Jillian O'Neill's foyer (left) and Robyn Shapiro's study (right) at DreamHome 2012.

I got a preview of this year’s DreamHome at the Merchandise Mart last week. DreamHome, for those who don’t know, is a collection of nine rooms that some of Chicago’s top designers create for an imaginary dream client (one who doesn’t have opinions or budget constraints, and who only asks that merch from Mart showrooms be used). This year’s home is impressive. A few highlights: Jillian O’Neill's fashion-inspired foyer, with a delightful stairway that perfectly coordinates with the room’s wide stripes, and Robyn Shapiro's study, which includes my favorite piece in the DreamHome—a lamp from Holly Hunt. There’s a lot more to like, including Vincere’s bedroom, which manages to be both masculine and feminine at the same time, but I can’t give it all away. You’ll just have to go see it yourself. (And check this space later for blogger Gina Bazer’s take on the DreamHome.) The Preview Party, which benefits Almost Home Kids, is tonight; it’s open to the public starting Friday.