12 Reasons to See Dream Home Chicago {Around Chicago}
October 06, 2016
Design Chicago 2016 and DreamHome,
where the air at the Mart was positively charged
with creativity, excitement, and the laughter of two
Over-the-Hill-Olsen-Twins from Hello Lovely.
The Mart (Merchandise Mart)
It is an easy a task for this blogger to generate
12 Reasons to See DreamHome Chicago 2016,
and let's start with the obvious.
1.
Hello, Lovely Chicago.
For a dreamy design travelogue with tips for
where to go and what to see, check out
Michael Del Piero's under-the-radar gems here.
2.
It's More than Just Fluff.
While DreamHome Chicago is a feast for the senses
and a joy to behold, underneath all the sparkle
lies a heart of gold.
I say this because while it is indeed
a place for designfreaks like us to
be swept off our feet with inspiration
and is a lovely collaboration between
fine interior designers in Chicago and
exemplary showroom resources
(of the Design Center at the Mart),
the beating heart of the project remains
a commitment to Almost Home Kids,
which provides transitional care
in a home-like setting to children
with complicated health needs.
3.
An opportunity to make a difference.
A short-term community based pediatric healthcare facility,
AlmostHome Kids brings together Medical Professionals, Recreational Volunteers, Community Providers, Sponsors, Donors, Friends, Corporate and Civic Partners.
Visitors to DreamHome Chicago have the opportunity
to be a part of the lovely dream by donating
to AlmostHome Kids...a win-win for everyone.
4.
Blutter Shiff Design's Feminine FOYER.
showcase some of their favorite items
available from showrooms in the
Design Center at the Mart, including
this Weathered Metals II wallcovering
(Maya Romanoff) which took my breath away.
5.
Kadlec Architecture's Sleek LIBRARY.
More metallic walls in here!
An emerald ottoman takes center stage
in this ultra-luxurious study designed by Steve Kadlec.
Drapery by The Shade Store
Painting by Carl Robert Holty (Richard Norton Gallery)
Isn't this glowing cluster unexpected and delightful!?!
6.
Michael Del Piero Good Design's
Calm BEDROOM.
A striking encaustic painting by Lonney White (Holly Hunt)
behind the bed sets a dramatic tone in an earthy-hued
haven to rest your head by Michael Del Piero.
Michael's vignettes are KILLER.
Our scrappy selves (below) are no match for the refinery
in this brilliant space, but you get the idea of
how it made us feel.
SUMPTUOUS is how I would describe
the cozy linens (Robert Allen - Beacon Hill).
You must touch these textiles to appreciate! Get to the DreamHouse!
7.
JamesThomas Interiors' Groovy SUNROOM.
Tom Riker and James Dolenc tell a sweet story
about this happy place...it entails the 70's,
swimming, Bruce Jenner, and gin.
I'll not say more. Just go see it.
It's casual. It's elegant. It's stripey fabulous.
And it may transport you to a simpler time.
Selfie on a settee? S'il vous plait, OUI.
8.
Hunter Kaiser's Escapist DINING ROOM.
It's quiet in here.
And sexy.
You must visit this room and touch the walls
Kaiser says act as foil to the luminosity
of the gilded accents.
Ummmm. This bar cabinet.
(Bar de Elixirs - Baker Furniture)
The scale of the table!
9.
Souci Horner's 1930's Paris LIVING ROOM.
Shea Souci and Martin Horner created a room
evocative of the City of Lights with glamorous
restraint and a curated combination of finery.
Soucie Horner
An education in style.
featured here are a departure in most respects from the airy,
neutral, tranquil projects so often appearing on Hello Lovely
(and a grand departure from my own easy, simple,
frugaliciously styled home).
Yet there is no reason to stay within your comfort zone
when there is so much to learn beyond it.
Magazines? Blogs? They have their limits...
you simply must go in person with wide eyes OPEN.
Plus.
As you tour DreamHome, you will hear
the designers describing their designs...
it really does add another layer of lovely intimacy
to the sensory experience.
11.
DreamHome Chicago is located in the MART.
The Mart is home to showrooms on floors 1, 6, 14, 15 and 16.
All of the beautiful products you see in these designed
spaces were sourced from these Design Center showrooms.
Have a look around.
It's a sweet place to bond.
We had such a fun time discovering these artfully
crafted rooms at DreamHome together as friends
who never tire of timeless, beautiful interior design.
Find a kindred soul who loves to decorate,
and make a memory or two at the Mart.
DreamHome Chicago 2016
is open until December 4, 2016.
Admission is free; donations welcomed.
p.s.
I am not yet ready for the final reveal of our
cottage makeover...the evolution continues.
I am shopping for doors to replace
the awful ones here, some of which do not
even function...I am dreaming of solid,
wood doors (as opposed to faux wood grain).
Wish me luck.
Follow me on Facebook for extra peeks of progress.
And you may have noticed this granny of a blogger
got herself on Instagram recently and is sort of
seeing the beauty of it...the other day I posted the
photo below I took in Paris at Musee Carnavalet,
and I learned Carnavalet closed that very day
for renovation until the end of 2019!!!!
See lovely today while you can.
Peace to you right where you are.
4 comments
Happy you hopped on the Instagram bandwagon. This looks like such fun, if I was any closer I would jump in the car for an adventure! Love the picture of you and your sister and cannot wait for your reveal, I know you will wow us:)
ReplyDeletethanks, tina! we need to merge a blogger event with one of these design showcases for sure and see the lovely together!
DeleteI soooo want to see this! Absolutely seductive! Thanks for sharing, Michele!
ReplyDeletexo
Holly
you should see it. so much art and craftsmanship to admire! xox
DeleteYour comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.