Charles L. Dunlap, Allied ASID

Company: Dunlap Design Group, LLC
Dunlap Design Group, Llc
2167 Cole St
Birmingham, MI 48009-7020 map
Phone: (248) 593-0308
Email: charles@dunlapdesigngroup.com
Website: www.DunlapDesignGroup.com

Designer Profile

Inspired design that reflects your exceptional tastes
Award-winning Michigan Interior Design firm Dunlap Design Group creates timeless interiors that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their clients. With over a decade of design experience, multiple awards and being widely published, Dunlap Design Group has an unsurpassed reputation for translating visions into reality. By blending signature pieces with traditional design principles, Dunlap Design brings forth the true potential of your home, delivering interiors that reflect your Signature Lifestyle(SM).

Modernized design that fits your busy schedule
When it comes to interior design, working with an experienced professional will save you both time and money in the long run. But when you’re juggling a career and family obligations, you probably don’t have time for multiple appointments and shopping trips.
At Dunlap Design Group, we understand the demands placed on today’s professionals. As modern designers, we embrace the convenience of technology, using tools like 3-D design and virtual web meetings to accommodate your busy schedule. We’ll work with you to create the inviting, attractive, and functional living space you deserve, within the time you have available.
We believe that great design is more than just furniture placement. Your interiors should enhance the way you live—and that includes the design process. Our services are tailored with your best interests in mind.

Find us in Birmingham’s historic Rail District
Conveniently located in Birmingham, Michigan, Dunlap Design Group serves clients throughout metro Detroit and surrounding Oakland county areas, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Northville, and Royal Oak. Further afield, firm principal Charles Dunlap has created interiors in Chicago, Hawaii, Florida and Grand Cayman.

Services Offered

Dunlap Design Group’s primary focus is residential interior design. We are a full-service firm offering everything from color selection to project management, and everything in between.

Awards & Publications

Charles Dunlap recognized as
Detroit Home Magazine’s 2008 Rising Star

Charles Dunlap named “Favorite Designer”
at the Birmingham Designer Showhouse

We designed the Birmingham Showhouse family room to include the characteristics of the Arts and Crafts style through the use of organic materials, with a hand-made quality. There is also slight Japanese aesthetic running through the design. It was designed to be a warm, comfortable place for the entire family to spend time in. For example, we designed the bookcases with integral, pull-out desks, allowing the room to serve many functions. The color palate is warm neutrals, with interest being added by using many textures and punches of geometric pattern. Of note, is the fireplace surround clad in patinated steel plate with rivets, the custom cow-hide herringbone rug, the drapery hardware made from copper plumbing pipe, and the antique Thai teak log trestle table. The custom ceiling light anchors the space, while the wall light swings to the desk area as needed. Photo by Justin Maconochie.
The goal in this dining room was to give a nod to the couples’ modern aesthetic while maintaining the architectural flow from outside this Colonial home. Our concept was that a young couple had inherited a Venetian palazzo. First, we raised the chair rail, and added some panel molding, then we applied a vintage looking damask wallcovering to add instant “age.” Dramatic green silk vintage linen velvet drapery and grass shades add texture. In the center of it all, contemporary Italian furniture and lighting contrast, yet compliment, the rest of the room. Photo by Beth Singer.
In this Dining Room, we applied a vintage looking damask wallcovering to add instant “age.” Dramatic green silk vintage linen velvet drapery and grass shades add texture, while contemporary Italian furniture contrast, yet compliment, the room. Photo by Gene Meadows.
To add some visual excitement, we played off the angle of the opposite wall for this Franklin kitchen’s island. We elevated the glass to bar height, and it appears to float in the space. Our clients report that it’s not only used to sit at, but works wonderfully for entertaining. Since it’s raised, it works well for a buffet surface, but doesn’t interfere with the cook. Photo by Chani Devers.
These young clients wanted a modern kitchen. Since their home is located in a heavily wooded area, our concept was to take cues from nature. We started with the simple slab door front cabinets, and then brought in organic, “barky” looking glass back splash and rice paper laminated in glass for the upper cabinet fronts. The granite has very bold crystals which we thought resembled sliced tree trunks. The sheers in the adjoining room soften the wall of windows, and give a hint to the tree shapes beyond. Photo by Chani Devers
These young clients wanted a modern kitchen. Since their home is located in a heavily wooded area, our concept was to take cues from nature. We started with the simple slab door front cabinets, and then brought in organic, “barky” looking glass back splash and rice paper laminated in glass for the upper cabinet fronts. The granite has very bold crystals which we thought resembled sliced tree trunks. The sheers in the adjoining room soften the wall of windows, and give a hint to the tree shapes beyond. Photo by Chani Devers.
This was a total home renovation, which included a new kitchen, and master suite addition. We worked with von Staden Architects, and the goal was to update and orient this Bloomfield Village house to the garden our clients love. By keeping the furniture plan uncomplicated , the view takes center stage. We brought in low contemporary furniture of the highest quality, to contrast the fine rug they already owned. Sometimes nature decorates the best. Photo by Beth Singer.
Petite spaces are a great way to use luxurious materials and go for over-the-top style--a powder room should always be a surprise for guests. We painted the walls in bold stripes to visually “widen” the space, and papered the ceiling with an elegant silver leaf. The laser-cut drapery fabric becomes sculpture and adds dimension to the room. Photo by Beth Singer.
Butler's Pantry. Photo by Arturo Herrera.
Master Bathroom. Photo by Gene Meadows.
Traditional and contemporary can work together: Geometric wallpaper contrasts sculptural pieces like this antique Venetian mirror and sconces. The Regency commode and contemporary chairs complete the mix. Photo by Gene Meadows.
For a dramatic focal point, we surrounded a sleigh bed’s headboard with a cornice and side drapery made from fabric. The Milling Road striped dresser and vintage photography adds pattern and personality. Photo by Gene Meadows.
The vintage architectural “envelope” was so traditional, we used contemporary Italian furniture to complement the grid wall panels. A warm golden color was chosen for the ceiling, and chocolate browns, tans and reds accent the rest of the space. Photo by Beth Singer.
Symmetry is a wonderful way to create a very balanced and soothing space. A pair of transitional camel-back sofas flank the fireplace, while other “pairs” of draperies, chairs, and ottomans create order and “organize” the space. Photo by Beth Singer.
We selected the mostly monochromatic color palate for its restful quality…color can be jarring. To bring back some excitement, we went against the grain by painting the trim and molding a very dark chocolate brown. Photo by Beth Singer.
We selected the mostly monochromatic color palate for its restful quality…color can be jarring. To bring back some excitement, we went against the grain by painting the trim and molding a very dark chocolate brown. Photo by Gene Meadows.
The young owners of this Georgian Colonial did not want their interior to feel “stuffy, “ so we brought in a low Italian bed , chaise and dreamy wool drapery. The armoire adds a vintage element. Photo by Gene Meadows.
Media Room. Photo by Gene Meadows.
Our clients love their inviting screen porch. All-weather wicker furniture, outdoor fabric draperies, and vintage treasures recall a time when one would relax and drink lemonade on warm summer days. Photo by Gene Meadows.
This landing is practically another room! The home’s traditional architecture feels modern with a contemporary Italian fabric window seat, Giacometti- inspired bronze spot table, and “graffiti” artwork. Photo by Gene Meadows.
Lower Level Bar. Photo by Beth Singer.
Master Bedroom. Photo by Beth Singer.
Dining Room. Photo by Beth Singer.
Dressing Table. Photo by Beth Singer.
Family Room. Photo by Beth Singer.
This space is a study of simplicity, and how traditional and contemporary relate. This room sits adjacent to the garden, so we had the walls covered in a block-printed botanical pattern, and then hung the very contemporary glass light over the table. Photo by Beth Singer.
For our clients, using pieces they already own gives this room a familiar and comfortable feel. To keep it fresh, we painted the walls in warm neutrals, reupholstered their settee, and drapes. Photo by Beth Singer.
This Kitchen is just what our clients wanted – warm, modern and clutter free! The look of this space could easily be made more traditional if the barstools and pendant lights were changed--That’s the beauty of simplicity. Photo by Beth Singer.
This cozy reading nook/window seat became part of our client’s new kitchen design. Indoor/Outdoor fabric is used on the cushion for easy cleanup and durability, and the built-in bookcases showcase our client’s cookbooks. Photo by Beth Singer.
The goal was to update and orient this Bloomfield Village house to the garden our clients love. We brought in low contemporary furniture of the highest quality, to contrast the fine rug they already owned. Sometimes nature decorates the best. Photo by Beth Singer.
Details make a room. The arm of this wing chair seems to “nest” into the tripod table. Thoughtfully edited accessories, such as these tea roses and Limoges boxes complete the vignette. Photo by Beth Singer.
In this “mid-century” modern garden room, vintage furniture pieces were placed for lounging or playing cards. The clever drapery treatment is netting and handmade leather rings hung from steel rods. Photo by Beth Singer.
This mid-century inspired room is about flexibility: we designed the sofa to be used as a dining banquette when the walnut and chrome table expands to seat 12. The silver leaf wallpaper plays off the adjoining kitchen. Photo by Beth Singer.
This successful Financial Advisor’s office needed to exude a feeling of strength and sophistication, but be understated in its elegance. Instead of the expected traditional cherry wood furnishings, the lounge area features strong, classic modern furniture upholstered in black leather and grey wool flannel. At the far end of the space, we added a custom walnut and stainless steel wall unit composed of floating shelves, a flat-screen TV, and a bar. Black and white photography, featuring Detroit landmarks, and drapery panels complete the space. My client tells me he’s more productive than ever. Photo by Chani Devers.
This office’s lounge area features strong, classic modern furniture upholstered in black leather and grey wool flannel. Black and white photography, featuring Detroit landmarks, and drapery panels complete the space. Photo by Chani Devers.
Our client needed function for both team and client meetings. The solution: this extra-long, custom walnut desk, with a white milk backsplash. Everything’s hidden- even the printer. Talk about feeling organized! Photo by Chani Devers.
These black leather Corbusier lounge chairs are a classic, and look great in this masculine executive office. We placed black and white photography to complete the space. Photo by Chani Devers.
We are proud to have been named Henredon Interior Design Studio’s 2011 Featured Designer. As such, we were asked to create a vignette. Our concept is as follows:

We designed this space for a fictitious college professor living in a very small New York apartment. Since the space is limited, it must be multipurpose and have plenty of storage for his books. He reads, watches TV, and hosts small dinner parties in his home. Bold, dark, and warm describes the Italian wallpaper which gives the petite room much needed “punch.” The fabulous upholstered bookcases provide texture and architecture, while the perforated stainless and glass cylinder adds sculpture and sparkle. Defining the space, the mesh drapery is a backdrop to the sphere-topped storage columns. The clever bookcases integrated around the sofa are a place for books and treasures found abroad. Central to the space, the harvest table is a very flexible piece: need a slim sofa table? Both sides fold down. Invite six for dinner? No problem! Here, it functions as a library table. Photo by Beth Singer.
This vignette ‘s concept is inspired by old Hollywood glamour meets global style. We love to create a mix of both masculine and feminine attributes in our design; everyone feels comfortable that way. We started with the dreamy off-white linen sheer drapery and walls and brought in our favorite striped contemporary wing chair; it is a strong balance to the horizontal ribbing on the Art Deco inspired chest. The silver leaf screen shimmers, and the Moroccan table adds a sculptural quality. We completed the space with a sophisticated and interesting cowhide stool. Photo by Beth Singer.
Our client’s live in an early 1900’s craftsman style bungalow. They asked us to transform their unused guest room into a luxurious master bathroom. We were able to address all their requirements--surprising for such a small space. She wanted a spa tub; he wanted a steam shower, and they both wanted a separate space for the commode. They both have an appreciation for detail, and we were happy to oblige: Textures and details abound. The tub is surrounded in multicolor glass tile, the windows are covered with grass shades, and the floor is actually durable porcelain tile, made to resemble wood plank. We designed the walnut and copper vanity. Photo by Beth Singer.
The steam shower's gray/brown tile has a glint of metallic sparkle giving it life. The toilet room beyond features a wood wainscot with recessed, contrasting spindles. Photo by Beth Singer.
We designed this vanity featuring hammered copper insets, integral towel bar, and a drawer to accommodate the trash receptacle. The large mirror visually enlarges the room. Photo by Beth Singer.
Showhouse rooms are always fun because it gives us a chance to do lots of off-the-wall things. We were given the “Gardeners” room in the carriage house. Our concept changed the gardener to a “world traveled botanist.” The focal point of the room is a low African bed surrounded by a cocoon of linen drapery. The billowing drapery gives the room dimension. To carry the garden theme through, we added a Tibetan rug woven in a bamboo motif, outdoor chair, and lots of raw, natural texture. There’s a lot of style in this 10’ x 10’ space! Photo by Beth Singer
This custom bar/lower level kitchen feature platinum glass tile. The traditional rattan chair, and Arts and Crafts inspired Tibetan rug contrast the stainless steel chairs. Photo by Beth Singer.