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

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.  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!

Conference table from Ital Design Furniture

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.  I love how sleek the lines are and how the chairs actually become part of the conference table when they are not in use!

Custom Bubble Chandelier from Artisan Crafted Lighting

Pretty Lights!
Everyone knows that lighting is key in a home office space.  Create artistic ambience with the diffused light from this fun and functional bubble chandelier.  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.

Blu Dot Bookshelf from Hive

Everything in its place
Nearly every home office has a collection of books and of course, like you,  they need a good home.  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.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Avalon desk from Horchow

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.  If you are going to be spending some time there, might as well make sure your desk is one you’ll love!

From Steelcase, the Leap WorkLounge chair

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.

Bamboo Chair Mat from Brookstone

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.  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.  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.  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?  Don’t let the lack of space cramp your style, we’re here to inspire the office you truly desire!

Grassy Charging Station from ThinkGeek

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!)

Lax wall desk from Mash Studios

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!

Conceal book shelf from Umbra

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!

Wall cleat from Oboiler

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!

Talak LED desk lamp from Artemide

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!

Charles Pollock chairs from Hive

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 style  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.  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.  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.  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

Turn on the news lately and chances are you’ll see someone talking about the oil spill in the gulf and the effect it will have on our environment and the way we live. Most of you probably haven’t thought about the impact it will have on design, but everything from concept and fabrication to shipping and installation probably factors in oil in some way, shape or form. We don’t know exactly what the results from the spill will be but one thing is for sure, it has made us even more aware of the importance of considering eco-friendly and renewable resources when making design choices. Recently we have featured blog posts on some of the more mainstream “eco” topics such as earth friendly design, bamboo flooring and cork flooring. This week I wanted to take a minute and tell you about other rapidly renewable resources that you can incorporate into your home decor from floors to walls, these are choices you can really feel good about.

Cork mosaic sideboard from Iannone Design

Surprise! It’s cork furniture
Cork isn’t just for wine bottles and flooring anymore. Check out this really cool sideboard from Iannone Design- you don’t have to look far anymore for interesting and stylish pieces made from renewable resources!

Wool carpet from Straw, Sticks and Bricks

The natural choice in carpet
Most carpet used in homes is made from nylon which is derived from oil. Choosing natural fibers like wool not only helps us migrate away from oil dependence, but it also can be better for your health as wool carpets don’t give of any toxic fumes or gases.

Vases from Natural Territory

High style with Hyacinth!
Made from one of the fastest growing plants, these fabulous vases are constructed from the dried stems of the water hyacinth plant. So stylish and you can buy as many as you want, the plants grow so fast they will definitely make more.

Linoleum flooring at the UNC Health Sciences Library

Don’t forget Linoleum!
Often overlooked, linoleum can be  made from linseed oil, pine rosin, ground cork or limestone dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers. Highly durable, in tons of colors and finishes AND you can rest easy knowing that compared to vinyl flooring, it produces less off-gassing.

Buffet table from Sublime Home

Custom Furniture with a conscience

You’d be surprised at the kind of furniture you can find from local artisans with a conscience, like this gorgeous buffet table made of bamboo, palm wood and oak complete with a low VOC finish.

These are just a few ideas for you to look into but don’t forget other renewable resources being used in homes from recycled sunflower seeds, wheatboard, grass and straw, and cotton. I expect them to become more mainstream as we become more aware of how our choices affect not only our planet but our health. As always, if you are looking for a little inspiration on how you can incorporate renewable, sustainable or eco-friendly resources into your home decor, the Design Connection Team is here to help. You can connect with us online on Facebook, Twitter, here on our blog or contact us anytime at the office at 913-851-8776. We would love to hear from you on how you have incorporated any earth friendly materials into your everyday life, so come by and say virtually or in person!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Iannone Design, Straw Sticks and Bricks, Natural Territory, Sublime Home

Mother Nature has turned up the heat in the midwest and with the long holiday weekend and the beginnings of those muggy midwest summer days, once again my mind has drifted toward thoughts of water. The Memorial Day weekend usually marks the openings of many a pool both public and private.  If you’re one of those who are lucky enough to have your own backyard pool, this blog is for you! Why not bliss out and rejuvenate poolside this summer in style and comfort?

Whether you look at unique and extra special lighting, adding dreamy wisps of outdoor drapery to give your space a tropical island feel or incorporating colorful accents and accessories, there is an abundance of options available now that are not only weather resistant but look absolutely smashing! I found some great ideas to help you accomplish exactly that, so get those flip flops out, throw on a swimsuit, grab a towel and let’s head outdoors for some fun in the sun!

Moonlight's floating battery operated light

By The Light… Of The Silvery Moon
I am simply captivated by moonlights.  They are so unusual I featured them in my blog on outdoor spaces. Now you can have floating moonlights to lend a surreal and serene glow to your pool in the evening. Sooo pretty!

Modern Outdoor's Talt Lounge Chaise

Kick Back and Relax
Love the clean lines and the combination of wood and metal in these gorgeous chaise lounges from Modern Outdoor. Simply beautiful.

LED Beverage Tub from Frontgate

Be the Light of the Party!
Don’t forget to dress the tabletop! Who wouldn’t look forward to having a drink when it’s chilled in ice that is catching the nuances of colored lights?

From Brown & Jordan's Kensington collection

Create an Intimate Setting
It’s amazing what a little color, outdoor drapery and timeless wicker outdoor furniture can do to create a space that is cozy and beckons you to spend time outdoors.

Outback Chair Company's Urban Balance Wave Hammock

An Extraordinary Hammock
Forget the old rope hammock and opt for a stylish, comfortable and contemporary alternative from Outback Chair company. You can choose different patterns and colors for the pillows and chances are you’ll want to wile everyday away gently swaying in one of these under bright and sunny skies.

Colorful melamine plates from Pottery Barn

Dish it out!
When you are hanging out by the pool it only makes sense to have pool friendly melamine dinnerware that is festive and eyecatching.  Just another way to make your time outdoors extra special with these festive plates, simply top with your favorite food and oooooh life is good!

Havana Outdoor Lamp from Ylighting

I Love Lamp.
Who says you can’t put a floor lamp outdoors? If it’s good enough for the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, then surely your backyard could benefit from having these phenomenal lamps providing a bit of art and illumination!

There are so many great ideas for personalizing and making your outdoor pool area warm and inviting enough for you to consider it your own personal tropical retreat! Plus when you take the time to make it a place you truly enjoy spending time at you’ll find yourself relaxing in your outdoor space more than ever. Do you have anything special you incorporated into your pool area to make it uniquely yours? I hope you’ll tell me by visiting with me on Facebook, Twitter or commenting here on the Design Connection Blog! Wishing you many sunshine filled days and warm summer nights to laze by the pool.

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Ylighting, Outback Chair Company, Brown & Jordan, Frontgate, Moonlight, Modern Outdoor and Pottery Barn,

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

As I watched the beautiful daffodils waving at me in the sunlight outside my office window yesterday, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Spring has officially arrived in the midwest! There’s nothing like a sunny day or a gentle spring rain to give me that urge to go and enjoy the great outdoors. Beckoning blue skies, birds singing in greeting, a gentle wind rustling the new leaves on the trees…ahhhhh bliss.  One of the best things about spring in the midwest is the weather because it’s not too hot during the day, not too cold in the evening – so it’s perfect for spending time outside planting flowers or enjoying the deck or patio. With visions in my head of lounging about on my deck instead of sitting at a computer, I decided to share with you some design inspiration for spring and decorating your outdoor space!

Neoteric Contract's Spartan Daybed

Wile away the day!
An open weave design that lets just enough sun peek through.
All I need is a pool or even better, an ocean to go along with this. I’d never leave…

Moonlight Usa Inc - Globe outdoor lighting

You’ll look lovely in the moon light
Create your own fairy tale setting wtih unique outdoor lighting from Moonlight USA.
These half globes will add an ethereal glow to your outdoor space at night. Simply beautiful.

From Brown Jordan - Parkway Curvilinear Sofa

Showstopper Seating
From the durable metal frame to the sumptuous cushions, this sofa would look amazing indoors or out.

HomeInfatuation.com - Modern Wicker Lounger

The Wizard of Aaaaaahhhhhhs
Clean contemporary lines lend elegant grace to these loungers. I want to lay on one and meditate

Frontgate Medallion Outdoor Rug

Comfort and Style beneath your toes
Kick off your shoes! Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t have some of the comforts of the indoors.
We have incredible options now for weatherproof and sun proof materials for outdoor rugs!

HomeInfatuation.com - Largo Rectangular Fire Table

Gather ’round the Fire!
Anyone up for some roasted marshmallows? Cozy up around these stylish flames that give you fire without the fuss.

Design and Durability
When you choose furnishings and accessories for your outdoor space, you’ll want not just amazing products but amazing quality as well.  Rain or shine this stuff needs to be tough as nails but still look amazing enough for you to want to spend time there.  If you live in an especially wet climate, I’d recommend having waterproof storage outdoors where you can store your cushions etc. to keep them mold and mildew free as well as free of any dust/debris they might collect from leaving them out all the time. Just because it’s an outdoor space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and if you need help, you know I’m more than happy to assist.  In Kansas City our outdoor furnishings need to be sturdy to withstand the dramatic changes in weather. Design Connection can help make sure your outdoor space has the style you need for any season!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Brown Jordan, HomeInfatuation.com, Frontgate, Neoteric  Contracts, Moonlight USA

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