DESIGN TIME

Produced by the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is recognized as one of the finest decorator showhouses in the country. Back after an almost three-year hiatus, the excitement surrounding the volunteer-run showhouse is at an all-time high. This year’s showhouse takes place in a red brick Georgian-style home designed by architect William Frazier. The more than 9-acre property includes a 16-room main house, a 7-room coach house, and a gentleman’s outbuilding. While hundreds of designers were interviewed, just a fraction were formally accepted and assigned a space to design. New York City-based designers and friends Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon, honorary showhouse chairs, are flying in for a not-to-be-missed keynote lecture, luncheon, and book signing moderated by Emma Bazilian, author of Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today.

THE WHAT: The 19th Biennial Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens

THE WHO: Attendees eager to view the work of 35 of the nation’s finest interior and landscape designers

THE WHERE: A 9-acre Lake Forest estate

THE WHEN: Daily from May 6 through June 4, with a lecture and luncheon featuring honorary chairs Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon on May 8

THE WHY: Experience the freshest ideas in interior and landscape design with the opportunity to “shop the showhouse” with all proceeds benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago

WEARING: Fashions influenced by interior design—think floral, stripes, and fabulous

For more information, visit lakeforestshowhouse.com.