Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

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,

Do you love the idea of organic and green design for your home but don’t know where to start? We’ve been really intrigued by eco-friendly products as of late and have been getting lots of questions about where to find them. So we thought this week we’d talk about one of our favorite materials, Bamboo! From floors to walls, there are products made of Bamboo that will not only enhance your decor, but give you comfort in knowing that you are using products that are good for you and for the planet.

Bamboo picture frame fence from Cali Bamboo

The grass may be greener on this side of the fence! Bamboo is a great choice for outdoor fencing that looks great, is durable and happens to be  a marvelously renewable resource.

Organic Bamboo & Cotton Towels from GoodFibers.com

Bamboo for the Bath!  Organic, soft AND eco-friendly make bath and shower time a delight!

Red Shag Bamboo Rug from Re:modern

Fossilized Bamboo Flooring from Cali Bamboo

There are several styles and colors now available in Bamboo flooring from all the traditional earth tone colors to rainbow colors- there is something to suit anyone’s design tastes!

Bamboo Kitchen from Laguna Bamboo

Looking for the warmth of wood in your kitchen? Perhaps you should consider cabinets and countertops made of beautiful bamboo!

Bamboo Architect Wall Flat from Re:Modern

Thinking of Bamboo for your walls?  Try these textured panels to add a unique  and modern twist to your walls- added bonus… it’s made of bamboo pulp!

There are lots of bamboo accessories for the home as well, from dishes to decoration, textiles to tableware, it’s pretty clear that bamboo is going to be around for a while.  So, we want to know, do you bamboo?  How do you incorporate this fantastic material in your home and everyday life?  We want to hear from you!  Join the discussion on Facebook, Twitter or comment here on our blog.  We look forward to hearing from you!

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