Back in November, I attended an event with Modern Luxury Interiors that was hosted at 210 Design House in one of their custom kitchens. I was very impressed with the kitchen and the entire space in general! They have a beautiful showroom and offer impeccable design. It always amazes me what incredible opportunities and resources we have in our own backyard. I recently chatted with Rama Dandamudi, president of 210 Design House about their history and what they have going on now.
How did 210 Design House get started?
I started the business 29 years ago on Clybourn in Lincoln Park well before there was a Whole Foods there. I was a physician and surgeon by trade, but in my free time, I felt drawn to kitchen design. In those days the kitchen design industry was very basic, even in new construction. I attended the Kitchen and Bath Show and met a European manufacturer that was making beautiful cabinetry, unlike anything I’d seen in American design. Something clicked.
What began as a hobby in my free time (I was still in my residency and in private practice), began to evolve. The business really solidified when the condo market in Chicago in the late 1990s took off, and we designed the kitchens in 340 on the Park.
What began as a hobby in my free time (I was still in my residency and in private practice), began to evolve. The business really solidified when the condo market in Chicago in the late 1990s took off, and we designed the kitchens in 340 on the Park.
Tell us a little about the business’s evolution.
Our brand partners are not just high-end, but they also automate production – which means we can support large high-end buildings that require 300-400 kitchens at a time. My team is able to translate between the builders and our manufacturers in Italy. Today our designs are found in about 90% of the high-end buildings in Chicago.
During this time we expanded our showroom in the Merchandise Mart, and five years ago we bought a building in River North that is now 210 Design House, a five-floor showroom showcasing our kitchens, closets, and bathrooms.
During this time we expanded our showroom in the Merchandise Mart, and five years ago we bought a building in River North that is now 210 Design House, a five-floor showroom showcasing our kitchens, closets, and bathrooms.
What are some of the design trends you anticipate for this year?
One trend we are already seeing is fully integrated design throughout a home, with one room flowing into another with monochromatic finishes. I have also noticed the integration of ceramic and stone, which is very beautiful. And lastly, lighting everywhere! Because of the evolution of LED lighting, we now add lights to closets, doors, and pantries – no more dark corners anywhere!
How do you select the brands you work with?
Our relationship with the brands we work with is long-lasting and strong. They work alongside us, and instead of saying, “This is what we do” we come to a meeting of the minds. I believe problems are easy to solve when everybody trusts everybody.
Tell us about one of the most memorable projects you are working on.
We are working on a kitchen right now that is all marble, so our team went to Verona and handpicked each piece of stone, and when installation is ready, our Italian artisans will be flown over to personally install it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Finding cool solutions. If you are ordering a bottle of wine, it is easy to order the most expensive, but if you know what you are doing, you can find a good bottle that isn’t necessarily the most expensive and you think, “Oh, wow!”
What would you say to a homeowner considering a new kitchen/bathroom?
Explore what is possible. If you spend a little bit of time with a designer or expert, you may be surprised at what you can get.
Where can we see your work?
We just finished the St. Regis and One Bennett Park. We are currently working on several penthouses across the country and 2,000 units in Lower Manhattan.
