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Designing Barrington Lifestyles
An 1865 farmhouse in downtown Barrington retains its traditional character amidst chic and whimsical updates.
A Visit with Lady Liberty
Like many city dwellers, homeowners Carrie and Andrew were considering a move to the North Shore, following many of their friends. The couple had moved back and forth between Vermont and the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago before finding their way to Barrington, which they have called home for almost 12 years.
In Vermont, home was a 1940s farmhouse on 14 hilly acres. But with Andrew’s business travel at the time, the couple was deciding where they should settle down before starting a family. While thinking it over, a chance encounter brought them to Barrington.
“My husband was commuting to Buffalo Grove from the East Coast for work, and someone mentioned Barrington as a place to live,” Carrie said. “His colleague said Barrington was a horse and dog town and had hills, like Vermont.” Another colleague took the couple on an area tour that included lunch at Boloney’s. Carrie noticed the wide variety of unique homes in the village and they agreed it would be a new hometown.
Their first property was a large Victorian home. Carrie remodeled the open and spacious home and figured they’d stay there for just a few years. While the village homes brought Carrie and Andrew to downtown Barrington, it was the neighbors that kept them here. “We had no children at the time, yet were embraced by incredible neighbors and amazing families,” Carrie said. “There were garage bands on the street, get-togethers, and we loved Citizens Park for walking our dogs. I was stunned by the warmth and kindness toward us, especially when I had my baby. Everyone helped out with meals and walking our dogs.”
“Vicky”, as Carrie nicknamed her Victorian home, was a successful remodeling project. Yet with the arrival of the couple’s daughter, it was time for more space—and a larger backyard. With family and friends planning to visit from out of town, the couple needed more living space, as well as a larger garage.
Carrie noticed a home nearby that she kept her eye on. When its owners put the property up for sale, Carrie was excited for a chance to purchase it, and was armed with a vision for what would become her 5th renovation. “Traditional with a twist,” she says of her 20-page notebook of plans and ideas. “This project has been the most challenging so far, because we lived in the house during the work.”
“Lady Liberty”, as she’s called, offers space for beautiful gardens (and now, a playhouse for their daughter) like they had back East. The 1865-built farmhouse presented challenge and opportunity for Carrie as the renovation began. While she had a vision for maintaining the character of the house, she wanted to add contemporary design. And while a hands-on remodeler both inside and in the yard, Carrie needed help. “I needed an accessory to what I do, someone who could help with floor concepts, curtains, lighting fixtures, textures—yet would not completely take over the project,” Carrie says. “Hyla is a great designer to work with, and she could see my vision. She helped me through the toughest parts of the project, like when I needed a new kitchen floor, and fast! It’s been a great experience.”
Interior designer Hyla Guerriere shares top design ideas for “Lady Liberty” on the following pages.
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I love working in Barrington and enjoy every kind of design job. I’ve worked on traditional projects as well as modern, log cabin, and historic to mid-century. Some clients want hand-holding, some like to be more involved, and others want me to do it all. Carrie is so creative and hands-on. Our goal with Carrie’s home was to make the historic home new and playful without losing the historic elements. I love to take what’s old and make it new again.
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” — Erma Bombeck
Hyla Guerriere of Designs By Hyla may be reached at 847-452-0587, or by email at hguerriere@gmail.com.