Theresa Hansen Interiors chosen for Lake Forest mansion designer showcase
A little girl’s playroom in an 1895 Lake Forest mansion is getting a 21st century makeover by Morris’ very own Theresa Hansen Interiors for a nationally known designer show – the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens.
The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is an event held by the Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, an organization that raises funds for IWS Family Health. IWS provides healthcare services to medically underserved families, according to the Showhouses’ Instagram page.
This year’s Showhouse brings together 38 interior designers from around the country, along with several top landscapers, to reimagine the 15,000-square-foot mansion and its 3.5 acres, according to a press release from the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens. Hansen was chosen among 100 interior and landscape designer companies.
“Being selected as a designer for the Lake Forest Showhouse is such an incredible honor. It’s a privilege to collaborate with some of Chicago’s most talented and seasoned designers on this project,” Hansen said.
Therese Hansen Interiors opened 10 years ago and is a nationwide custom interior design company based in downtown Morris inside The Fabric Center. Hansen and her husband Matt Hansen purchased The Fabric Center in 2024.
“Theresa Hansen Interiors is renown in the field and to have Morris be its home is already a point of pride for our community,” said Christina Van Yperen, Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry President & CEO. “To have Theresa be a part of such a distinguished and elite showhouse, illustrates her talent and will help promote Morris to a new audience showcasing what Morris has to offer.”
The Georgian-style home chosen for the showhouse event has 30 rooms and was designed in 1895 by architect Henry Ives Cobb and is called Pembroke Lodge. It was built for real estate and zinc mining entrepreneur David Benton Jones and remained in the family for 67 years.
Each designer is assigned a different room of the house from the kitchen to the outside Tennis Hut. Hansen will be designing a little girl’s playroom and bath.
“Designing the little girl’s bedroom and playroom has been such a joy! Seeing the space through a child’s eyes has made the process feel playful, whimsical, and full of wonder,” Hansen said. “While every project is a creative adventure, there’s something truly magical about crafting a space for imaginative play. Our goal is to create a room that not only sparks joy today but becomes a cherished memory for years to come.”
The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is Tuesday through Sunday from April 26 – May 25. To purchase tickets visit www.lakeforestshowhouse.com.
For more information on Theresa Hansen Interiors visit theresahanseninteriors.com.
