Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

Ahhhh kitchens, the room in the home where we seem to spend more time than we realize.  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.  It’s casual and comfy and no one seems to be able to resist the lure of food and drink right?  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 cabinet kitchen system from SieMatic

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!

Expandable drawer organizer from Crate and Barrel

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!

Chroma wall mounted magnetic knife block from Cutlery and More

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!

Preparation sink from SieMatic

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 drawer from Blum

Corner Creativity
I just love this corner drawer system from Blum. How practical for a space that is usually less than efficiently designed.  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!

Slide Out Blind Corner Shelving Unit by Knape & Vogt at Organize.com

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!

Galley kitchen featured on kitchens.com

Think Clean
Bright light colored backsplashes, clean countertops and minimal clutter help to make a space feel much bigger.  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,  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!  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:  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!

Baja countertop from Caesarstone

Real Quartz Made Better!
Manufactured stone countertops have been around for quite some time, but these are something special.  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.  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!  OK so maybe we’re channeling our inner Dr. Seuss,  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.  From Amethyst to Petrified Wood, you’ll find something to like. Semi-precious stones are individually cut to create these gorgeous countertops.  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.  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.  I would like to invite you to join the Design Connection discussions on Facebook and Twitter.  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

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.  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.  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.  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,  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.  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.  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.  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?  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.  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.

So there you are, you have done everything right, you researched and hired a designer and they are working to transform your space and you hit a roadblock. The “My Way or the Highway” approach seems to work for some designers but let’s face it, it’s your home and you have to live with it which makes it important to find a qualified designer who will collaborate not quarrel.

In Kansas City, I recently assisted a client who had traditional furnishings we were working around. Upon meeting with him, I found out he really wanted something very contemporary. I was off base, we worked together from a new starting point and voila he was happy! He even sent me a follow up e-mail thanking me for taking the time to listen.

It made me start thinking about the fact that not all designers will listen and just how important that is. Granted, I may not think that sentimental family piece should be incorporated back into your room but if you love it so much, I’ll find a way to work it in as best I can. The goal is to make your space perfect for you. At Design Connection, we do listen and cater to the needs of our clients because we think that’s important. Afterall our motto says it all, You Talk, We’ll Listen, You’ll LOVE!

We’d love to hear what you think- if you’ve had an experience (good or bad) that you’d like to share feel free to speak up! We’re listening…

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

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

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

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

Call it the comeback kid, this is not your grandmother’s wallpaper! (photo) As a designer, I still cannot think of a better way to complete a small space than using one of the amazing textured or hip patterned papers that are on the market today. I am often told by realtors to take down all of the wallpaper in resale homes. In some cases I can agree with them, but generally speaking I think wallpaper gets a bum rap. With the vast array of choices out there, there’s no reason why you can’t find a great wallpaper that you’ll love so much you won’t even consider taking it down!

Despite the well meaning advice of my realtor friends, I have not stopped using wallpapers – especially in powder rooms and dining rooms or feature walls. I’m a little “old school” in that I keep a large collection of sample books in my studio that I’ll crack open whenever I need a little inspiration. From natural woven textures to papers that shimmer because they contain tiny glass beads throughout, how could you NOT love wallpaper? It’s inconceivable! Trust me, there’s something out there to suit everyone. All I’m saying is give peace – I mean WALLPAPER a chance! If you love wallpaper too, I hope you’ll reach out and let me know. You can comment here or send me an Email. We need to stick together…

[Images from the fabulous York Wallcoverings collections

Renewable resources are a hot topic in design these days which is why we are dedicating a series of articles to exploring options in green design.  Our first installation is on flooring.  One of the most dramatic ways to affect a room’s design is with flooring. In recent years flooring options have changed from the standards of wood, carpet and tile to include a variety of materials including cork. Now, most people think of cork as something they see on their bulletin board or perhaps with their favorite bottle of wine but the truth is that it’s a wonderful and versatile choice in flooring as well.

Read the rest of this entry »

Stylish soaks that are sure to inspire your bathroom decor.

Last week’s blog about the high number of clients requesting to replace their traditional bathtubs with showers brought on plenty of discussion and input from people who love a good old-fashioned soak in the tub.  So we decided to dedicate this week’s blog to continuing our thoughts on ideas for bathroom remodels and to focus on bathtubs.

For some, there’s nothing better than a steaming hot bath, a good book and a glass of wine at the end of the day to ease away their stress from a hectic workday. The bathtub has a history of being rather mundane but fear not, you can still have your bubbles and bliss with some of the very inspiring and, dare we say, good looking bathtub models being offered today!

OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTIONS

Often bathtubs are an afterthought and most people don’t realize that you have more options than choosing a plain white recessed, corner or freestanding tub. Modern technology has made it possible for you to not only have choices but very innovative options depending on your personal preferences and needs. There is a wide array of colors and materials to choose from.  One of the latest trends we’ve seen at Design Connection is the desire for a deep soaking tub.  The kind where you can sink in up to your chin and just unwind either in a reclined or upright position.

Asian influenced japanese whirlpool bath from Diamond Spas

Taking a page from traditional japanese soaking tubs, there are now several options with a modern twist incorporating beautiful elements such as copper or stainless steel with comforts such as whirlpool jets or stunning ceiling mounted water fixtures. If you are considering incorporating more of an eastern flair, you should definnitely consider an upright soaking tub especially if space is an issue.  They take up less horizontal space than a traditional bathtub but still give you the beauty and comfort of a good deep soak.

Sleek stainless steel soaker from Diamond Spas

Of course if you prefer to recline there are plenty of options there and exciting new offerings from some of the well known manufacturers we often use in our designs.

If you love the look of a freestanding tub but want something other than the traditional claw foot, ivory bath we have definitely got some eye popping tubs for you that are so stunning you’ll definitely want to make one the centerpiece of your bathroom retreat.

The handcrafted bases and color choices make these freestanding baths by Jetta absolutely stunning

Jetta is a company that is probably most recognized for their innovations in whirlpool and jetted tubs. With their WaterDance Bath series you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that they have ventured into the realm of artistic and freestanding soaking tubs with plenty of style. Imagine soaking your stress away in what can only be considered a piece of art. We think you’ll agree that these tubs are just simply stunning with the handcrafted metal bases and designs to suit contemporary to traditional tastes. Freestanding tubs will never be the same!

While soaking is great for many, there are still those of you who love the idea of jets and bubbles to give you that personal spa experience. If that’s your thing, you’ll definitely want to check out the sōk® Overflowing bath from Kohler. They have a great video that shows how the tub works and it’s definitely worth watching. CLICK HERE to watch!

The sōk® bath has a combination of unique options that are becoming popular with bath aficionados. Chromatherapy and Air Bath technology. The Chromatherapy features are based on the idea that light and color can affect bio-rhythms and life balance. Including this with the soothing bath waters, you can get a true spa experience at home with a Chromatherapy tub and even if the color doesn’t affect your mood, the ambiance and the waters will definitely leave you feeling relaxed. They have a great blog about Chromatherapy and how it can affect your mood at the Kohler site that we’d recommend you read if you want more information about the concept.

Immerse youself in water, Chromatherapy and Champagne-like Bubbles in a Sok bath from Kohler

Last but not least, we want to talk about bubbles and Air Baths. The idea is to move away from blasting jets and toward a more tranquil experience with thousands of tiny champagne-like bubbles caressing you as you bathe. There are several companies who offer Air Baths including well known brands Jetta, Kohler and Jacuzzi and options definitely abound. With the various features on some where you can control zones and even have your bathtub clean itself it is almost too good to be true.  We have heard some funny stories from clients whom we have installed Air Baths for who have said sometimes when they self clean it sounds like the bathtub is burping! While it makes us chuckle, what makes us smile is the thought  of the bathtub cleaning itself. Now if it would only do dishes and run the vacuum that would be perfect but we’ll take what we can get.

Jacuzzi's Pure Air® Bellavista Bath

There are countless options out there if you are considering a bathroom remodel, but we think there is a perfect fit for everyone whether you are a fan of showers or baths.  We love both and would invite you to contact us if you want to get even more inspiration and help with planning your home bath retreat to suit you. One thing is for sure, with a bathroom remodel or new bathroom design from Design Connection you’ll probably be so relaxed you’ll never want to leave your bathroom!

We are getting prospective clients calling that are ready to make changes in their master bathroom. They want to eliminate large bathtubs and have great walk-in showers, they have been seeing in the model homes. Most of the time we are able to accomplish what they are requesting. I always remind my clients most things are possible, but there is a price to pay for such a modern large update. 

 We are enlarging showers and upgrading to body spray systems or integrated custom showers. Kohler has some really great new and updated products that can turn your outdated master bathroom into something magical and spa like. For inspiration on bathrooms visit our portfolio.

Tip: We have been told by realtors that you should still have one bathtub on the same floor.

We are at your service, how can we help you? www.designconnectioninc.com