CMU Student Design Contest

Michigan Antique & Collectible Festivals

Interior Design Student Contest!

During our June 4-5 festival, we worked on a new innovative idea with students from the Central Michigan University – Interior Design Program. We are sponsored a contest where the students shopped throughout the festival using items found on-site to decorate four different rooms. Very Cool! The student feedback was amazing!

This year we have created a new idea and we are promotedthe use of affordable antiques & furniture as a GREEN and sustainable way to Recycle, Reuse and Repurpose.

 Midland Daily News Article!

 CMU Design Center Video!

Check out the photos on our Facebook Page!

The People Choice Room was Room 1.

Dealer's Choice was a tie between Room 1 and Room 4.

Room 1 - Bedroom - Designed by Britt Wagner, Emily Beuschel, Danielle Hirka and Kristin Jensen

Concept: Relaxed and Nature Inspired

Modern Elements: Lounge Chair, Mirror, Light Fixture

Festival Goers responded well to the simplicity of this design and the organic lines reflecting nature. The team also successfully mixed materials and elements into a cohesive, casual feeling space. Some of the most noted elements are the antique ceiling tins used as wall art and the pendant light fixture designed and created by the group. The team built the light fixture using an unusual combination of candle holders from Pier 1 Imports, and toilet ring (!) and some chain. The team also created a pillow by repurposing antique lace fabric. The team successfully displayed and sold many of the items in the showroom.

Room 4 - Family Room/Office - Designed by Erika Shrauger, Emily Fehrenbach, Cory Leger and Cara VanHattum

Modern Elements: Sofa, Carpet, Chandelier (antique brought from home.)

This group created a warm, more masculine feeling room built around a re-purposed custom drafting table at the festival. The team took a risk and a bold color choices and created a room that festival goers liked because of the pops of color and eclectic feel of the design. The team created some custom pieces by re-purposing game boards into a serving tray and a top for an accent table. This team also sold a number of items from their showroom, including the chairs and many accessories.

Room 2 - Living Room - Designed by Stephanie Tripp, Jessica Powell, Jessica Miller, Elissa Hoffman

Concept: Relaxed Modern

Modern Elements: Sofa, Flowers, Curtains

This team created a calm, relaxing and uncluttered space using the modern pillows from their sofa as inspiration pieces. The fireplace mantle is a re-purposed element brought by the team, they repainted it from an orange color to a rich warm brown. The antique trunk is the focal point of the room along with the wall art made of letters found at the festival that were created using industrial scrap metal. One of the pieces that was used most creatively and received special recognition from festival goers was the antique pie safe that the team used as an entertainment center. This showroom also sold many of their items, including the antique trunk.

Room 3 - Dining Room - Designed by Sara Wilson, Laverne Washington, Tanya Wrobel and Katina Mangus

Concept: Bold Modern Color

Modern Elements: Mirror, Placemats, Wine Bottle

The inspiration for this room was the bold red mirror that the team brought to the competition. The team wanted to mix really bold, bright colors with the antiques to give the room a modern feel. Some of their best festival finds were the ultra bright 1970's shag rug and the hand-made re-purposed light fixtures. The team came up with the creative idea of using an old bread rack as a wine rack and as a result sold this bread rack along with others from different vendors at the festival. The team said that many festival goers remarked that this room (especially the oak table and chairs) brought back warm memories.