Photo by Heather Talbert
One of the most anticipated events of the design season in the entire Chicago area, the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is such an elaborate project that it only takes place every other year. This year, the always eye-popping event (which benefits the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago) is celebrating its 20th production in style with the transformation of the historic Pembroke Lodge, one of the earliest estates built along Lake Forest’s iconic Green Bay Road. Designed in 1895 by architect Henry Ives Cobb on an original estate of almost 40 acres with landscape architecture by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted, then revised by David Adler in the late 1930s, the Georgian-style main house is a truly grand showhouse indeed: For the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, 38 interior designers and nine prestigious landscape design companies worked to reimagine the 15,000-square-foot mansion, tennis hut, pool house and remaining 3.5 acre grounds, adding up to one showstopping room after another. (Pro tip: Nearly everything these design talents have sourced for their rooms inside and out is for sale, with the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago receiving 15% of the proceeds.) Here, our 11 favorite spaces at the stunningly transformed estate. The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is now open and runs through May 25; advance tickets required and available here.
The Foyer by Cynthia McCullough Interiors
Photo by Heather Talbert
Inspired by the foyer’s original wallpaper from the 1930s, McCullough used Braquenie’s Les Muses et Les Lions wallcovering to gorgeous effect in the entry, which also features a pair of Regency mirrors, an upholstered bench and a Chippendale glass cabinet filled with figurines.
The Salon by Joey Leicht Design
Photo by Ryan McDonald
Double doors lacquered in Tropical Rose make a bold statement in this room, where handpainted and embroidered silk walls by Fromental and dual custom banquettes inspired by Frances Elkins also draw the eye.
The Office by Birkman Interiors
Photo by Ryan McDonald
Masculine, clubby and brimming with objects and artifacts inspired by global travel, this handsome space makes us want to sink into one of its sumptuous armchairs and start planning our next adventure around the world.
The Garden Room by Amy Kartheiser Design
Photo by Werner Straube
The ultimate room for a ladies’ luncheon, this sunny room brings the outdoors in with blue treillage-wrapped walls plus chairs covered in Pierre Frey fabric covered in yellows and greens.
The First Floor Hall/Stairwell by Lauren Collander Interiors
Photo by Ryan McDonald
Enchanting, hand-embroidered wallcovering evocative of a garden climbs the stairway of this masterful space, inviting visitors to linger even as they transition to the upper floors, while lush green tones continue the Parisian garden theme.
The Main Kitchen by Ablaze Design Group
Photo by Ryan McDonald
Dual table-height surfaces add to the appeal of the kitchen’s expansive, inviting central island, while other highlights include custom cabinetry, heat-resistant Dekton by Cosentino surfaces, and biophilic lighting designed to support circadian rhythms.
The Mudroom by JenMarie Interiors
Photo by Ryan McDonald
A striking, verdant wallcovering by Schumacher combines with fluted wall paneling, bespoke built-ins and Corinthian-style marble flooring, adding up to the most stylish of mudrooms.
The Second Floor Landing by Sarah Dippold Design
Photo by Ryan McDonald
Both dramatic and neutral enough to work with the seven rooms that branch off from it, this space charms with jacquard fabric wallcovering woven in France, a custom floor runner, and a variety of layered textures that manage to work harmoniously together.
The Girl’s Bedroom by Robbins Architecture
Photo by Aimée Mazzenga
A soft, dreamy color palette featuring Benjamin Moore colors sets a soothing tone perfect for a little one’s bedtime in this exquisite room, which brims with images of wildlife in a fairy tale-worthy setting.
The Mahjong Room by White Couch Design
Photo by Heather Talbert
The trendy game gets a seriously stylish space, with House of Harris’ truly stunning Fancy Flock wallcovering with herons, flowers and lily pads setting a whimsical tone. The game table is round, pink and linen-wrapped, and a custom scalloped settee is paired with a set of vintage chairs at the table. Rounding out the space is a fitting Champagne Bar.
The Cabana by Meghan Jay Design
Photo by Heather Talbert
Nineteen-twenties chic meets contemporary style in this stylish space, which invites visitors in with a colorful but muted palette of blush tones and soft yellows, and also features an arched hallway ceiling decked with wave-shaped fabric panels to enhance its curve.
