A Hearthroom for Family Living

Categories: Accessories, Design Connection Projects, Furniture, Living Areas

Let’s be real, the family lives in the hearthroom! And your space should be comfortable and flexible so that everyone can enjoy spending time in the room. When updating a space, you will get the most out of the room by adding special touches that reflect your family’s lifestyle!

Subtle and refined this beautiful hearthroom was transformed by a cozy sectional and accented with suede pillows and fun, black and white patterned pillows. Soft and wonderful underfoot is this great looking silk rug, you almost have to walk on it to believe it. This client had beautiful crystal family heirlooms that we featured on the glass coffee table, candles used in the evening make this space appear magical. The crystal lamps with linen shades are very much up to date. We loved the steel table, though twenty years old, we found it was timeless and worked in our new update.

Design Tip: Accessories can transform a room, but you don’t have to get them all at once. Your collection should tell a story about your travels and interests. Don’t overdo it; consider the quality of the item and its placement. Change out your objects as the seasons change, and if you need a change in the space declutter!

Furniture is an investment, and my clients trust me to guide them through the options, so that they can enjoy their furniture for many years to come. Check out our portfolio to see examples of our projects. Please feel free to ask us questions or schedule our complimentary  in studio consultation at 913 851-8776. You can also connect with us through  Facebook

Life is Too Short to Paint the Walls Beige!

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration, Furniture, Living Areas, Walls

Ok, I admit, I have painted a couple of walls beige, but I brought in fabulous furniture, fabric and texture to create the drama in the room. When starting a project, you have to make a choice. Are your walls going to do the talking, or is the furniture and items in the room going to make the statement?

If you want a great couch, with fun pops of color on the pillows I recommend going with a neutral color on the walls. You can bring in textures with your rug, drapery and accessories to keep the room interesting. Neutral walls also showcase art better, allowing the picture to draw your attention, rather than competing with a strong color.

If you feel more comfortable with a neutral furniture scheme, then I would defiantly bring in some color on the walls. You can create beautiful monochromatic furniture layouts, by paying attention to details and creating interest through pattern and texture. Then you can use the walls to either make a bold color statement, or more subtly enhance your room with just enough color to keep the room fascinating.

Everybody has a different definition of beautiful and that is the fun part of interior design, that we can cater a project exactly to the lifestyle and needs our clients. That is our design philosophy here at Design Connection Inc. and our clients agree.

What our clients have to say!

“Arlene and her team did a phenomenal job with our new home. They listened to what we wanted and delivered in a huge way! When we bought the home, it was traditional and ordinary and did not reflect our tastes, but Arlene was able to completely revamp it with a contemporary, fresh look that we love!

- Chris B.

Design Connection, Inc. excels at all types of home interior projects, and offers end to end services from space planning, through furnishing, material selections, to the last final touch WE DO IT ALL FOR YOU!
Design Connection Inc is an official retailer of CR Laine Furniture. If you like the featured pictures in this blog, we can help you achieve a personalized look in your home!

Connecting with us is easy, feel free to ask us questions 913-851-8776, comment on our Facebook read our Blog or touch base with Twitter!

The Three Essential C’s of Interior Design

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration, Space Planning

New Year, New Resolutions and chances are one of those involves doing something with your home. Whether it’s a refresh, complete remodel, or relocating to a new residence, you shouldn’t tackle your interior until you understand the difference between decorating and design.В  Our business is interiors and we have spent years crafting a strategy that is based on what we call the Three Essential C’s of Interior Design- or as we call it, C3Design.

Connecting. Creating. Customizing. C3Design is all about how we connect spaces and integrate furnishings and materials into your overall design to create custom living spaces that are tailored specifically to your tastes.

C3Design Design Connection Interior Design

CONNECTING

We love to connect with our clients. It’s a part of our company name and a part of the promise we make when we take on any project. Our C3Design process begins with a clean, computer generated drawing of your space. Starting at the very essence of a space eliminates costly design or measurement mistakes or miscalculations and helps you to visualize the possibilities for what your home can become!В  We discuss your goals for the space with you and reconcile that with what is possible within the structure. Together, we work with you to decide on the details and any architectural or structural changes before we move on to what we call The Final Touch which involves furnishing and accessorizing the space to make it amazing.

CREATING

Your peace of mind is something that is incredibly important. When you engage with us, you are trusting us with your home which is something we value immeasurably. At Design Connection we don’t just work on your project, we handle it for you from start to finish. Managing quality builders, craftsmen, and our trusted partners is what we do for you to take the guesswork and surprises out of the process. While your dream space is being created, we communicate with you and our partners consistently so that you are always aware of what’s happening and when at your home.

CUSTOMIZING

Decorating interiors is an art form and when your space is ready for The Final Touch, it signals the completion of the vision we created with you when we began your customized C3Design plan and project. Our goal is to give you design that translates seamlessly from idea to reality and final touch elements that extend and reflect the overall design. For that reason, we offer only the most unique and customized furniture pieces and accessories and work with only the most skilled quality craftsmen to achieve a space you’ll be proud to live in. Scouring markets around the country to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your home and enlisting the best in the business for everything from faux painting to cabinet design ensures that your space is as unique as you are!

C3Design Design Connection Interior Design

THE THREE C’S = Happy Clients

As you prepare to tackle your space for the new year, keep in mind that detailed planning and discussion is key to achieving an end result you will love.В  At Design Connection, we love interiors and we love making your ideas and dreams come to life. Our creative and detailed approach to interior design is what sets us apart and we’d love to sit down and talk to you about how we can help you accomplish your goals with your home this year.В  We offer complimentary in-studio consultations by appointment and invite you to contact us anytime by phone 913-851-8776, filling out this form online CLICK HERE>>>, or coming by the office at 10520 Barkley Suite 140, Overland Park, KS 66212.

 

The Three Essential C’s of Interior Design

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration, Space Planning

New Year, New Resolutions and chances are one of those involves doing something with your home. Whether it’s a refresh, complete remodel, or relocating to a new residence, you shouldn’t tackle your interior until you understand the difference between decorating and design.В  Our business is interiors and we have spent years crafting a strategy that is based on what we call the Three Essential C’s of Interior Design- or as we call it, C3Design.

Connecting. Creating. Customizing. C3Design is all about how we connect spaces and integrate furnishings and materials into your overall design to create custom living spaces that are tailored specifically to your tastes.

C3Design Design Connection Interior Design

CONNECTING

We love to connect with our clients. It’s a part of our company name and a part of the promise we make when we take on any project. Our C3Design process begins with a clean, computer generated drawing of your space. Starting at the very essence of a space eliminates costly design or measurement mistakes or miscalculations and helps you to visualize the possibilities for what your home can become!В  We discuss your goals for the space with you and reconcile that with what is possible within the structure. Together, we work with you to decide on the details and any architectural or structural changes before we move on to what we call The Final Touch which involves furnishing and accessorizing the space to make it amazing.

CREATING

Your peace of mind is something that is incredibly important. When you engage with us, you are trusting us with your home which is something we value immeasurably. At Design Connection we don’t just work on your project, we handle it for you from start to finish. Managing quality builders, craftsmen, and our trusted partners is what we do for you to take the guesswork and surprises out of the process. While your dream space is being created, we communicate with you and our partners consistently so that you are always aware of what’s happening and when at your home.

CUSTOMIZING

Decorating interiors is an art form and when your space is ready for The Final Touch, it signals the completion of the vision we created with you when we began your customized C3Design plan and project. Our goal is to give you design that translates seamlessly from idea to reality and final touch elements that extend and reflect the overall design. For that reason, we offer only the most unique and customized furniture pieces and accessories and work with only the most skilled quality craftsmen to achieve a space you’ll be proud to live in. Scouring markets around the country to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your home and enlisting the best in the business for everything from faux painting to cabinet design ensures that your space is as unique as you are!

C3Design Design Connection Interior Design

THE THREE C’S = Happy Clients

As you prepare to tackle your space for the new year, keep in mind that detailed planning and discussion is key to achieving an end result you will love.В  At Design Connection, we love interiors and we love making your ideas and dreams come to life. Our creative and detailed approach to interior design is what sets us apart and we’d love to sit down and talk to you about how we can help you accomplish your goals with your home this year.В  We offer complimentary in-studio consultations by appointment and invite you to contact us anytime by phone 913-851-8776, filling out this form online CLICK HERE>>>, or coming by the office at 10520 Barkley Suite 140, Overland Park, KS 66212.

An Unforgettable Holiday Table

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration

It’s amazing how fast the holiday season has flown by this year. As I braved the crowds and worked on my holiday shopping, I was thrilled to notice the variety of color and designs that were available this year in accessories. It seems that the mainstream is breaking away from the traditional and adding in a bit of welcome and exuberant colors and textures in everything from stockings to ornaments. Perhaps that’s why I have been embracing the color purple for the holidays!В  Either way, it was quite the treat to see and as always it got me to thinking about having friends and family over to share memories in my home over the holidays and how I will try to make the setting extra special. In the spirit of the season, I want to share some fun and funky ideas for perking up your spaces as we make it through that last bit of the holidays and make our way toward the new year!

 

Luxe traditional tablescape from Stonegable

Traditional Splendor
Nothing makes the holiday crowd say ooh and aah like a luxurious tablescape. Here you see all the gorgeous traditional standards- crystal drinkware, grandmother’s china combined with gorgeous red tapers and the lush pine & berry centerpieces will make holiday dining an experience to remember!

 

Candle rail from Neiman Marcus

By Candlelight
Nothing says holiday dinner like the soft glow of candlelight amidst some pretty greenery. Invest in a gorgeous candle rail that you can use for years to come and begin a new holiday tradition at your table!

 

holiday centerpiece from Southern Living

All Good Things
Can you tell I have a thing for beautiful tablescapes? I just adore the variety of textures and colors in this combination centerpiece with flowers, greens and fruit. Delish!

 

Fruit centerpiece from Floral Home Decor

Good enough to eat!
If you have a particularly large table, an equally large centerpiece can be delightful.В  I love the combination of pine boughs, berries and beautiful fruit to create a sumptuous and bountiful centerpiece

 

 

 

 

 

A pretty purple christmas table

Colorful Suspense
Last week I talked about hanging some cool ornaments from the chandelier to dress up your table- I just adore the height on these where they are suspended and floating low and center over the table.

 

Floral lights from modcloth

Petals Aglow
I love to find things that add visual interest especially when I am dressing the house for the holidays. These unique illuminated flower lights would be so cool as a grouping inside of large glass cylinders at the center of the table to cast a soft and pretty glow.

 

Holiday centerpiece from Blackbaud holiday party

Festive and Fun!
I love looking at what event planners and florists do for big holiday parties to see what interesting things they come up with.В  This fabulous centerpiece caught my eye and would be fun and easy to do at home. It’s amazing what a bit of ribbon, some christmas ornaments and creativity can do!

 

Decorative holiday ball centerpiece from Better Homes and Gardens

Easy and Elegant
Taking things you already have and making them extraordinary is a lot of fun. Here they took some magnolia leaves, a bit of gold paint and christmas tree balls and set them on a long platter to create a simple and elegant centerpiece. Consider cutting a sprig of pine and placing in tall flutes with a few red berries in the bottom and lining those up on the table or perhaps filling martini glasses with colorful large Christmas lightbulbs or mini ball ornaments!

 

Setting the mood and creating an atmosphere for the holidays helps to make for very special memories. Whether it’s carols by the fire or the smells of a fabulous traditional Christmas dinner, the little things you do to make an event extra special are often noted and remembered fondly for years to come. It’s a time for sharing and for you I have a special (and I think, to die for) sweet potato recipe I always break out for the holidays. You can find it by clicking here.В  If you try it, you’ll have to let me know what you think- tell me on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/DesignConnection. I hope that you and yours are having a wonderful holiday this year and I look forward to sharing more ideas and working with many of you in the upcoming year. For now, enjoy and have fun getting ready for those guests!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Stone Gable, Neiman Marcus, Southern Living, Floral Home Decor, HousetoHome.co.uk, ModCloth, Being Social, Better Homes & Gardens,

Think Purple for the Holidays!

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration

Do the holidays have your interior looking a bit ho-ho-ho hum? I know it’s not easy trying to work in red and green into your color palette which is what the majority of retailers seem to push around this time of year so why not ditch the traditional holiday colors in favor of something that is more complimentary to your current colors? Better yet, give your interior a bit of holiday zing and think outside the box with bright vibrant jewel tones like purple, or opulent and glamorous gold!В  We just wrapped decorating the home of our holiday contest winner and can’t wait to share with you the results, but first we thought we’d treat you to some ideas for making your holiday extraordinary with some unique accessories that could take your room from blah to beautiful in minutes!

 

Design Connection- Christmas Design Decor Ideas

Feathered Finery
Who needs a real tree when you can have one made of glorious feathers? Better yet, going for non traditional colors like Purple or Black can make a statement AND fit in with your contemporary design tastes!

 

Stone wreath from Neiman Marcus

Perfectly Polished
I love accessories that are not only eye catching but something that you can use throughout the seasons. This beautiful polished stone wreath is one of those things.В  It goes great with any earth-toned palette and can be dressed up for the holidays and dressed down for the rest of the year. Think of it as jewelry for your wall!

 

Christmas Ornaments from the Historical Christmas Barn

Don’t Forget Fluffy and Fido!
One of my fun things to do for the holidays is to decorate with unique ornaments in unexpected places. These adorable pet themed ornaments would be so cute hanging from the chandelier in the dining room at varying heights!

 

Bronze holiday deer

Oh Deer!
I love bold focal points in a room and if you have the space, adding a large accessory like these bronze deer can be just the thing to give your holiday interior that “Wow!” factor. How cute would these be with a color coordinated bow to match your look?

 

Stockings and Tree Skirt from Horchow

Creatively Coordinated
I love the trend of matching textiles for the holidays and what better way than to do unique stockings with a matching tree-skirt? If you want to take it another step, throw in a coordinating throw pillow or draperies to create a beautiful and pulled together look!

 

Designing your space for the holidays is sometimes as stressful as revamping an entire room. Finding space for the tree and pulling together a holiday look that is complimentary to your existing decor can be challenging. If you have space I often recommend storing some of your furniture to make room for your holiday decor which helps keep things from getting too cluttered. Also, don’t be afraid to reconfigure your furniture. Not only does it help you establish the focal point of your room, it will give you a freshness to the space that you get to revisit after the holidays when you bring your other furniture pieces back into the room. I hope you were able to get some ideas and inspiration for your holiday interior design from this week’s post.В  Stay tuned for pictures from our holiday decor contest winner’s home.В  I can’t wait to share them with you! If you have a gorgeously decorated home for the holidays, I hope you’ll share pictures with me on my facebook page. ‘Tis the season to be jolly!

 

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Bouclair Home, Historical Christmas Barn, Frontgate, Neiman Marcus, Horchow

A Small Powder Room Gets A Big Makeover

Categories: Accessories, Bathrooms, Design Inspiration

Sometimes the smallest of rooms in our homes are overlooked in the grand scheme of remodeling and redesign. For instance, think of the Powder Room. Typically a high traffic area in any home, yet for all it’s practical use this little space is often one of the least attractive. What most people don’t realize is that starting with the smallest rooms can help you get a feel for the remodeling process without disrupting your whole life. What makes it even better is the big impact a little redesign can have on a small space! Don’t believe me? Check out this Powder Room remodel for a small space that had stunning results!

 

Powder Room Before Remodel

Powder Room Before Remodel

Orange you glad you remodeled?
Orange tissued walls, fixtures in need of updating and a vanity with the original wood finish were practically screaming for a makeover.

 

After Powder Room Remodel

Spectacular Ever After
A little faux, some new surfaces and fixtures give this Powder Room some serious “Wow!” factor.
Keep reading to see how you can get the look!

 

Sink detail from powder room remodel

Glass Vessel Sink from Oceana
The sink becomes a standout part ofВ  the bathroom design with a gorgeous above-counter vessel in textured, tempered glass. The transparency allows water to reflect light patterns on the beautiful new granite countertop when the faucet is turned on.

 

Glass Mosaic tile from Powder Room Remodel

More Gorgeous Glass
For the back wall in this bathroom, we chose to update and accent with small mosaic glass tile. The colors here are from Oceanside Glasstile’s Tessera tile in the Ocean Coast color palette. Hints of metallics and subtle pops of colors to compliment the earth tones of the bath help make the wall around the sink practically shimmer. So pretty!

 

Faux paint in Powder Room Remodel

Say it ain’t Faux!
Amazing what a little paint can do. Since new cabinetry wasn’t in the budget and the walls in their previous orange life had been tissued (which requires a great deal of work and expense to undo) we decided to get creative with a really good faux paint job. The cabinets and walls look brand new and highly customized.

Admit it, now that you’ve seen what a difference a bit of redesign can make you’re thinking about the things you can do to make your small rooms sparkle in time for the holidays! If you have the right resources, you can stretch your budget to get the most out of the dollar and one way of doing that is by using a qualified interior designer like Design Connection. We have access to vendors for everything from fixtures to faux finishing who will help get the project done right, on time and on budget.

If you like what you saw here, you should also check out the kitchen remodel we did in the same client’s house. Seriously jaw dropping results that didn’t break the bank! They couldn’t be happier and we’re pleased as punch.

Of course if you need help transforming your spaces, we’re here to assist. Kitchens and bathrooms, rec rooms and offices- we do them all from start to finish. Call or contact us today for a free in-studio consultation and let Design Connection help you plan your next project from start to finish. If you had a fantastic idea for a small space, feel free to share it with us by commenting here on our blog, or visiting us on Facebook or Twitter!В  We hope to see you online.

Pretty in Pink

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration, Furniture

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and at Design Connection, Inc. we are thinking of all of our friends, family members and relatives whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. We are remembering those loved ones we’ve lost to the disease and are grateful for those who are still battling while we hope for the cure. There are many ways we can individually help to support causes and foundations that will hopefully result in a cure for this terrible disease. Donating time and money to local organizations like the Touched by Cancer Foundation and Turning Point can help right here at home. If you are thinking big, the Susan G. Komen foundation has many ways you can contribute, including shopping on their exclusive website ShopKomen where they let you “purchase with purpose to end breast cancer forever”.

breast cancer ribbonDuring the month of October, let’s honor the ones we love.
We invite you to post about your loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer on our Facebook wall (click here>>>).
Feel free to honor someone you love who has been affected by breast cancer by posting their name, and perhaps even a picture or a story on our wall about them. At the end of the month, we will choose one person and make a donation in their honor to the Touched by Cancer Foundation here in Kansas City.

In support of all of these brave and wonderful people, I am thinking pink this week and have some fabulous ideas on how you can incorporate it in your home’s design. It just so happens that pink is one of the current trends we are seeing in interior design with the “femme fatale” style becoming popular. Sumptuous velvets, lots of luxury fabrics and textures, fluffy rugs all with the pop of pink are in many fashion and style magazines.

design connection pink living room Betsey Johnson

This Living Room is in the Pink!
We love designer Betsey Johnson for many reasons but did you know she also has a passion for interiors?В  She is also a breast cancer survivor and is big on breast cancer awareness. She designed an entirely pink, and very hip apartment that was featured in a recent edition of Elle UK. While it may be a little over the top for most of you, I just love how the pink isn’t overpowering but definitely makes a design statement here. Click on the photo and you can shop Betsey’s website in her Breast Cancer Awareness section and support the cause.

 

design connection chandra amy butler pink area rug

A Pop of Pink!

I just love the combination of brown, goldenrod, white and this bold dash of hot pink on this gorgeous Chandra rug. Perfect for a surprising bit of pink underfoot in your room! If you like this rug or want to see others like it, Design Connection is your resource for Chandra Rugs in Kansas City!

 

 

design connection deep pink velvet chair

Sitting Pretty
Utterly hip and obviously elegant, this plush dark pink velvet chair promises to be a conversation starter.В  Regardless of whether you’re a diva or not, it would be a great accent piece in your boudoir!

 

 

design connection pink jeweled floral branches home accessories

On the Lighter Side
Not ready for a whole room of pink yet? It’s ok, you can still commit to adding little bits of color to your space with subtle pink color. These sparkly jeweled branches would be a delightfully delicate accent for your home without having to go all out floral. It’s girly but with a contemporary edge.

 

design connection pink fabrics CR Laine upholstery

Feisty Fabrics
Ready to breathe some new life into your room?В  Choose a custom upholstered sofa , a set of wing chairs or maybe an ottoman in a patterned pink fabric. There are options that are bold or delicate depending on your tastes and if you look at these offerings from C.R. Laine, you can see they are simply gorgeous. Don’t forget, Design Connection is your Kansas City resource for the furniture and fabrics from C.R. Laine!

 

 

Whether you do a little pink or a lot, you’d be surprised at how versatile this color can be when it’s done right in a room. It’s funny because sometimes when I work with couples, the men seem to be apprehensive about pink. I love it when they actually see it and comment on how amazing it looks AND the fact that it doesn’t always look girly. If you are considering adding some pink to your home’s interior and want to make sure you get it right, contact me and let’s have a design consultation in my studio. It’s complimentary and we can plan exactly how to get your spaces in the pink without going overboard!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Betsey Johnson, Amy Butler/Chandra, Neiman Marcus, ZGallerie, C.R.Laine

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Categories: Accessories, Design Connection Projects, Design Inspiration, Furniture, Kitchens

Interior Design at its best: Bedding, Furniture, Upholstery, Drapery and Accessories by Design ConnectionWhile I was out running errands earlier this week I happened to overhear a conversation between a young couple shopping for accessories in their home.В  The wife was frustrated because her husband didn’t like anything she picked and vice versa which had them at an impasse and apparently it wasn’t the first time. They were arguing over whether certain items would “go” with the style of furniture, colors etc. in their home and after listening to them for a good ten minutes, I finally introduced myself, gave them my card and invited them to come see me for a complimentary consultation.В  They thanked me, laughed and joked that perhaps it would save their marriage if a pro could handle it for them.В  At least then they would have a buffer!В  It made me start thinking about the many things interior designers can do and how there are still a lot of people out there who aren’t really sure what a designer does and why they might need one. Perception can be a tricky thing.В  The way you dress and act contributes to how people perceive you. The same goes for your home. Most people don’t think about interior design as part of their investment into their home but when you look at the benefits you’ll realize that the perception of the quality of your home is directly related to the quality of your interior design. So this week I’ve decided to tackle the topic and try to clarify a few perceptions about interior designers.

Perception #1: I can’t afford an Interior Designer

Like any service, it’s easier to justify the expense if you understand exactly what your benefits are. When it comes to money and interior designers, yes there is expense involved for time, expertise and material costs and labor.В  It’s no different from any other service you might pay for whether it’s an accountant at tax time or a painter to re-do your walls. However, the benefits can be huge when you consider how much your time is worth and then consider how much money you could save by getting it right the first time.

FACT: I save my clients money

• Direct access to vendors to negotiate cost
• Consultation and budget planning up front
• Design done right saves you Time AND Money

Perception #2: I don’t understand the benefits of having an Interior Designer.

I have studied interior design for years, it’s my passion in life. There are lots of obvious benefits of having an interior designer but think about it in the context of the investment you make in your home. If you ever plan to move, it is definitely something you should be thinking about. Competition in the housing market is intense and you and your home should be prepared if you want to get top dollar.

FACT: Good Interior Design can help increase the value of your home.

• Homes that have outdated interiors don’t show well and spend more time on the market.
• Homes in need of major updating sell for less
• If you want top-dollar for your home, you need to make sure you keep it up to date. Interior Designers can help you achieve that.


Perception #3: I can design my own space, surely it’s not that hard.

Of course you can do this if you are happy with your style and the choices you make. You’d be surprised at the number of people who try and can’t understand why their room doesn’t come together on it’s own. I have years of training and experience in Interior Design. My award-winning portfolio speaks for the quality of the work that I do. Much like ice skating, interior design may look easy but to do it right you need talent, training and experience.

FACT: A qualified Interior Designer will get it right the FIRST time.

• Save money by not having to re-do
• Save time with furniture and accessories that are chosen to work together instead of experimenting.
• Many people try and fail at doing it themselves then hire a designer to fix it.

Perception #4: Furniture is cheaper at the big retail stores.

With easy access to large furniture retailers in Kansas City who spend big bucks advertising discounts to get you into the store, it’s easy to assume that you’ll save big on everything they sell. Those big retailers are banking on the thought that you won’t want to make another trip so you’ll choose something while you’re there and get it done even if it ends up costing more than you expected.

FACT: I can compete with pricing & often deliver higher quality furniture

• I have direct access to manufacturers and furniture vendors which helps me pass on savings to clients
• The furniture lines I carry are often better quality than what you can buy off the shelf at retailers
• You can get unique furniture and accessories that you won’t find in the retail stores

Bottom line is that the benefits outweigh the cost and while I may not be able to change the public’s perception of Interior Designers overnight, I do think it’s a worthwhile topic to explore. Most people don’t think about interior design as part of their investment into their home but when you look closely it’s easy to see the benefits outweigh the cost.

Choosing a qualified interior designer should be based on these things:

• Examples of their work- look at their portfolio to see if you like what you see.
• Credentials & Recognition – Arlene is Kansas City’s ONLY Interior Designer to receive the ASID Award for Excellence 4 years in a row!
• Client Testimonials – seeing what past clients say about their experience with an interior designer prepares you for what to expect with yours

Pillows: The Little Accessory That Could

Categories: Accessories, Design Inspiration, Green Design

They adorn our sofas, chairs and occasionally the floor. The little accessory that can transform blah to brilliant in a matter of seconds. What am I thinking of? Pillows, of course. Glorious, fluffy, fabulous pillows! After last week’s blog post on blending animal elements into your interior design I was so inspired by the little animal throw pillows that I decidedВ  this week I would dedicate an entire blog to the wonderful world of pillows.В  I have a collection of fantastic throw pillows on my sofas, chairs and beds that I swap out when the mood strikes that not only add color but comfort to the rooms they adorn. The thing I love about them is whether you do a few or a bunch, they are the one accessory that people will actually use.В  For a night watching tv, a throw pillow might go behind my head, under my feet or along the back of the sofa for me to lean on as I watch my favorite shows. When friends come to visit,В  I love to see them grab a throw pillow or two and get comfortable as I do when we settle in for a chat. It just goes to show that while they aren’t the accessory most people spend time thinking about, it is definitely one that can be pretty AND practical.В  Here are some of my ideas for how you can play with pillows to have a little fun with your home decor. Read on dear ones!

 

Social Icon and Tech throw pillows from Craftsquatch

 

Geeks Need Pillows Too
I got a chuckle out of these social and technology icon pillows. For all the time I spend on Facebook and Twitter, you’d think I’d be tired of seeing their logos but somehow they have become a part of my daily life and seeing them in pillow form just seems cozy.В  If you have friends or family who love technology and geeky things, these pillows would be a perfect gift!

 

Floral Throw Pillows from Zgallerie

Fabulously Flowery
If you have a thing for florals, you’re definitely in luck with throw pillows.В  From textured to tapestry, there is a wealth of gorgeous pillows in bloom that will revive both you and your furniture!

 

Pillow Sofa from Christiane Hoegner

Pillows Galore!
Taking the throw pillow to the ultimate extreme is the pillow couch.В  Can you imagine how comfy it would be to sink into this at the end of a long day? I would likely stay put for quite a while…ahhhhhh.

 

Floor Pillows from World Market

Extra Seating in a Pinch
Not just for your sofa or chairs anymore. Floor pillows have gained popularity as a fun and easy way to create extra and comfortable seating for friends and family.В  On game night cozy up around the coffee table for a game of scrabble or toss a few around that people can grab to lounge on the floor during movie night!

 

Luxury throw pillows form Neiman Marcus

Fit for Royalty
If you’re looking for adding that pampered touch to your decor, look for pillows made with exquisite textiles and trim. With luxurious throw pillows like these, you can indulge in the feel of sumptuous velvet and silk with hand-painted designs to instantly elevate the status of any furniture you choose to embellish with these.

 

Recycled burlap pillows from Aidan Gray

Recycled Comfort
Think green! Now more than ever, there are options galore if you want to make your pillow choices earth friendly. Whether it’s recycled materials like sailcloth or burlap, or organic linens and filling you can easily find gorgeous pillows like these that you can feel really good about.

 

So what are you waiting for?В  It’s time to look around and update your interior decor with some fun and funky throw pillows before you are inundated with guests this holiday season. Decorative throw pillows can range in price from inexpensive to pricey depending on where you buy and the type of pillow you choose. Even if you are on a limited budget, there are plenty of places where you can find inexpensive and stylish throw pillows and the great thing about them is that you can replace them easily as they wear out or as you tire of looking at them. As I finish my blog with my feet propped up on a throw pillow my fondest wish is for you to end your day similarly comfortable and content!В  If you need help finding the perfect throw pillows and you just can’t stomach the thought of doing it on your own, never fear, the Design Connection Team is here to help. Take advantage of our complimentary in-studio interior design consultation and take a step toward a fresh new look for your home this fall!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Craftsquatch, Zgallerie, Christiane Hoegner, World Market, Neiman Marcus, Layla Grace