highland park
Interior & Architectural Designer: Lauren Stern Design
Builder: Chris Carey & Co.
Photographer: Aimee Mazzenga
Stylist: Cate Ragan
Publication: Rue Magazine, Summer 2024
Lauren Stern collaborated with a young and stylish family on the renovation of their new home in Highland Park, Illinois. With soaring 10 foot windows, and 16 foot ceilings, the home hadn't been touched in decades and retained delightful character and charm. The house emits a palpable energy of love and warmth. During construction, the team found shoes, letters and other fascinating artifacts left by previous inhabitants. The new owners left these special pieces in the walls, floorboards and attic, and added their own sentimental tidbits before we patched and finished the spaces. The Victorian house had been designed around a grand dining room. We relocated the kitchen to the original dining space with warm, putty-colored cabinets built by Devol and dark quartzite countertops that look like a view of the galaxy. A neutral color palette is carried throughout the home with warm whites, coco-cola browns and simple, sturdy furnishings. Joyful pops of yummy pastels can be found in the foyer, pantry doors and artful light fixture above the kitchen table. A dark and moody dining room is located off the living room, and offers a dramatic contrast to the sunny open space. The outcome is a home that feels both grand and cozy. It is infused with soul and style from the new owners, and the many who have loved this house over the centuries.
