Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

If you’re like many homeowners, somewhere in your house there is a closet stuffed with everything and anything you can imagine, all in disarray! We’ve all been there: Just got home from work or picking up the kids from soccer practice, and as soon as you walk in the door, everything is thrown in the entry closet. Then when you go back in the closet to find one particular thing, it seems like a hopeless task since everyone’s lunchboxes, coats, gloves, purses, boots, and even the cat gets stuck in there every once in awhile.

Family Closet BEFORE

This Design Connection Inc project features a family with just that problem. As you can see from the before pictures, this cluttered closet needed a major face-lift. This mother of two wanted something sophisticated that would hold everyone’s “stuff”. The solution we went to her with was a new, more functional boot box.

Design Connection Inc Space Plan

We totally removed her old boot box and closet and replaced it with new boot box that houses 4 separate spaces, one for each of the 2 kids as well as one for mom and one for dad! After removing the existing boot box we needed to update the flooring. We were practical with our choices in selection a tile since mud and dirt is tracked when entering through the garage.

As a professional interior designer, I help you analyze your lifestyle so that you can get the most our of your home. We make function look beautiful – that’s our job. If you are ready to see how to better use your space, give us a call: 913-851-8776

Other options are to use a closet system to better organize your items. Kansas City Closet Company is a great resource! Click Here to visit their website.

If you don’t have the space to build in a boot box, consider a piece of furniture. We can help you select the perfect piece that looks fabulous and really works with your home.

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.

Listening. It seems like such a simple thing to do, especially in a service oriented industry like mine. However, you’d be amazed at how many times I meet with a new client and they tell me that they need a room redone because the last interior designer didn’t give them what they wanted. Why? It’s simple.В  The designer didn’t listen.В  That’s where the first of our Three Essential C’s of Interior Design comes in. In our C3Design strategy, the first and crucial step is CONNECTING with our clients. Every client is unique and one of the main benefits of having a interior designer is that you should end up with a completely custom space that reflects YOUR indivuduality and YOUR tastes.В  Not the other way around.

How do we do it?

It starts with meeting with the client, discussing their likes and dislikes along with their wants and needs. Then we head to the client’s home to take photographs and begin measurements which is where the fun really begins!

Once the measurements are taken we start working on the bones of the structure by taking everything to the computer and creating a space plan so that we can see exactly what we are working with from load bearing walls to electrical and duct locations, knowing where everything is before we start saves precious time and money for everyone involved.

What’s the Plan?

Once we have the basic foundation in place for a project, the collaboration can begin!В  We spend many hours visiting with our clients to pinpoint their personal style and get an idea for how they envision the space to function in their daily lives. From there we create unique designs that are special to their lifestyle AND tastes. We then create custom space plans to outline exactly what we envision for the space based on our meetings with the client. Everything from removing walls to adding lighting, cabinets, flooring and furniture is outlined before a single stick of furniture is moved. This enables the client to see how their room will look when it’s done in addition to seeing how furniture and accessories flow and fit into their daily lifestyle.В  There’s nothing worse than finding furniture you love and realizing it doesn’t fit the space once it’s in. By creating a clear plan and picture for our clients, we eliminate potentially costly mistakes which makes for smooth sailing once we begin work.

Approaching interior design from a whole-home perspective as opposed to dealing with individual rooms is one of the trade secrets I’m known for. For instance, with a kitchen remodel like this one I tell my clients-”It’s not just the kitchen you are working on. There are other connecting rooms and they all have to work together!” At Design Connection, we make sure that the rooms we design flow seamlessly from one space to the next and consider not just form, but function as the top two design priorities.

Once we have the space plan for the design complete, it’s time to move onto the second Essential C in our C3Design process, CREATING. Check back with us next week to learn more about that phase of a project and see how this kitchen makeover progresses through all of our steps from start to finish!

So we’ve allВ  heard the general grumbling about the economy and how it has impacted everything from toothpaste to telephones. Kansas City and the interior design world haven’t been immune to the effects of the economy but thanks to our penchant for listening to and working with the needs of our clients, the team at Design Connection have been keeping busy with projects big and small.В  We know there are lots of people out there who would love to do a whole house remodel but are a little hesitant given the economic climate so we decided to tackle one room at a time to show you some ways you can achieve that fresh new look in your home without breaking the bank!

The Hardest Working Room In The House
Ahhhh, the kitchen. Not only is it typically a space where we prepare food, but increasingly it has become a central point or gathering place for family and friends to nibble and nosh. With such a hardworking space, no wonder it’s typically the first place people look at when they consider any updating in an existing home!В  On this particular kitchen, the client bought an older home that was in need of some serious updating.В  We had lots to accomplish so we found ways to help trim costs so that they could achieve the look they wanted but also incorporate the things that were important to them.

Kitchen Update Idea #1: DON’T OVERLOOK THE FLOORS
We started with one of the basics.В  The floor is often an easy area to forget about when considering a kitchen revamp. If you don’t have it in your budget to actually replace the flooring, there are several things you can do to update your existing floors especially wood floors like these. From painting a pattern or a rug (to cover flaws) to a full refinish.В  Your wood floors can and should give you years of use. We decided that these floors needed a dose of a different hue to help them reach their full potential without costing a fortune. We accomplished this by completely stripping and refinishing the floors in a different hue.

Kitchen Update Idea #2: CREATIVE CABINETS
We didn’t have it in the budget to completely replace the cabinets and in many cases it’s simply not necessary. Cabinets are among the most expensive items in most kitchen remodels. Here, we helped the cabinets reach their full potential without costing a fortune by changing the color with a quality faux finish. It’s amazing what you can achieve with that basic design staple, paint. Some other ideas you could incorporate to update your cabinets is to take the doors off and paint the back a different color for a modern and hip “open shelving” feel to your kitchen.

Kitchen Update Idea #3: MAKE A SPLASH
A backsplash to be more specific. We removed the original tile backsplash that looked dated and replaced it with a new one comprised of darker tiles that added a natural stone texture along with greater visual interest with the introduction of a hint of color and the slim horizontal lines of the tiles.

Kitchen Update Idea #4: ISLANDS AREN’T JUST FOR THE TROPICS
If you don’t have one already and have the space, adding an island to your kitchen can add tremendous visual appeal plus give you additional space to gather ’round, prep food and store kitchen items. This kitchen already had an island which we reintroduced to modern times by adding a new curved granite countertop, a beautiful new range AND a faux finish to match the beautiful “new” cabinets.

Kitchen Update Idea #5: COUNTERTOPS ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Gorgeous granite isn’t always the most affordable option out there but is sure is pretty. The new granite countertops in this kitchen definitely add visual appeal and with the money we saved by refinishing the cabinets and flooring, it enabled us to splurge in other areas like this. There are several options for affordable countertops that include the great new finishes in traditional laminate countertops as well as manufactured stone countertops that can mimic the great look of granite without costing an arm and a leg.

Kitchen Update Idea #6: BRING THE BLING – APPLIANCES & FIXTURES
Last but not least, it’s the details that count.В  Newer appliances and fixtures can make any kitchen feel modern and fresh. They certainly made a world of difference in this one. Stainless steel goes with anything and can help give the space that popular “professional” kitchen look that’s all the rage!В  Even if you can’t afford all new appliances all at once, the beauty of it is that you can replace them one by one, as needed. You should consider new lighting fixtures or replace that drippy old faucet. Even new, upgraded drawer and cabinet pulls can add that extra special bit of detail that will contribute to the overall feel of the room.

While these are just a few of the things you can do to update your kitchen, we think that you’ll agree that big or small it’s one of the projects you can undertake with the maximum potential for making a huge impact on how your home feels for you and your guests. Even if you take a few hours and update with a fresh coat of paint and some new cabinet hardware, we think that there are plenty of ideas here that you can incorporate bit by bit or as a whole to achieve the kitchen you desire most.В  Of course if you’re just not that good with visualizing or taking home improvement projects from concept to completion, you can always count on us at Design Connection to hold your hand and help you through the process from start to finish. Having a designer who listens to what you want and helps you to accomplish your vision and stay in budget is something we pride ourselves on doing for our clients. It’s all about the service and there’s nothing better than having a client tell you how happy they are with the work you’ve done after the project is completed! This particular project was extra special because not only did we receive feedback from the client, but we also heard from people on facebook who were familiar with the original home!В  It was such a treat for us that we just have to share.

WHAT THE HOMEOWNER SAID:
“I would like to thank Arlene and team for turning a daunting task into a fabulous reality. When we recently moved into our new home we loved the floor plan but knew it needed some updating. Having gone through the process of home makeovers in our previous homes we had some experience, but found ourselves struggling to prioritize where to begin with this home. Arlene stepped in and helped us determine the most important steps over the “nice to haves” in order to keep within budget. The result was a well implemented and executed plan with amazing results. Arlene and Cindy kept us informed, minimized the disruption to our family and kept the creative juices flowing. Friends and neighbors who saw the before and after cannot believe the transformation. Thank you!”В  —Randy M.

COMMENTS FROM FACEBOOK:
“I know this house….what an INCREDIBLE transformation! My husband & I are in shock seeing these pictures (knowing what it looked like with the previous owners.)”В  — Lori M.

As always, if you need help with your design whether it’s starting from scratch, remodeling or restyling, we hope you’ll think of us.В  Take advantage of our complimentary in-studio interior design consultation or if you’re just wanting to say Hi we hope you’ll pipe up here on our blog or on Facebook or Twitter. Until next week- have fun with those kitchens, dear friends!

Space…the final frontier. Ok, maybe not so much the final frontier in this case but it is something many people don’t spend nearly enough time thinking about when they are considering design for their home. You’d be surprised at how many calls I get from people who need help “fixing” their design mishaps but I’ll let you in on a little secret that I employ religiously…space planning.В  Yep.В  Space planning.В  It involves the simple concept of taking a room and analyzing all the elements that incorporate that space like ceiling height, window size and placement, hallways and entries etc.В  Then we take that data and plan a room with furnishings and accessories that support good design and accommodates the traffic flow your lifestyle demands. It may not be the sexiest aspect of the work that we do, but it is one of the most essential. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes bit of work that not only helps you visualize the end product but also helps you achieve the look you desire before you ever have to move a single piece of furniture or change a thing!В  Now that’s what we call design smarts.В  Read on to learn more about space planning and what I’m talking about!

BEWARE! Hidden Obstacles Await
So you finished the basement but before you go shopping for furniture and appliances, you need to make sure you have a way to get them installed on that lower level. If you have a walkout basement it makes life much easier but for those of you who don’t, make sure you take into consideration the size of your furniture and appliances to ensure that you can get them down the stairs, through any doorways and into your basement area.В  Oftentimes tricky angles in halls and doorways will force you to get creative, sometimes you can remove doors, railings or even dismantle parts of the furniture but better to be safe than sorry.В  I had a friend who bought a full size fridge for the basement only to find that it simply would NOT fit through the existing door and hallway. They had to return it for a smaller one which cost them money for restocking but also the time & effort to find a new one, and have it brought to the house and installed.В  Their superbowl weekend unveiling of their newly finished basement didn’t happen as they had hoped. All of which could have been avoided had they planned in advance!

For Good Measure
I remember one year I bought a live Christmas tree that looked amazing at the farm but when I got it home it turned out to be WAY TOO BIG for the space. Ended up having to move furniture out of the room to accommodate it since taking it back wasn’t an option. My husband wasn’t exactly pleased about having to haul furniture around in the cold weather because I hadn’t bothered to measure the space AND the tree.В  This same idea applies to your rooms- you have to measure not only the room but also the features that make up the room like windows, doors, fireplaces and built-ins.В  Once you have the dimensions you have to measure the furniture you plan to put in the space, then try to figure out how to place it so that it works well for traffic flow as well as being visually pleasing. Sounds easy, right? You’d be surprised at how many people skip this step and end up with a room they are not happy with. If you are planning on new furnishings you can save a lot of time, money and heartache by making sure everything is going to work in the space BEFORE you buy!

Endless Possibilities!
Being able to take the data from room and furniture measurements and laying out a floorplan digitally is one of the things we do with EVERY DESIGN. Not only does this enable the client to visualize how the pieces will work in their unique spaces, it gives everyone a chance to test placement and design before a single piece of furniture is ever touched. It is one of my favorite things about the advancements in interior design technology and I am so proud of the fact that Design Connection has our very own space planner on staff to assist with making sure we get our rooms right the first time.В  If you are considering remodeling, we can even move walls and make major adjustments that you can see before you ever get started, it’s an example of how thorough we are with the design process.

Here’s the Plan!
We love challenges in interior design and one such challenge is when we are faced with rooms that have unusual dimensions or angled walls.В  As seen here in this actual space plan for a client, you can see how the windows, angled wall and hallway leading to this living area needed to be considered when placing the furniture and creating areas for traffic to flow easily.В  This particular project was one that I really enjoyed because we started with a completely blank slate and were able to work with the client to include the pieces they wanted without crowding the space.В  Whether it’s for a living area, bedroom or kitchen you should have a professional space planner to make sure that everything on your wish list is addressed, tested and incorporated before you commit to any kind of refresh or renovation.

The Finished Space
The space plan above eventually became the space you see pictured above.В  Everything from the height of the window treatments to the placement of each piece of furniture was pre-planned, checked and approved ahead of time which made for a perfect room from the get go. We did space planning and design for this whole condo from start to finish. If you would like to get a look at the great furniture, accessories, fabrics and other design elements we used for this project, click here to view our portfolio.

At Design Connection, we include space planning in all of our interior design projects. While not every designer in Kansas City employs the same ideals and concepts that we do, we feel space planning is a big part of what makes our service so extraordinary.В  We like to work with our clients closely to make sure that they are happy and in the process it helps us get to know them better and provide a level of service that you won’t find just anywhere.В  Saving clients time, money and potential headaches by planning in advance seems like a small price to pay for the big results they get when they end up with a room they absolutely love.В  Got a project? We would love to give you a free in-studio consultation! Simply click here then fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!

Ahhhh kitchens, the room in the home where we seem to spend more time than we realize.В  With open floorplans and multi-use spaces becoming common in homes, it’s easier than ever to hang out and socialize in the kitchen, have the kids do homework, or just hang out while cooking.В  It’s casual and comfy and no one seems to be able to resist the lure of food and drink right?В  The only problem is that if you have a small kitchen, it might have you wondering what you can do to maximize that space so that everyone can enjoy. I have been working with some clients this summer who have summer lake cottages and condos with limited kitchen space. The question always comes up, how can I make my kitchen seem bigger?

Open and Airy
Creating the illusion of more space are the increasingly popular open front cabinets that boast clean lines and help you clean up your act. With your dishware on display you’ll become more aware of what you do/don’t need and what you need to get rid of which means more space for you!

Time to Organize!
Keep your knives and other kitchen gadgets organized and easy to access with expandable drawer organizers that keep them off the countertops!

Utilize the Walls!
There are all kinds of ways to get your utensils, pots and other sundry items off the countertops and one space where they can be organized AND look great is on your walls. There are some terrific magnetic knife bars out there or if the exposed blades make you nervous, you can go for the look of a knife block but with magnetic properties like the one above!

Areas that Multitask
I love it when design meets function and this fabulous prep sink is a perfect example of a way you can utilize a standard item, in this case a sink, and make it better by rethinking the design and setting up the space to serve as a food prep AND cleanup station. Brilliant ideas like this incorporated into your home decor mean you need even less counter space!

Corner Creativity
I just love this corner drawer system from Blum. How practical for a space that is usually less than efficiently designed.В  If you are looking at incorporating some new ideas into your lower cabinets, this is a great way to use those often wasted corners of the kitchen!

Ready to retrofit?
So you don’t have time for new cabinets that take advantage of those corner cabinets you never use as much as you should? Never fear, you can retrofit with slide out units that will help organize just about any cabinet space in your kitchen. There are a variety of options out there for under the sink, slide outs, lazy susans, pull down or in this case, a pull out unit that let’s you say “Hello Storage” to those formerly unusable areas!

Think Clean
Bright light colored backsplashes, clean countertops and minimal clutter help to make a space feel much bigger.В  This small galley kitchen may be small in size but it’s definitely big on style and notice the lack of cabinet hardware and things on the counters which adds to the impression that this kitchen is bigger than it actually is!

Even if you aren’t ready for a complete kitchen remodel, you can take some of these ideas to tidy up your space and make it feel bigger simply by starting with organizing! Once you’ve tackled that,В  you can take a look at larger changes like paint, cabinets, countertops that will help to make your smaller kitchen seem bigger than life. If you’re ready to start planning your kitchen you have got to come in and talk to me. We do space planning so that you will be able to see exactly how your kitchen could be made more efficient but also how it will fit into your existing home’s design and layout. Whether it’s retrofitting or starting from scratch, Design Connection is here to help!В  Call or contact us today and take advantage of our FREE in studio design consulation and take a step closer to the kitchen of your dreams!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:В  Siematic, Crate and Barrel, Organize.com, Cutlery and More,

We had some great feedback last week on the recycled glass countertops featured in our blog on earth friendly design so this week we decided to explore the wonderful world of countertops! For the kitchen or bath, few things have more impact both visually and from a usability standpoint than countertops. The materials used, color and functionality all play into making the right choice and while granite is often the first one that comes to mind it’s not the only option available to you anymore. At Design Connection, we do a lot of kitchen remodeling and design, so we are always on the lookout for that perfect combination of form and function so this week we are bringing you some countertop choices that are off the beaten path!

Real Quartz Made Better!
Manufactured stone countertops have been around for quite some time, but these are something special.В  Made from crushed quartz, they have the beauty of stone countertops but with more consistent coloring, durability and need we say how pretty they look? With a multitude of colors to choose from, these countertops will easily match any decor.

Steel yourself! This will look gorgeous in your kitchen…

While it can sometimes be a bit on the industrial side, the fact is that stainless steel is a wonderfully neutral (gray) and affordable addition to any kitchen. Natural antibacterial properties due to the non-porous nature of the metal mean happy times for you and your food prep, plus easy cleanup with soap and water make this material one you can’t help but adore.

Did you say that was concrete?
You wouldn’t believe the possibilities with concrete countertops these days and if you don’t believe me, you have to click on the picture and browse the residential portfolio from Reaching Quiet. Truly stunning, concrete is like the chameleon of countertops. It can be embedded with details and accents like shells and stones or stained to resemble a slab of natural stone, polished to an ultra modern sheen, textured and formed. I really could go on and on here…

Wood = Good
When you yearn for a countertop that is natural and warm, it’s hard to go wrong with wood.В  A huge variety of standard and exotic hardwoods are available now and many are eco-friendly. Consider reclaimed wood or even a distressed finish to give your kitchen a design boost!

A Brilliant Idea!
Combine glass with light and what a delight you’ll find at night!В  OK so maybe we’re channeling our inner Dr. Seuss,В  but seriously, who wouldn’t be dazzled by this stunning and simple glass countertop?

Leave No Stone Unturned…
In your quest for a one-of-a-kind countertop that is made of natural stone, you have to check out Concetto by Caesarstone.В  From Amethyst to Petrified Wood, you’ll find something to like. Semi-precious stones are individually cut to create these gorgeous countertops.В  A small sampling of options are on the photo above, plus some of them can be cut thinly enough to allow light to shine through. Gorgeous!

While I love to look at materials that are definitely not mundane, most of my clients do need some advice when it comes to practicality. When you choose a surface material for your countertops, be sure to consider your lifestyle and the amount of use those counters will get.В  Some of the more porous materials may be prone to stains while some of the non-porous ones could suffer from scratches. Research is key so that you can make a wise choice that will merge seamlessly with your design style as well as live up to normal everyday use. As always if you are looking to remodel your kitchen or do any other design work around the house that needs a bit of contemporary flair, I hope you’ll contact me.В  I would like to invite you to join the Design Connection discussions on Facebook and Twitter.В  I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Caesarstone, ThinkGlass, Grothouse Lumber, Reaching Quiet, Handcrafted Metal

We had some great feedback last week on the recycled glass countertops featured in our blog on earth friendly design so this week we decided to explore the wonderful world of countertops! For the kitchen or bath, few things have more impact both visually and from a usability standpoint than countertops. The materials used, color and functionality all play into making the right choice and while granite is often the first one that comes to mind it’s not the only option available to you anymore. At Design Connection, we do a lot of kitchen remodeling and design, so we are always on the lookout for that perfect combination of form and function so this week we are bringing you some countertop choices that are off the beaten path!

Baja countertop from Caesarstone

Real Quartz Made Better!
Manufactured stone countertops have been around for quite some time, but these are something special.В  Made from crushed quartz, they have the beauty of stone countertops but with more consistent coloring, durability and need we say how pretty they look? With a multitude of colors to choose from, these countertops will easily match any decor.

Stainless Steel patterned bar top from Handcrafted Metal

Steel yourself! This will look gorgeous in your kitchen…

While it can sometimes be a bit on the industrial side, the fact is that stainless steel is a wonderfully neutral (gray) and affordable addition to any kitchen. Natural antibacterial properties due to the non-porous nature of the metal mean happy times for you and your food prep, plus easy cleanup with soap and water make this material one you can’t help but adore.

Award-winning concrete countertop design from Reaching Quiet

Did you say that was concrete?
You wouldn’t believe the possibilities with concrete countertops these days and if you don’t believe me, you have to click on the picture and browse the residential portfolio from Reaching Quiet. Truly stunning, concrete is like the chameleon of countertops. It can be embedded with details and accents like shells and stones or stained to resemble a slab of natural stone, polished to an ultra modern sheen, textured and formed. I really could go on and on here…

End Grain Carbonized Bamboo Countertop from Grothouse Lumber

Wood = Good
When you yearn for a countertop that is natural and warm, it’s hard to go wrong with wood.В  A huge variety of standard and exotic hardwoods are available now and many are eco-friendly. Consider reclaimed wood or even a distressed finish to give your kitchen a design boost!

ThinkGlass by Mailhot Backlit Glass Countertop

A Brilliant Idea!
Combine glass with light and what a delight you’ll find at night!В  OK so maybe we’re channeling our inner Dr. Seuss,В  but seriously, who wouldn’t be dazzled by this stunning and simple glass countertop?

Concetto by Caesarstone Puro Countertop

Leave No Stone Unturned…
In your quest for a one-of-a-kind countertop that is made of natural stone, you have to check out Concetto by Caesarstone.В  From Amethyst to Petrified Wood, you’ll find something to like. Semi-precious stones are individually cut to create these gorgeous countertops.В  A small sampling of options are on the photo above, plus some of them can be cut thinly enough to allow light to shine through. Gorgeous!

While I love to look at materials that are definitely not mundane, most of my clients do need some advice when it comes to practicality. When you choose a surface material for your countertops, be sure to consider your lifestyle and the amount of use those counters will get.В  Some of the more porous materials may be prone to stains while some of the non-porous ones could suffer from scratches. Research is key so that you can make a wise choice that will merge seamlessly with your design style as well as live up to normal everyday use. As always if you are looking to remodel your kitchen or do any other design work around the house that needs a bit of contemporary flair, I hope you’ll contact me.В  I would like to invite you to join the Design Connection discussions on Facebook and Twitter.В  I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Caesarstone, ThinkGlass, Grothouse Lumber, Reaching Quiet, Handcrafted Metal

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.В  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.В  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!

Not ready to tackle a whole-house or large room remodel just yet? If that sounds like you, then you are probably considering doing something new with your bathroom. Sometimes it’s better to start small. Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in the house, a quick google search yielded some surprising statistics. Apparently we spend an average of 210 min per week in the bathroom. (Yes you read that right!) That adds up to about 10,920 minutes per year, 182 hours or 7.58 days.В  So considering that we all generally spend quite a bit of time in the bathroom, it is only natural that the idea of remodeling that space is so appealing. In an economy where some people are hesitant to commit to a larger project, a bathroom is the perfect place to start.

Showering you with ideas!
Having a spa-like experience everyday is something many of us dream about. Beautiful and heated tile floors, a towel warmer, maybe a gorgeous sink and shiny new fixtures to compliment the ultimate bath or steam shower…ideas and options abound. The key is taking the ideas you want and working them into the existing space that you have in a way that is not only eye pleasing but livable. We love comfort and beauty but we also like convenience of surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. When you plan a bathroom remodel you need to consider whether you are wanting to do a partial or full remodel. Partial might involve replacing existing sinks, baths and toilets with newer models but keeping the same layout. A full remodel could include gutting the entire space and restarting from scratch. Depending on your lifestyle and your budget, you can and should work with an experienced interior designer to plan out your space. Not only can they introduce you to the latest products that are on the market, they will ensure that the choices you make
compliment each other to give you the spectacular bathroom you deserve.

Ready, Set, Remodel!
If you are thinking about remodeling, you are in luck! The Design Connection Team is going to be at the Kansas City Remodeling show February 12-14 at the American Royal. We would love to see you there and talk to you about your ideas and show you some of the great remodeling projects we’ve done in Kansas City, including bathrooms that we love.В  Look for our booth at the show. We will post details closer to the event on our website but you can always ask questions here, or on the Design Connection Facebook or Twitter pages. Looking forward to seeing you at the show!

It is winter and more often than not, you look out your window and see…gray.В  It’s not just the weather, it’s your mood too and while you may think to blame it on the weather, take a good look at your surroundings. Your mood is likely being affected by your environment in addition to the weather and the happenings in your life. I talked about “out with the old and in with the new” in a previous post,В  but I think this is definitely a topic that can and should be revisited a little more. Especially during tough economic times, we often forget how simple things can have a profound effect on our lives and how we live each day.

It’s All About Balance.
When the going gets tough, the tough start cleaning. I’m talking about cleaning in both a literal and a metaphysical sense. Clutter takes energy to maintain. Whether you have lots of clutter in your home, office or personal life the idea is the less clutter, the more room you have for prosperity and good things to come to you. For instance, think of how you feel when you have a room in your house where everything is exactly how you want it.В  Doesn’t that make you feel good?

You Light Up My Life.
Finding balance in your surroundings doesn’t have to be difficult. You can start with something as simple as cleaning and re-arranging furniture or get dramatic with a fresh coat of paint.В  Did you know that color and light can affect your mood and outlook on life? Think of how you feel when you’re outdoors in the sun after you’ve been stuck indoors for a week. Now imagine being able to carry that feeling with you everyday.В  Look at adding some gorgeous lighting to brighten up a drab room or introduce a new color palette with accessories to ease you out of the winter doldrums and into the freshness of spring. How about some flowers in a colorful vase?В  If you have a green thumb, a vibrant plant can make a huge difference in cheering up a room.

The point is, eliminating things from your surroundings that you don’t need, will help you create a harmonious and efficient space. Get rid of items that are broken or outdated. If you don’t love it, donate it. Make space for good things to come.В  So, go ahead and redo that room in the house! Feeling at peace and relaxed in your surroundings will help you welcome new possibilities and that ever elusive concept of balance in life and home.