June 18, 2013

I had the opportunity to visit the 2,800-sq.-ft. DreamHome at the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart last week while attending NeoCon in Chicago. The 8^th-annual DreamHome features nine of the city’s top interior design firms and the rooms they were in charge of designing. The project is designed to provide design solutions and ideas and features furnishings and accessories available exclusively through the Design Center and LuxeHome showrooms at the Merchandise Mart. 

As there wasn’t a bathroom featured, I paid special attention to the kitchen design, which was done by Brandy Cohen of Plain and Fancy by Dandamudi’s. According to Cohen, she designed the kitchen as a beautiful, functional gathering space with clean lines, subtle detailing and durable materials and finishes. When designing kitchens for her clients, she likes to first discuss the style that appeals to them and also how they plan to use their kitchen.

Other companies that provided resources for the kitchen part of DreamHome include: Benjamin Moore (wall paint), Bradley (chandelier, sconces, art pieces), Hendredon (side chair), K&B Galleries (sink, faucet), Katonah Architectural Hardware (cabinetry knobs and handles), Pindler & Pindler (window covering fabric), Plain and Fancy (custom cabinetry), Sherill Collection (bottles, bowl, vase), Sub-Zero Wolf Showroom (range, hood liner, refrigerator, freezer, wine refrigerator). 

Other designers involved in the project include: Jillian O’Neill Interior Design (foyer), Robyn Shapiro Design (study), Kenneth Walter, ASID, Gray & Walter (game room), Michael Stornello & Tom Konopiots, Vincere (bedroom), Fernando Soler, Smartrooms (dressing room), Richard Abrahamson, RJA Design (living room), Brian Snow, Semel Snow Interior Design (dining room) and Thomas Bucherie Designs (outdoor dining). 

DreamHome is open to the public until December 7, and the hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located in the North Lobby of the Merchandise Mart on the first floor.