Design Chicago, the Midwest’s largest residential design conference, opens on Tuesday, bringing acclaimed designers from across the country to the Merchandise Mart. For the time ever, theMart’s Design Center and LuxeHome are combining efforts to produce the two-day event.
Tuesday, October 3
Tips for growing a brand digitally are woven through several of day one’s panel discussions, featuring industry influencers Pam McNally of Sandow and Chad Stark of STARK. Other headliners for the day’s featured presentations include designers Vern Yip, John Loecke, Jason Oliver Nixon, Jane Shelton and Chicago-based Julia Buckingham.
Close out the afternoon at British wallpaper purveyor Style Library, one of nine brands debuting a new showroom, as the Hearst Design Group hosts a celebratory launch party serving English-tea-infused cocktails.
Wednesday, October 4
Designer Jonathan Adler kicks off day two with a discussion and preview of his new collection with The Shade Store. Christopher Peacock, CEO of the eponymous kitchen outfitter, will share his insights on building a brand, while designers Lonni Paul, Summer Thornton, Shawn Henderson and Lukas Machnik are scheduled for forward-thinking discussions throughout the rest of the day.
Set aside time between panels to tour the Design Center’s and LuxeHome’s new showrooms. Dedon, Moore & Giles, and the BSH Experience and Design Center (stocked with the latest products from Gaggenau, Bosch and Thermador) are among the nine new debuts. And premiere brands Divine Flooring, Pella Crafted Luxury, Devon&Devon, GRAFF and Wood-Mode Lifestyle Design Center all host their U.S. flagships in LuxeHome, meaning you won’t have showroom access to them on the coasts.
Evening events include Design Chicago’s Chairs for Charity, a silent auction of redesigned vintage seating benefiting Designs for Dignity, on Tuesday, and the ninth-annual Chicago VIP Luxury Gala, on Wednesday.
