A LIGHT TOUCH 

Studio W Interiors principal and founder Diana Wagenbach brings a measured approach to a Wilmette home steps from Lake Michigan.

In the right hands, less is more. And this Wilmette home, fashioned by Hinsdale-based interior designer Diana Wagenbach, is a fine testament to that fact. Cast in a spectrum of neutral tones and richly tailored in a variety of textures and materials, it is a highly articulated expression of livable comfort. “We refer to it as North Shore Coastal, a nod to the home’s proximity to Lake Michigan,” shares Wagenbach. “The homeowner and the original designer—Sterling Wilson Design and Development—had already made thoughtful architectural choices, like wainscoting mixed with modern steel doors and black mullions. I wanted to reflect that balance in the interiors by layering soft textures, relaxed materials, and subtle coastal tones. It was about honoring those classic elements while giving the home an effortless, modern warmth.”

Wagenbach points to the dining room, entry, and great room as especially expressive of this Midwest-meets-Malibu aesthetic. “In each space, we embraced light woods, warm linen textures, and a muted, sun-washed palette that feels relaxed yet refined. Artwork with rich, tactile textures adds depth without overpowering the serene atmosphere. And we were intentional about selecting fewer but more impactful pieces that can stand on their own, allowing each room to breathe while still feeling layered and complete.”

Although Wagenbach was engaged after the architectural shell was complete (designed by Michael Venechuk Architecture), she was able to add her own substantive touches with a custom banquette for the eat-in kitchen and a dramatic, wall-scaling fireplace in the double-height great room. And while gold-toned accents invest the home with a touch of glam, Wagenbach’s design—keyed to the daily life of a family with teenagers—is underscored by performance fabrics and durable finishes, ensuring the design would be both beautiful and practical for years to come.

Before launching Studio W Interiors, Wagenbach, who holds a marketing degree from Loyola University Chicago, worked in marketing for a mortgage firm led by a client-focused executive who worked with professional athletes. “It was a fast-paced, elevated environment that taught me a lot about service, communication, and building trust with clients, which are skills that have translated directly into how I run Studio W Interiors.” Her path to design came from the experience of designing her own homes, which then led her to pursue formal training at the School of the ect was a renovation in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. “My clients were incredible,” she recalls. “They trusted my vision from the start. We reworked the layout by closing off an awkward hallway, which allowed us to add a walk-in pantry and improve the flow dramatically. That project confirmed for me that thoughtful design is equal parts beauty and function. Travel also plays a big role in my design process. Experiencing different cultures, materials, and architectural styles gives me a deep library of ideas and textures that I love weaving into my work.”

Wagenbach’s commitment to the balance of form and function is always tailored to the homeowner’s needs. “A space should be beautiful, yes—but it also needs to work hard for the people who live there.” We hear so much these days about generational differences—Millennials don’t do email, Gen Z doesn’t use cash—but when it comes to interior design, Wagenbach tends to see the differences between one client and another not so much in terms of generations, but life stages. “Families with young children often prioritize durability and flexibility, while others may be more focused on creating spaces that feel calm, tailored, or reflective of how they like to entertain or unwind,” she observes. “Across the board, I’m grateful to work with clients who embrace the design process and trust the vision, no matter their age or stage of life.”

For more information, visit studiowchicago.com.