We went to the press preview of the new 2009 Dream Home at the Merchandise Mart and really liked the changes they made to the physical space that it occupies. The rooms are now more symmetrical and open up onto each other, making walking through the show house feel more like a "real" home. We snapped lots of pictures and pulled out ten decor trends (love em or leave em) that we found represented:

1. Pink: showing up in artwork, on walls, as an upholstery choice
2. Jewels: a gem-encrusted pillow
3. Gold-toned Metals: slowly but surely overtaking chrome and stainless
4. Garden Stools : plain or ornate, indoors and out
5. Flowering Branches : a more minimal bouquet
6. Trough Sink: long and narrow, with varying depths
7. Patchwork Oriental Carpet: pieced together from vintage rugs
8. Mid C Style Paintings: less mid c furniture, more mid c artwork
9. Vintage Style Table Lamps: add a touch of quirkiness to any space
10. Faux Bois: as an upholstery pattern

Dream Home is open at the Merchandise Mart, North Lobby. Monday through Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3.