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.