Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

If you’re like many homeowners, somewhere in your house there is a closet stuffed with everything and anything you can imagine, all in disarray! We’ve all been there: Just got home from work or picking up the kids from soccer practice, and as soon as you walk in the door, everything is thrown in the entry closet. Then when you go back in the closet to find one particular thing, it seems like a hopeless task since everyone’s lunchboxes, coats, gloves, purses, boots, and even the cat gets stuck in there every once in awhile.

Family Closet BEFORE

This Design Connection Inc project features a family with just that problem. As you can see from the before pictures, this cluttered closet needed a major face-lift. This mother of two wanted something sophisticated that would hold everyone’s “stuff”. The solution we went to her with was a new, more functional boot box.

Design Connection Inc Space Plan

We totally removed her old boot box and closet and replaced it with new boot box that houses 4 separate spaces, one for each of the 2 kids as well as one for mom and one for dad! After removing the existing boot box we needed to update the flooring. We were practical with our choices in selection a tile since mud and dirt is tracked when entering through the garage.

As a professional interior designer, I help you analyze your lifestyle so that you can get the most our of your home. We make function look beautiful – that’s our job. If you are ready to see how to better use your space, give us a call: 913-851-8776

Other options are to use a closet system to better organize your items. Kansas City Closet Company is a great resource! Click Here to visit their website.

If you don’t have the space to build in a boot box, consider a piece of furniture. We can help you select the perfect piece that looks fabulous and really works with your home.

Design Connection, Inc. can take a client’s project from concept, space planning and selections to complete design and remodel. Your end result will be both beautiful and functional. Take a moment to view our online portfolio to see our work. If you would like a complimentary in-studio consultation, you can meet our team and learn more about the process.

Kitchen appliances are amazing these days. As a designer I love all the new options that are being introduced. Technology keeps improving the quality and efficiency of these appliances. Here are some great options available to homeowners as they remodel or update their kitchens.

Refrigeration columns are my favorite because you can customize your refrigerator for your family style. No longer does the freezer need to be attached to the refrigerator, which gives me more design flexibility. Clients want larger refrigerators with the ability to rearrange the inside to their exact needs. But I will tell you, it becomes challenging to integrate a 42” or a 48” in a pleasing way, mainly because of the sheer size. With a refrigerator column I can get creative in how I layout out the kitchen.

Sub Zero Refrigerator Columns Click Picture to Learn More

One of the new kitchen design trends is beverage refrigerators built into the kitchen. These are especially handy for kids who can come in a grab a juice box at their own height. There is no way around it: everybody gathers in the kitchen. An integrated beverage center makes casual entertaining a breeze.

Sub Zero Beverage Center Click Picture to See Details

Refrigerator Drawers are a great way to squeeze a little bit more refrigeration into your kitchen. They are easy to work into any design. One idea is to store all your vegetables in a refrigerator drawer next to your chopping area. This makes cooking prep a breeze.

Sub Zero Refrigerator Drawers Click on Picture to Learn More

As I update kitchens, counter depth refrigerators are always my preference. They allow for better visual flow because the refrigerator doesn’t stick out. Just because you give up a few inches in depth, does not mean that your refrigerator will be cramped. The interiors are extremely flexible and accommodating for all your storage needs.

The kitchen is the hub of the home and with integrated refrigerator computers you can instantly access your family calendar as well as the grocery list.

Samsung Refrigerator Click Picture to Learn More

Refrigerator efficiency is probably the biggest value when you upgrade your refrigerator. Many people have combination refrigerator and freezer, which means that the same air circulates through the freezer and refrigerator. New models have separate fans which means your fruits and vegetables will stay fresher longer.

Kitchens are known for being the hardest working rooms in the home. Design Connection, Inc. can help your kitchen also become one of the most beautiful rooms in the home. We can take a client’s project from concept, space planning and selections to complete kitchen design and remodel. Your end result will be both beautiful and functional.

Design Connection Inc Kitchens Click on Picture to view our online portfolio

Is Thanksgiving dinner at your house again this year? Do you need a design update to mix up your space? Or just looking to add a festive touch for the holiday season? Dramatically change the look of your space by replacing the end chairs. This is an easy switch and cost effective way to update a room. By having the two end chairs a different style adds contrast and visual interest to the space.  This modern touch in your dining space can also be achieved with using multiple fabrics on the seats or backs. There are many varieties that can put together to give your space a unique and fresh appearance for this holiday season!

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Here is a great example of a print fabric used on the end chairs. On the left the floral print works wonderfully with the natural flower arrangement on the table. And on the right a bold black and white stripe provides a cool contracts. The example on the left shows matching chairs with different fabrics while the right room goes a step further and uses a completely different shape for the end chairs.

A pop of color can go a long way. This room is a balanced combination of colors, shapes and design trends. The two yellow hostess chairs are larger than the other chairs and the bright color draws your eye to them immediately.

http://browndesigninc.typepad.com/brown_design_blog/upholstery/

Maybe sleek contemporary lines are more your style. In this room, the two end chairs are vintage and the only curved element. The contrast of shape and lighter color provide a lot of interest to the dining room.

http://nelsonplachterdesign.blogspot.com/

Your home should be a reflection of your life. This room is a great collection of finds throughout a lifetime. There is so much energy and life with this combination and I can only imagine how fun a dinner party in this space would be.

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 http://www.designconnectioninc.com/portfolio

Halloween is right around the corner, let’s have some decorating fun. You don’t need gory decorations to spook your dinner guests. Go to your local craft store and stock up on some fun decorations, then use pieces you already own to arrange them, like a three- tiered cake stand and candle sticks.  Long black candles help create a tall grim centerpiece. In addition, a patterned tablecloth helps provide depth and texture to any tabletop to make the dining room a delightful experience with various Halloween decor.  If you want to add more of a scare, hang yellow CAUTION tape on the windows. This dinner table is sure to lead to a thrilling night.

Design Tip: As you are putting your arrangement together think height, texture and contrasting colors.

Many of our clients think that wallpaper is outdated. Not when it looks like this! Powder rooms are a great space to insert great style. Here we used a gorgeous snakeskin suede wallpaper to set an elegant tone. A great shaped mirror is the dramatic focal point along with the modern fixtures. A crystal chandelier above cast a wonderful glow in this jewel box powder room.

If you have a bland and boring powder room, it might be hard for you to visualize the possibilites. Here is a great example of a powder room transformation. Design Connection Inc. gave it some pizzazz! To create this ‘jewel box’, we faux painted the original cabinet, added a granite countertop with a glass vessel sink and updated faucet. The mosaic tile covering the entire wall makes a dramatic statement – Wow

If you love this idea, but don’t know where to start, connect with us and we will help you create a space that you will absolutely love. Click Here to e-mail Arlene

Reminder – It’s Time to Think About the Holidays Now is the perfect time to begin the process to ensure that your spaces will be finished before your family arrives for the holidays. We welcome everyone into our studio for a consultation. This is a great way to see our space and meet our team and learn all about the design process that can transform your home! 913-851-8776

It is hot, hot, hot outside but here at Design Connection, Inc. we are already thinking about the holidays. That’s right, in the design world we are beginning to focus on projects that need to be completed in time for the holidays.

Good design takes time and you want to feel great about your news space, not that you made a rushed decision. Now is the perfect time to begin the process to ensure that your spaces will be beautiful and finished before your whole family arrives.В

Ask yourself these questions!В В Will you be hosting large parties? Will your kitchen be able to keep up? Will the in laws be staying at your home this year? Does the guest room need a makeover? Is you dining room table fabulous, but the space in general lacks any personality?В В

These are all great concerns that we can help you tackle! We welcome everyone into our studio for a consultation. This is a great way to see our space and meet our team and learn all about the design process that can transform your home! 913-851-8776 Our portfolio is another wonderful resource for you to gain some inspiration for the potential of your new space.

I recently read an article about using stripes in interior design, and thought I would share with you how I have incorporated stripes into some of my projects. I believe that stripes offer two great design solutions. One they can seamlessly blend color combinations and two, they visuallyВ add height to a room.

Stripes are easy to work into almost any room. When I am introducing a more serious color palate, I like to use stripes to complement the look. In this bedroom, I found a great striped fabric that incorporated all the colors of the room. Scale is very important to consider, a thin stripe can handle the multi-colors more appropriately than a wide stripe. You want to use wider stripes on larger pieces of furniture, drapes and on walls.

Stripes also offer a magical solution for helping a room feel taller. By placing vertically striped window treatments in a room, they draw your eye up and make the windows seem taller. In this elegant bathroom I used the window treatment to bring in a pattern and focal point. Because there is no door between the bathroom and bedroom, I repeated the stripes on the pillows to create a cohesive flow between the two rooms.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about creating a unique space in your home. To view these projects please visit my online portfolio. As a professional interior designer, I enjoy introducing uniqueВ design options. www.designconnectioninc.com

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

What Makes A Comfy Chair? If I had to answer this question with one sentence I would say that – One Size Does Not Fit All!

There are many beautiful furniture options out there – and many people have a love at first sight reaction, when they see a glossy example of the perfect room. It is my job as a professional interior designer to help guide you in making sure that perfect piece of furniture is also perfect for your body size. A petite woman will want a different seat height than a man of 6 feet.

When I begin to select the best chair for my clients, I think about the back height of the piece. Some people like to rest their head against the back of the chair, but it bothers others! If my clients have long legs, I will look for a higher seat height and depth. For shorter visitors the solution is simply a fabulous extra cushion behind one’s back. Some like a firm seat while others like a gentle comfy sink. These are all questions that I ask and answer during the design process, before we commit to purchasing the perfect chair.

Furniture is an investment, and my clients trust me to guide them through the options, so that they can enjoy their comfy furniture for many years to come. Check out our portfolio to see examples our projects and the many great chairs I have provided along the way. www.designconnectioninc.com

April Showers bring May Flowers, and we have some great design tips on how to bring the amazing, colorful, outdoor feel into your interior spaces. In the past, small, floral patterns were used in traditional spaces, but today, we have available to us Big, Bold Blooms. This new approach to floral makes them versatile in transitional spaces.

Fabric is an easy way to bring in some fun color into your space. You can cover your chair in a bold floral print, or you can play it a bit safer, with fun pillows. We love the great texture and depth the layers of petals create.

Art captures a beautiful moment in time. And you can use art to create drama or to enhance your space. A large black and white photograph of a gorgeous flower is timeless and stunning.

On a smaller scale, flowers have a beautiful sculptural shape. This makes them an easy choice for an interesting accessory that can be interchanged when the season’s change.

We think your spaces should reflect your personality! Many people would love a fun house, but they are afraid of how to balance out the patterns. We are not afraid of bold statements and can assist you in creating a beautiful new room. We do it all, from design concept, to material selection, furniture purchase and final details.

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.