Luxe Leaders
By Mitch Hurst
By Mitch Hurst
The Hinsdale community boasts some of the most luxurious homes, elegant gardens, and exquisite interiors. We put together a guide with some of the best interior designers, landscape architects, and real estate experts in the area to lead you on the journey to your dream home.
OUTDOOR BEAUTY
“Don’t let the comfort of your home stop at the door.” That’s the motto of King’s Landscape Design, a company with a team of landscape architects, designers, and crews that, since 1959, has been helping homeowners beautify the outsides of their homes. “Our approach is simple. We have learned a lot over our more than 50 years and we treat our clients with respect and unwavering gratitude,” says Noel King. “We offer one-of-a-kind designs that set each home apart from another.” Everything the company does is outdoors, from bark mulch to backyard designs, patios and patio furniture to pergolas and planting, kitchens and fireplaces to Koi ponds and front entrances, and water features to weeding. “We are a one-stop shop for all of your landscaping needs,” says King. “From concept to design you have one designer or architect who you work with through to completion.” For homeowners thinking about upgrading their outdoor space, this spring might just be the right time. “Next to the indoor kitchen, the outdoor space has risen to the number two most renovated space in the home,” King says. “People want to cook, eat, and entertain outdoors, and these spaces can house all of the comforts of ‘home’ with televisions, comfortable furniture, full operational kitchens, and fire features for the cooler months.” King’s Landscaping is located at 16W280 Jeans Road in Lemont, 630-323-3757, kingslandscaping.com.
PERSONAL EXPRESSION
The founders and staff at Linly Designs, based in Clarendon Hills, believe quality merchandise goes hand-in-hand with attentive customer service. The company offers a wide variety of interior design services to fit any project, and its showroom is a one-stop shop for any interior design needs. “Our approach to design is unique in that during our initial consultation we not only ask the important questions, our design team will immediately provide professional suggestions for each client’s space,” says Janet Linly, President and CEO. “We feel that listening to each client’s wants and needs for their space is important but often clients are unaware of what they need until we show them or make suggestions.” Unique to the Linly Designs approach is its trademarked “Accessory Call,” a process that includes two in-home consultations with a designer to accessorize and personalize the home, delivery and placement of home decor, artwork, and florals to complete the design of the home, and a 24-hour period for clients to live in the newly designed home with the ability to remove any pieces they do not wish to keep. “We design spaces that are not only classical and timeless but elegant and functional, which results in satisfied clients who continue to use our services for future projects,” says Linly. “We just don’t design spaces and create luxury lifestyles, we build relationships.” Linly Designs is located at 445 E. Ogden Avenue in Clarendon Hills, 630-769-5099, [email protected], linlydesigns.com.
UNDER ONE ROOF
Homeowners thinking about making upgrades to their homes can sometimes be overwhelmed by all of the elements that might go into a project—paint, wall coverings, windows, etc. JCLicht understands that, so it offers an unparalleled selection of the finest products that can help homeowners improve their living spaces. “What sets us apart is the synergies between our full product offerings of quality paint products, the largest collection of wallcovering in the Chicago area, and a full line of custom window treatments from various vendors,” says Ron Byrza, Director of in-home services for JCLicht. “We bring this to the consumer through our multiple showrooms as well as our In Home Color and Window Treatment Consultations.” Rooted in the Chicago community since 1907, JCLicht considers its customers to be both neighbors and friends, and with 38 locations throughout Chicago, including many in the Western Suburbs, the company sells more Benjamin Moore paint than any other store in the Midwest. In addition to its retail locations, JCLicht offers free in-home consultation services for both windows and color treatments, Windows@Home and Color@Home, where a designer will come to the home and help clients identify their product needs. The process helps take the guesswork out of what colors or products to choose. And when it comes to choices, JCLicht stands above the rest. “Customers can find the products we carry through other organizations,” Byrza says. “But they will not find the full combination of those products under one roof.” JCLicht has multiple locations in the Western Suburbs, including 6 Grant Square in Hinsdale, 844-525-7600, jclicht.com.
HOMEOWNER’S HAVEN
Leslie Bowman, founder of Leslie Bowman Designs and owner of the upscale retail showroom, The Design Bar, recently completed the design of more than 12 luxury homes in Chicago’s Western Suburbs. Based in Burr Ridge, Bowman’s approach is to make every room she designs feel effortless, beautiful, and functional. “I approach interior design from an integrated point-of-view, meaning I look at a project as a whole, not in pieces or parts,” Bowman says. “I think that a home is well-designed when the design approach is cohesive and integrated throughout the home.” Bowman explains that this approach doesn’t necessarily mean a single theme runs throughout every room but that elements of an overarching design concept are included. Her approach also allows for flexibility in how rooms are purposed. “I don’t try to box myself into, ‘a living room is a living room’. It can be repurposed into something that fits in well with how my clients live,” she says. “For instance, it attencan become a piano room or a lounge.” Recently, Bowman worked with a client to tweak the “modern farmhouse” design trend to give the house a more timeless feel. “I worked with the client, since the foundation was dug, and found we were able to incorporate almost all of our design elements throughout the building process,” says Bowman. “No element was left to happenstance and the result is an effortlessly timeless, functional space that left no detail unturned.” Leslie Bowman Designs and The Design Bar are located at 880 Village Center Drive in Burr Ridge, 630-734-0000, [email protected], thedesignbars.com.
100 YEARS
In 1920, a young man named Louis DeSitter came from Belgium with a vision to start a company to provide the best quality flooring for homeowners and business owners throughout Chicago. One hundred years later, DeSitter’s vision is carried on by his two grandsons and third-generation business owners, Tom Cunningham and Steve DeSitter. DeSitter has two residential showrooms in the Western Suburbs, in Glen Ellyn and La Grange, and a commercial showroom at its 30,000 square-foot headquarters in Bolingbrook. DeSitter customers benefit from the company’s professionally trained teams, a wide selection of top-quality flooring products, and expert installation by some of the best craftsmen in the business. The company offers carpeting, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl and waterproof luxury vinyl, area rugs, stair runners, and commercial flooring. DeSitter Flooring is a member of a number of west suburban chambers of commerce and supports social service agencies in the community. It was named the top flooring dealer in Chicago by the Chicago Flooring Association in 2013. DeSitter Flooring’s unparalleled selection of products and attention to detail make the company a top choice for homeowners and businesses in DuPage County. DeSitter Flooring has showrooms at 444 Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn, 630-517-2697, and 1 North Kensington Avenue in La Grange, 708-813-2933, desitterflooring.com.
SLEEK AND OPEN
INDOORS: This one-of-a-kind, Cape Codinspired home is located in the much-desired Fullersburg Woods of Hinsdale. It features hardwood floors and an open-concept style that is perfect for entertaining. A sleek and updated kitchen includes Thermador appliances, ample storage, and eat-in banquette seating. There are five large bedrooms in the home including an oversized master suite with a brand new master bathroom. The first floor features a family room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, a beautiful dining room with vaulted ceilings, and a living room with French doors that open up to a lovely front porch. An additional first-floor room could be used as a study or gym.
OUTDOORS: A screened-in porch leads out to a huge, half-acre yard and the home is just a short walk from Fullersburg Woods’ walking and biking trails. A gorgeous front porch provides additional outdoor entertaining space.
CONTACT: Anna Fiascone and Natalie Ryan, Berkshire Hathaway, 35 South Washington Street in Hinsdale, 630-325-7500, [email protected], afnrhomes.com.
HISTORIC CHARM
INDOORS: Renovated from top to bottom in 2008, this home sits on more than one acre and features more than 7,000 square feet of historic charm and amazingly appointed modern amenities. A grand, gorgeous foyer with a fireplace includes quarter-sewn oak floors, and the home features 10-foot ceilings, unrivaled millwork, and hardwood floors throughout. The open floor plan includes living room, music room, and a stunning dining room that opens up to the sunroom. A high-end appliance kitchen with white custom cabinets and center island opens to a family room with walnut floors and a built-in fireplace. A master suite features a fireplace and a spa Carrera marble bath with steam shower.
OUTDOORS: A private yard and brick patio are great for entertaining, and a wraparound porch and four-season room look out over the incredibly landscaped, acre-plus property.
CONTACT: Kris Berger Group, Compass Realty, 36 South Washington Street, 2nd Floor in Hinsdale, 630-975-0088, [email protected], compass.com/agent/kris-berger.
TIMELESS DESIGN
INDOORS: This renovated home features a first-floor master suite addition with stunning outdoor views, his and her walk-in closets, and a convenient laundry area. There are hardwood floors throughout the home, an extra deep basement, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. A huge mudroom and chef’s office are among the home’s 13 total rooms. Views of the magnificent yard can be seen from the warm kitchen and breakfast room. The house includes a total of four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, spacious living and dining rooms, and a large, formal screened-in porch.
OUTDOORS: An expansive Bluestone patio looks out to a private yard that features professional landscaping and is surrounded by trees that offer a natural wall of privacy.
CONTACT: Chris Pequet, Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, 330 West Chestnut Street, Suite 2E in Hinsdale, 630-327-5175, [email protected], chrispequet.com.
TRADITIONAL BEAUTY
INDOORS: This six bedroom, 5.2 bath beauty features a gourmet kitchen with timeless detail, including high-end appliances and a center island with Carrera marble. Ample counter space and two sinks make the kitchen a dream to prepare meals. The kitchen opens up to a sun-filled family room flanked by built-in shelves and a fireplace. A formal living room includes a striking fireplace with French doors, and a spacious dining room provides plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. The second-floor master suite features a sitting room, walk-in closet with custom built-ins, and classically designed master bath with Gerber soaking tub and an oversized shower. The lower level is perfect for game-day entertaining with a beautiful bar, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and ice maker.
OUTDOORS: The home features two porches, and French doors in the family room open out to a bluestone covered patio with a gas-start fire pit that looks out to a fenced, professionally landscaped yard.
CONTACT: Tracy Anderson, Compass, 36 S. Washington Street, 2nd Floor in Hinsdale, 630- 452-3108, [email protected], tracyandersonrealtor.com.
CUSTOM CRAFTED
INDOORS: Loaded with luxurious amenities and all the “must haves,” this home strikes the perfect balance of luxury and everyday living. Enjoy the open floor plan with volume ceilings, exquisite millwork, custom flooring and doors, hand-molded hardware, and imported lighting. The well-thought-out kitchen has a spacious island with retractable counter for maximum efficiency and seating for five, the very best appliances in the largest sizes, a coveted walk-in pantry, butlers pantry, and breakfast room. The family room with 12-foot ceilings is adorned with impressive wood ceiling detail, stone fireplace, and adjacent office. Five bedrooms have their own private baths. The lower level includes a media room ideal for a golf simulator and an outstanding workout room. A large mudroom with heated flooring helps keep the comings and goings well organized.
OUTDOORS: This breathtaking stucco and stone residence features a four-car garage, radiant-heated driveway, and a private backyard with a covered patio and fireplace. This home is just steps away from popular Burns Field Park.
CONTACT: Megan McCleary Berkshire Hathaway Chicago, 35 S. Washington Street in Hinsdale, 630-780-1913, [email protected], mcclearygroup.com
BESPOKE CLASSIC
INDOORS: One of Hinsdale’s most iconic estates, the house features four meticulously appointed levels across 13,000 interior square feet, including seven bedrooms and 8.3 baths. Spacious formal and casual spaces are ideal for welcoming family and friends. A true chef’s kitchen, butler’s pantry, walk-in, dry-goods pantry, and island that seats five makes the house ideal for entertaining large parties. The main floor includes a stunning great room with abundant custom millwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, wet bar, and gas-start fireplace. Second-floor master suite is highlighted by a gorgeous Calcutta master bath with soaking tub, custom dressing room, and a lovely sitting area/office with a private, covered balcony overlooking the grounds.
OUTDOORS: Boasts a curated exterior of sourced Pennsylvania fieldstone and limestone, copper gutters, and a timeless slate roof, all surrounded by manicured English gardens on a 209 foot by 143 foot lot.
CONTACT: The Julie Sutton Group, 8 E. Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale, 312-909-9561, [email protected], juliesuttongroup.com.
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