“LUXEHOME OPEN HOUSE” CELEBRATES NATIONAL KITCHEN AND BATH MONTH WITH THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND TRENDS ON OCTOBER 6, 2007
CHICAGO (August 21, 2007) —In celebration of National Kitchen and Bath Month, LuxeHome, the country’s premier destination for the finest kitchen and bath products, has launched a full day of inspirational presentations from top designers, guest lectures, product demonstrations, gourmet treats and beverages, plus more hosted in the 30 upscale boutiques. The remodeling process can be overwhelming and intimidating for many. LuxeHome Open House is the perfect opportunity to learn how to choose a designer, find your style, meet design experts and explore the hottest kitchen and bath products on the market. The day-long event promises to transform even the most inexperienced homeowner to the savviest shopper.
Open to the public and located on the first floor of the world-famous Merchandise Mart, LuxeHome is the world’s largest collection of luxury boutiques for home building and renovation and has become synonymous with the best of the best in luxury kitchen and bath products for the home. According to Kate Flaherty, VP of LuxeHome, “LuxeHome Open House brings together the country’s leading design experts, industry professionals and style smart consumers for a full day of inspiring presentations and the most luxurious kitchen and bath products. We are excited to welcome our featured guest Michael Payne, as well as all guest lecturers and artists making this year’s Open House a day to remember.”
The LuxeHome Open House, celebrating National Kitchen and Bath Month, will take place Saturday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
10:30-11:30 a.m.: LuxeHome Keynote by Michael Payne
1st Floor in the North Lobby
Meet Michael Payne, renowned interior designer and host of HGTV’s Designing for the Sexes, as he presents an insightful lecture on the latest kitchen and bath trends and how they can work for you. In addition to Designing For The Sexes, Michael has appeared on numerous network television programs and on radio stations throughout the country and has become a household name for his British charm and keen sense of style.
*The first 100 people to RSVP online will receive a free gift at the lecture.
SPECIAL SHOWROOM EVENTS:
Abitare, Suite 151
Basia Deka, of Globe Designer Inc., specializes in traditional and avant-gardes Italian painting techniques. Watch Deka demonstrate using Venetian plaster, as “The Godfather” plays on the big screen.
Ahalya Stone, Suite 142
Ahalya Stone, the leader in natural stone products, provides answers to any of your stone, marble or granite questions.
American International Tile, Suite 134
Meet Lou Manfredini, "Mr. Fix It" of television and radio fame, from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy fabulous appetizers and delicious treats from their espresso bar throughout the day while viewing their latest tile collections.
Ann Sacks, Suite 100B
Denise Siegal, an exclusive artist for Ann Sacks, will host a trunk show featuring her new bronze designs.
Birger Juell, Suite 131
Meet Jamie Rousch, master woodworker and designer of Wisconsin hardwood kitchen accessories, as he works his craft in the newly relocated showroom.
Chicago Kitchen Design Group, Suite 127
Stop by and see new showroom displays and collections while listening to the sounds of a top-notch pianist on their Baldwin piano.
De Giulio Kitchen Design, Suite 121
Visit the showroom and see how classic kitchen interior design has been reinterpreted with the internationally acclaimed BeauxArts collection. Experience BeauxArts kitchen at work as they welcome Chef Pete Trusiak, corporate chef for The Westye Group, for a culinary demonstration on their Wolf Dual Fuel Range from 12 to 1 p.m. accompanied by delicious tastings.
Ernestomeda Chicago, Suite 128 (**New Showroom**)
For its launch at The Merchandise Mart, the Ernestomeda Chicago showroom will unveil its Barrique and Elektra designs for the first time to the public. In keeping with Barrique¹s homage to the great tradition of Italian winemaking, the Taste Kitchen Innovation event will feature some of Italy’s finest vintages. Chef Bruno Abate from Chicago’s Follia restaurant will provide delectable, Italian-inspired fare to guests that arrive during the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Farrow & Ball, Suite 105B
View and sample their latest wall covering collection, Special Edition I. Browse Farrow & Ball, The Art of Colour, a stunning book by Brian Coleman and enjoy color advice by their expertly trained staff
Granite and Marble Resources, Suite 115
Maestro Mosaics by Granite & Marble Resources will introduce Tiffany-stained Glass Mosaics. Stop by for refreshments and see this stunning and innovative collection of glass mosaics.
Hastings Tile and Bath Collection, Suite 120
View the debut of the Roma collection and enjoy biscotti and espresso in the morning and more Italian treats throughout the afternoon.
The Kohler Store, Suite 100
Join Kohler for a high energy and inspirational slide presentation by Lynn Schrage at 2:30 p.m., "Spa Bathrooms: How to apply spa and hotel trends to your bathroom," featuring design and product solutions accompanied by some delicious pastries and fruit throughout the day.
The Nanz Company and Remains Lighting, Suite 103
Enter to win a $25 Starbucks gift card if you guess the correct number of assembled parts in the beautiful Astrid Chandelier.
Poggenpohl, Suite 138
Join Poggenpohl for a presentation on the new and highly-anticipated Porsche Designed
Poggenpohl "Kitchen for Men." Come see their completely renovated showroom and enjoy gourmet tastings.
Smartrooms, Suite 119
Sample wine and cheese and come see their new styles of cabinetry doors featured in Esperanto, shown with diamond or scalloped insert, and Lewisburg raised door. Also view their latest finishes including Antique Sienna and Country Linen.
The Chopping Block, Suite 107
“Culinary Trunk Show:” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A unique opportunity to meet the industry experts in cookware, utensils, appliances and gourmet foods and wine. The Chopping Block will host an all-day event featuring cooking and product demonstrations by All Clad cookware, Le Creuset, Rosle utensils and Wolf appliances. Please join the Chopping block for wine sampling and delicious tastings.
Urban Archaeology, Suite 108
Stop by Urban Archaeology as featured ceramic tile artists work their magic with silk screening and hand painting.
Waterworks, Suite 136
Inspired by the rich history of the European bath, Waterworks has brought impeccable style and artisanal quality craftsmanship to the American bathroom. Each Waterworks product has a story to tell and is created through a unique collaboration involving designers, craftsmen, artisans and manufacturers. Stop by their showroom for refreshments and witness the story unfold.
LuxeHome is located on the first floor of The Merchandise Mart at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL. 60654. For more information about the “LuxeHome Open House” please visit www.luxehome.com/openhouse or call the LuxeHome Concierge Desk at 312.527.7939
Sponsors include Show House by Moen.
PRESS CONTACT:
Sophia Weiss
Public Relations Manager
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
Phone: 312.527.7841
E-mail: sweiss@mmart.com
ABOUT LUXEHOME™
LuxeHome boasts more than 100,000 square feet of space with 30 boutiques that feature the finest kitchen and bath products for luxury home building and renovation from the most recognized and respected manufacturers worldwide. Open to the public, as well as interior designers, architects and custom builders, LuxeHome displays the widest selection of products to fit all lifestyles, from modern European to classic American to traditional English. In addition to the extensive lineup of manufacturers, each boutique offers knowledgeable designers who are available to assist with all phases of each design project. LuxeHome's boutiques are open for shopping Monday through Saturday.
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 W. 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, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated 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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