BUCKLEY, BARRINGTON, AND KATE MARKER

On October 26, the interior design talents of Barrington Hill’s Kate Marker was revealed to the public again—this time for a House Beautiful Whole Home renovation, just south in Hinsdale. As one of 15 women professionals renovating the historic David Adler house, Marker custom designed a space previously used as the front porch into a library lounge.

“It’s a really cool space,” Marker says. “I wanted to be part of this project because it’s a historical house in an area that reminds me of Barrington. It spoke to me.”

42 The Stunning Entrance To Kate Marker (of Kate Marker Interiors) Home — The stunning entrance to Kate Marker home.

Since 2007, Kate Marker Interiors has been the Barrington-based flagship company for Marker, who as owner and principal designer, sets the pace and tone for the full-service residential design studio. Specializing in new homes and full remodels, Marker admits to having a passion for renovating heritage homes, which is why her interest in the Whole Home project goes even deeper.

Kmi — The resort-inspired backyard oasis has a luxurious pool, al fresco dining, inviting fire table, stucco exterior, and breathtaking sunset vistas.

“That house reminded me of our house,” she says, referring to her family home in Barrington Hills. “The similar plumbing, the plaster walls, unique millwork, curved staircase—there were a lot of elements that remind me of Buckley.”

Since 2020, Marker, her husband Ken, and their two children have lived in this Italianate home in Barrington Hills, which Marker affectionately refers to as “Buckley.” It was built in 1926 by Charles Buckley and sits on 10 acres at 160 North Buckley Road (named after Charles Buckley). The estate had only three previous owners before the Markers.

42 Bc2023 11 015 Kmi Margaretrajic 10 7 20 14 — Dark olive cabinets, earthy stone counters, and reclaimed wood floors create a warm, rustic haven for culinary creativity

42 Bc2023 11 016 Kmi Margaretrajic 9 18 20 24 — Dark olive cabinets, earthy stone counters, and reclaimed wood floors create a warm, rustic haven for culinary creativity

“The people we bought it from had it for about 50 years,” Marker recalls. “When we walked in the door, there was a feeling that this was the house and next project for our family. As a designer, I felt the responsibility to do my work thoughtfully, with the mindset of leaving a home for the next family. I intended to restore it, update it for modern tastes, but always celebrate the beauty that was already there.”

As the Marker family home for these past three years, it’s undergone extensive renovation and welcomed additions to both the home and the grounds. Marker recently listed the 9,210-square-foot Buckley in September for just under $5 million.

It stands now as a modern showpiece of Marker’s skills with heritage houses. Buckley features six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half-baths as well as a guest house with a full kitchen, living space, and en-suite bedroom and bathroom. The main house kitchen includes a built-in coffee station, a walk-in pantry, marble and soapstone countertops, dual Sub-Zero refrigerators, and an ILVE Italian range. There are high ceilings throughout. A mudroom, like no other, comes with built-in lockers. An old ballroom was converted into an entertainment room with a full bar leading out to the heated saltwater pool and hot tub pergola.

42 Bc2023 11 017 Kmi Margaretrajic 10 7 20 30 — The spacious dining room boasts plaster walls, Italianate crown molding, and reclaimed wood cased openings melding old-world charm with modern grandeur.

Marker kept the entryway’s original bluestone floors, which were far too shiny (think new car showroom floor). Knowing it wasn’t the right look, she hired a stone specialist to return the floors to their original finish, with more of a raw, matte appearance. The nearly 100-year-old floors appear new again. “There are so many tone variations to pay attention to in materials like that,” Marker explains.

“And texture is also a huge part of my design taste. I don’t use a lot of color, but I love to enhance space with the full textures of natural, organic elements,” she adds.

42 Bc2023 11 018 Gallery Erinkonrath Gracemcilvainphoto43 — The primary suite is enhanced by reclaimed wood floors, abundant natural light, and rafter beam ceilings for a serene retreat.

Kmi — The primary suite is enhanced by reclaimed wood floors, abundant natural light, and rafter beam ceilings for a serene retreat.

Marker updated Buckley’s interiors, brightening them and opening the walls where she could; always highlighting original areas that show off character while being beautiful design elements themselves. From the beginning she noted the fine Italianate craftsmanship that’s survived since the house’s early 20th century construction. “I have grown to appreciate my role, not as the owner of a heritage home, but a steward of the space celebrating the past, present, and future. It is my job as an interior designer to help others see that.” Marker adds.

“The plasterwork on the walls, and the moldings are pretty ornate. While that’s not necessarily my style as a designer, I appreciate the history of the Italian artisans who came over 100 years ago and did all that work by hand. There wasn’t even a thought in my mind that I would rip that out. An old home reflects years of love and life within the walls and in this case the molding was on the walls and too special to not adore.” Marker says.

42 Bc2023 11 020 Katemarker 62 — Kicking back, Kate wearing Carolina Herrera skirt, *neimanmarcus.com*.

While retaining its classic quality, Buckley also appears fresh and timeless, a signature of Marker’s work. She says the project pushed her further than any previous renovation because it required balance between history and the desire to make it a nurturing environment for her family—while actively maintaining the mindset of leaving a modern home for the next family.

In addition to running Kate Marker Interiors, Marker opened Kate Marker Home in Barrington in 2019. The same year, Marker and her husband launched Kate Marker Vacation to feature rental properties she designed—two in Michigan and one in Florida.

42 Bc2023 11 021 Gallery Erinkonrath Gracemcilvainphoto7 — The living room welcomes with a cozy gas fireplace, abundant built-ins, and expansive sunset views; all harmoniously part of an open, airy floor plan.

But her heart is with Barrington.

“We’ve now renovated four homes in the Barrington area. It’s full of history and stories and there are a significant number of older homes that, with some love, attention, and design expertise, can truly be turned magnificent,” Marker says. “My ultimate desire is to keep renovating and restoring homes here and is a big passion of mine with my husband moving forward. Not enough value is put on what an old home has to offer. They give us unique space to live and grow. Since Barrington is a town full of history, I think people that live here appreciate the value of older homes, but there are a lot of people scared to go down the renovation path. I hope to shift that.”