As part of the 2016 DreamHome, six rooms are now on display at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, using furnishings found exclusively from the design center’s showrooms, including Hickory Chair, Lee Jofa, Holly Hunt, Century Furniture, John Rosselli & Associates and more.
The Foyer
Designers Janet Blutter Shiff and Lynn Boutross of Blutter Shiff Design Associates say of their room: “We were inspired by the golden age glamour and its captivating luxury. In our foyer, we opted to bring that glam into the 21st century and design a space that has a contemporary edge. We have showcased some of our favorite items available from the exclusive and vast choices here in the Design Center at the Mart. In creating the space, we wanted the first impression of the 2016 DreamHome to feel intimate and inviting.”
The Dining Room
Designer Hunter Kaiser of Hunter Kaiser: Creative for Life says of his space, “The dining room was envisioned as a place for communion and worldly escape. It is a collected mix of favorite objects, stories and moments in time. The layered texture of moody dark walls and casework act as a foil to the luminosity of the gilded accents. It is a gentlemanly retreat for high dining in quietude or in the soft presence of an intimate guest.”
The Sunroom
Tom Riker and James Dolenc of jamesthomas Interiors transformed the sunroom, inspired by a photo of Riker’s mom: “We came across a photo of Tom’s mom, Patty. It’s probably from 1975 or ’76. Her salt-and-pepper hair is slicked back and slightly damp, she’s laughing, and her coral-lined lips reveal a mischievous grin. Oversize Chanel-inspired sunglasses hide her eyes, so we don’t really know what she’s thinking. She sits on a chipped white wrought iron chaise lounge with a thick plastic floral cushion beside her friend Posie’s pool.... These are inspirations that we hope are evoked and reflected in our sunroom.”
The Library
Designer Steve Kadlec of Kadlec Architecture + Design designed the library with Jean de Merry’s Heijden Hume library table and a Debra Weninger Design barstool; area rug from Atelier Lapchi, Maya Romanoff’s Hurly Burly II: Silver Coffee Bean wallcovering, and other pieces.
The Bedroom
Michael Del Piero of Michael Del Piero Good Design outfitted her bedroom with Baker’s Homelosophy fur and linen throw, CAI Designs’ Currey & Company Adeline Chandelier and White Wingback Chair, and artwork from Jean de Merry, including a black sculpture and a Patricia Roach brass sculpture.
The Living Room
Designers Shea Soucie and Martin Horner of Soucie Horner designed their living room with Baker’s Barbara Barry Collection highback sofa, David Sutherland’s Jan Showers Harrison coffee table, and Holly Hunt’s Melrose House Serpent table.
The DreamHome will be open to visitors until December 4, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and donations are being accepted for Almost Home Kids, a transitional care provider for children suffering from complicated health issues.
