Chicago, IL, May 2, 2006--The Merchandise Mart Design Center, the country's largest collection of luxury home furnishings, will have its first sample sale open to the public on May 6 and 7.
The Treasure Hunt sample sale is a once-a-year chance for the public to shop at Merchandise Mart, normally accessible only to the design trade.
"Treasure Hunt takes the traditional sample sale to the next level as only The Merchandise Mart can--using our resources to offer design assistance, design education and inspiring vignettes to give attendees ideas for their own home," said Jeanne Fisher, managing director of marketing, Design Center division, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., (MMPI). "This is a rare opportunity to see the latest trends in home design before they appear in retail stores and receive complimentary advice from some of the area's finest designers."
Not only will attendees be shopping where designers usually shop, they can also receive free advice on how to solve tough design dilemmas at home from the design professionals on hand. Guests are welcome to bring floor plans or photos of rooms and take advantage of the complimentary, 20-minute consultations with interior design professionals for spaces where they need an expert's guidance. This is a great opportunity to experience the benefits of working with an interior designer for projects big or small--and it's free.
Some of Chicago's finest interiors experts also will give seminars on Saturday and Sunday covering topics such as "Defining Your Own Style" and "The Other Trend: Quality Interiors Never Go Out of Style." These free seminars are perfect for anyone interested in interior design or learning more about how design professionals work. Seminars will be held on Saturday and Sunday. For compete details go to http://www.merchandisemart.com/treasurehunt .
Many high-end firms will be selling samples, including Holly Hunt, George Smith, LLC, Stark Carpet, Beacon Hill, Baker Knapp & Tubbs, F. Schumacher & Co., Grange, Henredon, Edward Ferrell/Lewis Mittman and Nancy Corzine.
A Fabric Salon will feature a large quantity of fabrics with savings on full bolts or by the yard from Holly Hunt Great Plains Collection, Kravet Fabrics, Robert Allen Fabrics, F. Schumacher and more. Shoppers can find everything from chenilles and mohairs to silks and brocades for upholstery, decoration and drapery. Area International fabrics, normally priced between $200 and $300 per yard, will be selling 27x27 inch fabrics for $2 each! Hunt Leather is offering a limited selection high-quality leather, sold by the hide, normally averaging $200 per hide, with a savings up to 75% off.
And just in time for outdoor summer entertaining, the Casual Furniture Pavilion features wood and iron outdoor collections and pieces perfect for outfitting the backyard, deck or terrace. Find incredible savings on furniture from well-known names like Lloyd Flanders, Summer Classics and Whitney Gillespie.
