It's like Barbie's Dream House, but for grown-ups. The Merchandise Mart's DreamHome exhibition, which is now in its fifth year, will once again open its grand doors to the public on Friday, April 17. The annual display will become a permanent fixture at the Mart, inspiring design ideas for both professionals and do-it-yourself-types every day.
The drool-worthy DreamHome display is a collaboration between the city's top interior designers and the showroom resources of The Merchandise Mart Design Center. The innovative exhibition is arranged as a series of 10 room vignettes in the Mart's first floor North Lobby, including a veranda, welcome lobby, foyer, home office, living room, bedroom, bathroom, dining room, kitchen and library. (We told you this was the home of your dreams.) Visitors can wander from one area to the next, much like touring a beautifully laid-out residence. This year's participating interior designers include Laurel Feldman, Janet McCann, Larry Boeder, Missie Bender, Christopher Michiels, Leslie Jones, Mick De Giulio, Denise Antonucci and Jerry Sanfilippo of ASI Interiors, Frank Fontana and Joan Blutter, Janet Blutter Shiff and Lynn Boutross of Blutter Shiff Designs.
In another new twist, private dining events will be available for the first time in the DreamHome showcase. (Talk about home entertaining!)This DreamHome iteration will be on view at The Merchandise Mart through Dec. 18. Guests are encouraged to make a $5 donation when visiting the exhibition to benefit the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women's Board.
