Pouring over glossy magazines and visiting websites are two ways to glean ideas for your next kitchen project. But there is nothing quite like visiting one of the world's largest collections of high-end kitchens to give you an overview of the latest trends in design, materials and appliances.
This hands-on approach is exactly what's on offer at the new LuxeHome¢ collection of boutique kitchens at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago. But don't expect cheap-and-cheerful kitchen designthis is haute couture for kitchens, says Katherine Flaherty, vice president, building products and special projects for Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc (MMPI).
"LuxeHome is a new retail model for luxury kitchen, bath, home building and renovation products," she says. "At the same time, we have set out to provide a shopping experience to satisfy a variety of aesthetics, budgets and product needs. Each boutique was carefully selected to ensure that homeowners can find exactly what they need to complete a simple renovation or a complete build-out."
With 13 out of the 25 boutiques on site dedicated to kitchens, there is a wealth of design expertise on show in the 98,000sq ft premises. Flaherty says only renowned and respected kitchen manufacturers were chosen to exhibit in the space. These companies include such well-known names as Poggenpohl, Snaidero, Varenna Poliform, SieMatic, Wood-Mode, Neff, Smartrooms, Christopher Peacock Cabinetry and Clive Christian English Furniture.