Step Inside This Stunning Colonial Revival That Boasts Ultimate Charm
Take a step inside the Rookwood House, a beautifully reimagined colonial revival home by Chicago-based Laura Design Company, that seamlessly fuses historical charm with contemporary livability. Located in nearby Elgin, Illinois, it’s designed for a family with style and sensibility. The project honors the home’s original architecture while tailoring it for modern life .
Central to the undertaking of this renovation was honoring the home’s early 20th-century colonial roots. The design team meticulously restored antique wood floors, refreshed classical moldings, and renewed historic flourishes that set the architectural tone. These elements ground the home in its past, granting it timeless soul.
The exquisite family room is designed for comfort and conviviality. With generous seating, statement lighting, and curated furnishings, this space strikes a harmonious chord between relaxed family living and more formal entertaining.
The Colonial home’s family room blends historic character with modern comfort, creating an inviting and timeless space. Exposed wood ceiling beams add rustic charm and architectural authenticity, complementing the crisp white walls and classic trim.
A soft neutral palette dominates the room, brought to life by subtle layers of texture—like the linen-look upholstery on the sofa, a mix of patterned and solid throw pillows in soft blues and muted purples, and the nubby area rug underfoot, layered with a patterned Turkish rug on top.
A vintage-inspired leather armchair introduces a warm, lived-in feel, while the striped slipcovered chairs give a nod to traditional Americana. Natural light floods the room through large multi-pane windows and French doors, enhancing the serene, airy atmosphere. The bird-themed artwork, fresh flowers on the coffee table bring a touch of nature indoors while the original fireplace reinforces the Colonial revival’s harmony with its historic roots and comfortable elegance.
Although rooted in tradition, the interiors are anything but predictable. Fun patterns and color bring in a playful, eclectic energy. Yet classical details like multi-pane windows, paneled cabinetry, wood trim, and period fixtures ensure the overall aesthetic remains balanced and elegant. The peach-toned walls in the sitting room remind me of the color I used in my first home’s master bedroom. I find this shade to be both feminine and refreshing.
Teal-colored velvet tufted chairs pair with a unique lampstand and modern artwork. The colorful rug ties the elements together.
Notably, the dining room features a bold wallpaper with snowy egrets and a globe capiz honeycomb pendant light. The dining table appears to be a Robert Jupe style table, which expands from six to ten seats without losing its circular shape.
At the far side of the dining room, a vintage cupboard, painted vivid blue, holds prized dining pieces.
The original kitchen was small and compartmentalized. Laura Design Company strategically reconfigured walls to create a more generous and functional culinary space. The result is a kitchen that feels open, bright, and beautifully efficient, earning recognition in Traditional Home’s Summer 2022 issue focused on “Beautiful Kitchens & Baths” .
You might recognize this kitchen since I featured it previously here on the blog.
Did you enjoy today’s Colonial revival home by Laura Design Company? If I were to ever hire an interior designer, it’d be this company which is close by.
Thank you for this post. I am purchasing a home that I was told is a colonial revival. I don’t often see this style of home featured on blogs. I am happy to see how this home is decorated. I, too, want to acknowledge the home’s style when I decorate it with my modern pieces.
Congratulations on your home purchase, Donna! I’m glad this post can help you as you start decorating your new place.
I really appreciate that you show all and every type and style of homes and decor!
This one was definitely not for me, lol, but I love 99% of what you feature.
Thanks for all the time and energy you put into your blogs.