Wendy Labrum’s Design for a Chicago-Area House Is a Master Class in “Pattern Drenching”
For a Chicago family with three small children, a cozy house was imperative, but not at the expense of good design. “They are not flashy people, but they have very discerning taste,” says interior designer Wendy Labrum, who worked on the 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom 1926 home for two-and-a-half years. “They value something special and historic over new and generic.”
Labrum worked with Michael Abraham Architecture to channel an English country estate with a contemporary twist. “Spaces need to be layered to have good design intelligence,” says Labrum, who is known for balancing traditional with modern elements. “When everything is from the same era, it tends to feel one-note.”
This is evidenced in the white oak paneling Labrum added to the dining room. A nod to the wood-clad studies of yesteryear, the room—a sumptuous medley of pieces, including a travertine table and leather dining chairs—is anything but heavy. Plaster was used on the rest of the main level walls. “We needed a neutral color to unify it, but that can feel a bit blank. Plaster makes it more layered and nuanced and finished,” she says.
Vintage Italian and French accessories, lighting in particular, punctuate the decor throughout. More unexpected is the abstract art on the walls. Labrum studied art history and curated the collection herself. Juxtaposing antiques next to modern art gives the space intention, she says.
Across the lawn, Labrum transformed a musty garage into a poolhouse and guest suite. The 2,500-square-foot space, filled with honey tones and vintage wood furniture, echoes the warm palette and contemporary mix of the main residence.
The home’s welcoming spaces feature bold patterns in warm, earthy hues, like the gingham-clad guest room and attic home office, covered entirely in striped fabric. These were intrepid choices that suited the homeowners’ confident sensibility. “As designers, we can only do so much to make a house feel warm and inviting; it ultimately comes down to the people who live in it.”
Office
“The stripes were a gutsy move, but it made the whole space feel bigger,” Labrum says. Wallcovering and sofa: Kerry Joyce fabric. Rug: Oscar Isberian Rugs.
Living Room
A custom silk velvet sofa from Bradley is the star, but vintage René Drouet and Warren Platner chairs are worthy supporting players. Stool: Cassina. Rug: The Rug Company. Art: Jared Green.
Sunroom
“Chicago winters are long. Having a warm and cozy sunroom to curl up in is invaluable,” Labrum says. Pendants: Rose Uniacke. Draperies: Nobilis. Sofas: custom, in Edelman Leather shearling.
Kitchen
Reclaimed wood beams frame the kitchen and keep the striking Calacatta Viola backsplash and counters from skewing too modern. Range: Lacanche. Lighting: Apparatus. Faucet: Waterworks. Stools: Rose Uniacke.
Banquette
An unused nook was transformed into custom seating, for everything from homework to Lego-building. Roman shade: S. Harris. Table: 1stDibs. Sculpture: Mirjam de Nijs. Art: Frédéric Heurlier Cimolaï.
Dining Room
The nontraditional geometric plaster chandelier by Alexandre Logé, was found on 1stDibs. Art: Matthias Fabre. Chairs: Cassina.
Powder Room
Guest Bedroom
Using a single Fabricut fabric on the walls, bed, and shade “added a bit of traditional whimsy in an impactful way,” Labrum says. The contemporary Pierre Guariche wall lamp enlivens the space.
Boys’ Bathroom
The custom “muddy taupe” paint color is one shade warmer than the gingham in the guest bedroom. Sconce: vintage, 1stDibs. Sink and faucets: Kohler. Cup and holder: The Water Monopoly.
Poolhouse
Ample wood elements create an earthy undercurrent. Table and chairs: vintage Axel Einar Hjorth. Seat cushion fabric: Perennials. Cabinetry hardware: Van Cronenburg. Pendants: vintage Florian Schulz, 1stDibs. Window treatments: S. Harris linen.
Porch
A once “dark and dank” screened-in porch now boasts an inviting curvy sofa in Perennials fabric. Pendant: McLean Lighting Works. Lamp: Atelier Vime. Table: Blend Interiors.
Backyard
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