Who is Raymond Waites?

Raymond Waites holds a special place in our hearts here at Dream Interiors. Raymond's first visit to Dream Interiors was back in 1997 when he helped us introduce our Raymond Waites gallery on our second level. Raymond has been a close friend ever since, and we are blessed to have him join us again for this special once in a lifetime experience.

Please enjoy this brief history of Raymond and all of his design glory.

"Modern man associates himself with the ancient world, not in order to reflect, like a mirror, but to capture its spirit and apply it in a modern way."
Palladio, 1564 A.D. Raymond Waites, 1994 A.D.

Raymond Waites has created a New Golden Age of Decoration. On November 1, 1994, the Raymond Waites Vintage Home Collection was born in New York. Raymond established a new design atelier to explore the many facets of global design. As designer, President, and CEO of Raymond Waites Design, Inc., Raymond is recognized as the pioneering force behind this New Age of Decoration.

Raymond Waites is recognized as the leader and founder of the American Country movement in home furnishings in the 1980’s. Raymond Waites acceptance of his design philosophy is represented by $4.5 billion, at retail, of branded and private label products throughout his career.

Raymond’s inspiration derives from our American and global heritage. He translates his creative spirit into innovative products for the home using the finest domestic and international manufacturing skills. Raymond’s intuitive design sense, has helped make him an authority in design in America, Europe and Japan. Raymond Waites’ coordinated collections collaborate all elements of home fashions including bedding, textiles, wall coverings, area rugs, lamps and chandeliers, ceramics, porcelain, framed art and other accessories. Raymond’s signature is mixing the opulent with the humble to create timeless and refreshing looks with casual elegance.
Introduced in 1995, the Raymond Waites designed collections from Laneventure and a harvest of licensed manufacturers, exemplifies this Vintage design philosophy. Capturing the essence of a New Vintage Home, the collection offers three distinctly different lifestyle settings of furniture, for each season, merchandised with coordinating accessories from more than 20 American furnishings categories. This collection has resulted in one of the industry’s most successful introductions. Raymond Waites Vintage designs can be seen in hundreds of shops around the world.

Raymond Waites gave birth to his New Vintage Home. Vintage is a new look. It’s about comfort. It’s relaxed and at the same time it’s Elegant- Sensuous- Tactile- Textural- and Luxurious.

For more about Raymond Waites, please visit his website at http://www.raymondwaites.com/ where you can view all of his licensees, lines, and see a photographed timeline of his life and accomplishments.

Make a Change- With Pillows!

Have you ever stepped back and really looked at your main living spaces? Do you ever feel like your living room could use a little extra something? Do you love to change your mind?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, we have something phenomenal to show you! You can change the look of your room, daily if you would like, with a couple of handy tips! Watch and learn...

We have created a rainbow of looks, literally! Start with a neutral base- in this case a gorgeous white sofa. Although this sofa is white, we were able to create a number of looks using only 2 things: a throw and some fun pillows! You can change this look per your mood, per the season, or just because!

Need a calming space? How about a beautiful spa blue throw and funky and crisp flower pillows!

Or maybe a rich chocolate throw with contrasting red pillows to add some vibrant color!

Orange can be an excellent color to pop to add energy into a room or transition into fall.

Gray has become the hottest new neutral in the design world. Splashing yellow with the contrast of black and gray is a more contemporary way to welcome summer or spring.

What other color is a huge trend right now? Purple!! Combining shades of purples is a fun way to follow this trend- also a very welcoming color for fall!

Vibrant purple can be majestic and fun. Add a touch of whimsy by memorializing your pet as a pillow- we all know they end up on the sofa one way or another!

Making these simple changes is the easiest and least expensive way to recreate your space as often as you please. Add a touch of fun to your sofa today!

Special Guest Blogger! Stephanie Koenig

Ever wonder about Blinds and Shades? As Dream Interiors Blinds Specialist, we welcome Stephanie Koenig! Our Guest blogger this week!

Hello All!

Just finishing round one of training courses in blinds, We studied shutters in-depth. Shutters are a classic look that never go out of style. Providing great sun protection, they are available in hardwood, polyvinyl, and MDF. Finish options are endless and vane size vary, giving you 5 options to choose from. Did you know that we can custom color shutters to match your trim? If you don't have trim we have a framing option that would save you TONS of money in trim costs! Dream Interiors has great pricing on shutters and depending on your room, budget, and style we can help you determine which is best for you.

Dream Interiors has special pricing on the blinds and shades right now AND rebates from Hunter Douglas on top of that. So if you have 1 window or many....Now is the time! Give me a call, I would love to help you through!

Until next time....

Stephanie Koenig

630.810.1389

stephanie@dreaminteriors.com

Historical Kick-Off

The streets of Downtown Downers Grove were buzzing on Thursday evening for the unveiling of the Historical Photo Tour.

Over 60 photos are on display provided by the Downtown Management Corporation. The photos were unveiled one by one as the first group on the Photo Tour began. Here is some more information to ensure you have a wonderful experience during the Historical Photo Tour- NOW through July 18th!

Take a walk down memory lane. Walk through the streets of downtown Downers Grove and view the historic photos. Get a glimpse of what life in Downers Grove once was as you shop and dine in the boutiques and restaurants of today. Shop and Dine your way through history! Learn fun facts such as who the first person was in Downers Grove to own a car, where the stockyard was located in Downtown Downers Grove, the first building to have electricity in Downers Grove, and discover which buildings are still standing today. (Dream Interiors is one of them!!)

Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation, The Downers Grove Visitors Bureau, The Downers Grove Park District Historical Museum, The Downers Grove Historical Society, John W. Mochel, and Montrew Dunham have come together to take an indepth look at how Downtown Downers Grove has evolved over the years.


For more information on the walking tour- please visit http://www.downtowndg.org/ and get information on how to upload the podcast to your Ipod.

Calling All Tiny Seamstresses!

Every year about this time, the kids are out of school and itching for something fun to fill their time. Every year about this time, Dream Interiors drapery workroom is a buzz preparing for a fun lesson- because every year we hold a Summer Kids Sewing Workshop!

Starting at eight years old, these girls joined us- some of them from previous years, to learn the ins and outs of sewing. No matter how much experience they came with, they were all able to accomplish one thing- the basics of sewing by hand and by machine!

This year simple hand sewing tasks such as creating a pin cushion and sewing on a button were learned. It is amazing how many people do not even possess the ability to sew on a new button!

Two new projects were also introduced: the girls had the option to make a fun purse or to make a Wacky Creature with fun arms that can be tied! By choosing their own fabrics and adding special adornments such a interesting buttons, the girls each created a one of a kind keepsake that they get to take home and remember forever!

The Dream Team Lends a Hand

"Hats for Hope" 2010 went off with a bang on Friday, June 18th. Set at the gorgeous home of Joel & Maggie Andersen in Downers Grove, guests were invited to tour the house before being escorted out to the lovely garden in the backyard. Underneath the big tent, ladies donned in hats of all shapes, sizes, and colors sipped on wine and lemonade and ate a delicious lunch from Tommy R's.

This luncheon was not just about socializing and sporting your favorite summer hat. It was filled with women who were all there for one reason- to support the Family Shelter Service, which benefits women and children who are breaking free from domestic violence. To convey that message, a couple of friends of FSS were brought in to tell us all just how great a cause we were all there to support.

Our main speaker of the day was a young man with a story that brought tears to our eyes. Surrounded by a tent full of women, Shane Hendron stood up and told his lifelong story of abuse in his childhood home. He showed us all that abuse did not get the best of him as he too had the support of an organization such as this. He and his mother and two younger brothers all live perfectly normal lives now- despite their abusive father. An amazing speech that put it all in prospective just why were all there.

Family Shelter Service is an amazing organization that can use support everyday! With budget cuts from the government left and right, it is people in the community that can really make a difference, whether it is donating your time, donating funds, or just simply donating or shopping at their resale shop Second Chance in Westmont or Naperville, you too can make a difference!

How to: Remodel with Dream Interiors

Don't wait for the kitchen sink to start leaking or the cabinets doors to fall off! It's time to REMODEL! Out with the 80's and In with the BLING of 2010! The remodeling process could never be easier. Dream Interiors works hand in hand with Greg Cutler from Americraft to ensure that any project runs smoothly and professionally.

The process begins with a simple consultation with one of our interior designers. They will come into your home and see exactly how you use your space and what feel you would like it to portray. Drawings will be tailored to your specific needs and presented to you taking all of the guess work out of your new space.

From there, Greg from Americraft will visit your space to give you a quote as to just how much this project is going to cost you. Greg brings many ideas to the table as to how to make everything flow and work the way it is intended based on his years on experience.

The fun part comes next with the selection of materials including cabinetry, tile backspashes, countertops, flooring and more! This process is where having a designer is most beneficial as mistakes in this area can be costly if not figured out properly and by a professional!

"There are so many new materials available to all of us on a budget, we can work in all price ranges. We are the Designers, so let us worry about style and what tile goes what counter top
THAT IS WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR!" says interior designer Janice Connolly

You can really make any project an easy one. By letting the remodeler and designer communicate between each other what your wants and needs are, you get the perfect kitchen or bath while doing half the work! Just sit back and enjoy your new space!

Dream Birthday Fun!

You read about it. You anticipated it's arrival. You showed up for your swag bag and celebrated 14 wonderful years of Dream Interiors. And for that, we thank you! If you were not able to share this day with us, here is a recap of the fun we had!

The scene was set- draped in gorgeous colors of purple, party music blarring, and the store scented with birthday cake and fresh flowers. The Dream Team lined up waiting for the guests to come barreling through the door in hopes that they too could snag their very own swag bag- and that they did!

Thanks to so many of our wonderful local reps, we were able to treat our guests to fun bags filled with root candles, fun paper and pens from Duralee and Robert Allen, candles rings from Melrose, and fun kitchen towels from Raz- just to name a few!

Not only were guests treated to a deliciously large cake served up by our very own Marta Cullen & Mary Mengel, and specialty tea from Bello Tea of Downtown Downers Grove, but they were given a treat for their eyes with gorgeous new fabrics from Gina at Duralee in larger than life watches. New to Downtown Downers Grove, Fleur Couture & Greenstar Designs set up the most amazing display of their work for weddings, showers, and more! You will never see a hydrangea as large as these! Or invitations this creative and gorgeous!

Thank you to all of those who made our party such a success- and here is to 14 more!!!

As always, don't forget to check out our Facebook Page to see more fun pictures!

What are the 4 priorities when choosing the best BLIND?

What are the 4 priorities when choosing the best BLIND?

LIGHT CONTROL: How much light control you want in your room will always depend on your room and how you use it. Choosing the right product will ensure the best function.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Dream Interiors offers products that increase the "R-Value" of your windows and controls the UV exposure to your fine home furnishings. Selecting a blind made with renewable resources will also further our endeavor of being green.

STYLE: Traditional to modern and textural to luxurious fabrics make this layer more than functional. Blinds can be tailored, scalloped, soft, woven, or even exotic.

OPTIONS: Get rid of those troublesome cords. Cord loop, a retractable cord, and cordless are safer and a more attractive solution. For the hard to reach window and tech savvy home, motorization is widely available and we are professionally trained and certified.

At Dream Interiors, Stephanie was Marta Cullen's assistant for 3 years and Retail Manager for 4 years. This experience taught her great design as well as all aspects of the design business. Stephanie specializes in blinds and shades, products she has worked with since the start. These products require expertise; with all the selections and options available she can destermine what is right for your window. Meeting her client's needs is Stephanie's top priority and looks forward to working with you.

For more information...

Stephanie Koenig

5122 Main Street Downers Grove IL 60515

stephanie@dreaminteriors.com

630.810.1389 ext.227

www.dreaminteriors.com

Let Them Eat Cake...

Summer is finally here, and so is a momentous occasion for Dream Interiors- the anniversary of the day we opened our doors in downtown Downers Grove! 14 years and counting, and we can not wait to celebrate with all of those who have become not only our customers, but our friends over the years!

That is why we are throwing ourselves a bit of a Birthday Bash, and you are invited! We will call it- "Happy Birthday Dream Interiors- Let's celebrate with cake!" And that is just what we are going to do! Thursday, June 3rd starting at 4:00pm, cake cutting at 4:30, be here to toast Dream Interiors.

The first 50 people will receive a top notch swag bag filled with goodies from downtown businesses, special promos from Dream Interiors, and from our vendors such as our sponsor, Duralee Fine Fabrics! What more can we ask for!!

Speaking of Duralee, our rep Gina will be setting us up with an amazing presentation of the top 20 fabrics this season. Even better, she is offering them to us on SALE! 20% off all orders of Duralee fabric! Simply amazing!

The excitement continues as we will be sporting luxurious fresh florals designed by Fleur Couture, new to downtown Downers Grove, and delicious tea compliments of our across the street neighbor- Bello Tea!

With all of these perks, who even needs a sale? We do! Starting on Thursday, June 3rd and going through Sunday, June 6th, Dream Interiors will be offering all of our accessories, lighting, artwork, and rugs at 25% off. It's just our way of saying thank you. So thanks! See you Thursday!

What's In What's Out at Dream

If you missed our What's In- What's Out Seminar, here is a snipit! Also, check out the video on You-Tube!

10 interior design trends for 2010

1. Color Palette
Speaking of color, "having a purple moment" will continue into 2010. Gray also continues to figure largely as well - in particular purple and gray, yellow and gray, and matte and shiny gray together are great combinations." "Gray is the new beige," in addition to adding "rich and unexpected combinations - like gray with teal or magenta or tangerine. It's a very eloquent color."
2. Bolder design decisions
"In the last year, people were looking to be calmed and comforted by interiors," We should see that the burgeoning sense of optimism will translate into sparkle, glamour and lots of risk-taking in design. In with color!"
3. Layered flooring
Layering floor coverings adds richness and warmth. Overlapping several smaller, lightweight rugs with patterns and colors that are complementary - a striped runner on top of a larger geometric rug - or overlapping multiples of the same rug in a variety of colors." Those with wall-to-wall carpeting can still get in on this trend. Place "a rug over existing carpet for an instant splash of color or pattern." "This is a great trick for avoiding the hassle and expense of ripping out existing carpeting when you want an update."
4. Keeping it real
Forget faux. In 2010, we want to see a movement toward the natural patina of woods, metals and other materials. We don't even mind a water mark or a hint of rust. After all, those imperfections may be the result of generations of wear and come with a good story or two.
5. Artisanal goods
Just as artisanal foods have taken off, expect the same for home furnishings and accessories. Artisanal work will continue to be strong. Even modernists want to see natural materials or the hand of the craftsman brought into their homes.
6. Texture
Texture will be big in 2010. We are spending a lot of time researching new natural materials and unusual techniques with a lot of rich, textural interest. New products include a woven natural bamboo headboard, a crocheted floor cushion, recycled glass candleholders and storage made of exotic woods.
7. The well-traveled look
Whether you're scouring the stalls in Paris or browsing shops during a quick weekend getaway, incorporating souvenirs in a space can give it a bit of personality.
8. Mix it up
In general, a trend to a carefully edited 'anything goes' approach in forming. Going forward in 2010, it's all about the mix and how you combine individual, non-related elements. The right classic 19th century piece will mix with certain vintage finds from the '70s and '80s and with pieces designed this year. Graphic modern print textiles work with traditional chairs and sofas.
9. Old is new again
Antiques and vintage pieces add soul to any space and these types of items are negotiable and plentiful in today's markets, so clients are able to invest in key pieces for their home.
10. Wallpapered ceilings
We've all seen the wallpapered accent wall. In 2010, look for wallpapered ceilings as an increasingly popular option for creating visual impact in a room.


7 trends we'd love to see go
The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. Indeed, personal taste and decor that meets your needs are always in style.
That said, there are some trends we've come across in the past few years that we wish hadn't been so widely adopted.

1. Homes that look like taxidermy shops. Enough with the wall of antlers and animal skins all over the floor!

2. Flat-screen TVs mounted so high above the fireplace mantel, you get a neck cramp before the first commercial break.

3. Home makeover shows that set unrealistic expectations about decorating a space. There are usually scores of people working behind the scenes whom you never see on screen. Plus, we're firm believers that good design takes time.

4. Shallow sink basins that result in water splashing everywhere.

5. Outfitting a room top to bottom with reproduction designer furniture.

6. The phrase "man cave."

7. Watch any house-hunting program on HGTV and, chances are, granite countertops are on the buyer's wish list. But with so many options now available - including recycled paper and glass products - our wish for 2010 is for anyone embarking on a remodel to think beyond the ubiquitous granite and stainless steel combination.

Raymond Waites Back at Dream!

Raymond Waites is back, and better than ever! For those of you who are not familiar with Raymond- he is one of the most amazing furniture designers in all the land. So, that might be partial, but he is a very talented designer with an amazing eye for mixing fabrics, textures, and patterns, all on unique pieces of furniture.



Raymond's most recent line with Lane Venture boasts several new frames from fun chairs, to funky sofas and loveseats, ottomans, and cuddle chairs. All of his fabrics are put into color stories and grouped together how he sees so fit, althought you can use each fabric for whatever you may please.

The best thing about Raymond's new line is not that we have 3 NEW room settings on order for the store (although that is wonderful & exciting!) but the price point. You can be as creative as you want using multiple fabrics, trims, accent pillows, nails heads and more- as much as you want for the same price! A designer's dream! Visit us on Facebook to see more of the new schemes that we have in the works! www.facebook.com/dreaminteriors

A Peak at A New Furniture Line

This week the Dream Team got to take a sneak peak at a new line- CR Laine. Although we have seen this line in the past, all of the new market introductions were out and it was great to see what is new and what is selling across America!






Donna Mazur brought us new fabrics and new frames and showed us the trends in furniture from her end. There are many interesting pieces that all of our designers made mental note of for accent pieces and main upholstery pieces for their clients and clients of the future!



So, what does CR Laine say is new and up and coming- a huge trend is birds!! Birds are a everywhere for this season! Combining fabrics on different upholstery pieces and using bold prints has been big for them as well along with the use of nail heads!

Joining Forces with Hunter Douglas

So what was the Dream Team up to this week? Blinds! We were invited to the Hunter Douglas Showcase in Rosemont where we learned all about the new features that HD is offering on all of their products!

From new fabric launches and headrail options to economic solutions for any window situation- even lunch- we learned everything we ever needed to know and more about many HD classic styles such as silhouettes, duettes, vignettes, and any other "ette" you could imagine!

One great thing that we brought back for you?? You can earn up to $1500 in tax rebates for purchasing energy efficient duette architella! (A double cell cellular shade that comes with option such as cordless, top down bottom up, and even motorization.) We have all of the newest fabric options at Dream- come see why we also call ourselves "Affordable Blinds!" We even got to spin the HD wheel of fun winning ourselves some amazing sales that will be coming your way!!

Glitter, Glitter, and More Glitter!

Who stopped in to Dream today to show us their latest? Kris Mathes from D.L. Couch! New to Dream Interiors, D.L. Couch is a company that specializes in commercial wallcoverings, but they have many designer lines that can be used residentially as well.

Have a love of Candice Olson from Divine Design on HGTV? We do! We had the chance to see some large samples of all things wonderful and Candy!


Another designer that D.L. Couch carries is Ulf Moritz. Straight out of Europe, you will never see more glamorous glitter on a wall covering! We have an entirely new book of this glitz available now at Dream!



So, what does D.L Couch have to offer that we have not seen lately? Tons of luscious vinyls that have come a long way since that old commercial vinyl paper. You can use them as a back splash, in powder rooms, or a busy hallway! Also, silks! Gorgeous silk papers! Dramatic and stunning! And how about a reversible sheer? Using a new process call air-dye, D.L. Couch has found the ability to color BOTH sides of a waffle sheer in different colors!


One last inspiring designer that D. L. Couch is hooking up with- Stacy Garcia. We have seen many patterns from Stacy in the past, but we got a peak at her new wall coverings and coordinating fabrics! Stacy runs a woman- owned business and her lines are made in the US! Very inspiring!

Dream Girls LOVE Fabric!

Today, the Dream girls were visited by our fairy godmother- aka Robert Allen rep Katie Harker! Rolling suitcase in tow, Katie brought us some scrumptious new fabrics from Robert Allen and Beacon Hill! A very special treat as most of the new Robert Allen @ Home fabrics will not be booked this season... the only way we get to get our hands on them is through Katie or by trekking down to the Mart. This was a much more convenient and fun way to see the new styles!

So, what are some prominent colors in new fabrics?? Cobalt blue and white- creating an amazing clean contrasting look & purple. As a Dream girl, you have a special appreciation for all things purple, and these new purple hues are to die for!!

Robert Allen @ Home is an excellently priced line offering up those staples that are needed to tie rooms together from upholstery to window treatments to accents such as pillows. This new collection has many vivacious prints and some amazing solids and textures in all of this season's colors and the timeless colors as well.

Beacon Hill, a higher end division of Robert Allen, always makes are mouths water, and this collection is no different. "Luxury Naturals" is the title of this new group and it is nothing short of amazing. A couple key elements of Luxury Naturals: lots of natural fibers such as linens, cottons and wools, and many natural elements such as scrumptious florals, and birds which we have seen popping up in many elements of design!

Large samples of our favorite fabrics are on order and due into Dream in the next week or so. Stop in and ask to see them for yourself!

Designer Papers!

Apparently the wallcovering business is booming! York rep Rondy Yates brought in his newest and best new designer paper lines to show off and they got some oooohs and ahhhhs from the Dream girls! One of the new lines included Walt Disney- a paper line inspired by different screen shots from famous Walt Disney movies!

These designer lines are inspiring entire rooms whether they be subtle patterns adding texture to the walls, or large statements pulling the entire color story and theme of the room together. Something fun and new- mixing 2 colors of sand and glitter to create the ultimate in texture right on the paper! Even embroidery is finding its way into wallcoverings with these fun embroidered dragonflies!

Not only do these new wallcoverings look good, but advances have been made as to how they are created. By making the back of the paper darker, it is easier to hide seams on dark paper. And a new non woven backing makes for easy put up and take down. This substrait will prevent the paper from ruining your walls therefore giving you no excuse why NOT to use wallpaper!

Fun with Roman Shades & Cornices

Jim from CWA visited the Dream Girls today and brought with him a truck load of amazing samples of his work! Who knew all of the amazing options in cornices that are available these days! Jim and his crafty workroom have put out some amazing work for Dream Interiors in the past, and seeing all of their most recent work was quite a treat!

Among the goodies we saw- shaped awnings- even rounded, box-pleated cornice, wallpapered, tufted and quilted cornices!

Special mention- motorized romans that are now available top down bottom up! The answer to child safety issues- these new child safe romans cover all of the cords and workings underneath lining! Also nice if you are worried about the exterior view! You can even get this cordless with a new spring roller lift system that operates similar to a roller shade!

Stop into Dream over the next few weeks- we liked Jim's cornice displays so much that we had to ordered our own!! 8 new cornices in fun designer fabrics are in the works!!