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Lana & David's historic Michigan home is proof that great spaces come together over time. Filled with estate sale finds, travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, and thoughtful design, every piece has a story to tell. They shared some of those stories with us and how they crafted a personal, timeless home that feels collected rather than decorated.
Could you share a short introduction and tell us a bit about who you are?
We are David and Lana! Lana is an architect by education and works in fashion. David is a professional grappler. David was born and raised in West Bloomfield, MI while Lana was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. We both have a love for fashion, design and travel. We raise two little dogs Samoon (French bulldog boy) and MishMish (Pug girl).
How would you describe your home?
Our home is a Tudor Revival built in a historic neighborhood in Oakland County, Michigan. At first glance, when you walk inside, you’ll feel the essence of an early 20th century home, with nearly 100 years of memories made. But as you look closer you’ll notice our personal touches that range from modern, historical and contemporary pieces that really make the home feel like it could be from any era. In short, our home reflects who we are as a couple and the things we find the most dear.
Lana & David photographed by Joe Portelli
It's true—your space really is a beautiful mix of historic and contemporary elements. How do you achieve such a cohesive blend of different styles?
Lana decided that we should live with the things we already had when we moved into our house three years ago. Then we decided what we needed for the home, but we never rushed to get it. We made sure we got the best version available to us from the perspective of aesthetics and our personal enjoyment. As we continue to live in this space, we find things that find us. Since we have everything, we don’t want to overcrowd ourselves with junk. If it calls to us, we get it (if possible). If it’s beautiful but it doesn’t move us, we let it go for someone else to enjoy.
It's true—your space really is a beautiful mix of historic and contemporary elements. How do you achieve such a cohesive blend of different styles?
Lana decided that we should live with the things we already had when we moved into our house three years ago. Then we decided what we needed for the home, but we never rushed to get it. We made sure we got the best version available to us from the perspective of aesthetics and our personal enjoyment. As we continue to live in this space, we find things that find us. Since we have everything, we don’t want to overcrowd ourselves with junk. If it calls to us, we get it (if possible). If it’s beautiful but it doesn’t move us, we let it go for someone else to enjoy.
Have your hobbies or professions influenced anything in your home?
Our shared passion for architecture is definitely prevalent in our home. We have so many objects, books and art that references architectural beauty. Lana’s love of music also has a place in our morning room where we store and listen to our vinyl collection. My office holds just a hint of my profession, with three of my most important medals from international and world level events. Outside of that, my fantasy book collection is nearly floor to ceiling and wall to wall in my office. Traveling together has always been so important to us, so whenever we visit somewhere, we bring a regional piece back with us. In one case, we brought a ceramic object back from Rome where we visited a local artist in her studio. Every piece has a story for us!
You have a fantastic art collection. Can you tell us a bit about your favorite pieces or how you came to collect them?
David’s favorite piece: Hanna Shayota Painting
A painting of my grandfather is my most prized art piece. Its significance is many fold. My Jiddou (grandfather), was an inspiration to me and one of the most loving people in my life. It was also painted by my uncle, who is a masterful painter and captured the moment so well.
Lana’s favorite pieces: Our antique oil painting & sculpture series.
What an amazing estate sale deal! Have you found other items for your home from estate sales, besides art?
We were going to estate sales sometimes 2-5 times per week for a long time! We picked up so many different things—art, furniture, extension cords, tools, vinyl records, envelopes, post cards and so much more. We love to find things that are special that other people overlook. It’s our hobby within a hobby.
We were at an estate sale during the last hour of the last day hoping to find some great deals. We encountered a home with tons of oil paintings, ranging from landscapes to sea scapes to portraits. We also found sculptures made of various metals from several artists that we loved. We made offers on the sculptures that were initially refused, but then the seller offered us ALL of the sculptures and 15 oil paintings for not much more than our initial offer for just the sculptures. We said yes and packed them all into our little car and sped home like we stole something… and now in every room in our home, we have a single piece from the collection displayed.
For more about Lana & David, please check out:
@with__lana
@garmoflowajj
Photography by Joe Portelli
Products Featured:
Four-Piece Soft Serve Sectional in Snow (Crypton Nomad)