A Dazzling Display of Detail: Touring the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse
This spring, I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens in Lake Forest, Illinois. Its an event that never fails to deliver design inspiration at the highest level. Sponsored by the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, this year’s showhouse was a masterclass in bold choices, intricate craftsmanship, and thoughtful storytelling in design.
Set in the historic Pembroke Lodge, a 15,000-square-foot Georgian-style estate originally designed in 1895 by architect Henry Ives Cobb, the home was transformed by a team of incredibly talented designers. The residence, once known as Pembroke Lodge, retains its stately limestone exterior and classic English garden features . As a designer who thrives on details, this was pure joy.
One of the most striking elements of the experience was how each room stood boldly on its own. Designers didn’t shy away from making a statement—whether through unexpected color combinations, bold artwork, or layered textures. Every space felt like a world unto itself, with no fear of contrast or contradiction.
Wallpaper was a standout feature throughout the home, used not as background, but as art. For instance, the first-floor hallway and stairwell featured a couture wall covering hand-embroidered with fern fronds, enveloping the spaces in botanical elegance.
In one unforgettable space featured walls with an elegant botanical plaster installation, referencing local wildflowers and adding a sculptural, organic touch to the room . This wasn’t paint or wallpaper—it was dimensional, hand-applied artistry that gave the room a quiet, sculptural elegance. The white-on-white florals felt like they were blooming right out of the wall, adding softness and movement without relying on color or pattern. It was a perfect example of how texture alone can tell a story. Standing in that room felt like being inside a living, breathing botanical sketch—subtle, romantic, and absolutely original.
The paint choices were equally fearless—particularly the use of high-gloss lacquer not just on walls, but on ceilings. The salon at the front of the house, featured magenta lacquered doors that added instant drama and reflected light in ways that made even small spaces feel energized .
There was an undeniable sense of personality and charm throughout the house. From richly paneled libraries to whimsical nurseries adorned with hand-painted murals, every corner invited you to pause, admire, and smile. The design felt intentional, yet joyfully unrestrained—layers of color, pattern, and unexpected detail made each space feel like a creative love letter to the home.
One of my favorite aspects of the tour was how even the smallest details were meticulously considered. Trim, lighting, hardware, accessories—nothing was overlooked. For example, the Rotunda, featured a tented ceiling crafted from Pindler Stripe fabric, drawing the eye upward with its simple pattern and adding a touch of whimsy . The result was an experience that felt curated, luxurious, and totally inspiring.
The Lake Forest Showhouse wasn’t just a design showcase—it was a reminder of how interiors can move you. When designers are given the freedom to explore, experiment, and honor the uniqueness of a space, magic happens.
And of course, the best part? Proceeds from this breathtaking event support the mission of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago—meaning every ounce of beauty is also making a meaningful impact.