Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

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!  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.

Deck the walls with custom wallpaper or murals

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!

Choose and customize a sofa, loveseat or chair from start to finish, hello personality!

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.  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!

Creative patterns and colors come to life on custom lampshades and light fixtures!

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?!)

Custom wallpaper and accessories could be perfect for your home's interior

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…

Soft wool rugs are perfect for your home decor in a pretty pattern you pick out

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!

Serious style points for creating your personalized custom bedding

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.  By customizing pieces, you give them meaning and turn them into something truly special that goes beyond owning a one-of-a-kind item.  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.  If you need help, you know who to call!  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:  TotallyCustomWallpaper.com, Living Green, Lamps Plus, Alluminare, Jonathan Adler, InMod

We all know that heat rises and in the summertime that can mean expensive a/c bills to keep your home comfortable. By necessity, many of us have become more budget conscious and are looking for ways to save money and energy since they seem to go hand in hand. I was talking to a client the other day who has several large, sunny, floor to ceiling windows and she was saying how amazing the difference was once we added window treatments. She loved the added warmth it gave her room on the inside and the fact that it kept the hot sun on the outside. It’s easy to overlook your windows as a space where you can really make an impact on  your energy bills AND your style which is why we are going to take a look at some hot trends that will help keep you cool as a cucumber!

Sumptuous Silk Panels from West Elm

Silky Splendor
Large grommets make these gorgeous panels slide easily to block the sun by day and look clean, modern and amazing by night.

Alustra Woven Textures from Hunter Douglas

Filtered Light
Taking a cue from the trend toward natural woods and textures, Hunter Douglas developed their Alustra line of window coverings to softly filter light. One extra feature I adore is that you can choose to have them motorized- no more pulling cables, which saves me energy so I can spend more time admiring the decor!

Solar roller shades from Smith and Noble

Let Light In
Keep UV Rays out and reduce heat transfer with a little technology in your window coverings. This isn’t your Grandma’s fabric!

Woven Wood shades from Hunter Douglas

So Chic!
Window treatments made with natural woods, reeds and materials are very popular right now. The natural textures age beautifully and add a natural warmth and organic feel to a room’s decor.

Pottery Barn's Outdoor Grommet Drape

Bring the Drapes Outside!
Creating a cozy space and providing a little shade, outdoor draperies can lend your deck or patio an intimate air while providing practical protection from the hot sun.

Honeycomb shades by Kirsch

Sweet and Simple
Honeycomb shades have come a long way and options abound in fabrics, level of opacity (and sun blocking) and wonderful combinations of sheer and opaque fabrics like in the picture above. With top down and bottom up options, you can control the view and the light.

In the past year many of my clients have made the shift from traditional two inch blinds towards a softer and more organic type of window covering like you see in the options above. Woven woods are hugely popular with varieties in bamboo, grasses and reeds helping people bring the organic textures from the outdoors in and making their spaces warm and inviting. Another trend I’m seeing is in light filtering with just enough covering the window for privacy but letting natural light in which reduces the need to use lighting during the day and early evening hours. All in all, window treatments can be such a great investment for you from both an energy and design perspective.  We are spending more time at home so it’s important to make sure our spaces suit our lifestyles and budgets ,right? Want to talk about window treatements? If you’re needing help, you know where to find me and the Design Connection Team. We are always willing to spend time listening and helping you with your interior design needs whatever they may be!  Contact us today for a complimentary in-studio interior design  consultation and let’s talk design!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: West Elm, Hunter Douglas, Smith and Noble, Pottery Barn, Kirsch

Earth Day. What’s not to love about this big, beautiful planet?
What could be better than a day celebrating this marvelous planet we all call home. While Earth Day 2010 has recently come and gone, the fact remains that green, earth, or eco-friendly design is definitely getting a lot more attention these days.  And why not?  With the fabulous offerings that are available anymore, scarcity and price are becoming less of an obstacle for homeowners and designers alike. With such a blog worthy topic, we decided to share a little fun from Design Connection’s earthy inspiration files.  Enjoy and remember to show the earth a little love both inside and outside of your home!

Delightful Details
Sometimes it’s all about the bling. Sparkling recycled glass in eye catching colors make these drawer/cabinet pulls something you can feel good about using in your home everyday.

Flowered eco-friendly chair from Crate & Barrel

Purdy as a Posey
This fantastic floral chair comes with a serious eco-pedigree! Click on the pic if you want to see specifics but let’s just say these flowers will always be in bloom and in style!

Recycled Flip-Flop Doormat from Re:modern

Don’t Flip Flop on recycled goods!
Those flip flop sandals you wore all summer then sadly had to kiss goodbye after a blowout have been  given a second chance at life! This time as a fantastic, colorful doormat made of recycled shoe bits.

A seriously earth loving Love Seat from PURE Inspired Design

I Love This Seat.
Design that’s almost good enough to eat! With soy based foam cushion options and your choice of either organic canvas or eco-leather, these custom handcrafted pieces of furniture are as in love with the earth as we are.

Recycled glass countertop from Vetrazzo

Shiny as Glass
Can’t do an article on earth friendly design without having a look at some lovely recycled glass installations. Old bottles and glass emerge as a durable and delightful countertop!

Bamboo Truss bench/coffee table from Re:modern

Do You Truss Me?
Bamboo-la-la…say hello to a multipurpose bench/coffee table made with (you guessed it) environmentally friendly materials and processes. Beautiful and functional!

100% Bamboo Sheets from SleepBamboo.com

Sleep Tight.  Don’t let the bed bugs bite!
100% Bamboo sheets not only regulate heat, they repel bugs too! Double duty luxury and style for your bedroom.

We can all do our part to contribute to the health of our planet by making wise choices when it comes to our homes, their construction and the things we put into them to make them lovely. By consciously seeking items that are sustainable, we will make green mainstream. If you are wanting environmentally friendly furniture, fabrics and accents… well you know where to find me and the Design Connection Team.  Together we can hug this planet and still make everything look simply out of this world!

Going Retro with the Beatles and CR Laine

High Fives to everyone at High Point Market Spring 2010!

I just got back to Kansas City this week from High Point Market and I’m near to bursting with excitement over the things I saw that I want to share with you! With the economy being what it is, it was encouraging to hear many people report that business is improving which added to the overall high energy and upbeat optimism that seemed to pervade the market atmosphere this year. So refreshing! Turnout was fantastic, buyers were buying, vendors were showcasing fantastic new products and ideas which made for a truly wonderful show. I spent a lot of time wandering around gathering ideas, visiting showrooms and connecting with old and new friends.

Let’s Get Inspired!

I had plenty of opportunities to get ideas and inspiration from the many fantastic vendors showing products at High Point Market this year. From the burst of gorgeous colors I saw in the rugs from Jaunty to the fabulous new “Blonde” finish from Stanley Furniture, it was definitely a show worth getting excited about. Black & White was making a dramatic statement in many of the displays along with many vendors showing off lots of gorgeous linens and newer lighter finished woods (say goodbye to the dark woods and hello to to the light!). Bright bold colors were everywhere and I was pleased to see mirrors showing up in a variety of places. Fresh with an abundance of new ideas I’m ready to incorporate some of my finds into your design. So if you find you’re getting inspired too, let’s chat and soon! I hope you’ll give me a chance to show you why Design Connection should be your choice for interior design in Kansas City!

Dining Set from Design Master

Ebony and Ivory
Living once again in perfect harmony, these classic colors were definitely making a statement at High Point Market this year. I also noticed many furniture pieces sporting plenty of curves and emphasizing comfort.

Pretty Puffy Patterned Pillows
You won’t find boring throw pillows anywhere near this market. More beautiful black and white. I noticed lots of really wonderful and bold patterns in the fabrics that were used on products in the show this year. Trends seemed to include lots of bold prints, calligraphy and interesting patterns.

Bed from Stanley Furniture

Light and Dark
A stunning bed combining gorgeously finished dark wood and the unexpected touch of linen.

Pleat to meet you!
I just loved these draperies- the combination of fabric, perfect pleats and a touch of detail. Superb!

L

Shiny Happy Dining
I saw lots of really gorgeous linens at the show this year. Just loved the detailing here, the shiny finish and two tone table.

Fantastic chairs from Rowe

Hip to be Square
Bright bold patterns in a pair of chairs that I just fell in love with! These chairs practically scream optimism and fun!

Mirror Mirror on the what?!
Another trend on the rise, the reappearance of mirrors! Not just for the wall anymore folks!

Delightfully Dazzling
Aaaah memories of the 70’s came flooding back as I saw this lovely piece. I simply had to get a picture. Oddly reminiscent of a disco ball, it brilliantly combines the mirror trend with a touch of whimsy and yet manages to stay beautifully sophisticated at the same time.

Market is even better with friends
I got to spend time with my dear friends and colleagues.  We had such great fun together!

Stick a fork in me, I’m done!
Whew, after days on my feet taking in all of the wonders of High Point this year, I finally got to kick back and relax on the unique and custom furniture at C.R. Laine. This fantastic oversized chair was so comfortable I almost fell asleep and missed my flight home!

I would love to know if you liked the finds from High Point as much as I did.  Feel free to comment here, or come by and say hello to me and my team at Design Connection on Facebook or get your daily dose of Kansas City interior design news, tips and information on Twitter! Hope to hear from you soon!

As I pack and plan out my trip to High Point Market later this week, it made me start thinking about furniture…again. Of course it’s hard NOT to think about furniture when you go to High Point, but lucky for me, it’s something I really love so thinking on furniture isn’t really a burden! I love going to the show and seeing all the new things and trends that are out there almost as much as I enjoy reconnecting with the various vendors and people I work with over the course of the year.  One of those vendors I’ll be spending some time with is C.R. Laine.  They have a fabulous selection that represent three important F’s of custom design: Furniture, Fabrics and Finishes.

Style that Soars!
These Cordell wing chairs are among my favorite pieces. Nothing else like ‘em!

One of the many things that impresses me about C.R. Laine is their “World Friendly” approach to their business.  Minimizing their impact on the environment is very important and they have several ways of reducing waste and delivering an incredible product without compromising on quality. From only utilizing woods that are harvested carefully and according to stringent guidelines, to using recycled metal and fibers for coils and cushions, it’s truly amazing to me that being green for them isn’t just about being trendy. It’s refreshing to see a manufacturer make considerable effort toward preserving the environment instead of their pocketbook!  You can read more about C.R. Laine’s “World-Friendly” policies and practices on their website.

Lean Lines and Leather!
Curvy and sleek- so unexpected especially with a leather sofa. Most leather sofas that I see aren’t exactly sleek, not so in this case!

Spring fabrics - C.R. Laine

Whimsical and Wonderful
One of my favorite things about working with custom furniture is that you can make it look exactly how you want it. With custom fabrics and finishes it’s easy to have some style impact!

Sutherland Sofa - C.R. Laine

Five Fabulous Fabrics
See what you can accomplish with custom furniture? Mix and match fabrics to your heart’s content!

Finishes and Trim options - C.R. Laine

It’s all in the DETAILS
Options with finishes and a variety of trim pieces can be the final detailing you need to make your custom furniture piece into a smashing and stylish success.

This is just a sneak peek at one of the vendors I’ll be hanging out with at the end of this week in beautiful North Carolina.  Be sure to follow Design Connection on Facebook and Twitter at the end of the week and throughout the weekend for updates and photos of things I’ve discovered on my trip. I can’t wait to share with you all the latest trends in interior design and all the wonderful finds I expect to encounter during my weekend at High Point Market!  If there is anything specific that you want me to watch for, please be sure to comment or holler at me on Facebook or Twitter and I’ll see what I can do!

Click on the photos to visit the website of the fine folks at C.R. Laine

Furniture with an Edge: Sleek, Chic and Unique (like you!)
Kansas City is a sprawling city with a potpourri of various cultures, styles and the people to go along with it. If you look around the midwest, we are one of the larger cities. While some folks think we have cows running in the streets and just managed to gain access to the wonderful invention of electricity, KC is actually very much on par with the times! That being said, with the hodgepodge of big companies intermixed with the small, you’d think it would be easy to find high-style furniture and accessories for your home that are unique. Afterall we are centrally located, surely all the design trends have to pass through Kansas City at some point when they are on their way to the opposite coast, right?  Not so.

Now don’t go thinking that Kansas Citians dwell in the Dark Ages of Interior Design.
Our central location makes it very easy to ship items and it also makes it easy for me to go to shows and further my quest every year to see what’s new on the market to share with my clients. I get a lot of requests for custom furniture from people who simply don’t want to get exactly what everyone else bought off the shelf at the big chain stores (and believe me, we have some seriously big chain stores around KC for furniture). I adore clean, sophisticated and edgy contemporary designs.  If you read my blog on transforming furniture, you’ll know that I’m not afraid of exploring new ideas and you’d be amazed at how well these things can blend in with some of your existing pieces. I delight in discovery, and I wanted to show you some really unique furniture in this week’s post. So don’t fret my pet, I’m about to rescue you from the thought of never finding the furniture that is as unique as you are! If you happen to be around Kansas City and are on a quest for high quality, unique and custom furniture, we happen to have a lot in common. We simply must meet and perhaps you’ll let me help you end your search by assisting you with choosing the perfect piece.  Afterall, there’s no one else quite like you so why should you settle for ordinary? You can find me and Design Connection on Facebook, Twitter, here on my AskArlene Interior Design blog or you can fill out my Contact Form or call the office (913) 851-8776.  See how easy it is to track me down? Now let’s track down your furniture!

Menlo Park Sectional from Jensen-Lewis

Hello Gorgeous!
Would you get a look at those curves? One of the things I love about this sofa is that it’s like a chameleon. With the sectional elements, you can make it a curvy couch, or an S curve among others. With the custom upholstery it’s definitely a centerpiece design element!

Luxor platform bed from Haiku

No worries, just sleep.
With eco-friendly construction and an E1 rating, the planet will be as happy as you are when you sleep in this gorgeous and oh so chic bed from Haiku. Why should you stay awake worrying about the planet when your bed already did it for you? Beats me, but I’d be willing to try in this one.

Contemporary chairs from Saloom Furniture Design

Pull up a chair and let’s chat about furniture!
Not just any chair, mind you. I think just sitting on one of these beauties will up your style ranking by at least 90%. Now introduce them to an amazing table and let the magic begin!

Valentino table from Cattelan Italia

Did someone say “amazing table”?
Clean lines and your choice colors for the marble base make this piece truly unique. Hey and if your name begins with a “V” imagine the possibilities!

Innovative, modern and organic lighting from Aqua Creations

Don’t dim the lights!
What’s not to love? Lights that you can use on your ceilings, walls, tables and floors. Don’t believe me? Check out the inspiring and unlike anything you’ve seen lighting offerings from Aqua Creations. Lit panels of silk to accent your room in just about any configuration. If you ask me, these lights are worthy of someone as unique as you are.

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Aqua Creations, Jensen-Lewis, Haiku, Saloom, Cattelan Italia

Spring is just around the corner in the midwest and looking out my window at Design Connection, I can see the beginnings of spring flowers preparing to burst forth into the sunshine after a cold and snowy winter! I have flowers on my mind and thought I would treat you to some visual candy with some really gorgeous rooms that incorporate flowers into the overall aesthetic to bring a bit of the outdoors in!

We all know my favorite color is yellow so it’s only fitting that my favorite bloom is the Daffodil. So pretty and fresh. A beautiful bouquet is an instant pick-me-up for your room and your spirits!

Whether it’s on the walls or in simple accessories like a throw pillow or simple arrangement, flowers brighten any room.

Sweet and pretty dreams await when you incorporate floral patterns into your bedding.

Dramatic more your style? Fiber optic wallpaper is here and what do you know, the pattern is floral!
From traditional to modern, there are florals out there to suit anyone.

Have a seat! Gone are the days of your grandmother’s busy (and sometimes ugly) floral patterns on the furniture!

A colorful and modern twist on the floral pattern from the floors to the windows!

Fun and whimsical, cherry blossom branches that will light up a room with a dash of floral color! So whether it’s the lights, the floors, the walls or the doors- you can and should bring a bit of the outdoors in with some wonderful florals. What inspires you? I hope you’ll share with me your thoughts on florals in interior design on my Facebook or Twitter or even here on my blog!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Old House Gardens, Architectural Digest, Wildcat Territory, Designers Guild, Lovehome.co.uk, Camilla Diederich and Graham & Green

As shocking as the numbers were in our blog last week about the time spent in our bathrooms, can you imagine how much more time you spend in your bedroom?  Maybe that’s why Master Bedroom remodels are hot right now.  We are looking for a place to retreat, relax and rejuvenate and what better place than where we sleep? From start to finish, remodeling a master bedroom can be a greatly rewarding experience if only for the fact that you’ll probably sleep much better once it’s done! But where do you start?

Your bedroom should be a place where you can shed the stresses of the day and surround yourself with comfort, both visual and tactile.  A master bedroom remodel can range from major to minor depending on how much change you intend to introduce. Whether you are gutting the space for a complete redo with new windows, walls and flooring or taking a less dramatic approach with changes in paint, window treatments, linens and accessories, your room should convey a warm and relaxing message. Above all else, that space is where you should be getting a good night’s sleep!

Once you have decided about the structure itself and whether you are going to make any adjustments with the walls, floors, fixtures and electrical, the next step is to think about how you are going to furnish the space. Do you have existing furniture to use or will you buy new? What about storage? Making sure that furniture and your belongings will fit in the space is key. No one likes to have a cramped bedroom where there is no room to move around so take a hard look at what goes where. Having a space planner to show you exactly where everything will go and how it will fit can be a lifesaver!

Creating a Space You’ll Never Want to Leave!
Nothing has more impact in a master bedroom than a fabulous and inviting bed that you’re just dying to jump into. Think big fluffy pillows, soft bedding and cozy coordinating throws to pull the look of your room together with panache. Add in a plush rug, some soft lighting, art and accessories such as cushions, candles or a comfy chaise perfect for unwinding with a book at the end of the day.

Let’s Talk Bedroom Design from A to Zzzzz’s!
When you plan your master bedroom, using a skilled interior designer to help you plan your space down to the last detail is so important. At Design Connection, we have the resources you need to help you reach remodeling nirvana with the least amount of stress. We can assist with your space planning, decor and remodeling projects big and small. If you are in Kansas City, we will be at the Remodeling Show Feb 12-14, 2010 at the American Royal. Come by booth 1034 and meet the Design Connection Team and let’s talk about your remodeling plans and how we can help!

I’d like to introduce you to an old friend of mine. Reader, meet Neutral. Neutral, meet Reader. Yes, you read that right, I consider Neutrals to be my friend. Now, before you go picturing a boring room done up completely in beige, I beg you to reconsider. Neutrals (like Wallpaper) seem to get a bum rap and with the variety of colors, materials and textures out there it’s easy to overlook what is typically considered a safe and oftentimes boring choice. I beg to differ because Neutrals are always in style precisely because they are neutral!  They go with ANYTHING.  So when I have a client who is hesitant to choose or commit on color, I introduce them to Neutrals.

Textures like wool and silk look wonderful in neutrals and compliment a variety of woods and metals. You can have a classic and sophisticated array of neutral furniture that you can dress up with colorful walls, rugs and

accessories like pillows art, and plants. A bright orange couch might go out of style fast, but a neutral one? Never! Just paint a wall, change the rug, get some colorful new accessories and you’ll have a new look.  Now that you’ve gotten to know neutral a little better, I’ll bet you’ll be fast friends too!

A fantastic neutral room that I love that was done by J. Robert Scott, click the image to view more pics on their wonderful website

I love the color purple and I have seen it in the stores as a hot color for fall. But, this rich and fabulous color has disappeared from the fabrics that we are using in our homes. I have a client that loves all the shades of red and purple, so recently I have spent many hours researching fabrics. I felt challenged to find the right shades for her. In the end, I came up with fabrics the client loved, but I realized we are still behind the time in using the color in our designs.

We will be seeing more of this color in our interior designs, in the next two years. Home fabrics are usually right behind great fashion trends.

Since we have just researched these fabrics, Design Connection Inc would be happy to assist you, if these are the colors you love, and can’t live without.

Check out these sites for some good ideas.

http://www.robertallendesign.com/

http://www.fschumacher.com/