Welcome back to our Highland Park House tour. In this second installment, I’m thrilled to take you through the kitchen, breakfast area, and dining room—spaces where beauty meets function and where daily rituals become moments of joy. Each of these rooms was designed with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless elegance. Let’s step inside.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is a space where light and texture play in harmony. Custom-painted cabinetry offers a soft backdrop that allows the bolder details to shine—brass pendant lighting from Roman & Williams Guild hangs above, casting a warm glow and creating a striking contrast with the cool stone. Matching brass open shelving adds both practical storage and an elevated, collected feel.

At the heart of the kitchen is a fluted red marble island, its expressive veining introducing movement and depth, while the stained wood base adds grounding warmth. Beneath it lies a vintage rug, softening the space and adding a layer of patina. A Lacanche range anchors the wall, framed by custom metal cabinetry that blends old-world charm with tailored modernity. The tactile beauty continues in the Armac Martin hardware and thoughtfully chosen plumbing fixtures—Perrin & Rowe at the window’s smart station sink and Waterworks at the island.

Why we love it: This kitchen effortlessly balances heritage and innovation. Every material, from fluted stone to warm wood and polished brass, was chosen for its character and staying power. It’s a space that invites both everyday living and elevated entertaining

Breakfast Area

Situated in front of a cozy fireplace, the breakfast area is all about ease and comfort. Flooded with natural light, the space is anchored by a custom breakfast table and Palacek dining chairs upholstered in rich Pholio Leather. The layout encourages lingering—a place where mornings begin slowly and conversation flows.

A sculptural Stephen Antonson light fixture overhead provides a handcrafted, organic feel. Storage solutions here are both beautiful and functional: a custom armoire transitions seamlessly from the kitchen, offering a practical bridge between spaces, while a custom stone console introduces another layer of artistry and function. Underfoot, a textured rug from Rug Mart helps define the space while bringing in a vintage sensibility. The console offers a moment of intentional style to help pull the space together with a beautiful vignette, complete with Tim Schneider art.

Why we love it: This room is a masterclass in livable luxury. It brings comfort to the forefront without sacrificing style—and each element, from custom furnishings to organic textures, supports the rhythms of everyday life.

Dining Room

In the dining room, design becomes storytelling. A deGournay wallcovering in a custom Earlham colorway wraps the room in moody greens and blues, punctuated with hand-painted ladybugs and birds—each a nod to our family members. The result is a space that feels rich in both color and meaning.

The millwork and trim, painted in a complementary blue, frame the room while drawing the eye upward to the ornamental plaster tracery that dances across the ceiling. At the center, a custom dining table is surrounded by custom chairs upholstered in Arabel fabric, creating a layered, tailored look. The Madison Lily rug beneath adds softness and visual weight. A mirror sourced at Round Top Antiques Fair reflects light and history alike, while a custom pedestal showcases a Danny Kaplan sculpture—a final touch that brings movement and emotion into the space. Overhead, custom lanterns cast a flattering glow, completing the room’s collected elegance.

Why we love it: This room brings intimacy and artistry to the dining experience. From the thoughtful symbolism in the wall covering to the timeless palette and curated furnishings, every corner tells a story—making even the simplest meal feel significant.

Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll explore more of the Highland Park House and the details that make it truly special. Don’t forget to check out our Primary Suite tour!