The Merchandise Mart Design Center and Metropolitan Home Make DreamHome A Reality
CHICAGO (August 17, 2007) – Nine leading Chicago design firms join forces to create the ultimate DreamHome, utilizing the luxury resources at The Merchandise Mart Design Center. New this year, the designers were asked to offer innovative solutions to common design dilemmas including green design, creating a multifunctional space, displaying a collection, maximizing a small space, using color, incorporating innovative materials and more to create a “House of Ideas”. Drawing upon their experience and inimitable sense of style, this year’s “dream team” has made DreamHome a reality. Get ready to be inspired and have every design dream come true as doors open to the public on September 28, 2007.
A collaboration between Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) and Metropolitan Home Magazine, DreamHome is the result of a superior design team, exquisite taste and the highest quality furniture, fabrics and accessories.
“Metropolitan Home is thrilled to be partnering with The Chicago Merchandise Mart on their 2007 DreamHome design house,” says Donna Warner, Editor-in-Chief of Metropolitan Home. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with such a talented team of designers and we feel honored that they have drawn inspiration such as sustainable design and innovative materials from the magazine to incorporate into their rooms.”
“Now in its third rendition, DreamHome continues to be an exciting, ever changing representation of the extraordinary design talent found in Chicago. It is thrilling to watch inspiration in action and to invite interior designers and homeowners alike to view the unsurpassed resources of The Merchandise Mart Design Center in a unique way. This home has something for everyone. Expect sumptuous fabrics, rich woods, creative textures and ideas to take home with you. Our sincere thanks go to our designers, Metropolitan Home, the Design Center Showrooms, and all the DreamHome sponsors and construction teams”, says John H. Brennen III, executive vice president, MMPI.
DreamHome’s high-profile design team include:
• Tracy Hickman of Hickman Design Associates, Ltd. will utilize her experience in residential design with an emphasis on clean lines and textural elements to create the Entrance
• Doug Nickless for Doug Nickless Inc. will incorporate his concept of beautiful, yet functional spaces to design the chic, yet cozy Living Room
• James Dolenc and Tom Riker of jamesthomas, LLC will combine their background in architecture with a sophisticated aesthetic to produce the multifunctional Bath, a Gentleman’s Lounge
• Douglas Levine, acclaimed furniture designer and founder of L Corp., will integrate his classic style with a twist to the Home Office, a soothing, monochromatic respite filled with texture
• Matt Lorenz, winner of Bravo’s TV’s Top Design, will use his keen eye for luxury detailing to create the lavish Bedroom
• Martial for MARTIAL will apply his passion for timeless elegance and balance to the Dining Room
• Jessica Lagrange for Jessica Lagrange Interiors will translate sustainable products into interior comfort and luxury in the eco-friendly Kitchen
• Gary L. Lee, IIDA, founder of Gary Lee Partners will draw upon his diverse background and travels to create the high-tech Media Room
• Sherry Koppel for Sherry Koppel Design will bring together her unique mix of traditional style with contemporary art and objects to design the Porch
The Merchandise Mart and Metropolitan Home are proud to partner with The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board to host DreamHome’s preview gala on Thursday, September 27, the evening before it opens to the public. The Board raises funds for cancer biology research to bring new scientists to the University of Chicago and to support the Ben May Institute for Cancer Research.
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The Merchandise Mart Design Center and Metropolitan Home
Make DreamHome A Reality
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DreamHome will be open to the public from September 28, 2007 – December 21, 2007, weekdays
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There is a $5 voluntary donation to benefit the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board.
For more information about this year’s DreamHome, including group tours and event opportunities, visit www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com or call 800.677.MART (6728).
Sponsors include Metropolitan Home, ICI Paints, Kohler
PRESS CONTACT:
Sophia Weiss
Public Relations Manager
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
Phone: 312.527.7841
E-mail: sweiss@mmart.com
The Merchandise Mart Design Center™, located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, is home to four floors constituting the world’s first and largest design center. As a leader in the $65-billion residential furnishings market, The Merchandise Mart Design Center™ offers the largest presentation of home furnishings worldwide, all under one roof. Encompassing 700,000 square feet, boasting 130 showrooms and featuring over 2000 product lines, the Design Center is the design professional’s ultimate resource for luxury furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, wall coverings, lighting, antiques, accessories and much more.
The Merchandise Mart Design Center’s Designer Portfolios are a unique online resource for homeowners to learn about working with a design professional and help them find the perfect designer to match their tastes, expectations and budget. More than 50 area design professionals are featured in the online Designer Portfolios, with his or her own web page featuring their design philosophy, area(s) of specialty, project photos, fee structure and more. Designer Portfolios can be easily accessed by visiting www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com and clicking on the Designer Portfolio logo.
ABOUT METROPOLITAN HOME
Metropolitan Home stands alone as the definitive guide to modern design and the unparalleled champion of contemporary style. The magazine’s urban mindset speaks to readers everywhere and sets the standard for how to live well now. Every article and photograph connects with the magazine’s affluent, intelligent, progressive readers. Each page informs and inspires consumers to decorate, renovate, garden and cook as they create a haven for themselves and their families. Metropolitan Home’s distinctive voice elevates eclectic style and celebrates the impact that quality design has on today’s modern world.
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
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