Focus on Furniture Fair

Get ready for The Merchandise Mart’s next one-day market event– Furniture Fair™ 2003. Fabric Fair™ was a hit. Interior Designer Susan Driscoll attended Fabric Fair and commented, "As an interior designer, it has become necessary to attend the events hosted by The Merchandise Mart. Fabric Fair, specifically, is important as it leads the way in spring design trends and is a great segue to the High Point show in April." The same can be said for Furniture Fair. It is a unique, invaluable day of events geared to update trade professionals on the hottest trends, products and collections the home furnishings industry has to offer. Product introductions will run the gamut from porcelain tile to lacquered lamps to beautiful upholstery. Furniture Fair also welcomes author of 15 design and lifestyle books, host of HGTV’s weekly series: Interiors by Design and force behind a home furnishings and design empire, Chris Casson Madden, as she hosts Furniture Fairís not-to-be-missed feature presentation! She has taught thousands how to achieve a unique, personal style and create homes that are havens from demanding lives. Madden has designed rooms for such women in the media as Toni Morrison, Gayle King, Katie Couric and Oprah Winfrey. Chris Casson Madden will speak at 10:30 a.m. to the trade and 6 p.m. to the public, sharing a designerís journey from Oprahís "grounding room" to a Vermont getaway, with a fresh look at the new American living room. She will also sign copies of her latest book, New American Living Rooms. Space is limited. Please R.S.V.P. to 312.527.7678.

Hear World Renowned Designers at Fine Design

Attend the Fine Design Residential Furnishings Showô this year and be inspired by both informative showroom events and enlightening, world-class feature speakers. The Merchandise Mart is proud to welcome design industry leaders, Clodagh and Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. Clodagh speaks Wednesday, June 18 at 8 a.m. in The Mart Conference Center. Internationally renowned, Irish-born designer Clodagh creates environments as "art to live in." Earning some of the industryís most coveted awards as one of the "Worldís 100 Leading Interior Designers" by Architectural Digest and one of the "Top 100 Interior Designers in America" by Interior Design magazine. As one of the worldís most innovative designers, she has gone from starting a fashion company at 17 to the opening of Clodagh Design International, which has completed work on many notable corporate, residential and retail projects. Clodagh will discuss how design and life should involve all of the senses and elements, and will expound on the concept of "Total Design."

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy presents "Be Yourself in Interior Design" on Tuesday, June 17 at 1 p.m. in The Merchandise Mart Conference Center. Cuban-born Orlando Diaz-Azcuy is one of America's most respected and awarded designers. An architect, landscape architect, interior designer, product designer and educator, he is renowned for his elegant, disciplined and innovative work. Diaz-Azcuy will share his insight and experience on how to be the best in the business and more. He will examine the importance of standing by principles and ideas, not just for the purpose of being unique, but to be a valuable contributor to the evolution of design.

Both sessions are worth 0.1 CEU and have a fee of $45 if pre-registered by May 23, 2003 or $55 on site. For more information about Fine Design and other feature presentations, please visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART). Residential, casual and K&B showrooms on 6, 16, 13, 17 and 18 will be hosting speakers, seminars and product introductions. Watch for more information in the June issue of InResidence.

Henredon Prepares to Open Mart Showroom

Henredon Furniture has announced a new strategy for its designer showroom distribution. Work has already begun to open to-the-trade showrooms in The Merchandise Mart and the New York Design Center, with other cities also being considered. The showrooms will be owned and operated by Henredon.

In a related move, Henredon has entered into a reciprocal distribution agreement with Guy Chaddock & Co. This arrangement calls for Henredon to market Guy Chaddock in its Chicago and New York showrooms while Guy Chaddock will feature Henredon in its San Francisco showroom. A separate agreement has been reached with the Kindel Furniture Company whereby its products will be featured in the Henredon showrooms in Chicago and New York.

In announcing these distribution changes, Michael K. Dugan, Henredon president said, "The design trade is an increasingly important part of our business and we want to make sure we have a more direct connection with the trade. We are confident these changes will make us more effective in taking care of the consumer and the designer. The lineup of Henredon, Kindel, Guy Chaddock, and in most markets, including Chicago, Polo Ralph Lauren, will have strong appeal to the trade."

THE MERCHANDISE MART UPDATES

query of the month

I attended a wonderful showroom event last month and was extremely impressed by the speaker. I left knowing more about wallcoverings than I ever thought possible and found a perfect solution to a room Iíve been designing. How often are these type of events held and how can I find out about them in advance?
Event Enthusiast, Lincoln Park

Showroom events are exceptional tools to learn more about a specific collection, meet a favorite author, network with showroom and shelter magazine representatives and/or mingle with colleagues. They are also a great way to visit and learn about a showroom you may not visit on a regular basis.

There are several ways to be one of the firsts to know about the happenings around The Mart. Watch for notices from showrooms posted around or outside their showroom. Be sure that you are on showrooms’ mailing lists as well as The Merchandise Mart’s. (Hint: if you did not receive a Furniture Fair™ brochure in the mail, email your contact information to rdelsignore@mmart.com). In most cases, showroom events will be listed on the InResidence calendar of events, but be sure to keep an eye out for blast faxes, e-mails, postcards and invitations.

Also, take note that many showrooms on the 6th floor will be hosting events on the 1st Tuesday of every month, as part of Design Inspiration, a lifestyle learning experience. See this month’s and future InResidence inserts for details. Mark the dates now!

This month, details for special events hosted by Duralee, Summer Hill and William Switzer can be found on the InResidence calendar of events. And, of course, you will be able to experience introductions, seminars, drawings for prizes and more at Furniture Fair, May 15. See you at The Mart!

now open: northwest entrance & corridor!

Explore a new route on your daily trip to The Merchandise Mart! The Mart’s Northwest entrance and corridor will be open beginning Tuesday, May 5. Be one of the first to view the new 1st floor Kitchen, Bath and Building Center’s exciting progression.

Fabrics

Did you know that AST is the manufacturer of one of the largest collections of chenilles in the USA? The range of colors is astonishing...from sophisticated neutrals to intense jewel tones. Patterns include herringbones, basket weaves, plaids, tweeds and damasks. AST also offers on-site acrylic backing, saving you the additional shipping fees and extended delivery times. Stop in Designers Choice and take several of these beautiful samples for your next design project! Suite 6-162

Edelman Leather will be showcasing exciting new products for upholstery and floors at NeoCon 2003 in June. Visit them on the 8th floor in Market Suite #I213 or in their 18th floor showroom. Suite 1873D

Designed to spark imaginations, Caboodle by Zoffany is a colorful range of fabrics and wallpapers that will enhance any nursery, playroom, bedroom or family room. View this new collection at Thomas Job or for a complimentary brochure, contact Hilary at 312.822.9944. Suite 1636

Albert Hadley introduces his first collection of wallpapers and fabrics, exclusively at Hinson & Company. Hadleyís prestigious design career includes a faculty position at Parsons School of Design and client roster that includes the President of the United States. Visit Hinson to view this exciting new collection, including "Tipper", woven in three colors, an appealing stripe enhanced with squares that appear hand-stitched. It was chosen by Tipper Gore for the Vice Presidential Naval Observatory residence. Suite 6-117

At Kravet, variety is the spice of life and this spring season, plums and lilacs are flourishing. Incorporating vibrant, violet colors with rich textures such as silks, wovens and chenilles creates a glamorous and novel look. Silks lend luxury and flair to the most modest of settings. Kravetís colors and textures are always bold and full of life while remaining versatile and classical. Suite 6-128

Furniture

Colie & Harris is proud to offer the David Michael line of furniture. New pieces are on display and more are on the way. David Michael offers a variety of styles from French and Tuscan to Classic and Empire. Please stop by to see these beautiful styles, imported from Spain, France and Italy. Suite 1720

Lighting

Announcing the addition of Waterford Crystal Lighting. The sparkling Waterford Crystal is complemented by the finest fabric shades. Shipping time is only 3 weeks. The line includes table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and magnificent chandeliers. Suite 1674

Have you seen the contemporary lighting available through Pauline Grace? They represent French and Italian lines, including chandeliers, wall sconces, table and floor lamps. Come into the showroom to fulfill your lighting needs. Suite 1677

Floorcovering

Lacey-Champion is featuring floral designs this season. Traditional or stylized, they welcome spring. Bring in your ideas and discuss the possibilities. All Lacey-Champion rugs are hand tufted, custom designs produced at a mill in Fairmount, Georgia. Suite 6-164

Scott Group Territory Sales Representative, Dave Flood, will be happy to introduce you to the Scott Group Quick Ship Texture Program. Select a carpet texture from one of our twelve standard patterns. Indicate your color choice from the 60 in stock color poms. Delivery takes only three to five weeks. It really is that easy! These textures are 100% wool, seamless and ship in exact quantity. Suite 1822

Visit the knowledgeable sales team at Carpets by Design to see how your current project can be enhanced with one of their artistic designs. Suite 636

Kitchen, Bath & Building Products

Smartrooms reclaims the title as Top Wood-Mode dealer in the world. Thanks to Jim Livingston, President and CKD, Smartrooms’ culture puts fashion and innovation foremost.

Also this month, Wood-Mode’s Brookhaven line introduced the Edgemont door, an adaptable style that can be used to accommodate traditional, country and soft contemporary design. Suite 1356

Special Promotions

SUNCOAST ALUMINUM FURNITURE invites you to take advantage of tremendous savings during their annual sample sale, featuring an array of unique patio and sunroom furnishings. Not only can these pieces be used in either a residential or contract setting, they are wonderful in both interior and exterior designs. Suite 17-105


NANCY CORZINE announces the Niermann Weeks Spring Lighting Sale, beginning May 1. Save on chandeliers, sconces and lamps. Every stand lighting design will be sold at the lowest published price. Ask any of the friendly Nancy Corzine sales associates for details. Suite 622

Mart Moves

LEE JOFA is pleased to announce that Marbury Jones has joined the team. Please visit the showroom to welcome her. Suite 6-136

COWTAN & TOUT welcomes Jennifer Haagenson, sales associate specializing in contemporary design utilizing Larsen and Rogers & Goffigon textiles. She brings her experience as a designer to assist clients with their interior projects and can be reached at 312.644.0717 ext. 226.

Cowtan & Tout also welcomes back Bobbie Pohl–Leinweber as customer service representative. She took time off to raise her infant daughter and is now ready to get back to assisting clients with their sales orders. Bobbie can be reached at 312.644.0717 ext 227. Suite 638

OSBORNE & LITTLE is happy to announce that Allison Sewell is back in Chicago from Osborne & Little’s L.A. showroom and has joined its Mart team. Suite 610

THANHARDT-BURGER CORP. (aka W.T. Burger) has moved to the 16th floor, Suite 1676 effective Monday, May 5th. See their "new" space, look, artwork and showroom manager, Ellen Ripp. Any questions about art and custom framing services, call 312-527-1653. Suite 1676