LITTLE GIRL’S BEDROOM / PLAYROOM AND BATH

Theresa Hansen, founder and principal of her Morris, Illinois-based design firm, has a deep appreciation for historic homes and the stories they tell. “But Henry Ives Cobb’s Pembroke Lodge is truly exceptional,” says Hansen. “Walking through at the start of this Showhouse restoration project, even in its demoed state we could envision the grandeur of the home 135 years ago. Having a part in restoring this magnificent property to its original splendor is an absolute dream come true.”

After seeing Hansen’s presentation bid, the homeowner specifically requested that Hansen design the little girl’s bedroom/ playroom and bath closest to the primary bedroom suite. “I was so honored by this request,” says Hansen. “The chance to create a space filled with whimsy, imagination, and wonder has made designing this space very special to me.”

Capturing the magic of childhood, Hansen set out to design the rooms as an enchanting retreat where creativity and dreams could flourish. From playful details to thoughtful functionality, every element is designed to inspire joy and create lasting memories.

“As someone who loves stories, books, and reading, I wanted to create a room that could inspire a child’s imagination and foster a lifelong love of storytelling. By designing a space that encourages creativity, curiosity, and wonder, we had the opportunity to craft something truly meaningful.”

A built-in bookshelf and a cozy window seat overlooking the rolling hills felt like the perfect way to bring this vision to life. “This nook will serve as a magical retreat where children can snuggle up and get lost in a story,” Hansen explains, “creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.”

For finishes that would also capture this sense of magic and wonder, Hansen felt the latest Wildwood collection by Jane Churchill was the perfect starting point. “With its soft pastels, charming woodland creatures, and whimsical details, this collection beautifully sets the tone for a space that feels both imaginative and inviting,” explains Hansen.

The fact that the space will serve both as a bedroom and play area informed Hansen’s design decisions. To foster creativity and play, Hansen and team designed what they are calling an “Imaginarium” on the east wall, framed with draperies and built-in niches for dress-up and imaginative adventures. Here, a custom, small-scale replica dollhouse of Pembroke Lodge adds a personal and enchanting touch, allowing the home’s charm to be experienced on a whole new level. A corner tree installation enhances the woodland theme, bringing the outdoors in, while a cozy daybed offers the perfect spot for napping, reading, or daydreaming.

Because many of the room’s original architectural features had unfortunately been removed decades past, Hansen brought in Ed Takala of Edge of the Woods Millwork to research and source the original millwork profiles from when the home was built in 1890. “Thanks to Ed’s meticulous work, we have incorporated these original profiles for the base and crown moldings into our design,” says Hansen, “seamlessly blending past and present.”

Finishing out the space, fabric selections feature a mix of soft colors, thoughtfully layered with texture and pattern to create depth and warmth. Most of the walls and ceiling are adorned with wallcoverings that incorporate a charming assortment of woodland animals, geometric patterns, and soft pastel shades of pink and green. To bring this vision to life, Hansen sourced many of the fabrics and wallcoverings from Cowtan & Tout and Schumacher.

“Being part of a project that combines the restoration of an exquisite home, exceptional design, and a meaningful cause has truly been a perfect trifecta,” Hansen reflects.

For more information, visit theresahanseninteriors.com, @theresahanseninteriors, or email [email protected].