Residential Show House Design | Cultural Concept Space

Designer: Hema Persad, Sagrada Studio
As seen in House Beautiful, Nov/Dec 2023

Sagrada Studio was invited to participate in the House Beautiful Whole Home Show House in Hinsdale, Illinois, to reimagine a space within a 13,000-square-foot historic residence.

The concept transformed the room into a modern literary salon for conversation and creativity, inspired by European women’s salons of the 1600s. The design prioritizes gathering, dialogue, and intellectual exchange over traditional residential function. The original floral wall paneling was removed and replaced with a fully immersive maroon color palette across walls, ceilings, and trim. The entry introduces a softer blush tone layered with floral wallpaper, establishing a contrasting feminine threshold into the space.

A custom mural by Area Public, featuring embossed Arabic calligraphy by artist Aadil Abedi, anchors a curated reading and conversation area. Original mirrored wall paneling was preserved to maintain historical depth, while bespoke filigree brass shutters replace traditional drapery at the bay windows.

The result is a conceptual interior that blends historic context, artistic collaboration, and modern spatial design within a single immersive room.