The dining room certainly has a cozy feel, with the fireplace and soft triangle-shaped table. The table seats eight and was purchased from Steinhafels. The Dembskis had the cushions redone, changing the color from off-white to blue. The metal tree centerpiece was created by their son, Justin, in a metals class at Arrowhead High School. He won the Silver Key Award for the piece in a national art competition. The sculpture sits on a Lazy Susan built into the center of the table. The table replaced a glass and granite table that the Dembskis had purchased years ago. The couple changed the color of the room from a dove gray to a cool blue color. "It was really cold," says Allen. The fireplace surround was also changed from drywall with a mantel to large porcelain tiles. "It’s really a work of art," says Neumann. "It’s become a dining room you actually use. It makes it a room you want to be in."

Throughout their marriage, Allen and Jan Dembski have always enjoyed contemporary design.

When they built their Wales home nearly 20 years ago, they chose that style. But a few years following the millenium, they decided their interior was not as fresh as contemporary design should be.

They called Kelly Neumann of Vyolette Interior Design Consulting to help them take on the remodeling project.

"We are rebuilding it one room at a time," according to Allen Dembski.

Out went the carpet and in went the maple hardwood floors. The track lighting came down and the fireplace facade was replaced.

The result produced a more intimate feel, along with an eclectic gathering of different styles. Jan Dembski says the couple picks items they like to display without worrying if they will fit. Visitors will find touches of Oriental, African and contemporary styles that form the perfect marriage, creating an interesting room for homeowners and guests.

The nine-month project went smoothly, thanks in part to the excellent combination of Neumann’s creativity and Allen’s engineering backround. 

The living room underwent major changes including the removal of carpet that was replaced with maple flooring. The suspended track lighting was taken down and three large light fixtures were installed. "It makes it more intimate," says Allen Dembski. For the light fixture shades, Neumann found custom fabric from Stone Gate Designs in St. Joseph, Mich. The shelves, purchased at IKEA, were also added. "The biggest thing I remember about that wall is that it was dead. We had to figure out what to do to bring attention to it," says Neumann. Homeowners: Allen and Jan Dembski of Wales Designer: Kelly A. Neumann of Vyolette Interior Design Consulting