A new era of immersive design arrives at The Merchandise MART this Spring. Open now, The Showhouse at The MART brings together 13 nationally recognized Chicago design firms to transform 3,000 square feet into a multi-room urban penthouse. Blending visionary interiors with an unparalleled mix of luxury brands, The Showhouse offers a rare opportunity for design enthusiasts and the public to explore bold ideas, refined aesthetics, and the art of modern living — up close and fully realized.
Open to both the trade and the public through September, the Showhouse transforms The MART’s first floor into a dynamic showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and design possibilities. Shaped by the refined, imaginative spirit of top interior designers, the space features a world-class assortment of luxury brands and products found at the kitchen, bath, and fine furnishing showrooms located in Chicago’s most iconic design destination.
“The MART is honored to collaborate with influential industry names whose talent and dedication brought this extraordinary home to life,” says The MART’s Managing Director of Marketing, Margaret Crow. “The Showhouse invites visitors to imagine how the thousands of brands, colors, and styles available in The MART showrooms can merge to build a harmonious narrative and make a space feel like home. Each room is defined by the distinct aesthetic of the assigned designer, while enhancing the collective story and illustrating the endless design possibilities found at The MART.”
Drawing inspiration from the Art Deco era and designed to model a penthouse apartment, The Showhouse is largely inspired by The MART’s building itself, which was completed in 1930 and designed by Chicago architect Alfred P. Shaw of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. As lead interior architect for The Showhouse, En Masse Architecture and Design took inspiration from the building and the era when mapping out both the rooms of The Showhouse space the design of the facade.
“We live in a dynamic city with rare but compelling examples of Art Deco Architecture,” says En Masse Architecture & Design Founding Partner, Mike Shively. “When asked if we would serve a larger role in The Showhouse, it was an immediate yes, as our team was excited to bring elements of this era and the craft we love to this activation in a meaningful way. We’re excited to see how the industry and the Chicago public responds and know it will illuminate The MART’s dedication to celebrating design.”
For the 2026 edition of The Showhouse, 13 design firms are represented, including Abrams Valenti (Living Room), CCS Interior Design (Terrace), En Masse Architecture and Design (Facade and Interior Architecture), Gil Melott Studio (Studiolo), Goesling Group (Scullery), Ilene Chase Design (Primary Bathroom), James Thomas (Primary Bedroom), Jessica Lagrange Interiors (Dining Room), KSA Design Group (Parlor), Morgante Wilson Architects (Powder Room), Nouveau Design House (Bar), Randy Heller Design (Foyer), SuzAnn Kletzien Design (Kitchen & Hallway).
Several top luxury brands and vendors are featured within the design of each room, including Brizo, Divine Flooring, Gaggenau, Porcelanosa, Scavolini and more.
See the full showhouse details here.
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