Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

High Point Furniture Market is the only internationally esteemed Furnishing Industry Trade Show.   High Point Market is the Fashion Week of Furniture Design and it is every bit as fabulous. Retailer representative attend High Point Market to order furniture lines in person from manufacturers to stock in their stores for the upcoming months.  However, the more exiting more relevant purpose of High Point Market is for high end designers and decorators to convene.  They gather in anticipation of seeing the latest designs and to stay up to date on the latest trends in furniture. They find inspiration for their current design projects, compare the quality and design among different manufacturers, and to search for unique and beautiful furnishings for their clients.

Here are some of our favorite fabulous picks from the designs debuted at this years Spring 2012 High Point Fashion Market.

Norwalk Furniture “The new Norwalk Furniture silhouettes are highly stylish, while offering tremendous flexibility in creating a personal look with new combinations of color, pattern and texture.”  -Norwalk Furniture, You Tube Channel

Norwalk Furniture Spring 2012 Introductions

We couldn’t agree more!

Hickory White We love the new Antique and Classic Collections by Lillian August for Hickory White.

“Artfully crafted, with a timeless sense of design, Lillian’s Classics Collection combines modern techonology of reproduction with archival references. Luxurious details like marquetry inlays, marble tops, and eglomise panels set the stage for furniture that will become family heirlooms.”  (2012 Spring Catalogue)

C.R. Laine

The C.R. Laine collection is an “extensive premier collection of frames and fabric/trims touting a very high degree of customized features.” (C.R. Laine Website)

We love that C.R. Laine provides tons of customizing options in over 900 beautiful environmentally friendly organic  fabric choices. http://www.crlaine.com/ShowResults.asp?pg=1&viewall=true

Stanley Furniture

We love the Classic European Cottage Stanley Furniture Collection.  It embodies some of Design Connection’s design aesthetics and principles that we have built over 35 years of interior design experience. A Classic look with European influence will always be in style.

Design Connection, Inc. is an authorized furniture dealer for all of the beautiful collections above.  We buy furniture directly from these and other manufacturers and have built strong long-term business relationships with them to receive manufacturer direct pricing.  The savings from bypassing retail stores or showrooms is passed on to our clients.  To refurnish with some of the design collections you’ve seen here please visit our website at www.designconnectioninc.com or call us at 913.851.8776 to schedule an appointment. We would love to hear from you!

You may love your house today as much as you did the day you moved in, but if it’s been 20 years, it may just be time to update. It’s no doubt, that older classic houses have a certain charm to them, but the interior design could be even more charming with a few changes. This is exactly how our clients felt with their current house. Design Connection Inc. identified some key design changes that would update with an impact and created a home that our clients can enjoy for 20 more years.

The hearth room is usually the heart of the home, where the family can spend time together in a relaxed way. The home already had great wall to wall built-ins, so we decided to keep their existing cabinetry and re-stain them in a darker more contemporary color.

By using neutral wallpaper, we were able to create a nice flow from the hearth room to the kitchen. The client loves this design aspect in their home. They felt like their old design had a different feel for each room, and now they have one cohesive feel throughout the whole house.

An interior designer really helps guide you through the value of updating your home. The kitchen cabinets were a great quality, so we decided to update them as opposed to gutting and putting in a whole new kitchen. This is one way to save costs and be able to spend a little more money in other areas.

Their new kitchen features the newly stained cabinets, a great back-splash, an absolutely beautiful new granite countertop, and a couple new light fixtures. It is said that remodeling your kitchen instantly increases the value of your home. And who is going to argue with that after seeing this lovely new kitchen?

Details are what make our projects look so good. The kitchen and hearth room are connected by an open floor plan. We had to be smart with our transition from kitchen to dining room to hearth room. We used beautiful wallpaper that pulled from the colors of both rooms.

One quick, easy update you can do to your home is the powder room. In our client’s powder room, we replaced the dated wallpaper with a fun, nature-inspired one with their favorite color, red. And after a fresh stain to the existing cabinet as well as a new facet and counter, the powder room is taken from the 80’s to 2012.

Stairs are always a strong and important part of a home’s design statement. Changing out the worn-out carpet was a must, followed with some paint on the railings. We decided to leave the existing spindles but added wood caps for a more modern stair design.  After new caps, carpet and a little paint on the railings, it is a sight to see when you walk into their home.

The library should be a room where you can relax in. With passing time the dated wallpaper became a constant reminder that it was time for an update. We went from a strong blue to a warm and cozy beige. At Design Connection Inc, we can take your project from space plan, to full interior design, furniture, materials and even the perfect placement of accessories.

If you’d like to bring your home into the 21^st century, we are here to help! Design Connection has been creating beautiful homes for years and we offer a full range of services and expertise for your home. Your complete satisfaction is our number one priority. Call us today for an appointment with our professional design team. Our business hours are: 9 a.m – 5 p.m. central standard time Monday – Friday Call Arlene Ladegaard at  (913) 851-8776 or email her at Arlene@DesignConnectionInc.com

It has definitely been a very mild winter here in Kansas City.  And with that come a fast approaching spring! Whether you’re ready or not, it time to start thinking about putting all your winter décor away and begin spring cleaning. As you clean and re-organize for a new season, you may also want to change out a few things, invest in new spring-inspired furniture, or even paint a few walls and as always Design Connection Inc is here to help.

Entryway Transformation via Real Simple

One easy weekend project is painting. Sometimes a drastic change can be so exhilarating and it definitely gives the room a whole new look. In this foyer, the family decided to go with a vibrant tangerine color. Adding a new floor runner, some white furniture and couple lamps, the space went from blah to fun, inviting and very functional. For more ideas visit Real Simple online, then call us to see how we can make this an easy and wonderful reality in your home here in Kansas City.

Office Declutter via Real Simple

The home office is a reality in most homes. Whether you just pay your bills or bring home work overflow, an organized space is a more efficient space. Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to get organized? Well if you’re like many out there, you haven’t quite checked this off your list yet.  A simple file cabinet and magazine bins will only help you out a bit. But the right piece of furniture and cool space-saving shelves will make a difference. Don’t forget the matching rug and chair help to pull the whole room together.

Kids Room via Real Simple

Kids! We’ve all got them and it is important to realize that the whole house does not have to be the kids space. Pick a dedicated spot for the kiddos and recapture the rest of your home for yourself. Next, know that the playroom doesn’t always have to be the “junk” room as this “Before” picture so perfectly portrays. With a full wall of cubbies clearly marked for toys, markers, paints and books, you can create a space that is clean and safe for your kids to hang out in. Design Connection Inc can help you make some smart and strategic decisions to create a transitional space, that will grow along with your kids.

Fun & Fashionable patios via Better Homes & Gardens

The end of winter means that we can finally start playing outside again! I bet you even picked up an issue of Better Homes and Gardens, the same source as the pictures we featured above. This is your chance to convince your spouse to get that outdoor set you’ve been eyeing since November. Fun accessories and a fire-pit will make your backyard THE hang out space of the neighborhood. Design Connection Inc, carries several lines of amazing outdoor furniture sets. And we can select the fun colorful pillows and interesting accessories such as candles, wind chimes and fountains as well.

Spring trends via Martha Stewart

Sometimes the small things are the ones that make the most impact. Try switching out your dark-colored pillows to bright pops of color for your sofa. Add some flair with some flowers. Or even one side chair in a lively color will help take the room to the next level. Martha Stewart put together the above trends, but Design Connection Inc can make them a reality for you. So get up and let winter know we are done being cold! It’s time to get out in the sun and get a little color. And your home deserves a little color too, don’t you think? And if you need some help Design Connection Inc is just a call away 913-851-8776.

Have you ever had to arrange the furniture in a bare room and not know where to start? Well, you are not alone with the many new or current homeowners who are faced with this exact predicament and feel absolutely overwhelmed with the possibilities and insecurities of furniture arrangement. Today, Design Connection Inc,  put together some helpful tips just for you.

If you’re like most families, the living room is used mainly for lounging and Tv-Watching. This is a great space for a sectional sofa. Sectionals offer great flexibility and comfortable seating. Many come in a variety of units, from armless chairs to love seats, ottomans, and chaises that you can mix and match to fir your own personal space. At Design Connection Inc, we often time recommend the sectional because it reflects family living. The big comfy sectional is great for snuggling with your loved ones, or comfortably relaxing with a good book. We carry the furniture line C.R. Laine for their comfort, quality and fabulous style.

An effective room arrangement starts with a focal point. If your living has a fireplace, this step may already be done for you. With a fireplace you can direct your main seating toward it to give it all the attention, or two sofas facing each other, as seen in the picture below, gives a nice conversation area.

If you have a very large space and are having trouble pulling everything together, a large area rug will help unify the room. An area rug can also help with selecting accent colors for your space. In the picture below, notice how they pulled the blue from the rug for the pillows and vases that really pop out from the dark brown sofa and stark white shelf.

Don’t have a living room big enough for the usual sofa or love seat? Our you prefer a more formal layout? Our solution to you is using four comfy chairs! This is an orderly, compact, yet welcoming seating group. You won’t be able to snuggle with your sweetie, but it is a great layout for easy conversation.

Last tip of the day we’d like to leave you with is to create order with symmetry.  You can do this by pairing matching sofas, side tables, lamps, side chairs, whatever you may have.  The symmetry you create imposes a sense of order on the space.  If you feel like this will be too boring or stiff for your taste, introduce some variety like a bean shaped table, or artwork to add blasts of color.

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.

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!

http://media.photobucket.com/image/contrasting%20chairs%20in%20dining%20room/jkomenda/emma_jane_pilkington.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

We all have TV’s, and as an interior designer, I am always coming up with solutions on integrating televisions in a space. Some of my clients want to showcase them all over the home and others prefere them to be hidden until in use. Luckily there are great ways of dealing with both prefrences and today I wanted to share some solutions with you!

Have relaxed space with modern flare? The easiest way to keep a TV that you want visible at all times is a wall mounted unit. Not only does it provide you with space below but by mounting your flat screen to a panel rather than a wall gives you the ability to move the unit without having to patch your walls. This unit blends the warmth of antiques with a cool contemporary appeal. This great wall unit comes from a line which Hooker Furniture provides. Click here for more info on this unit.

Love to have your TV in the room to but want the space to be sophisticated and your flat screen hidden? Then a lift console is solution to your problem! A 3-piece console combines contemporary styling for flat panel TVs with a rich traditional dark cherry finish. Features: remote controlled lift, ample storage for audio-visual equipment and accessories, interchangeable door panels of wood, or speaker grille. You can find all the options for this unit at Sunrise Home Furnishings Click here for details.

If you are looking to add drama to your space, using a dark large unit not only adds contrast to the room but make a statement that will be worth your money. Features include one canister light with touch switch, one adjustable wood framed glass shelf, two adjustable shelves, one solid wood panel door, one adjustable shelf behind the door and adjustable levelers at the base. You can even choose an optional cloth door for added design flexibility. If you love this you can find out more at Stanley Furniture.

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

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

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