COUNTRY VS. TOWN: DIANA WAGENBACH

DIANA WAGENBACH grew up in the Northern suburbs. The youngest of three siblings, Diana looked to her hard-working parents, who immigrated from Romania, for inspiration on work ethic. She breezed through private high school in just three years, then attended Loyola University of Chicago, simultaneously running marketing and client management for a mortgage industry leader while earning her degree in Marketing.

Diana and her husband Doug loved living in River North, but when their son was born and the suburbs called, she took a fateful drive to Hinsdale. “I drove through one beautiful spring morning and fell in love.” They purchased their home in 2016 and did an expansive renovation which Diana personally designed and project managed. She fell in love with design and after their daughter was born, enrolled at the School of the Art Institute’s Interior Design program.

Her namesake company, Studio W Interiors, launched in 2021. “It’s been an amazing and wild ride, growing my company, working with amazing clients and growing a team. I’m excited to keep growing and continuing to help people design their dream homes,” she says.

Diana considers herself to be incredibly lucky to be married to her best friend, who is her biggest supporter as she builds her business. Completing the family, Henry (8) and Caroline (5), are the sweetest, smartest, funniest kids around. Henry has taken up travel soccer and Caroline is a budding ballerina. Both are playing golf, which means Diana may pick up the clubs this spring. Family time is important to her, “We love to spend time together on the weekend, getting to go to fun restaurants or having family cooking night at home.” She kindly shares a few of favorites with Hinsdale Living.

Mantra? Do good. On your reading stack? Currently reading The Odyssey. What organizations do you support? Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club, Hinsdale Historical Society, By The Hand Kids Club. Favorite workout? Pilates on a reformer, especially at Energie in Hinsdale Best beauty tip? Blowouts from Ten Friends and facials from Spa Nineteen- Hanadi is the best! Guilty pleasure? A great cheese plate and some awesome wine. Music you love? All kinds, but lately have been on a country kick with Zach Bryan. Advice you would give to your younger self? Just go for it and follow your intuition.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Cozy and comfortable…Jeans, boots, and warm sweaters. Favorite walk? Fullersburg Woods for the nature. Southeast Hinsdale for architecture. Can’t leave the house without? Phone, keys, and sunglasses. Place to celebrate? Vistro Prime. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Toni’s Patisserie. Favorite festival or special event? Hands down the 4th of July- the celebration is one of the reasons I fell in love with Hinsdale. Best thing about the country? The beauty of nature- green grass, beautiful trees. The perfect day is? Going for a run, having a long steam shower, and then grabbing lunch in downtown Hinsdale followed by some chill time with my family.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Business but make it cute. Jeans, a cute top, flats, and a great jacket. Favorite walk? Love going along the Riverwalk to Lake Michigan. Can’t leave the house without? Keys- I drive everywhere. Place to celebrate? Bavettes! The design is impeccable, and the food is great. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Coffee and croissants at La Colombe in the West Loop Favorite festival or special event? Design Chicago at The Mart is my favorite to attend, and the Chicago Marathon, which has such great energy and it’s fun to see everyone work so hard. Shop? Jayson Home Best thing about town? The architecture, the restaurants the museums and all the great design shops! The perfect day is? Staying at the Soho House, getting a run in on the lakefront, then going to the Art Institute and ending with an early dinner in the West Loop.