Reimagining a beautiful old house to accommodate today’s lifestyle can be tricky, so the owners of an English Country Style home in Lake Forest, Illinois, called upon architect Peter Witmer, builder Todd Altounian, and interior designer Shelley Johnstone to coordinate a seamless transformation. The architect designed new wings for each side — one for the master suite, the other for a two-story family room that opens onto a screened porch — with the goal of making the house appear as if it had always been this way. For the interiors, the owners wanted their home to be fun and inviting with an “old-school elegance combined with coolness,” Johnstone told Luxe magazine. With a mix of fine European antiques, a generous dose of chintz, whimsical wallpapers, and psychedelic pop art, Johnstone was able to capture their distinct style.
Let’s take a tour with images from Luxe and additional images provided by Johnstone! Photography is by Cynthia Lynn.
I absolutely adore everything Shelley Johnstone does, and she also happens to be one of the sweetest people I know! For additional information, please visit Shelley’s website and follow @shelleyjohnstonedesign on Instagram.
And in case you missed the 2020 Lake Forest Showhouse Tour, I thoroughly enjoyed Shelley’s tour of the exquisite sun porch she designed for the event.
You can see past features on her work from The Glam Pad below…
I seldom see a house where I love absolutely everything about it and would change nothing. This house knocks it out of the park. Just lovely.
what is the color of the pink paint in the living room? Thank you Lisa
Just love this home!!
I was just having a bit of fun looking at realtor.com for Lake Forest listings — and a VERY special listing JUST popped up – I won’t spoil the fun — have a look at 1450 W Old Mill Road!
Thanks for always posting wonderful and such charming homes!!
Cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Hi Jan,
Oh wow, that is a beautiful home!!! Love David Adler, thank you for sending!
Xx,
Andrea
The Glam Pad