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

Traditional Home’s Find-A-Designer Day!

Have a design dilemma and in need of some great design guidance for the job?

Don’t miss Traditional Home’s Find-A-Designer Day, Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 5:30-8pm on the first floor of the Merchandise Mart.

Join Traditional Home editor Jenny Bradley as she discusses how to work with a designer and the superior product offering when shopping the Design Center at The Merchandise Mart.

Speed-Date with Designers and enjoy wine & lite bites in the newly opened 2010 DreamHome!

Please R.S.V.P. at 312.527.4711 or email martdesigncenter@mmart.com

Dont’ worry Designers we didn’t forget about you!

Stop in to Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings,  for a special presentation by Jenny Bradley entitled “How To Get Published”. 

Come hear the inside scoop from Traditional Home Editor Jenny Bradley. She will tell you exactly what it takes to get published and how to best promote yourself to the media at large.

Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, May 20, 2010 | 2PM

Location: Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, Suite 1510

Please R.S.V.P. to (312) 467 – 0530 or email mimi@kennethludwig.com

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

Introducing the 2010 DreamHome Designers!

It seems like just yesterday we were reflecting back on how wonderful DreamHome 2009 was and now it’s time again to Open the Doors to Cool Elegance- the 2010 DreamHome, themed for its nod to cool sophistication.

The lineup this year is red hot, with creative and stylish rooms and amazing products this home is not one you will want to miss!

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Summer Thornton of SUMMER THORNTON DESIGN created the Foyer with the design focused on the concept of “exaggerated reality”. 

Running with the “Green” movement, Tony Stavish of A.W. STAVISH, emphasizes ethical products that highlight the use of recycled, renewable, & locally sourced materials, as well as non-toxic, low energy, and low waste manufacturing processes.

From GREGGA JORDAN SMIESZNY Inc., Alex Jordan & Dan Smieszny designed the Living Room with the Art Collector in mind, showing off a wide range of media from photography to water colors to works on canvas. 

The Bedroom, by Jeannie Balsam of JEANNIE BALSAM, LLC focuses on creating a personal retreat that balances masculine and feminine tones, organic and luxurious elements and a soothing color palette with bursts of color.

 The Bathroom, by THE KOHLER STORE’s William Collins, was designed around seclusion of mind and body with the opposing arched walls creating a wonderful sense of calm.

Inspired by the 1930′s and 40′s, Lisa Simeone & Gina Deary of SIMEONE DEARY DESIGN GROUP  brought life to the dining room through modern interpretations of the fashion and style of that time.

The goal of the Kitchen by NEFF OF CHICAGO was to create a warm, inviting space for elegant gourmet cooking, very comfortable dining and enviable entertaining

Designed by Monica Pedersen & Becky McCallum, the Sitting Room was created as an informal, fashionable and comfortable spot to sit down and relax.

Michael Schmechtig, Toni Callahan of SCHMECHTIG LANDSCAPES & Christopher Michiels designed this space by taking architecture into the environment and bringing the outdoors in.   One can picture themselves entertaining family and friends or enjoying a private retreat experience.

The Welcome Lobby by Janet Blutter Shiff & Lynn Boutross of BLUTTER/SHIFF DESIGN ASSOCIATES  was updated with a fresh new look for 2010, making you stop as you enter and stop as you leave.

DreamHome will be Open April 16-December 10, 2010. 

Monday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3

For more information visit: merchandisemartdesigncenter.com/dreamhome