ELEGANCE IN BLOOM

The Hinsdale Kitchen Walk celebrates exquisite design and extraordinary florals.

It’s become a rite of passage. Newcomers to the area stting down to dinner on the Friday before Mother’s Day and reporting on all the beauty spotted throughoutt the day. For those who attend the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk, much of that beauty is in the gorgeous homes that participate and from the designers and businesses that partner with each location. Those who don’t attend will have tales to tell of the groups of beautifully dressed women laughing and enjoying themselves across the village. “That’s one of my favorite things, seeing all the beautiful outfits the guests wear,” says co-chair Kristin Burton. She and her sisters attend together every year, meeting up with their mother for lunch.

This is the day when friends, sisters, and mothers celebrate each other while raising funds for the tireless work of the Hinsdale Historical Society, which is focused on preserving and maintaining three historic properties in the Village: The Hinsdale History Museum,

Immanuel Hall and The R. Harold Zook Home and Studio, offering programs and educational events promoting Hinsdale’s history, and bringing awareness to the Roger and Ruth Anderson Architecture Center, which serves as an architectural resource for the Village and beyond. Membership in the organization has been steadily growing, and enthusiasm is at an all-time high. “We’ve added events throughout the year, including our Holly Jolly Trolly tour, which has become a community favorite,” says co-chair and past president Emily Bower.

Co-chair Anne Otzen offers insight into this year’s event, saying, “We are honored to have six amazing homeowners open their doors to the beauty of their homes and showcase the preservations and restorations taken place. In keeping with our theme, Elegance in Bloom, each of the Hinsdale homes featured in this year’s kitchen walk evoke a sense of elegance. The kitchen décor styles range from classic and timeless to modern and minimalist, offering a little something for everyone.”

The Hinsdale Kitchen Walk involves stops at homes including:

731 South Elm Street
A historical home build in 1932 featuring English Cotswold Tudor architecture. Take note of the flooring from an English chateau and an original sketch of home drawn in colored pencil in the foyer.

433 East Third Street
A historical home built 1907 featuring Tudor style architecture. This beauty has been owned by only five families since it was built. The homeowner did the interior design herself, embracing her love of color in the design elements.

307 South Lincoln Street
A Victorian-style historical home built 1894. Take note of the original crown molding, grand stairwell and stained-glass windows.

424 S Washington Street
The homeowner embraced a minimalist neutral vibe with earth elements to evoke a sense of peace and calm. This home was recently updated to include a mindful wellness retreat.

707 South Lincoln Street
A beautifully renovated home with a glamorous, sophisticated vibe.

At each home, volunteer docents are on hand to guide groups through and answer questions. Co-chair Ria Hoban highly recommends being a part of this special day in this way. “I was a docent last year and it was really the best, because you see everyone who is out for the day, and you feel like you’re very much a part of something.”

Co-chair Amanda Mancini agrees, “There are so many ways to get involved. We love our sponsors and volunteers!” All the co-chairs cite the sense of community that comes from being a part of The Kitchen Walk as their main reason for devoting time to this incredible day. “It’s such an honor to see people from all over the area make the trip to Hinsdale for the Kitchen Walk. It’s nice to show off the town that means so much to each of us,” Mancini says.

For those who are partial to design and looking for inspiration and ideas, Premium Preview ticket holders can access the six homes beginning at 9 a.m., one full hour earlier than standard ticket holders. Premium Previewers can spend that time soaking in the history and beauty of the homes before the lines form and the crowds arrive. “I really love seeing all of the design choices in the homes,” Otzen says.

The Hinsdale Kitchen Walk is Friday May 9, 2025. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer sign-ups are available at kitchen-walk.com.