See Chad Dorsey’s Dramatic Transformation of This Inspiring Highland Park Tudor

When you purchase a home, odds are you will transform it to reflect your style and taste. You just need to have vision, hire someone with vision, or in the best of both worlds, collaborate with a visionary in fresh ways you may not normally consider. No one is better suited for this process than Chad Dorsey. This Highland Park Tudor is an excellent example of what a successful transformation should look like.

A Design Generation Gap

Although the architecture is timeless, there was a distinct design generation gap in this 2007 Highland Park Tudor. It was absolutely gorgeous for that era. But 16 years later, those on-trend features like textured exterior stone embellishments, heavy moldings, and hand-scraped hardwoods have gone the way of thin eyebrows and gaucho pants. It was decidedly time for a refresh.

“We tried to make it a bit more European,” Dorsey said. “The idea was to make a traditional English Tudor feel more impressive, fresh, clean, and livable.”  

The team was on a tight schedule, so did not have the time to do a lot of architectural shifts. However, the entry is the first thing anyone sees, so it was deemed critical for a massive update. Solutions were necessary for two-toned wood floors and the original circular staircase with that heavy iron railing that was so popular in 2007. For a cohesive look, a dark espresso color was added to the entry flooring and baseboards. The dramatic answer to the staircase was a high gloss black rail painted to perfection by family-owned Barry A. Martin Painting Contractors. The finishing touch was the light fixture contrasting beautifully against the black rail.  

If you’ve seen other Chad Dorsey Design projects, you can generally count on an interesting use of color and wallpaper. 

“Wallpaper is an easy way to add layers and dimensions to a space,” Dorsey said. “Everything has gotten so neutral. After a while, it’s not interesting. I’m missing patterns and layers and tweaks with color. The kitchen here is a pale blush that pulls out the blush in the marble. Most people would hardly notice. It’s an unexpected contrast against the floor, playful and original. These are the things that make your home a home versus just another place to be.”

Dorsey’s background as an architect allows him to approach interior design in a way we seldom see. He always lets the architecture lead the space. What you put inside the space should enhance and never overwhelm it. 

“I have a different sensibility,” Dorsey said. “I’m used to working with contractors and other architects, so it’s in my wheelhouse to understand design and know where we can push and pull to produce on budget and on schedule. I don’t think like a designer. I think more about the architectural nature of a space, and I believe that sets me apart.”

That ethos naturally led to Dorsey designing custom furniture, and most recently fireplaces, that would ideally suit the homes he was building or transforming. He’s created many custom pieces for this Highland Park Tudor.

This is such a splendid transformation, and with 8,465 square feet, five bedrooms, two home offices, a game room, and a media room, all in a prime Highland Park location, I’m not sure what more you could ask for. Oh, wait, you want a wellness center? Let’s check that box. The entire basement was also transformed and now features a gym and a massage room. This Highland Park Tudor has become one of those rare homes you need a good excuse to leave because it’s all here, including a beautifully landscaped backyard with a covered loggia, pool, and spa. 

If you think this Highland Park Tudor cannot get better, you’re wrong. You can also negotiate for the furnishings and simply bring your suitcases.

Wood has 4201 Versailles Ave. listed for $9.5 million.