With more than 36 rooms created by talented interior designers, not to mention 3½ acres of gardens and outdoor spaces, this year’s 20th anniversary Lake Forest Showhouse at the historic Pembroke estate is overflowing with creativity. The 1895 mansion was designed by renowned architect Henry Ives Cobb and renovated in 1935 by no less than David Adler and the legendary Frances Elkins (his sister!). FREDERIC and Schumacher are proud to sponsor this event, which has raised millions for the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Family Health. The showhouse is open to the public through May 25, 2025, so if you’re in the area, be sure to get tickets! Here’s a look at five of our favorite rooms.
Maggie Getz: Dining Room
Maggie Getz, a FREDERIC It List winner last year, reimagined the traditional dining room as a versatile, multipurpose lounge with a long, low, luxe sofa/banquette upholstered in Schumacher’s Elizabeth Chintz by Rita Konig. Deep chocolate brown walls create a rich backdrop for the lively interplay of floral, striped, and solid fabrics, while dramatic scroll-trimmed pelmets and curtains and gilded lighting contrast with relaxed rush matting. “Whether hosting a cocktail party, intimate dinner, or post-dinner lounging, this space effortlessly adapts to any occasion,” says Getz.
Studio W: Primary Bedroom
Diana Wagenbach of Studio W created a calming, spa-like retreat for the primary bedroom using a hushed palette and plush textures juxtaposed with sculptural elements like the custom steel canopy bed and leggy tables, with punctuation marks of black. “The curated palette of natural materials, from light oak and limestone to moody metal accents, establishes a foundation of understated luxury,” she says.
Jen Marie Interiors: Mudroom
In another class from the typical mudroom, Jennifer Morrow’s room for Jen Marie Interiors “reimagines this often-overlooked space, elevating everyday function into an art form,” with luxurious materials and custom details including a desk of Calacatta Viola Ultra marble. Panoramic Italian Promenade wallpaper from Schumacher echoes the verdant landscape outside the window, while sculptural organic wall sconces by Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort add unexpected artistry. Custom walnut built-in cabinetry and hand-forged coat hooks create bespoke storage solutions enlivened with a graphic houndstooth cushion.
Birkman Interiors: Study
Thomas Birkman envisioned the wood-paneled study as a “cabinet of curiosities reflecting the inhabitants’ travels and interests,” adroitly layering textiles from a medieval tapestry pattern to ikat and animal prints; art and accessories from varied eras; and antiques ranging from Chinese demilune tables to an Edwardian game table, all beneath the glow of a glossy lacquered golden ceiling. The intriguing mix was designed to “restore the room to its former glory” as a clubby space “adorned with fine art, tailored furnishings, and rarities from across the globe.”
Aarti Shah Interiors: Guest Bedroom and Bath
For this tranquil guest suite, designer Aarti Shah enlisted the soothing waves of this Holly Hunt wallpaper along with “soft, neutral tones, airy textures, and thoughtfully curated furnishings to create a serene and inviting retreat.” In the adjacent bath, Arabescato Corchia marble, cement floor tiles, and a custom scallop-edged floating vanity set against moody, dark walls, conjure a statement-making space.
