Magnificent Obsession Part II

Kenneth Walter, Chicago Interior Designers, Gray & Walter Interior Design

The Lake Forest Show House officially opened on April 28th with a beautiful event benefitting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. I was very impressed by the wonderful efforts of all the designers who participated.
The week up to the opening party was eventful to say the least! I made multiple trips to and from the house dropping off/taking away items I rejected. Wednesday was the straw that almost broke the camel’s back as I had multiple people scheduled: another rug delivery, a mirror to be hung, and most importantly the lighting installation. Robert, our trusty electrician has been so busy that we waited 10 days for our installation. Nothing like waiting till the last minute as the photo shoot was the next day!

Kenneth Walter, Chicago Interior Designers, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design, Chicago Interior Designers

Once we had everyone in their places I made it to the wholesale florist. Something green was needed for tomorrow’s photo shoot. I arrived in the nick of time, they were closing for the day in 15 minutes. You can be sure they were so happy to see me, haha! I made my purchases, loaded the car and drove away. I was planning on going back to the show house to drop off the flowers for Thursday’s photo shoot. Suddenly I heard a thumping from the back of my car, I pulled over to see a flat tire. Merde! I waited for a tow as my car doesn’t come with a spare. The prognosis: I needed two new tires. This was hardly the end of the world,  the timing wasn’t great, but better Wednesday than Thursday.
Thursday was a long day, crunch time–so much to do! First thing in the morning I loaded the flowers back into my car and drove to a vendor’s home to pick up more accessories she selected just for our room. Racing back to Lake Forest to drop off the flowers and accessories with Noreen was nerve-racking as we had to be ready for the photographer by 2:00pm. Oh did I forget to tell you I wanted more rugs delivered at 1:00pm?

Kenneth Walter, Chicago Interior Designers, Gray & Walter Interior Design

Kenneth Walter, Chicago Interior Designers, Gray & Walter Interior Design

I’m delighted to say the photo shoot went well and am quite pleased with the outcome. I am attaching a few before and after shots but hope you will come and see our work in person. We drove home Thursday night quite relieved to have everything done. Mission Accomplished!
Special Thanks
There are so many people who made this project possible. I could not have completed our space without Noreen, you are one of my main four muses. A well executed design demands great sources, I am proud to say my trusted partners are the best: Kennedy & Co. Painters, The Rug Company, Atelier Lapchi, Baker Furniture, Kravet Furniture, Lee/Jofa, deAurora, Mark Faiwell, Mike Bell Antiques, Richard Norton Gallery, The Golden Triangle, and Pagoda Red.  Special thanks to Lauren who offered her wise counsel in the midst of her first year in the PhD program. I love all of you!

Big Hugs,
-Ken

Kenneth Walter, Gray & Walter Interior Design, Chicago Interior Designers
The Lake Forest Show House will be open until May 21, 2017.  http://lakeforestshowhouse.com

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8 Comments

  • Mary Kinney
    May 1, 2017 at 1:13 am 

    Looks fabulous! Can’t wait to come up to Lake Forest to see it in person! Congratulations again!

    • kennethfawalter
      May 1, 2017 at 9:59 pm 

      Thanks so much Mary, I hope you get up there very soon. Have a great week!

  • Frank Stover
    May 2, 2017 at 5:45 pm 

    Fantastic re-creation of challenging space. It’s no wonder your design work is held in such high regard.

    • kennethfawalter
      May 6, 2017 at 4:48 am 

      You are too kind Frank, it was quite an adventure indeed. I hope all is well, wishing you a great weekend and new week ahead!

  • Margaret Harris
    May 4, 2017 at 1:07 am 

    Looks outstanding Ken. Great work. Glad you keep your sense of humor.

    • kennethfawalter
      May 6, 2017 at 4:51 am 

      Thank you for such a gracious comment Margaret. I am relieved I finished the space before the opening party. At one point I was concerned I wouldn’t. Have a great weekend and beautiful new week ahead!

  • lerougeetlenoir.net
    May 5, 2017 at 6:19 pm 

    This is so fantastic! It’s wonderful getting insights into the creative process and how you work. I’m so relieved everything went well in spite of two flat tyres. And the results are stunning. I only regret not being able to see it in person.

    • kennethfawalter
      May 6, 2017 at 4:56 am 

      Thank you for your kind comments Emily. When I left the car dealer Wednesday night I was scared to death I couldn’t pull it all together Thursday in time for the photo shoot and the party Friday. I slept most of last weekend after the opening of the house. I hope this finds you well. Have a great weekend and fantastic new week ahead!

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