Post NeoCon News!

 

 

After much hard work and meticulous planning, Fine Design at NeoCon 2010 has ended and was a great success!  Three days were packed with educational seminars, showroom events and parties, as well as product debuts that covered a broad range of styles, techniques and features.  Design Center halls were bustling as attendees visited the Design Center’s permanent showrooms to explore the latest and greatest offerings and events! 

 All of the Fine Design seminars, held in the Mart’s fifteen-twenty presentation suite, were CEU accredited; many sold out with standing room only.  The CEU sessions were presented with the idea that as the design industry continues to become more and more competitive, designers and architects have the opportunity to continue their education and learn more about design as well as their clients, and become a leader in the industry. 

 Many renowned speakers came to discuss various aspects of the design world, such as how to stand out as a designer by using innovating and unique materials, new eco-friendly trends, how to value and charge for design services, and many more topics. 

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 “Going Green” was a very popular theme throughout the 16 CEU Seminars. Sustainability respects the environment, in addition to having aesthetic beauty and comfort, and supporting abundance.  We also learned it also doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive! 

Fine Design Keynote Speaker, Margaret McCurry, gave a captivating presentation with before and after pictures of her work around the country, discussing her style and technique of symmetry and aesthetics while still providing an eco-friendly way of life. Her photos explored her work with modern houses that demonstrate her love of vernacular architecture and fondness for classicism. 

 Fine Design at NeoCon proved to be the place to meet and greet, learn event more about design, and become inspired by endless creativity and innovation! 

 

Find-A-Designer Day by Traditional Home

The much-anticipated first DreamHome and Traditional Home Magazine event was a great success! On Thursday, May 20, Traditional Home editor Jenny Bradley kicked off the day with a presentation to designers at the Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings Showroom in Suite 1510.  Jenny gave tips and hints to a standing room only group of Interior Designers on how to get published in a national publication.  Following the presentation were yummy bites and time for designers to speak one-on-one with Jenny and Ken.

Wrapping up “Find-A-Designer” day was a panel presentation by Jenny Bradley with Designers Melanie Elston, Becky Yager and DreamHome Foyer Designer Summer Thornton. The presentation discussed how to work with a designer, how to make the most out of meeting with a designer, and the superior product offering when shopping the Design Center at The Merchandise Mart.

After the presentation, ”Speed Dating with a Designer” began. The public was able to meet with a designer for 7 minutes to ask design questions and learn about their style and portfolio in hopes they would “Find-A-Designer” that fit their needs! It was a great concept and a fun time for all!

Afterwards everyone mingled throughout the DreamHome where DreamHome Designers answered questions about their room and Design inspirations!

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for more pictures visit http://www.facebook.com/merchandisemartdesigncenter

Anacara Showroom Hosts Luxe Magazine Launch Party

On Thursday, April 22 Anacara Company, Suite 16-130, welcomed designers and landscape architects to their showroom to celebrate the launch of the latest issue of LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine.

More than 250 trade members attended the event throughout the day and saw the latest outdoor and casual furnishings offerings from Anacara. The party continued down the hall in the Treasure Garden showroom, Suite 1655, where guests could browse the company’s umbrella and shade selection.  Attendees enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and networking.

Isokern Fireplaces, AIA Chicago, Benjamin Moore Paints, Treasure Garden, Limestone Inc., Barrington Pools, ILCA (Illinois Landscaper Contractors Association), Itex Payment System also sponsored the event and had representatives and product on hand to share with guests.

In case you missed the event, be sure to pick up the latest copy of LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine and stop by the Anacara Company showroom.

The Day After the Preview Party…DreamHome is Now Open

After seven months of planning, unbridled anticipation and lots and lots and lots of work, DreamHome 2010 is now open!

We want to thank all of the Designers and all of our sponsors- especially Chicago Home + Garden Magazine, FCAC and the Chicago Regional Carpenters Council, as well and the countless people who helped work on the DreamHome to make it the breathtaking installation that it is!

Without further ado- Here are the 2010 DreamHome Rooms!

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merchandisemartdesigncenter.com/dreamhome

On April 15th the home was previewed to upwards of an amazing 800 guests- all of which graciously supported the UCCRF cause and helping to make the opening a huge success.  The buzz around the DreamHome was undeniable and the excitement is just beginning! With a variety of shelter publication events revolving around DreamHome this year there will always be something to look forward to- So don’t forget to stay tuned!

The DreamHome will be open Now through December 10, 2010

Monday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3

Lalique Haviland and Daum Showroom Opening Event

A bit before this blog started Lalique Haviland and Daum opened their brand new showroom on the 18th floor of the Design Center. 

On February 25th the kick-off event included an afternoon Tea, followed by a cocktail party which ended up hosting over 300 guests! Designers and their clients, as well as many Design Center showroom staff came out to make the event an amazing showroom opening and a great way to start 2010.

There was a great buzz, around the showroom along with fantastic food and drinks and a coveted goody bag at the door!                                                  

We are looking forward to many more events like this throughout the year!

Signing off- will post again soon!

Welcome!

    

Hi Readers,    

Thanks for joining us and we look forward to some great blogging ahead!     

As The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart we want to bring you the most exciting and up to date information topics that are important to you such as      

Industry News                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product Product and Line debuts
Design Center Event information
Party pics
Designer programs                                                                                                         Special services                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      New New and Expanding Design Center Showrooms
News from the Mart     

 

  

Design Center Events

 

If you are an Interior Designer or Architect, Interior Decorator, Home Furnishings Showroom or just a luxury design enthusiast, and want to stay clued in to the happenings here at the Design Center, be sure to subscribe to our blog and we will do our best to keep you informed!!    

Please feel free to leave us comments or for more specific questions email us at martdesigncenter.com      

Also be sure to visit merchandisemartdesigncenter.com for a full calendar of events, showroom listing and program and event outlines-   Signing off- will post again soon!    

DreamHome 2009 Preview Party