Metropolitan Design Group devises distinctive interiors

by Wendy Turrell

Jenifer Bemis recently moved her Metropolitan Design Group interior design firm from Cleveland to Garth Andrew’s Building at 1969 Cleveland-Massillon Rd. in Bath. Bemis founded her firm in 2002 after graduating with an interior design degree from Kent State University and performing stints with the historic renovation firm Sandvick Architects in Cleveland and various commercial design firms.

Although she continues to design for commercial clients, Bemis now specializes in offering full-service design for residential clients.

“What sets me aside from other design firms is my extensive knowledge of all facets of interior design,” she said.

This includes personally designing custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths and built-ins, rather than sourcing out that work.

Bemis counts being an expert colorist among her strengths. She monitors cutting-edge trends, visits showrooms frequently and makes sure her sales staff keeps an up-to-date design library, she said.

Bemis will travel “practically everywhere for clients, regardless of where their property is located,” she said. This has led her to design jobs in 30 states and throughout Canada. But some of her favorite residential interiors she has designed are in Bath.

She described one such project as a two-story domed library, where she designed floor-to-ceiling custom cherry curved bookcases, culminating in “a show-stopping beaming system in the ceiling.”

Another favorite Bath project was a modest living and dining room space that she opened up into one statement room by covering an old red brick fireplace with sleek, modern ivory-and-black-streaked marble.

“I juxtaposed the modern stone with traditional crystal light fixtures and transitional, neutral furniture,” she said. This illustrates her belief in “layering a space with different styles, textures and materials to create a unique space, which lends itself to avoiding trends and thereby looking fresh for years to come.”

A large client called upon Bemis’ historical and commercial expertise in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She was employed to assess general overall interior damage to dozens of properties in Louisiana and Mississippi, including damage to antiques and furniture.

“My team spent about a year helping to guide the remodeling process and rebuilding a large number of hospitality-commercial spaces for a primary client,” she said.

These buildings included newer designs and old historic mansions repurposed as commercial spaces. Bemis and her team oversaw every detail, from exterior finishes to the restoration of tarnished antique iron signage that had been submerged in water for a long period.

Selected examples of Bemis’ interior design work can be viewed on her firm’s website, metropolitandesignohio.com. For information or to schedule a consultation appointment, call 216-496-1192.

 

Featured image photo caption: Jenifer Bemis’ new Metropolitan Design Group office in Bath is filled with colorful swatches and designs. Photo by W. Turrell