Houzz Tours
My Houzz: English Cottage Style Graces a Home Bathed in Light
Starting with a bare lot, a downsizing Illinois couple builds a fitting home that welcomes the sun everywhere you turn
Tim and Dona Lawler were ready to downsize from their beloved 19th-century Illinois home. With three daughters approaching college age, they wanted to eliminate unused space and simplify their lifestyle.
Their former house was designed by renowned Midwest architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, and the couple wanted their new home to capture its essence and historic feel. They purchased a lot in Hinsdale, Illinois, and worked closely with architect Michael Abraham, contractor Mark Hickman and Dona's sister, interior designer Diane Kahn, to design a cozy English-cottage-style home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tim and Dona Lawler
Location: Hinsdale, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago)
Size: 3,500 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, coach house
Their former house was designed by renowned Midwest architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, and the couple wanted their new home to capture its essence and historic feel. They purchased a lot in Hinsdale, Illinois, and worked closely with architect Michael Abraham, contractor Mark Hickman and Dona's sister, interior designer Diane Kahn, to design a cozy English-cottage-style home.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tim and Dona Lawler
Location: Hinsdale, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago)
Size: 3,500 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, coach house
Wicker furniture adds to the charm of the sunlit porch, while custom painted transoms enhance the rustic feel. Hickman applied Benjamin Moore's MoorWood Black 2131-10 with a coat of Garden Oasis 699 on top.
Lamp, bench: antique; furniture, pillows, rug: Pottery Barn
Lamp, bench: antique; furniture, pillows, rug: Pottery Barn
The home's foyer doubles as the dining room, equipped with a custom table that opens up to seat 14. A classic British rounded top and circular window were added to the front door, and box-beam and tongue and groove wood adorn the ceiling. Additional windows along the wall introduce more light from the front porch.
Table, sideboard: Bausman & Co.; chairs: Hickory; light fixture: Scudo Saraceno; mirror: La Barge
Table, sideboard: Bausman & Co.; chairs: Hickory; light fixture: Scudo Saraceno; mirror: La Barge
The efficient floor plan has fewer but larger rooms that flow into one another. The foyer opens up into the living room, which overlooks the kitchen — one of Dona's favorite features. "In our previous home, I missed out on all of the discussion, because I was always closed off in the kitchen," she says. Now she can easily talk to guests while prepping.
Floor lamps: Pottery Barn
Floor lamps: Pottery Barn
The living room overlooks a pergola-covered patio. Wide windows wrap the entire back portion of the home, visually connecting the breakfast area, living room and home office. Custom cabinetry by Hickman surrounds the fireplace.
Sofa, chairs: Thomas Pheasant Collection, Baker Furniture; rug: antique; coffee table: Murray's Iron Works; ottomans: Henredon; pillows, sofa, chair: Robert Allen; shades: Conrad Original Sunshades
Sofa, chairs: Thomas Pheasant Collection, Baker Furniture; rug: antique; coffee table: Murray's Iron Works; ottomans: Henredon; pillows, sofa, chair: Robert Allen; shades: Conrad Original Sunshades
The home office, adjacent to the living room, has an oversize picture window looking out onto the coach house.
Desk: Williams-Sonoma Home; desk chair: Ethan Allen (fabric discontinued); upholostered wing chair: Lillian August
Desk: Williams-Sonoma Home; desk chair: Ethan Allen (fabric discontinued); upholostered wing chair: Lillian August
An oversize farmhouse table surrounded by large picture windows sits just off the kitchen.
Dining table, chairs: Fremarc Design; chandelier: 2nd Ave. Lighting; windows: installed by Weather Shield Windows & Doors; shades: Conrad
Dining table, chairs: Fremarc Design; chandelier: 2nd Ave. Lighting; windows: installed by Weather Shield Windows & Doors; shades: Conrad
Careful detailing gave the exterior an aged appearance. Hickman tinted the stucco a soft putty color, and painters used a three-step process on the wood trim to simulate a worn patina.
After living in this home for eight years, Dona wouldn't change a thing. "I still love the feel when I get home each and every day," she says.
Landscape architect: Jane Dilworth & Associates
Houzz call: Share your creative family home with us!
After living in this home for eight years, Dona wouldn't change a thing. "I still love the feel when I get home each and every day," she says.
Landscape architect: Jane Dilworth & Associates
Houzz call: Share your creative family home with us!