft beiges, warm grays, and creamy whites, punctuated by natural wood finishes. Wood tones appear in furniture frames, tables, and millwork, adding organic warmth. This neutral backdrop allows the curated accessories and art to stand out without visual clutter. The palette also aligns with current interior design trends for rental communities, where a timeless look appeals to a broad range of residents.
Comfortable Seating and Natural Elements
Comfort was paramount in the lounge and gathering zones. Deep sofas, upholstered armchairs, and ottomans invite residents to sit and stay. Natural elements, such as live plants, woven textures, and stone surfaces, bring the outdoors inside. The designers integrated these materials to soften the large interior and create a relaxing atmosphere. The furniture arrangement also encourages face to face interaction, supporting the goal of a community gathering space.
Layered Lighting and Curated Décor
Lighting in the clubhouse operates on multiple levels. Overhead fixtures provide general illumination, while floor lamps and sconces add task and accent lighting. This approach allows residents to adjust the mood depending on the time of day or activity. Curated décor, including artwork, decorative objects, and custom silk floral arrangements from Home Interior Warehouse’s signature floral design studio, adds personality and polish without overwhelming the clean lines of the furniture.
Why This Redesign Matters for Grand Blanc Renters
Apartment clubhouses have become an increasingly important amenity for renters. A well designed clubhouse can significantly improve resident satisfaction and retention. For the Knollwood Village community, the refresh after 20 years signals a commitment to providing modern, functional spaces. Residents now have a place to work from home without leaving the property, host friends and family, or simply unwind after a long day. The redesign also helps the property compete in the Grand Blanc rental market, where updated amenities are a key differentiator.
The Design Team Behind the Transformation
The project was led by three experienced designers from Home Interior Warehouse. Jackie Schwartz founded the company in 1991 as Home Accessory Warehouse, starting with a 5,000 square foot store specializing in wholesale pottery, artwork, and silk florals. Today, the company operates a 17,000 square foot showroom in Walled Lake and a boutique store in downtown Plymouth. Jaclyn Kruse and Kelley Berger bring additional expertise in residential and commercial interior design. Together, they approached the Knollwood Village clubhouse as a blank canvas, applying their knowledge of scale, color, and function to transform the 20 year old space.
Collaboration with Home Interior Warehouse
Home Interior Warehouse provides complete interior design services to both the public and trade professionals. Their team works closely with clients to select furniture, accessories, and finishes that match the desired style and budget. For the Knollwood Village project, the designers likely collaborated with property management to understand resident needs and usage patterns. The result is a clubhouse that feels custom designed for the community, rather than a generic model room.
How the Redesign Enhances the Resident Experience
Before the refresh, the clubhouse may have felt tired and underutilized. Now, it serves as a true extension of each resident’s living area. The lounge zone offers an alternative to staying home alone. The work zone helps residents separate professional tasks from personal space. The gathering zone strengthens community bonds by hosting events, movie nights, or holiday parties. Every detail, from the comfortable seating to the layered lighting to the natural materials, works together to make residents feel at home.
The transformation also supports a wide demographic. Whether a young professional needs a quiet place to take a video call, a family wants space for a birthday party, or a retiree seeks a cozy spot to read, the clubhouse now accommodates those needs. The neutral palette and warm wood tones appeal to a broad aesthetic, so the space does not feel tied to a passing trend.
Practical Takeaways for Property Managers
Property managers considering a clubhouse refresh can learn from this project. First, planning for multiple zones maximizes the utility of a large room. Second, investing in quality furniture and layered lighting creates a more inviting atmosphere than cheap, mismatched pieces. Third, a neutral base with natural accents allows the décor to last for years without requiring frequent updates. Finally, working with experienced interior designers who understand scale and proportion can make a challenging space, like a double height room, feel harmonious.
Home Interior Warehouse offers free in store design help and a Trade Partners Program for builders, designers, and realtors. For communities like Knollwood Village, partnering with a full service design firm streamlines the process from concept to installation. The designers handle sourcing, layout, and styling, so property managers can focus on resident experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Knollwood Village clubhouse redesign in Grand Blanc?
The redesign was led by interior designers Jackie Schwartz, Jaclyn Kruse, and Kelley Berger from Home Interior Warehouse. The team has extensive experience in both residential and commercial spaces, and they collaborated closely to create the clubhouse’s new look.
What style was used for the Knollwood Village clubhouse?
The design features a calming neutral palette with warm wood tones, comfortable seating, layered lighting, and natural elements. The goal was to create a welcoming, functional, and refined space that feels timeless and flexible for different activities.
How long had the clubhouse been without a redesign?
The Knollwood Village apartment clubhouse in Grand Blanc had not been updated for 20 years prior to the redesign. The project represented a complete refresh after two decades of use.
What improvements were made to the clubhouse layout?
The designers created distinct zones for lounging, working, and gathering within the double height space. By scaling furnishings appropriately and using area rugs and lighting to define areas, they made the large volume feel intimate and functional.
Can property managers work with Home Interior Warehouse on similar projects?
Yes, Home Interior Warehouse offers complete interior design services for commercial and residential clients. They also have a Trade Partners Program for builders, designers, and property managers. Their team provides free in store design help at their Michigan showrooms.
The Knollwood Village clubhouse redesign stands as an example of how thoughtful interior design can transform a dated community amenity into a vibrant, multifunctional space. For Grand Blanc residents, the refreshed clubhouse now offers a place to connect, work, and unwind, a valuable asset for any apartment community.