THREE MONTHS TO MODERN

Inside a transformation that took a Highland Park Tudor from dated to dramatic.

77 Hallway With View Into Office — Family room

Maggie Winshall’s complete renovation of a dated Tudor-style home for a young family transformed dark, compartmentalized interiors into bright, modern, and effortlessly livable spaces. The project came to Winshall, founder of MW Interiors, by referral from past clients familiar with her hands-on approach. With three children and a dog, the homeowners were looking for a home that could balance sophistication with comfort—spaces that felt polished yet practical, with organic forms, open sightlines, and a sense of cohesion throughout. Just as important, the design needed to feel enduring: timeless rather than trend-driven, with bespoke elements and moments of whimsy layered in.

With a tight three-month timeline before the move-in date, the process demanded careful planning. Winshall aligned early with contractors, fabricators, and vendors to ensure materials could be sourced without delay and that every detail was resolved before construction began. The scope was significant: a gut renovation that reimagined the home’s layout to achieve the openness the original interiors lacked. Walls came down in key areas, and a back staircase that had encroached on the kitchen was reworked to reclaim valuable square footage.

Once the structure was reconfigured, a cohesive material palette established a sense of continuity. Warm neutrals, natural white oak flooring, and custom tile work carry throughout, creating a quiet backdrop for the home’s more sculptural elements.

In the entry foyer, a reimagined staircase introduces the home’s design language. Its sweeping curve draws the eye upward to a cascading chandelier composed of whimsical, mushroom-like forms, while beneath it, a custom asymmetrical bench upholstered in mohair nestles into the nook, paired with a shapely pedestal table. The composition sets a tone that is at once playful and refined.

In the adjacent living room, contemporary art and bold materiality define the space. A custom curved bar in brass and natural stone anchors the room, its presence both functional and aesthetic. Bouclé lounge chairs with fringed backs add texture and personality, while a custom rug introduces a sense of movement underfoot. On the wall, artwork by Maggie Macdonald is framed by sconces and illuminated by a statement chandelier, completing a layered composition that feels both elevated and inviting.

Nearby, the home office offers a moodier counterpoint. Wrapped in a richly textured indigo wallcovering and grounded by dark wood tones, the space is dramatic yet practical. A striking desk and bold-patterned seating define the room, while a geometric chandelier adds a contemporary edge overhead. Steel-and-glass doors frame the space, allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining a sense of enclosure.

At the heart of the home, the kitchen was completely reimagined to be both a functional hub and a design centerpiece. Custom white oak cabinetry maximizes storage while maintaining a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, with integrated appliances and thoughtfully concealed details throughout. Brass accents, from a bespoke hood to vertical shelving styled with ceramics and objects, add warmth and dimension. Overhead, sculptural lighting draws focus to a stunning island with a fluted black wood base and quartzite top, anchoring the room with both presence and utility.

Just beyond, a butler’s pantry and bar extend the kitchen’s functionality. Painted cabinetry introduces a subtle note of contrast, while an antique mirrored backsplash reflects light and adds depth to the compact space.

The adjacent family room presented one of the home’s greatest design challenges: how to make a long, narrow footprint feel cohesive and inviting. Winshall’s solution was to establish two distinct yet connected zones. In the primary seating area, an oversized sectional in high-performance fabric and plush lounge chairs are grounded by organic coffee tables. Across the room, a secondary grouping defined by swivel chairs and a custom rug creates a flexible area for conversation, reading, or play. Throughout, a mix of textures, from shearling to wood to stone, brings warmth and dimension to the elongated room.

Upstairs, the palette softens to create a sense of retreat. Layered in neutral tones, natural textures, and subtle custom details, including a hand-painted ceiling mural and lighting that doubles as art, the primary suite is conceived as a tranquil escape. The adjoining bath continues the calm, pairing white oak cabinetry with honed quartzite, plaster finishes, and warm brass accents. The children’s bedrooms, by contrast, introduce moments of personality and play. Designed to evolve over time, the spaces incorporate bold color, pattern, and texture while maintaining the home’s overall sense of cohesion.

In the end, the project’s flawless execution came down to preparation and collaboration. “Everything came together so seamlessly,” says Winshall, crediting a trusted team and meticulous pre-construction planning with keeping an ambitious timeline on track.