Gilded Age Inspiration from Mackinac Island

By: Justin Sharer, Bespoke Cabinetry Expert

After a recent getaway to Mackinac Island and an unforgettable stay at The Grand Hotel, I returned brimming with interior design inspiration. The property’s timeless elegance, layered with history and style, offers a masterclass in how design can transport you to another era while still feeling fresh and relevant.

What struck me most was the iconic Dorothy Draper influence throughout the hotel. Her bold use of pattern, scale, and contrast is impossible to ignore—florals, stripes, and vivid hues all working together to create a sense of drama that feels both daring and inviting. Walking through each space was like stepping into a carefully curated mood board, with every room telling its own story yet contributing to the larger narrative of the hotel’s grandeur.

The high gloss paint colors added another layer of inspiration. From deep, moody tones to crisp, vibrant shades, the reflective finishes captured the light in a way that felt dynamic and alive. This finish, often overlooked in contemporary design, reminded me of the Gilded Age’s devotion to opulence and its ability to elevate even the most practical spaces into statements of beauty.

The experience left me considering how these elements can translate into my own upcoming projects. There’s something timeless about blending historic design language with modern sensibilities, and Mackinac Island served as the perfect reminder of the power of thoughtful design. My mood boards are now infused with gilded age touches, bold color palettes, and the kind of layered storytelling that turns a house into a true home.