Hello Lovely

What an honor to be invited as press to
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.



Ummmm. This bar cabinet.
(Bar de Elixirs - Baker Furniture)




 I love this casual tower of books inviting me to settle in.

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





 10.
An education in style.
 You may have noticed the rich, dramatic, and layered rooms
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.



 
 12.
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.

Did you see my post featuring Michael Del Piero's
lovely work in Milieu and elsewhere?

Can't wait to see this bedroom up close and personal
designed by Michael Del Piero!

Details:

Mysterious paint color:
Benjamin Moore Deer Trail Satin.

Art work behind the bed:
an encaustic painting
by Lonney White from Holly Hunt

Which do we need more in our lives?
That stripey pillow,
(RA softgood collection by Robert Allen/Beacon Hill)
the fur and linen throw,
(Homelosophy at Baker Furniture)
or



cake?



Ohhhhh me. Oh myyyy. 
The wingchair's
from CAI .



Janet Shiff and Lynn Boutross
of Blutter Shiff Designs
were going for contemporary with edge
for the foyer at the DreamHome,
and Ashley best be prepared
for Mary Kate's inevitable
heart failure when she sees this
weathered metals II wallcovering
from Maya Romanoff!



The area rug from Stark Carpet, fabulous sculptural elements,
and all the quiet tones feel utterly calm
in a space welcoming one home from a long stressful day
of getting your blonde on, saying NO to Fuller House,
attending fashion week and fan celebrity fan cruises, and...



making decisions.


Blutter Shiff Designs

I would gladly bake you petit-fours in the kitchens
above and below designed gorgeously by Blutter Shiff.

Notice they took the stone straight up the backsplash
which for me...well, for me it's eye cake.



Care to hear how Ms. Del Piero conceived the design
of the DreamHome's bedroom?




See you in a couple of hours, Chicago.


Peace to you right where you are.



p.s.
okay, mom.
i'm going to bed.

p.s.s.
this post was inspired
by my love for
my sister...
she is an exceptional
human being.