Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

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.

I would like to make a fresh start in my bedroom. I have always had traditional furniture and bedding, but, this time I want to create a fun, colorful bedroom. What are your suggestions?

-Karen Stark

Who said a bedroom had to be stuffy and beige? You should feel great when you enter your bedroom. If color inspires you, go in that direction. I just returned from High Point Market, the largest furniture trade show in the world. I was thrilled to see bold pops of bright colors in fabrics and furniture.

I recommend starting with a neutral wall color; it blends well with many color pallets and allows the fabrics and accessories to make a bold statement.

When it comes to furniture, the bed is usually the focal point. There are many lines of ready-made custom bedding, which allows for a custom look without the custom price tag. As an example our client requested a refreshing and fun bedroom. So I selected a lime green and aqua color scheme, balanced with a transitional charcoal color. By subtly repeating the fabrics around the room, you can create a balanced feel without being matchy matchy.

If the bed is the statement piece, approach the other furniture in the room as the supporting cast. Clean, elegant and interesting bedside tables along with great shaped lamps add ambiance to the room, rather than compete with it.

Think outside the box. Instead of using a traditional bench, two fun ottoman cubes do the trick. Instead of a reading chair, consider a chaise with a great fabric pattern!

A room is never really finished without accessories. Remember less is best in today’s streamline style. Enjoy your new room!

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about creating a unique space in your home. To view this project please visit my online portfolio. As a professional interior designer, I enjoy introducing design options I find outside of the Kansas City area. www.designconnectioninc.com

Arlene relaxing on the furniture to test how comfy it is!

I just got back from High PointВ Market and am so happy to see that big bold pops of color are in. Green and gray were both the color of the season! We now have available in our upholstery lines the use Benjamin Moore Colors on the furniture frames that are wood. What a great way customize the look in your home.
I talk about going to High Point Market – but do you know what it is? Twice a year I travel to North Carolina to view a rich variety of home furnishings to stay up to date on international furniture trends. I sit in furniture to test comfort level; I purchase unique and different art to show off in our design studio. I get to view great light fixtures and accessories and so much more! This is how I can bring together a special look for your home and create that beautiful Design Connection Inc touch.
The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, with 10 Million Square Feet of Showspace. One of the reasons I attend is because new product lines are launched here and I want to make sure that I have a pulse on the most up to date trends! There are 2,000 exhibitors and if I can’t find what you need at High Point… it probably doesn’t exist.

It’s not all work at High Point here we are at a C.R. Laine Party enjoying the food and alcohol and we danced the night away to a live band.

Here is a room that I loved! Showrooms put together room vignettes for lots of great ideas for us designers that I can then, help you achieve in your home.

 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.  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.

So many people are remodeling these days and the most popular areas seem to be kitchens, master suites and basements. That being said, we recently wrapped up an absolutely spectacular master suite remodeling project that I simply couldn’t wait to share. I get so excited when I can help a client achieve the kind of space they’ve been dreaming of and that’s exactly what we did in this Leawood, Kansas home.

Master suite before remodel

Out with the Old!

For this client, it was time to bid goodbye to the old decor that didn’t reflect their personal style and usher in pure contemporary style that was clean, elegant and restful. Looking at the before pictures you can see that the bedroom and bathroom consisted of a mix of traditional furniture, wall treatments and accessories that were badly in need of updating. We were charged with the task of creating a zen-like space that was up to date, functional and stunning.

Master bath before remodel

Master bath before remodel

Hello Space Plan!

After meeting with the client at length, we got to work on a space plan. One of the biggest issues was with the bathroom layout. The placement of fixtures weren’t very conducive to everyday living and felt very unbalanced.В  What made it even more difficult was the fact that there isn’t a door between the main bath area and the bedroom, making the bathroom visible to anyone who walked into the room. We decided to redo the bathroom completely to make the best use of the space and give the client something they would love to gaze upon AND use! The new bathroom would feature new tile floors, custom cabinetry and beautiful “accessories” with the tub, shower, and special touches with tile and hardware and lighting.В  The bedroom would get a major facelift with new paint, carpet, furniture, bedding and accessories.

Master bath space plan - Design Connection

A Sweet Suite

Master Bedroom after remodel

Master suite closet after remodel - Design Connection

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Without a doubt, the completed space is just gorgeous in person. The pictures just don’t do it justice but you can see how dramatic the difference is from what it was before we came in to refresh the space!В  The bedroom is restful with a neutral warm grey tones for the walls and floors that perfectly compliment the rich browns of the hardwood and upholstery of the new custom bed and night tables. Simple prints on the walls draw in red as an accent color and minimal accessories help give the feeling of an upscale hotel. The custom bedding draws the eye to the welcoming bed and tie the look together between the bedroom and bathroom color scheme of greys, blacks and reds. The look is carried through to the oversize walk-in closet which was newly outfitted with built-ins that are to-die-for! This closet is an absolute dream and the client is able to easily access their clothing and personal items in this new and highly organized space.

The bathroom consists of a gorgeous freestanding deep soaking tub with modern fixtures that provides a beautiful focal point for the space. We even made sure a touch of of bling could be found with a sparkling crystal chandelier directly above.В  A roman shade with wide black and grey stripes tops the large window and draws the eye to the tub in addition to providing instant privacy when bathing. Flanking the tub are his and hers custom vanities, complete with Carrera marble countertops, beautiful marble and granite mosaic tile backsplashes, and elegant chrome faucets and hardware. We incorporated plenty of recessed lightingВ  into the vanity design to ensure the space has plenty of light that works well with the simple and streamlined finish but what you can’t see are the LED lights that are hidden behind the mirrors that provide an ideal amount of illumination. There is even a makeup mirror surrounded by lights behind one of the vanity doors for perfect makeup application lighting. Those are the custom touches you just can’t get anywhere else and are a signature part of our exclusive C3 Design process. In this case we took our client’s wish list and came up with a solution that we then had custom built locally to suit their specific needs.

Master bath after remodel - Design Connection

Master bath tub after remodel - Design Connection

Master bath shower after remodel - Design Connection

Hidden behind the privacy of the bedroom wall, we incorporated a brand new glass enclosed shower that echoes the mosaic tile used on the backsplash in the shower base along with the gorgeous Carrera marble on the walls. Outfitted with plenty of shelves, multiple shower heads and a built in bench, this shower is pretty and practical. For the ultimate in bathing luxury, there’s nothing like having a nice warm towel which is why we also installed a gleaming, heated towel rack just outside the shower door.

To view the larger photos from this project, please visit our online portfolio at DesignConnectioninc.com. If you have a remodeling project in the Kansas City metro that you would like some help with, the Design Connection team is here to help.В  Feel free to call or contact us to schedule your complimentary in-studio appointment and let’s set how we can help you take your next interior design project to the next level with our award-winning C3 Design process and services!

Of all the things I could write about this week, for some reason furniture is on my mind.

Fact: One of my favorite topics in the world is furniture.

Yes, you read that right.В  Furniture. Some people might think that is a bit boring but I’m thinking maybe they just haven’t been exposed to the truly fabulous and inspired pieces like the ones we carry at Design Connection.В  One of the more surprising facts about custom furniture is that it is priced competitively with the items you see in the big chain stores.В  Why settle for having the exact same furniture as everyone else when stunning furniture is not only affordable, it’s UNIQUE! Hopefully after reading this you will be just as excited as I am about furniture. Read on my friends,В  and enter the wonderful world of possibilities that await in the realm of custom, designer furniture!

ELEGANT CURVES AHEAD
I always look forward to the chairs from C.R. Laine. They have a way of creating divine shapes that are so beautiful and elegant that they can be upholstered in practically anything and always look stunning, like the Dautry chair. Sit in one of these and it’s pure bliss!

Stanley's Louis Louis Westons low profile sleigh bed from Design Connection

SLEIGH RIDE
I love this updated take on the traditional sleigh bed.В  The elegant curved wood base provides a beautiful frame for your gorgeous bed linens and everything is nice and neat, clean and classic.

Lilian August for Hickory White's Gregory Chest from Design Connection

A CHEST OF STYLE
Drawers don’t have to be boring and furniture with drawers is perfect for keeping your space nice and tidy! Enter this to-die-for chest with it’s wonderfully contrasting matte black wood finish with faux shagreen drawer fronts. With the cool wood and leather-like texture of the faux shagreen this piece is simply divine.

DesignMaster's Melbourne dining table from Design Connection

CLEAR MASTERY
Why settle for an ordinary glass table when you can have one with STYLE like this one.В  With bent glass, stainless steel and wood, the look is an original and is a practical and beautiful variation on the standard glass top dining table.

C.R. Laine's Iliad chair from Design Connection

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Of the many wonderful benefits of custom furniture is the ability you have to create something one-of-a-kind that is so unique you simply won’t find it anywhere else and certainly not in the mainstream department stores. A great example of this is this very cool chair from one of my favorites, C.R. Laine.
Seeing this chair from the back is one thing, and seeing it from the front makes it a show stopper!

I could talk all day about beautiful furniture if you let me.В  The pieces above are just a small sampling of the possibilities I can help you with at Design Connection in Kansas City. We are probably one of the best kept secrets in the industry and can certainly help you with your custom furniture purchase from start to finish. If you are in the market for furniture, you owe it to yourself to look into custom furniture that is as unique as you are.В  Call or contact us today and let’s get together to talk Furniture!

It’s time for the third and final installation in Design Connection’s C3Design series and our featured project. If you missed the previous articles, feel free to check them out. First we talked about Connecting with your interior designer and the importance of establishing a great relationship and a consistent flow of communication. Then we talked about the Creating stage of interior design where the work begins and your space starts to take shape. The final stage is Customizing and while there is fun and creativity to be had in the first two stages, this one is by far everyone’s favorite as they get to make the design their very own!

Time to Get PERSONAL.

Once we have the space plan for the design completed, we begin working with our clients to choose the final elements that will pull everything together visually. Color, texture and materials for everything from the floors to the ceilings are reviewed and chosen from the custom selections we’ve made for our clients based on their personality, lifestyle and design style preferences. We present options to the client and work closely with them every step of the way to help them make decisions that will ensure everything comes together beautifully at the end of the project. From start to finish, with our exclusive C3Design process, we are able to create custom, unique and beautifully functional spaces.

After the creating process is done, the contractors have cleaned up and the space is ready, the Design Connection team begins to transform the space with custom furnishings and accessories. As we begin placing artwork on the walls, rugs on the floors and our favorite – custom furniture, the space begins to take on it’s new personality. A direct reflection of the client, each space is completely unique and fine tailored to fit beautifully.В  You can see from the final pictures of this kitchen remodel, that the results are stunning AND functional.

Achieving an interior that you absolutely love shouldn’t be a hardship. With the right help from experienced designers like the Design Connection Team, you should be able to transform any space in your home from one you like to one you adore. Spaces that function for day to day living are critical in today’s busy lifestyles. You deserve a home that is a haven where you can relax, unwind and enjoy your life. Contact Design Connection to set an appointment and begin the C3Design process in your home today!