Walk down Western Avenue in Lake Forest and you might miss it if you aren't looking. It’s tucked away, but for anyone who lives for high-end interior design, the English Room Lake Forest IL isn't just a shop; it’s a whole mood. Honestly, when people talk about "North Shore style," they usually mean something stuffy, right? Floral wallpaper from 1985 and chairs you aren't allowed to sit in. But Andrea Goldman changed that. She took the concept of a design studio and turned it into something that feels like a lived-in, luxury gallery. It’s basically where the "Quiet Luxury" trend lived long before TikTok gave it a name.
Most people get this place confused with a restaurant or a tea room because of the name. It’s not. It’s the creative engine of Andrea Goldman Design. If you’re hunting for a specific vintage textile or a lamp that looks like it was plucked from a Parisian flat, this is the spot.
What Actually Is the English Room Lake Forest IL?
Let’s get the basics straight. The English Room is the retail and studio storefront for Andrea Goldman, a heavy hitter in the Chicago design scene. It’s located at 708 N. Western Ave. You’ve probably driven past it a dozen times if you’re heading to the Metra station or grabbing coffee nearby.
What makes it weirdly compelling is the mix. It isn't a "store" in the sense that there are aisles and price tags on every single thing in a predictable way. It’s more of a curated rotating exhibition. Goldman has this specific eye for mixing textures. You’ll see rough-hewn wood next to sleek, polished marble. It works. You walk in and suddenly want to throw away everything you bought at IKEA.
The studio focuses on full-service residential design. We’re talking ground-up builds and massive renovations. But the English Room serves as the public face—a place where you can actually touch the fabrics and see how a $4,000 sofa actually feels under your hand. It’s tactile. In a world of digital mood boards and Pinterest fails, having a physical space like this in Lake Forest is kinda essential.
Why Lake Forest?
Location matters. Lake Forest has this deep, architectural history. Think Howard Van Doren Shaw. Think sprawling estates with massive libraries. Goldman’s aesthetic fits here because it respects that history without being a slave to it. She isn't trying to recreate a 1920s manor; she’s trying to make a 2026 home feel like it has that same soul.
🔗 Read more: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
The Andrea Goldman Aesthetic: Beyond the Minimalist Hype
People love to throw around the word "curated." It’s overused. But here, it actually applies. If you look at the work coming out of the English Room Lake Forest IL, there is a distinct lack of clutter. It’s minimalist, sure, but not cold. It’s "warm minimalism."
- The Palette: Lots of neutrals. Creams, greys, ochres, and deep charcols.
- The Materials: Wood, stone, wool, and brass. Real stuff.
- The Vibe: It feels like a very wealthy person just left the room.
I’ve noticed that a lot of designers in the Midwest struggle with light. Our winters are grey and depressing. Goldman’s designs usually prioritize natural light—big windows, reflective surfaces that aren't gaudy, and lighting fixtures that look like sculptures. She’s big on "found objects" too. A giant piece of driftwood or an antique bowl isn't just a knick-knack; it’s the focal point.
The Misconceptions About High-End Design
There's this idea that if you go into a place like the English Room, you have to be ready to spend fifty grand on a kitchen remodel just to get a "hello." That’s not quite how these boutique studios work. While their primary bread and butter is massive, multi-year projects for CEOs and athletes, the storefront is an entry point.
You can find smaller items. Accessories. Books. Things that let you take a piece of that "English Room" look home without calling a contractor.
How the Design Process Actually Works Here
If you’re actually looking to hire them, don't expect a quick flip. This isn't HGTV. The process at the English Room is notoriously thorough.
💡 You might also like: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
- Discovery: They spend a lot of time figuring out how you actually live. Do you have dogs? Do your kids spill juice? There’s no point in a white linen sofa if your life is chaotic.
- Sourcing: This is where the magic happens. They don't just order from a catalog. They go to antique fairs, they talk to artisans, and they find "one-of-one" pieces.
- Execution: This is the boring part that matters—logistics, shipping, and making sure the rug actually fits the room.
One thing that sets Goldman apart is her architectural background. She doesn't just "decorate" a room; she understands the bones of the house. If a wall needs to move to make the light hit the breakfast nook better, she’ll tell you. That’s the difference between an interior decorator and a designer.
The Evolution of the Space
The English Room has evolved. Originally, it felt a bit more traditional—hence the name. But as Goldman’s own style has sharpened, the space has become more modern. It’s a reflection of the shift in Lake Forest itself. The younger generation moving in from the city wants the history of the North Shore but the clean lines of a West Loop loft.
It’s a bridge.
If you look at their recent portfolios, you’ll see a lot of "California Cool" influence mixed with "East Coast Traditional." It’s a weird hybrid that shouldn't work, but in the English Room, it does.
Why You Should Visit Even If You Aren't Decorating
Inspiration. Seriously.
📖 Related: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
Sometimes you just need to see how a professional layers a bed or arranges a bookshelf. The English Room Lake Forest IL is basically a masterclass in styling. Take note of the heights of the objects. Look at how they mix patterns—it’s never two small patterns together; it’s usually one bold, large-scale print balanced by a textured solid.
Actionable Steps for Your Own Space
You don't need a Lake Forest budget to steal the English Room's secrets. Start with the "Rule of Three." Goldman often groups items in threes of varying heights. A tall vase, a medium-sized book, and a small decorative bowl. It creates visual interest without looking messy.
Next, focus on your lighting. Stop using the "big light" (the overhead fixture). Layer your lamps. Get a floor lamp, a table lamp, and maybe some sconces. Use warm bulbs. Instantly, your living room will feel 20% more like a professional design studio.
Finally, invest in one "hero" piece. Instead of buying five cheap things at a big-box store, save up for one incredible vintage chair or a hand-knotted rug. That’s the core philosophy of the English Room: quality over quantity. Every single time.
If you're in the area, stop by the Western Avenue location. Bring a notebook. Even a five-minute walk-through will change how you look at your own living room. It’s about seeing the potential in the space you already have, rather than just filling it with stuff.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 708 N. Western Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045.
- Best Time: Mid-morning on a weekday when it’s quiet.
- What to look for: The window displays. They change frequently and are usually the best indicator of current design trends in the North Shore.
Focus on the textures, ignore the "rules" you thought you knew about matching furniture, and pay attention to the scale of the pieces. That is how you master the English Room look.