The Hinsdale Historical Society Women’s Board is hosting its 17th annual Kitchen Walk with a new theme along with brand new elements. This year’s Kitchen Walk: Design Matters, is on May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ticket holders can tour the first floors of five of the most prestigious homes in Hinsdale while supporting the Hinsdale Historical Society with continued fundraising efforts at Immanuel Hall.

Unlike last year where guests toured backyards and patios of the featured homes, this year’s walk takes it back inside to the kitchens serving up a new element: meeting the interior designers responsible for the designs behind the doors.

“Kitchen Walk will be returning back to its original format this year now that local restrictions related to the pandemic are lifted,” says Lauren Kavanaugh, Co-Chair. “Attendees will again be able to go inside the homes on the tour and walk through the first floor to soak in its design elements and enjoy sips and bites, as traditionally done each year.”

“We are honored to have five amazing designers showcase their unique and beautiful styles,” says Diana Wagenbach, Co-Chair. “Each home will have some fun and different elements as always, but new this year you will be able to meet the designer of each home and see why design matters.”

These homes will leave attendees speechless and inspired—from the owner of J. Jordan’s personal home which has a modern style with an entertainer’s dream kitchen; interior designer Sarah Vaile’s client home which brings color and life to the forefront; the talented duo from design firm Park & Oak’s traditional designs that are fresh and beautiful in an unexpected way; and Brynn Olson’s luxe aesthetic showcasing her work through a breathtaking, yet approachable bar. The tour will also feature Studio W which tends toward a minimalist approach that focuses on simple but gorgeous materials—including a 14-foot island topped with a beautiful piece of walnut.

“Each person entering these five homes will be met with amazing designs that will leave them feeling refreshed and full of inspiration,” Wagenbach says.

Another new element to Kitchen Walk is a stop at the historic Immanuel Hall.

“This year we want to bring awareness to the purpose of the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk,” says Kavanaugh. The funds raised through the Kitchen Walk are put towards maintaining and restoring three historic properties in the Village that include the Hinsdale History Museum, the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio, and Immanuel Hall. “Our way of bringing this awareness to the attendees is to fill Immanuel Hall with local vendors, live music, and food and drinks, to make it an immersive shopping experience, all of which directly benefits Hinsdale Historical Society,” she says.

VIP Trolleys are available for those who want to arrive in style, however, guests are invited to take their own party bus, car, or even bike to enjoy the tour.

“I love how alive the community is on the day of the Kitchen Walk,” says Jamie Quinn, Co-Chair. “Whatever your style may be, you will be sure to find a design that piques your interest.”

For more information on Hinsdale Historical Society and Kitchen Walk: Design Matters, call 630-789-2600, visit kitchen-walk.com, or follow along on Instagram @hinsdalehistorywb.