They Could Have Torn It Down – Instead They Transformed This Dated 1926 Build Into a Contemporary Family Home

A luxury brick estate features a large swimming pool and a flagstone patio. The outdoor living area includes a massive brick fireplace with built-in wood storage, modern lounge chairs, and a sleek outdoor kitchen.

Reservation isn’t high on the agenda in Hinsdale, a western suburb of Chicago. In fact, many old homes are getting knocked down in favor of new builds. So when interior designer Wendy Labrum was asked to redesign her clients’ recently acquired historic home, she was eager to lend her expertise.

Living room: Maintaining the building’s original character was key to the renovation, and here wooden beams, a large fireplace and traditional panelling sit comfortably with modern floor-to-ceiling glazing. Curtains in linen from Nobilis. Bespoke sofas (near window) designed by Wendy Labrum Interiors in shearling from Edelman. Pendants, Rose Uniacke. (Image credit: Imée Mazzenga/JBSA)