A Day at the Lake Forest Showhouse

Jun 26

Written By

A few Thursdays ago, my mom and I drove up to idyllic Lake Forest for an afternoon of inspiration, color, and beauty. We had tickets to the Lake Forest Showhouse, a classic Colonial dream home designed by Chicago’s most sought-after decorators, all to benefit the Infant Welfare Society. There was so much to see and capture, and I know this post will hardly do it justice!

This year, there was not just one house, but three: a main house, two coach houses, and of course, the lush grounds. The stately property sits on nine acres and offers a five-acre conservation area. (I know!) It’s a 1969 red brick beauty, designed by Walter Frazier.

My mom and I parked our cars in downtown Lake Forest, then boarded a shuttle bus to take us to the showhouse. This was my first-ever LF Showhouse experience — my mom has gone to many of them over the years. I’d done my best to scroll past the sneak peeks I’d been seeing on Instagram over the last few months. I wanted it to be a surprise, and it was!

From the moment we walked through the grand foyer (decorated with the boldest de Gournay wall covering!), we were on cloud nine. Every single room was dreamed up one of 40 interior designers, and the result was a color-happy masterpiece with no ceiling left bare and no room without living florals and plants. We took a million pictures.

I loved experiencing the showhouse with my mom — my best friend and, also, my decorator! Her eye for beauty is trained and knowing, and I learn so much from her every time we’re together. This day will go down as one of my favorite days with her.

Congratulations to all who were a part of this year’s Lake Forest Showhouse. Thank you for inspiring me!

Some of my favorite showhouse design elements, in no particular order…