Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

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”.

During 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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

While 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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 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

Embracing your Animal Instincts in Design
Have you ever noticed how when you smile, it is an instant pick-me-up? You just feel better and your stress just melts away when you have a grin on your face. Two things that make me smile are really good interior design and animals,В  combine the two and I am a blissfully happy designer!В  Being off my feet these past few weeks due to my foot surgery had me spending inordinate amounts of time with my beloved dogs and while staying down has been beyond difficult, having them around makes it all better.В  Despite the pain of recovery, I found myself smiling! As I looked around from my perch on the bed or on the sofa,В  IВ  started to take note of all the things in my home decor that had a touch of inspiration from the wonderful world of animals.В  A print here, an accessory there. It got me to thinking that perhaps it’s time to dedicate a blog to animals and how there are countless ways to incorporate them into your interior for a bit of wild and whimsical fun!

Designer peacock chair from Haute House

Supreme Seating
I love the surprise element of these chairs.В  From the front they appear to be gorgeously upholstered chairs, thenВ  when you get around the sides and the back you can see the detailing and design. Whether it’s Peacocks or Butterflies, how can you keep from smiling when you see how beautiful these are?

Blown glass animal figurines from Steuben Design

Graceful in Glass
So you like a more contemporary feel to your accessories?В  Look no further, the graceful and fluid lines of these glass animals will complement any room, any color, any style. These in particular make me want to reach out and touch them they are so pretty!

Fauna animal pillows from Design Public

Purr-fect Pillows
I adore these little throw pillows! From puppies, to gorillas, to piglets and everything in between these puffy bits of ingenuity will definitely be conversation starters. Get a little wild and toss a couple on your couch or on your bed!

Origamis Hunter wall lights from Si Studio: Goat, Deer and Rhino

A Head on the Wall
There are creative alternatives to the hunter’s tradition of literally incorporating animals into your home decor. These amazing origami inspired lights are a fantastic way to give a nod to the tradition of hanging heads on the wall with all of the style and none of the gore!

Animal print rugs from Horchow : Blue Leopard, Wild Giraffe, Traditional Zebra

Don’t Fur-get the Floor
Bold statements for the floor that are harmless for our furry friends! Keep in mind that animal prints don’t have to be in traditional or realistic colors either as seen in the Blue Leopard rug design above.В  Fresh and fun!

Horse lamp from moooi

A Horse of a Different Lamp
If you are looking for over the top style, then you have to check out the lifesize horse lamp from Moooi. It’s a showstopper and need we say more? If you check out their site take a look at the pig side table too. It will make you smile for certain!

Tiger Striped Sofa from Neiman Marcus

Purrrrrrrrfectly Upholstered
Don’t forget there are a wealth of great textiles you can incorporate into your home decor with some great mix/match upholstery or even draperies. Whether it’s a touch of animal embroidery in your drapery sheers or a tiger striped couch you can find that perfect balance, just make sure you don’t overdo it!

Whether you start out with a small accessory or go for a fully themed room, incorporating animal inspired design into your home can be a wonderful way to put a smile on your face every time you enter. There are some truly wonderful fabrics and products out there that run the gamut from sophisticated to silly depending on where your tastes lie. If you need help getting a little wild with your interior design, I hope you’ll think of us at Design Connection. Located in Kansas City, we offer complimentary in-studio interior design consultations, so come on by or schedule an appointment here and let’s see how we can make your room roar!В  Don’t forget, we welcome your comments here or if you want to pipe up and say hi and talk about Interior Design on Facebook and Twitter we would love to see you there too!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:В  Haute House, Design Public, Steuben Design, Si Studios, Horchow

So we’ve allВ  heard the general grumbling about the economy and how it has impacted everything from toothpaste to telephones. Kansas City and the interior design world haven’t been immune to the effects of the economy but thanks to our penchant for listening to and working with the needs of our clients, the team at Design Connection have been keeping busy with projects big and small.В  We know there are lots of people out there who would love to do a whole house remodel but are a little hesitant given the economic climate so we decided to tackle one room at a time to show you some ways you can achieve that fresh new look in your home without breaking the bank!

The Hardest Working Room In The House
Ahhhh, the kitchen. Not only is it typically a space where we prepare food, but increasingly it has become a central point or gathering place for family and friends to nibble and nosh. With such a hardworking space, no wonder it’s typically the first place people look at when they consider any updating in an existing home!В  On this particular kitchen, the client bought an older home that was in need of some serious updating.В  We had lots to accomplish so we found ways to help trim costs so that they could achieve the look they wanted but also incorporate the things that were important to them.

Kitchen Update Idea #1: DON’T OVERLOOK THE FLOORS
We started with one of the basics.В  The floor is often an easy area to forget about when considering a kitchen revamp. If you don’t have it in your budget to actually replace the flooring, there are several things you can do to update your existing floors especially wood floors like these. From painting a pattern or a rug (to cover flaws) to a full refinish.В  Your wood floors can and should give you years of use. We decided that these floors needed a dose of a different hue to help them reach their full potential without costing a fortune. We accomplished this by completely stripping and refinishing the floors in a different hue.

Kitchen Update Idea #2: CREATIVE CABINETS
We didn’t have it in the budget to completely replace the cabinets and in many cases it’s simply not necessary. Cabinets are among the most expensive items in most kitchen remodels. Here, we helped the cabinets reach their full potential without costing a fortune by changing the color with a quality faux finish. It’s amazing what you can achieve with that basic design staple, paint. Some other ideas you could incorporate to update your cabinets is to take the doors off and paint the back a different color for a modern and hip “open shelving” feel to your kitchen.

Kitchen Update Idea #3: MAKE A SPLASH
A backsplash to be more specific. We removed the original tile backsplash that looked dated and replaced it with a new one comprised of darker tiles that added a natural stone texture along with greater visual interest with the introduction of a hint of color and the slim horizontal lines of the tiles.

Kitchen Update Idea #4: ISLANDS AREN’T JUST FOR THE TROPICS
If you don’t have one already and have the space, adding an island to your kitchen can add tremendous visual appeal plus give you additional space to gather ’round, prep food and store kitchen items. This kitchen already had an island which we reintroduced to modern times by adding a new curved granite countertop, a beautiful new range AND a faux finish to match the beautiful “new” cabinets.

Kitchen Update Idea #5: COUNTERTOPS ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Gorgeous granite isn’t always the most affordable option out there but is sure is pretty. The new granite countertops in this kitchen definitely add visual appeal and with the money we saved by refinishing the cabinets and flooring, it enabled us to splurge in other areas like this. There are several options for affordable countertops that include the great new finishes in traditional laminate countertops as well as manufactured stone countertops that can mimic the great look of granite without costing an arm and a leg.

Kitchen Update Idea #6: BRING THE BLING – APPLIANCES & FIXTURES
Last but not least, it’s the details that count.В  Newer appliances and fixtures can make any kitchen feel modern and fresh. They certainly made a world of difference in this one. Stainless steel goes with anything and can help give the space that popular “professional” kitchen look that’s all the rage!В  Even if you can’t afford all new appliances all at once, the beauty of it is that you can replace them one by one, as needed. You should consider new lighting fixtures or replace that drippy old faucet. Even new, upgraded drawer and cabinet pulls can add that extra special bit of detail that will contribute to the overall feel of the room.

While these are just a few of the things you can do to update your kitchen, we think that you’ll agree that big or small it’s one of the projects you can undertake with the maximum potential for making a huge impact on how your home feels for you and your guests. Even if you take a few hours and update with a fresh coat of paint and some new cabinet hardware, we think that there are plenty of ideas here that you can incorporate bit by bit or as a whole to achieve the kitchen you desire most.В  Of course if you’re just not that good with visualizing or taking home improvement projects from concept to completion, you can always count on us at Design Connection to hold your hand and help you through the process from start to finish. Having a designer who listens to what you want and helps you to accomplish your vision and stay in budget is something we pride ourselves on doing for our clients. It’s all about the service and there’s nothing better than having a client tell you how happy they are with the work you’ve done after the project is completed! This particular project was extra special because not only did we receive feedback from the client, but we also heard from people on facebook who were familiar with the original home!В  It was such a treat for us that we just have to share.

WHAT THE HOMEOWNER SAID:
“I would like to thank Arlene and team for turning a daunting task into a fabulous reality. When we recently moved into our new home we loved the floor plan but knew it needed some updating. Having gone through the process of home makeovers in our previous homes we had some experience, but found ourselves struggling to prioritize where to begin with this home. Arlene stepped in and helped us determine the most important steps over the “nice to haves” in order to keep within budget. The result was a well implemented and executed plan with amazing results. Arlene and Cindy kept us informed, minimized the disruption to our family and kept the creative juices flowing. Friends and neighbors who saw the before and after cannot believe the transformation. Thank you!”В  —Randy M.

COMMENTS FROM FACEBOOK:
“I know this house….what an INCREDIBLE transformation! My husband & I are in shock seeing these pictures (knowing what it looked like with the previous owners.)”В  — Lori M.

As always, if you need help with your design whether it’s starting from scratch, remodeling or restyling, we hope you’ll think of us.В  Take advantage of our complimentary in-studio interior design consultation or if you’re just wanting to say Hi we hope you’ll pipe up here on our blog or on Facebook or Twitter. Until next week- have fun with those kitchens, dear friends!

I’m still recovering from my recent foot surgery and while it has it’s ups and downs (ha ha), one of the benefits was that I had a little bit of time to relax and think about one of my favorite topics…interior design! While I was resting, I was called upon by a friend to help choose paint colors for an office and it made me shift into “color” mode.В  The color swatches she started out with were not even close to the ones she ended up with!В  After spending time looking at the ones she thought she liked, she ended up going with the one that made her FEEL really good. Sometimes it’s hard to envision a room in color or what it would look like with the right accessories. With so many options to choose from it’s often hard to decide which is why so many people gravitate toward neutrals. While everyone knows I love my neturals, I also think that everyone can benefit from a splash of color here and there (and then some…).В  With color once again on my mind I wandered out into the vast landscape of the world wide web only to find lots of inspiring and colorful things to share with you.В  While there were way too many for a single blog post, here are a few of my favorites.В  Do not live in fear of color my friends, I am here to save hue.

Michiel Cornelissen's colored pencil bowl adds a splash of color to your interior design

Color My World
There is simplicity and creativity in this ingenious bowl from Michiel Cornelissen that allows you to customize with all the colors of the rainbow or just the ones you like. What a fun conversation piece and perfect for family game night as a practical table accessory.В  Does anyone want to play Pictionary?

Della Robia's colorful bon bon ottomans will brighten your room

To Mix or Match?
Put your feet up or have extra seating for friends with these fantastic plush ottomans. In a variety of colors you can mix and match or if you’re especially daring, choose one of every color and live the vivid live through your home decor!

Colorful BioGlass makes for a gorgeous countertop, flooring or wall accent

Recycled Rainbow
Your beer or wine bottles just got a new lease on life. In a rainbow of NATURAL colors, BioGlass is a gorgeous way to incorporate 100% recycled glass into your home decor.В  Perfect for a durable and oh so pretty countertop, but strong enough to be used in floors and walls. Who knew our empties could be so useful in home decor?

Emory Krall's OLED origami light for Universal Display

Changing Hues

Remember the Rubik’s cube? I came across a cool article featuring these concept origami lights by designer Emory Krall and was so intrigued by them. When you talk about incorporating color in design it’s so easy to forget about using light- colored lights especially are so mesmerizing and can affect your mood. While these may not be available to buy off the shelf, the idea behind them and the chameleon-like quality of the translucent glass to make the colors change as you move the light fixture should provide plenty of inspiration for you to find a light fixtures, colored shade or bulbs to bring soft soothing hues to bathe your rooms in!В  Oh and don’t forget to watch the stop motion video! WATCH THE LIGHT VIDEO!!В  OLED Origami Light

Vintage pillows from Ouno Design

Pastels and Prints from the past
Add the colors of yesteryear into your home decor with the easiest way to infuse color into your home. Throws and pillows made from vintage fabrics are beautifully made, earth friendly and just plain pretty!

OK so now that you’ve had your dose of cheerful color and a bit of fun & funky design inspiration, it’s time to get to work and transform your spaces. Come share with me your ideas for color and how you incorporated it into your design- or if you are still having trouble, you can always come to the studio for a free interior design consultation. Come on Kansas City design junkies, you can find me here, on Twitter or Facebook. Don’t be shy, let’s talk shop!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:В  Michiel Cornelissen, Della Robia, Coverings Etc., inhabitat.com, Ouno Design

Who says you can’t achieve great design on a budget? For college bound students, incorporating a bit of personal style and design on a shoestring budget is a fact of life.В  As I recover from my foot surgery and watch as we get ready to send our students back to school, I thought I’d share some fun ideas on ways to personalize that epitome of unpersonalized space, the dorm room. Limited space + small budget = design challenges that you can still overcome.В  Don’t believe me? Check out some of my ideas below!

A Restful Sleep
Typically the most dominant furniture in a dorm room are the beds. What a perfect place to play up your personality with your bedding! I love the mix and match styles and colors out there that help you to achieve a peaceful sleep and study area while letting you play up the fun part of your personality by working in fun patterns and textures to complete the look.

Stow Away!
It’s important o have a place where you can safely store your valuables within arms reach and a perfect solution for that is lockable storage in the form of a trunk.В  They come in many shapes, sizes and colors and I love putting one or two in a room either at the foot of the bed or near the wall then throwing some pillows on top to create additional seating for studying or when friends visit.В  Kick it up a notch and decorate with cool decals and stickers of your favorite bands, or check out the vintage travel stickers from Trunk Outlet by clicking the picture above and looking at their trunk accessories.

No Shoe Left Behind!
Shoe lovers can rejoice because here is the perfect solution to bringing your favorite pairs of shoes AND having plenty of space to store them in your dorm without having to shove them underneath the bed (that space is better for underbed storage boxes for clothes anyway, right?).

Not allowed to paint? No problem!
Most dorms have rules against painting the walls but never fear, the age of removable decals is here which means you can choose from tons of ready made (or custom if you have artistic skills) wall decals that are easy to install and remove at the end of the school year without leaving a mark on your walls.В  Problem solved, start customizing those walls people!

Score an A+ on your lighting
Study time is key to making the grade and the lighting in your room can make a big difference when it’s time to get serious and crack open the books.В  A floor lamp next to the bed takes up little space and provides plenty of light for late night reading while a table or desk lamp can illuminate your work or desk area.

Grab a Seat
With lots of options for colorful seating under $100, stores like Target have a surprising amount of dorm-friendly furniture and accessories to cover just about any dorm related need. I thought these were really fun and could be a great way to create practical lounge space on a shoestring budget.

Even with the limited space of a dorm room which you often have to share with others, it’s still possible to stamp your space with a bit of your personal style to create a little bit of home away from home when you go off to school. With just a few inexpensive accessories and some thought behind the colors and patterns you choose, you can create a fantastic space to call your very own. Depending on how much room you have, you may even be able to incorporate a bookshelf or two and if your budget allows, a soft and comfortable rug can help ward off the chill of the winter months and keep your toes happy! I want to wish all of our students a fantastic start to the school year, especially those of you who are studying interior design. It’s a topic that is especially near and dear to my heart.В  Would love to hear from you on how you decorated your dorm space if you feel like speaking up.В  You can find me here or on Facebook or Twitter. Hope to hear from you soon!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:В  JC Penney, Trunk Outlet, Rakku, Dali Decals, Nova Lighting, Target,

Let’s face it, there is only one of you on this earth, which makes you completely and utterly unique. So, why settle for mainstream when you can incorporate one-of-a-kind style choices into your home decor that reflect your personality? I come across so many interesting individuals in my work which is what makes it so fun to do. Getting to know people, finding ways to make their homes sync with their personalities and tastes is one of the things I enjoy most about interior design. There is nothing better than to have a client say how much the love the work you did or exclaim over accessories you found that seem to have been made especially for them!В  This week we’ll take things a little bit further and show you some ideas for the creating amazing spaces with uncommon elements that highlight your individuality.

If Walls Could Talk…
They would tell you it’s their turn to shine in your interior decor. Did you know you can design your own custom wall murals from scratch? You can go with a template where you simply pick a pattern and colors or completely design from the ground up if you are artistically gifted, better yet use a favorite photo for a larger than life wall that will make you smile!

A Neat Seat
Forget just choosing the fabric for your sofa and go for the whole design experience by choosing your wood finish, style, upholstery AND pillows. The result will be a combination that is completely YOU.В  Living Green has an easy to use customizing tool on their website where you can create your own furniture on the fly like I did with the sofas pictured above!

Switch On Your Creativity
I love being able to design my own lighting and with companies like Lamps Plus, it’s easier than ever when you can pick your own light fixture, floor or table lamp and dress it up with a myriad of colors and tons of patterns. Serious fun to be had here (can’t you tell from the light fixtures and lamps I created above?!)

Wallpaper is NOT Dead
In fact, it’s alive and well and for your particularly creative souls, you can create your very own custom printed wallpaper online anymore. I am so impressed with the tools that are available to experiment with different looks and see results instantly. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun in one afternoon…

Cut a Rug!
Bet you had no idea you could have your very own custom wool rug hand-loomed to your specifications by Peruvian artists did you? You start out with a blank slate and add the design which is then created especially for you to showcase in your home. There won’t be another soul out there with the same rug that you have- AND as an added bonus you can even customize pillows to match. Now that’s divine design!

Beautiful Bedding
Inspire sweet dreams with bedding that screams with personality. I love the custom options from InMod where you can choose everything from the fabric (cotton, silk etc.) to the pattern to the color of the thread used for the embroidery. Plus, the prices are so reasonable for this level of customization!

Isn’t it amazing the level of customization you can get for everything you could possibly want from the floors to ceiling these days? I just love all the options that are available out there to really make a space go from ho-hum to simply brilliant. Self expression in interior design is key to making your home a place you can truly enjoy spending time in.В  By customizing pieces, you give them meaning and turn them into something truly special that goes beyond owning a one-of-a-kind item.В  Beyond the things I showcased here there are many more ways you can put your personal stamp on your decor with custom finishes, furniture, window treatments, artwork, accessories and more.В  If you need help, you know who to call!В  We have the resources you need to make your dreams a reality and can customize just about anything you can dream up. We love creating inspired spaces and can help make sure you end up with something that is as unique and as special as you are!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:В  TotallyCustomWallpaper.com, Living Green, Lamps Plus, Alluminare, Jonathan Adler, InMod

If you’re one of the lucky ones who get to work from home, you know how important it is to have a space that feels good but also helps you to become more productive. Last week we talked about how to get the most out of designing a small desk and office space for folks who are a bit challenged in the square footage arena.В  This week we are taking another look at home offices but this time we’re looking at traditional ones, an entire room or space in your home that is dedicated office space where you are able to be productive and get your work done. Without further ado, let’s roll up our sleeves, get busy and see how we can motivate you to make your space work beautifully for you!

Everybody Gather ‘Round!
Need to have a group meeting in your home office space? Here’s a fun and functional self-contained conference table from Bernini Modern Classics.В  I love how sleek the lines are and how the chairs actually become part of the conference table when they are not in use!

Pretty Lights!
Everyone knows that lighting is key in a home office space.В  Create artistic ambience with the diffused light from this fun and functional bubble chandelier.В  Not only a beautiful centerpiece for your room, a gorgeous overhead light can make your office go instantly from dull to delightful plus soft lighting reduces glare on your computer monitor.

Everything in its place
Nearly every home office has a collection of books and of course, like you,В  they need a good home.В  Bookshelves don’t have to be boring, which is why I love this box unit that gives so much space to display and organize the essentials and yet keep things looking quite spiffy! Bookshelves are also the perfect place to display awards, certificates and your beloved books.

Form + Function = FANTASTIC
You know how I love furniture that can serve multiple purposes, like this desk that doubles as a display or bookcase on the front. Such a practical use of space and I love the dark wood grain and spacious work area.В  If you are going to be spending some time there, might as well make sure your desk is one you’ll love!

Your Back Will Thank You
Proper seating is the best way to save your back from the long hours of sitting at your desk. There is an abundance of ergonomic designed chairs to choose from in the marketplace that make your back feel good and your office area look good.

Your Carpet Will Thank You
If your office is carpeted and you choose a rolling desk chair, you might want to consider putting down a floor mat.В  Gone are the days of the ugly vinyl mats- enter our friend bamboo! You can get these fabulous floor mats in a variety of colors from different vendors- there are some that are thicker and more rigid or you can buy the ones that roll up for easy shipping. Say hello to your new bamboo floor with a practical chair mat!

These are the basic building blocks you need to have a successful home office space. A comfortable place to sit, a large and adequate workspace, room to store reference items, lighting to see and possibly a space to hold meetings.В  There are many more things to consider from the color of the paint on the walls to the accessories and art you use to make the space feel welcoming, hide clutter and file paperwork. I’m thinking maybe I’ll have to do another blog post to address the fun now that we have the function down! Are you ready to redo your home office? You know who to call for the latest trends, help with space planning and an eye for design…that’s right the team from Design Connection! From bookshelves to brilliant lighting, once you make your home office space productive and and a pleasant space to spend time in, perhaps you’ll notice that you’re getting a lot more work done.В  Now that’s what I call a wonderful return on investment! If you are interested in a FREE In Studio Consultation, click here and request an appointment. We love hanging out with you online so if you have time, stop by and talk design with us on our Kansas City interior design pages on Facebook or Twitter. We would love to hear what you have to say about the wonderful world of interior design!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Ital Design Furniture, Artisan Crafted Lighting, Horchow, Hive, Frontgate, Steelcase, Brookstone

Summer is here and whether you work at home on a regular basis or find yourself taking care of tasks at home during time off or on the weekends, it’s important to have a space that functions and flows, especially if you ever want to get anything done. After last week’s post on cramming a lot of function into a small kitchen space, I received a few questions about home office spaces from some teacher friends who are “off” for the summer but end up working quite a bit from home which inspired me for this week’s post. Ready to get some work done?В  Don’t let the lack of space cramp your style, we’re here to inspire the office you truly desire!

Give your Gadgets a Rest!
Tidy up those messy cables and recharge your portable devices in style on a fun and functional bed of grass. Not only does it hide cables, it cushions your electronics and might make them feel like they are on a summery vacation (plus it looks cooler than a standard charging station!)

Put it on the Wall!
In a small space furniture can take up so much room so why not put it on the walls? It gets everything up neatly off the floor, creating the illusion of more room AND utilizes the space you might not use for anything other than art and accessories!

Got Books? Defy Gravity!
I love the idea of these fantastic and conversation starting bookshelves that convert an existing book into a shelf to make your books look like they are floating on the wall! Not only can you organize your books, they actually can become your wall art!

Wrap it up
Living in the electronic age means we have lots of cables and things to plug in. Don’t let your cords and cables trip you up. What to do when you’re not using them? Here is a simple and wonderful solution that makes both practical and stylish sense!

Small footprint, Big light!
Adequate lighting doesn’t always come with the space so if you want to make sure your desk area is illuminated, look no further than a slim LED light that takes up very little space but gives off plenty of light! There are lots of designs in a multitude of colors and even clamp versions in case you’d rather hang your light from a bookshelf and keep the desk area nice and neat!

So much more than just a chair
I am a huge fan of really good seating and task chairs in your home office is no exception, in fact it should be one of your better investments simply because if you plan to spend a lot of time working at your desk, you’ll feel better if you are comfortable (and you’ll get more work done if your neck and back don’t hurt from the strain of sitting in a bad seat!) Ergonomic task seating can be found just about anywhere and you can inject your styleВ  by choosing unique colors, finishes or upholstery to make your seat compliment your space beautifully!

Inspired yet? I have lots of space challenged clients and one of the things I’m a big believer in is space planning. Especially in smaller areas, it’s so important to lay out the room and determine where everything will go and make sure it will all fit before you ever pick up a paintbrush or start making improvements. At Design Connection that’s one of the things we do best, helping take the challenges out of a space and creating areas that our clients can use and love for years to come.В  We do complimentary in-studio consultations for interior design in Kansas City, so if you are interested in some home decor one-on-one time with the Design Connection Team members, contact us today. You can either fill out the form, give us a call or come by the office to make an appointment.В  We would love to help your optimize your space whether it’s an office, kitchen or other room in your house, design is our passion.В  You talk, we listen, you’ll LOVE!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: ThinkGeek, Mash Studios, Umbra, Oboiler, Artemide, Hive