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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.

Styles range from traditional to transitional to contemporary, with each kitchen presenting the most up-to-date products and materials available.

"This is not just a collection of fine products," says Flaherty. "It is also a one-stop-shop where discriminatory homeowners can draw on the expertise of design professionals."

The Merchandise Mart includes an 8000sq ft Design Resource Center. This exhibition area features 20 separate displays of related industry products from hundreds of manufacturers.

"The Design Resource Center is a place where both homeowners and trade professionals can find and purchase new products," says Flaherty. "They can also gain an insight on new design directions."

Products on display at the center include doors and windows, lighting, flooring and hardware.

For more details, contact LuxeHome, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL 60654, phone (312) 527 7939, fax (312) 379 6083. Email: designresourcecenter@mmart.com. Website: www.luxehome.com.

Story by: Trendsideas