HOWARD ELLIOTT + IRON KEY DESIGNS - ASPIRE JLD DETROIT SHOWHOUSE
Have you ever walked into a room and have it speak to you? Have it tell you its potential; what it needs to make it absolutely perfect? Interior Designers are specialists that can hear, interpret and make those visions into reality. 40+ such Interior Designers and Landscapers are answering the call of the Fisher Mansion, one of the largest mansions in the Historic Boston-Edison District of Detroit this September at the Junior League of Detroit Designers’ Show House. One of the talented designers participating is Michigan based designer, Kristen Eleni Shellenbarger of Iron Key Designs.
On the initial tour of the house, Kristen was immediately drawn to the porch off of a back room. Visions of lounging in the tub with an amazing view through beautiful arched windows to the garden were too irresistible to pass up. What sealed the deal was an old iron skeleton key left in the back door lock! The room claimed itself hers to restore!
Fisher Mansion
Source Iron Key Designs Instagram
Fisher Mansion
Source Iron Key Designs Instagram
Visions of tub soaking brought Kristen to the idea that this needs to be a bathroom! The main challenge for the room will be turning the outdoor porch into a useable space. Since the room connects to a guest room and the back patio area, it made sense to embrace it as a garden bath.
““Being connected to the outside through the amazing arched windows and the exposed brick walls inspired my vision for the room.””
Vision of Garden Bath - Fisher Mansion
Drawing on her style of both modern and an eclectic-a mix of old and new, Kristen can create a timeless look that is both fresh and original. Using these design instincts, Kristen has selected Howard Elliott products that channel an old world look with a modern twist.
Strong Man Bookends View Online >
Silver Tree Pedestal View Online >
““I chose The Howard Elliott Collection because I felt they offered the fun and unexpected decor I was seeking.””
No Tip Cylinder Glam Zinc View Online >
Tudor Mirror View Online >
““I wanted both a pop of bright unexpected color in the grand mirror to help reflect the outside back into the room. The side table also offers a reflective metallic tone with branch like inspiration again working to pick up the surrounding nature back into the space.””
Be sure to follow Kristen's transformation of this room on Instagram @ironkeydesigns . And be sure to look for the final reveal this September!
You can buy tickets to visit the ASPIRE JLD Detroit Showhouse by clicking the link below. All proceeds from the showhouse support various community programs and grants, including recent initiatives such as EAT (Education, Access and Tools) which equips kitchens to be fully functional so families can cook and eat together at home; and projects in connection with other social service organizations such as Forgotten Harvest, Cass Community Services and the Empowerment Plan.Since the JLD’s Designers’ Show House inception in 1976, the organization has raised over 4.5 million for community programs in Detroit.
Kristen Eleni Shellenbarger
Founded by award-winning interior designer Kristen Eleni Shellenbarger in 2017, Iron Key Designs is the start of her independent company after designing with studios since 2001. Kristen's style is both modern and eclectic-a mix of old and new creating a timeless look that is fresh and original. Her design goals will always be what is best for your individual project needs
Originally from the North Shore of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois. Kristen now lives in Bloomfield Hills, MI with her husband Billy and son Stone. She grew up in the art studios of the Art Institute of Chicago and graduated from Central Michigan University.
She believes the home should speak of the family or individual that lives there. Kristen oversees all design projects to ensure they are a reflection of the needs and wants of the each client while incorporating the Iron Key Design aesthetic.
Kristen is passionate for great design, doodling with good inky pens, eating great meals, traveling and collecting wooden spoons, and loves spending time with her family, and rescue thoroughbred horse. Kristen believes that all great conversations start in the kitchen, especially a well designed one.
