SALON

As soon as Joey Leicht walked into the salon at the front of Pembroke Lodge, he immediately envisioned what the space could look like. “I loved taking on the challenge of making my vision become a reality,” says Leicht, principal of his eponymous Chicago-based design firm. “Knowing the grandeur that this room once had made me want to recreate that feeling for everyone who would now walk into this space.”

For Leicht, being part of another Lake Forest Showhouse is an honor. “But also having the opportunity to be a part of history as we reference the original vision of Henry Ives Cobb and how it was reimagined by David Adler and Frances Elkins,” says Leicht. “What more could a designer ask for?”

Reaching out to some of the top names in the industry, Leicht set about transforming the blank space into “the grandest salon imaginable. I wanted a truly grand traditional backdrop that had a timeless and elegant look while blending with light upholstery creating a bit of a more modern feel within the space.”

“My mind went first to what the walls could be,” recalls Leicht. “That’s when I reached out to Fromental UK to work on the amazing custom hand-painted and embroidered wallcovering.” After that, Leicht set about removing the existing trim and adding an elegant new one by Clive Christian. “Once I had those two companies involved, everything else fell into place.”

Among the details? In the center of the room, two custom-made opposing sofas in white upholstery have a dressmaker skirt detail that softly folds on the floor. The Frances Elkins-inspired lavender banquette by Artisan312 is upholstered in a Holland & Sherry wool sateen with a beautiful Holland & Sherry applique along the base.

To keep the room feeling young and fresh, Leicht went with more modern stylings for the tables. These include a Tom Faulkner cocktail table from Assembled Works and an occasional table and mirror from Holly Hunt. The custom marble console is from Euro Marble Supply.

The salon’s color palette is informed by the lavender silk wallcovering. “You then look up and find a lavender lacquered ceiling that reflects the hand-selected and designed items in the space, all lit by the exquisite Murano chandelier from Barovier&Toso,” describes Leicht.

Located directly to the left of the entry foyer, with windows facing east toward the formal gardens at the front of the house and views south toward the tennis courts, the salon is flooded with light. “I loved that the large windows at the front gave me the opportunity to dress them with beautiful, luxurious window treatments that have lavender accents,” Leicht adds.

The room’s double-door entry prompted Leicht to add a striking flourish—pilasters on either side of the doors and a pediment above the entry.

“This is my fifth consecutive Lake Forest Showhouse,” says Leicht. Each one has been a rewarding experience. The Infant Welfare Society cause is phenomenal, and I, like many returning designers, feel so honored to be selected as a featured designer.”

For more information, visit joeyleicht.com, @joey.leicht, or email [email protected].