More than 30 leading interior and landscape designers have worked their magic on a 15,000-square-foot Georgian-style home (below) on the North Shore for the 20 th installment of the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens. Selected by the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society (IWS) of Chicago, the 1895 manse comes with quite the pedigree. Originally designed by architect Henry Ives Cobb, the dwelling was later renovated in 1935 by architect David Adler, while legendary designer Frances Elkins updated the interiors.
“Taking place in one of the oldest estates in Lake Forest, our 20 th show house will feature the latest design ideas from the Chicago area’s top interior and landscape talent, along with celebrated firms from Kentucky, Minneapolis and beyond,” says Wendy Franzen, president of the Lake Forest IWS chapter. Among those local firms participating are Amy Kartheiser Design, Robbins Architecture and Rebel House, with a few return participants, including Randy Heller Design and Ablaze Design Group (2023 kitchen top). Los Angeles designer Mary McDonald will serve as the honorary chair. The show house will be open to visitors April 26 through May 25.