With the next trend always around the corner, creating a timeless design is an exercise in restraint. The renovation of an almost 100-year-old home in the Jewel Park neighborhood of Barrington called for a design that was simple yet sophisticated, neither excessive nor dull. The homeowners worked with Jennifer Lauren Design and Warman Construction to achieve just that.

Overall, the homeowners wanted the rooms to feel more open, light, and bright, while keeping the traditional charm-filled character of the home’s original oak floors, millwork, and built-ins. “The homeowner had a vision of the look and feel she wanted¬— she’s drawn to spaces that have a softness to them, and I think we achieved that,” says Jennifer Drosopoulos of Jennifer Lauren Design. “When you’re in the home you feel calmer and more peaceful.”

Growing up, Drosopoulos loved creating spaces that reflected her personality—and now, as a homeowner and designer, she gets to do it without hesitation. She and her husband have constructed two custom-built homes; the first one 13 years ago; and the second one eight years ago in Barrington Hills, where the couple currently lives. “I designed both homes and loved the process. With my current home, I learned more about design principles and how to pull a room together to achieve a certain look and feel,” Drosopoulos explains.

Drosopoulos used the lessons learned from her own projects to create a multi-layered design for the Jewel Park home that feels both curated and comfortable. “It’s so interesting to me how the layers you add with textiles and art can really change a room,” Drosopoulus says. “I like to keep the fixed elements simple in order to keep the foundation as timeless as possible, and then use throw pillows, rugs, lighting, art, etc. to allow the personality of the homeowner to really shine—all of which can easily be changed throughout the years.” The foyer, where the rug, artwork, and lamp on the console table all work together to create a coastal look, is an excellent example of Drosopoulos’ approach. When design trends shift or the homeowners’ style choices change, these elements can be easily adapted to achieve a different vibe.

While color trends come and go, black and white is a classic combination. The powder room’s original black and white basket weave tile served as the foundation for an elegant, classic space while Drosopoulos’ addition of black and white floral wallpaper created just the right amount of drama.

Another classic style that was incorporated in the Jewel Park home can be found in the most important room of any home: the kitchen. The kitchen has white cabinets, white quartz countertops, and soft greige walls—a trend that will never go out of style. “I love a white kitchen,” Drosopoulos says. “You can make it warm and interesting with the details, whether it’s brass accents, different textures, or artwork.” It’s evident from the photos—captured by Barrington-based photographer Margaret Rajic—that an all-white kitchen can still convey a warm ambiance if you incorporate the right pieces.

The home had oak flooring throughout, which was refinished from a medium brown stain to a natural finish. Lighter floors were in keeping with the design and helped the rooms feel brighter. When updating a home, it’s important to collaborate with the right team. Drosopoulos noted the floors as an example of this principle, observing, “we worked with Warman Construction on the project. They did a quality job and were such a pleasure to work with. Warman really understood and appreciated the overall vision. Most importantly, Warman knew exactly how to achieve that natural finish on the oak floors without the floors looking yellow or orange.”

Like an antique brooch reworked into an eye-catching pendant, this home in Jewel Park has certainly kept its historic feel while looking contemporary for decades to come.

For more information, visit @jenniferlaurendesign and warmanconstruction.com.