Dream Home 2008

So they've already posted the dates for this year's dream home at the Merchandise Mart...mark your calendars for September 12-December 22, 2008. While I can't wait to find out who the designers are for this year's home, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite rooms (and designers) from 2007.

My overall favorite was the kitchen, designed by Jessica LaGrange. This beautiful room featured mostly sustainable materials including recycled walnut cabinetry, resin countertops and ceiling panels, and sustainable abaca wallcovering. The furnishings were a collection of pieces from various Mart showrooms as well as a number of custom pieces and items from the designer's own collection. This was definitely the highlight of the home for me as well as most of the people I overheard while touring.



The entry really set the tone for the whole home and I think designer Tracy Hickman did a fabulous job of introducing one to the overall theme through her use of subtle color and gorgeous accessories. I loved the blue-grey hair on hide leather inset at the floor...a great, unexpected use (especially in an entryway). I also loved the oversized custom console which straddled a parchment covered Asian trunk.



The other room that I thought was incredible was the home office designed by Douglas Levine. This room, more of a study than your typical office, was something I could picture in any chic apartment in Manhattan. The masculine palette, rich woods and luxurious upholstery really enveloped you. It's not hard to imagine a high powered executive kicking off his (or her) shoes and sipping a cocktail while lounging in one of the mohair covered wing chairs in front of the fireplace.



Click here if you would like to check out the rest of the dream home and learn a little bit more about the designers. Hope you enjoy!!