From the kindergarten visions of houses that she drew, to her grandfather’s 1930’s northern Michigan cottage that she has lovingly renovated into a sprawling country home, Dorina has always had a passion for design.

At her Lake Ann home, Dorina has created an oasis that speaks to what she loves in a home - family, friends, comfort and calm. The lakeside house named “The Enchanted Cottage” has been made to look like the original structure, from the specialized windows, to the fireplace made with gathered beach rocks, to the classic red cedar log exterior, sprawling flower gardens and handmade wooden shutters.

“I love to have beautiful surroundings and I always wanted a home that would reflect that. My mother died when I was young and I bounced around to different houses for a while and I promised myself that when I got the home I wanted, I’d stay put, and well… here I am.”

With an energetic and straightforward approach coupled with an amazing attention to detail and artistic flare, Dorina has the ability to “capture” the essence of the needs of her discerning clients.

“I am interested in making happen what a particular project wants to happen or calls for…my client’s thoughts, living patterns, personal style & preferences, site location all become a part of the project… that speaks to me.”

With a distinctive, hands-on style, Dorina is known for being able to interpret a particular need, desire or vision and make it come alive like a painter would, with a depth of detail, description and design that is unmatched.

“I try to nudge my clients out of their comfort zone to discover their full expression, and help them to see the potential. Synergy is formed with my clients and then I am able to filter their dreams through a trained eye…I can interpret their dream and make it a reality.”