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!!