Cozy yet grand, effortless yet always elegant and totally timeless, there's a reason we all love and covet traditional English country interiors so much. But it's a look that's tricky to recreate in a way that doesn't feel forced and almost theatrical, especially when you want to replicate this iconic look in a 20-year-old new build, thousands of miles away from the English countryside in Chicago.
But interior designers James Dolenc and Tom Riker of James Thomas took on the task and the result is a home that's steeped in character, that feels almost historic like it's been there for centuries, not like it was built in 2006...
James and Tom describe the project as 'A warm and inviting grand country house infused with youthfulness inspired by a European aesthetic.' It's no surprise that the clients were totally Anglophiles and loved that traditional country feel. But it had to work for family life too, the owners had two teenagers so it couldn't be all form and no function.
'Our clients are the second owners of this home, so much of the infrastructure was intact. We were hired to furnish and decorate the home, refresh the kitchen, and reimagine the primary suite – including changing the finishes in the primary bathroom,' explains James and Tom. 'The clients are Anglophiles and were drawn to the unique architecture and authenticity of the home. As designers, we love how special this house is – full of character and amazing architectural details.'
Although the house was originally built less than 20 years ago, the architects who worked alongside Thomas James on the renovation project, Liederbach and Graham Architecture, gave the building a truly timeless feel that the team then honored with the interiors.
They explain, 'All the furniture and furnishings were chosen specifically to work with the architectural style of the home and to maintain the integrity of the design. Antique rugs and furniture pieces were used to reinforce this approach. Vintage paintings and accessories add a layer of warmth and interest. Any fixtures and finishes that we used were classical in form and embraced a worn patina.'
'At every move, we were challenged to maintain and honor the architecture of the home,' says Tom and James. And while maintaining this look, the team also needed to balance it with modern living and a present-day aesthetic alongside the heavier, more traditional elements.
Some of the standout moments of the home that really showcase the feeling of the past and present are the showstopping entry hall with an antique fireplace. That mixing of old and new is so perfectly balanced in this space. And in the living room, a Louis IV armoire stands prominently among more modern pieces.
There are the classically inspired architectural details too – the leaded glass windows, beautifully detailed millwork, and multiple antique fireplaces used throughout the whole home. All of these more traditional features that you would find in an English manor house are balanced with a cozy yet subtle color scheme, very tailored furnishings, and classic silhouettes to create rooms that are both equal parts grand and serene.
'We loved designing the home library with the clients,' says Tom and James. 'They had a very specific look in mind – Ralph Lauren meets English manor home. We designed a custom Chesterfield-style sofa upholstered in a rich leather; an antique oriental style rug adorns the floor; rich moldings and bespoke oak paneling create a handsome backdrop.'
The kitchen has a decidedly English country feel to it. This style of country kitchen isn't glamorous, they are known for being hardworking and practical. And again the James Thomas team gets the balance right with leaning into that very rustic, simple vibe but elevating it to give it a fresher, more contemporary feel.
'We loved breathing new life into this home and the way in which we were able to honor the architecture of Liederbach and Graham,' explains Tom and James. 'We’re very proud of the result and are thrilled with how pleased the clients are – they hired us to design their vacation home!'
