The idea that this guest cottage is intended for a very important guest was the main inspiration for our design choices. Drawing from our experience in boutique hotel design, we wanted to create a luxurious and memorable experience for the homeowner’s cherished guest. The three zones of the room: one to rest, one to lounge, and one to dress, all display the design concept “Embodiment of a Woman”. Notice the elements that balance strength and softness in each area.
As you enter the room, you are enveloped in shimmering bronze walls and a ceiling that follows the angled roofline, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The colors are bold yet soothing, and there are surprises around every turn. Custom furniture and cabinetry, a standout Vladimir Kagan sofa, incredible artwork and rugs, and rich fabrics and wallcoverings fill the room.
The unique kite ceiling, created by the ceilings tracing the roofline, adds a touch of architectural charm. Our team took this space to new heights with a few architectural changes: removing a window and creating a stunning lounge, dressing vanity, and closet in what used to be an oversized closet too large for a guest. Rustic Flooring Inc installed and stained the beautiful flooring, Digilio Decorating helped with the flawless wallpaper installation, and Benjamin Moore supplied the perfect paint.
The lounge area serves as an inviting focal point upon entering the East Cottage Primary Bedroom. Nestled seamlessly within the room’s angular architecture, the rounded seating group captivates the eye. The beautiful bronze cork and metallic wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries creates a rich and bold, yet soothing atmosphere in this bedroom. Enhancing the concept of feminine elegance, the Vladimir Kagan sofa borrowed from Holly Hunt showcases its carved walnut legs and velvet-wrapped curved seat, embodying the essence of a Woman. Complementing the space flawlessly, the vintage chair sourced from South Loop Loft adds a touch of charm, while the white wool rug from The Rug Company grounds the lounge area. Adding a touch of bespoke craftsmanship, the custom-made quartzite nesting cocktail tables, crafted by our trusted stone fabricator Sprovieri’s Custom Counters, bring a sense of joy and playfulness to the space. The leathered stone finish we discovered adds to its exquisite appeal. Two captivating pieces of art coexist harmoniously, vying for attention in the most intriguing way. The photography was skillfully captured by Larry Simon and thoughtfully curated by Vivid Art Gallery. Complementing it, the magnificent bronze sculpture by Martha Sturdy borrowed from Holly Hunt exudes a blend of strength and grace, defying its rigid steel composition. The sculpture’s juxtaposition of power and softness resonated deeply with us.
Step into the dressing area of the East Cottage Primary Bedroom, a cabinet of curiosities where beauty meets functionality. Thanks to Trim Tech Designs, we’ve created a space that balances elegance and practicality. Each drawer is meticulously crafted to house your treasured jewelry and makeup, giving them a home of their own. Benjamin Moore’s Dragon’s Breath in high gloss lacquer beautifully complements the stunning wallcovering by Holly Hunt. These eyelash dimensional pieces add a playful touch while also marking this space as truly special. The beautiful countertop stone, supplied and installed by Sprovieri’s Custom Countertops, creates movement and increases the luxurious experience in this corner. Get a glimpse of the gorgeous garb graciously provided by Restyle Designers Barrington. Adding a burst of vibrant blue is the antique Italian blue mirror from South Loop Loft, echoing the hues found throughout the room, from the closet wallcovering to the decorative bed pillows. It’s the perfect pop of color that ties everything together.
The closet has a fun surprise of color that wraps the walls. The bright blue wallcovering is a grasscloth supplied by Phillip Jeffries and it compliments the beautiful clothing, displayed like the art that it is. We designed the cabinetry with Trim Tech Designs to have durable metal channels on top that make sure that your suitcase doesn’t damage anything and tell your guest how to use this room. The gallery wall in the closet has one of my personal favorite pieces of art in this room, it’s a photograph of the muse of this room. When designing this room we thought about what she would want in a guest suite, and she is just so damn cool. Thank you to @vividartgallery for supplying the other incredible pieces of art that finish this jewel box space.
The bed was custom designed by us and Evolution Furniture to make a bold architectural statement. The streamlined and modern style creates a one-of-a-kind guest suite. The bed frame has a solid upholstered piece with bolsters that elegantly nestle into the burl wood shell. Extending beyond the bed, cantilevered nightstands with built-in cellphone chargers complete the ensemble. The stone from Sprovieris Custom Counters perfectly harmonizes with the room’s other stone accents. Our personal favorite, the bed pillow, features a fabric from Elitis that caught our eye at Deco Off in Paris, serving as one of the original inspirations of the room. Another original inspiration for the room was the magnificent Monarch Fire rug by Alexander McQueen and The Rug Company.
The Hunter Douglas Provenance woven wood shades via Beyond Shades open and close with a touch of a button. They have a great light-filtering quality, and since technology was an important feature in our room at the Lake Forest Showhouse, they are motorized and can automatically adjust. We also love what they add to the design of the East Cottage Primary Bedroom.
I am overwhelmed by the support and outpouring from our vendors and trade workers. It’s wonderful to have a community that cares about this charity and wants to better the world through design. This is our first time designing a room for the Infant Welfare Showhouse and it’s a great honor for us to be included. As we open a new studio in Lake Forest, we’re thrilled to be a part of this community and participate in such a meaningful event! A big thank you to all those involved, the Lake Forest Showhouse, and the Infant Welfare Society!
