English Elm

European countryside character, thoughtfully reimagined for modern family life.

A cornerstone project for our studio, JBI English Elm was a two-and-a-half-year, ground-up build created in collaboration with JMB Architects and DuPage Homes. Completely custom from the start, our team thoughtfully designed every corner of the home—from architectural elevations and millwork to cabinetry, finishes, furnishings, and the smallest details.

Inspired by the timeless character of the English countryside, the home layers natural stone, warm woods, rich colors, classic moldings, arched details, tailored millwork, and traditional lighting to create spaces that feel collected and established rather than newly built. Throughout, European influences are balanced with the warmth and practicality needed for everyday family life.

Designed for a family of six with four boys, function was just as important as beauty. Rather than dedicate valuable space to traditional guest rooms, we created a bunk room where cousins and friends can pile in, while each of the boys’ bedrooms was designed to easily transition into a comfortable guest suite when needed.

The result is a deeply personal family home—rich in character, built to be lived in, and designed to feel as though it has been there for generations. It’s a project we’re incredibly proud of and one that embodies so much of what JBI is about: timeless design, thoughtful functionality, natural materials, and spaces made for real life.