As a design blogger, I see a lot of beautiful backyards, but hands down designer Shelley Johnstone Paschke‘s is my all-time favorite. If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen this breathtaking image I reposted from Shelley’s backyard, and I am thrilled she is providing an in-depth tour today! We will also take a peek inside Shelley’s glamorous home.
The estate is located on a sumptuous one acre lot in Lake Forest, Illinois. The main house was built in the 1950s, and it was designed to resemble a David Adler coach house with paneled library, plaster, stucco, and urns. It is European inspired and built like a grand country estate. Having studied at London’s Inchbald School of Design, Shelley is heavily drawn towards European elegance.
When designing the backyard, Shelley was inspired by the restaurants of Capri with their pink tablecloths and blue and white linens. A black and and white awning adds a touch of Palm Beach/Hollywood Regency to the mix, and oodles of hydrangeas, roses, and geraniums create the sensation of a secret garden. This is truly my dream backyard!
About Shelley Johnstone Paschke
Trained at London’s Inchbald School of Design, Shelley is known for her elegant European influenced interiors with a fresh modern twist. Projects have taken her from London, Newport, Rhode Island, Naples, Florida and through Chicago and its North Shore. Shelley works with her clients on projects ranging from initial architectural design and layouts, selection of fixtures, furnishings and accents and refreshing existing spaces. She strives to create a lifestyle for her clients, beautiful timeless homes to be lived in and enjoyed!

What an absolutely beautiful home! I am smitten with the pool pavilion and all the lovely pink touches. Inside the home is equally gorgeous. Thanks for sharing, Andrea! xoxo
Complete and utter fabulousness! Now, that's a house. Every detail is perfection. That is the most gorgeous home I have seen in years. What a taste level. Love her ideas and the execution. It's nearly unbelievable. All I can say is – "WOW" If only the shelter magazines would feature homes like this instead of the boring drivel of the last decade. Thank you, Andrea. You made my day.
Just gorgeous! What a great place to raise a family. Totally smitten with the pool area too. Pamela
OMG, this is gorgeousness X10 !!!