Press Room

See what people are saying about Dream Home 2007. Click here to go back to Press Room home.

Boston Globe: May 3, 2007

A coming-out party

The Boston Design Center debuts its Dream Home, and invites shoppers

By Liza Weisstuch, Globe Correspondent | May 3, 2007

There's a difference between owning a fine object -- be it a luxurious couch, glittering chandelier, or contemporary tub -- and creating a beautiful setting around it. The new Dream Home, which opened Tuesday at the Boston Design Center , gives some of the area's top interior designers a chance to do just that, showcasing their distinctive aesthetic in nine stylish rooms.

But the Dream Home, open through July, is no traditional show house. It is a sumptuous invitation to shoppers -- specifically, those not working with interior designers -- to come to the BDC and purchase items on their own. Historically, the Design Center 's 87 showrooms are open mainly "to the trade," that is, to designers and their clients. (For the past two years, the Plush program has allowed individuals to buy through the BDC for an annual membership fee.) But once the Dream Home website launches May 18, customers can simply click on items they love and buy them purchased through the Design Center's "Plush" membership program at a percentage off retail, but not at wholesale prices.

"Dream Home allows the consumer to come in and, in a very beautiful, edited way, see all the fabulous products and designers we have to offer," says Alexis Contant, BDC vice president and general manager. Among the offerings is Michael Barnum's swank Art Deco lounge, Mollie Johnson's classically accented living room, and David J. Hacin's bath, inspired by nature photography.

The Boston Design Center, which was purchased by Merchandise Mart Properties last year, is the second to unveil a Dream Home. It's now a company-wide initiative spearheaded by Chris Kennedy, Merchandise Mart's president and son of Robert F. Kennedy.

It is the first show house in New England to be built in a raw space. Designers were given a blank canvas and told to go to town. The installation acknowledges that consumers -- regardless of budget -- have become more design-savvy and sophisticated.

"Not everything has to be as precious as the next," says Contant. "There are lots of things that complement each other at different price points but allow you to have your own style."

Dream Home at the Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, sixth floor. Open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit bostondesign.com/dreamhome.