Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

As technology continues to progress and information is always at our finger tips, the way we work is being redefined. Corporate standards are changing to include workplace flexibility, which means that home office is become a more prevalent room in the home.

Work today is being done in new ways and in new places. If you find yourself working from home on the kitchen table or on a desk shared by kids craft projects, it might be time to carve some of your own space. Design Connection Inc. can help you re-purpose a room, or finish out your basement to include a fully functioning home office.

The facts are in. According to the conclusions of psychologists who examined 20 years of research on flexible work arrangements, telecommuting is a win-win for employees and employers. “We found that telecommuters reported more job satisfaction, less motivation to leave the company, less stress, improved work-family balance, and higher performance ratings by supervisors,.” said Ravi S. Gajendran, lead author of an analysis of 46 studies of telecommuting involving 12,833 employees, reported in the Journal of Applied Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Here at Design Connection, we realize how important this trend is and even more important, is creating that space in your home where you will be working several hours a day. It needs to be clean, uncluttered, ergonomic, and safe. We have the resources to help you make the right decisions for your home office as part of The Office Evolution.

Design Tip: Function first! Make a list of your office needs, the design should evolve around these needs. If the new home office doesn’t accommodate everything you need to work efficiently then you will never be as productive as you can be. If storage is important, then it is key to plan for shelves and drawers and file cabinets. If a big work surface is needed then a large desk will be key. There are may pieces of furniture that can expand and contract as needed.

If you love this idea, but don’t know where to start call us today for an appointment with our professional design team. Our business hours are: 9 a.m – 5 p.m. central standard time Monday – Friday Call Arlene Ladegaard at  (913) 851-8776 or email her at Arlene@DesignConnectionInc.com

(Office examples are courtesy of office-dd.net, sixrevisions.com and femtalks.com)

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!

New Year, New Resolutions and chances are one of those involves doing something with your home. Whether it’s a refresh, complete remodel, or relocating to a new residence, you shouldn’t tackle your interior until you understand the difference between decorating and design.В  Our business is interiors and we have spent years crafting a strategy that is based on what we call the Three Essential C’s of Interior Design- or as we call it, C3Design.

Connecting. Creating. Customizing. C3Design is all about how we connect spaces and integrate furnishings and materials into your overall design to create custom living spaces that are tailored specifically to your tastes.

CONNECTING

We love to connect with our clients. It’s a part of our company name and a part of the promise we make when we take on any project. Our C3Design process begins with a clean, computer generated drawing of your space. Starting at the very essence of a space eliminates costly design or measurement mistakes or miscalculations and helps you to visualize the possibilities for what your home can become!В  We discuss your goals for the space with you and reconcile that with what is possible within the structure. Together, we work with you to decide on the details and any architectural or structural changes before we move on to what we call The Final Touch which involves furnishing and accessorizing the space to make it amazing.

CREATING

Your peace of mind is something that is incredibly important. When you engage with us, you are trusting us with your home which is something we value immeasurably. At Design Connection we don’t just work on your project, we handle it for you from start to finish. Managing quality builders, craftsmen, and our trusted partners is what we do for you to take the guesswork and surprises out of the process. While your dream space is being created, we communicate with you and our partners consistently so that you are always aware of what’s happening and when at your home.

CUSTOMIZING

Decorating interiors is an art form and when your space is ready for The Final Touch, it signals the completion of the vision we created with you when we began your customized C3Design plan and project. Our goal is to give you design that translates seamlessly from idea to reality and final touch elements that extend and reflect the overall design. For that reason, we offer only the most unique and customized furniture pieces and accessories and work with only the most skilled quality craftsmen to achieve a space you’ll be proud to live in. Scouring markets around the country to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your home and enlisting the best in the business for everything from faux painting to cabinet design ensures that your space is as unique as you are!

THE THREE C’S = Happy Clients

As you prepare to tackle your space for the new year, keep in mind that detailed planning and discussion is key to achieving an end result you will love.В  At Design Connection, we love interiors and we love making your ideas and dreams come to life. Our creative and detailed approach to interior design is what sets us apart and we’d love to sit down and talk to you about how we can help you accomplish your goals with your home this year.В  We offer complimentary in-studio consultations by appointment and invite you to contact us anytime by phone 913-851-8776, filling out this form online CLICK HERE>>>, or coming by the office at 10520 Barkley Suite 140, Overland Park, KS 66212.

New Year, New Resolutions and chances are one of those involves doing something with your home. Whether it’s a refresh, complete remodel, or relocating to a new residence, you shouldn’t tackle your interior until you understand the difference between decorating and design.В  Our business is interiors and we have spent years crafting a strategy that is based on what we call the Three Essential C’s of Interior Design- or as we call it, C3Design.

Connecting. Creating. Customizing. C3Design is all about how we connect spaces and integrate furnishings and materials into your overall design to create custom living spaces that are tailored specifically to your tastes.

CONNECTING

We love to connect with our clients. It’s a part of our company name and a part of the promise we make when we take on any project. Our C3Design process begins with a clean, computer generated drawing of your space. Starting at the very essence of a space eliminates costly design or measurement mistakes or miscalculations and helps you to visualize the possibilities for what your home can become!В  We discuss your goals for the space with you and reconcile that with what is possible within the structure. Together, we work with you to decide on the details and any architectural or structural changes before we move on to what we call The Final Touch which involves furnishing and accessorizing the space to make it amazing.

CREATING

Your peace of mind is something that is incredibly important. When you engage with us, you are trusting us with your home which is something we value immeasurably. At Design Connection we don’t just work on your project, we handle it for you from start to finish. Managing quality builders, craftsmen, and our trusted partners is what we do for you to take the guesswork and surprises out of the process. While your dream space is being created, we communicate with you and our partners consistently so that you are always aware of what’s happening and when at your home.

CUSTOMIZING

Decorating interiors is an art form and when your space is ready for The Final Touch, it signals the completion of the vision we created with you when we began your customized C3Design plan and project. Our goal is to give you design that translates seamlessly from idea to reality and final touch elements that extend and reflect the overall design. For that reason, we offer only the most unique and customized furniture pieces and accessories and work with only the most skilled quality craftsmen to achieve a space you’ll be proud to live in. Scouring markets around the country to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your home and enlisting the best in the business for everything from faux painting to cabinet design ensures that your space is as unique as you are!

THE THREE C’S = Happy Clients

As you prepare to tackle your space for the new year, keep in mind that detailed planning and discussion is key to achieving an end result you will love.В  At Design Connection, we love interiors and we love making your ideas and dreams come to life. Our creative and detailed approach to interior design is what sets us apart and we’d love to sit down and talk to you about how we can help you accomplish your goals with your home this year.В  We offer complimentary in-studio consultations by appointment and invite you to contact us anytime by phone 913-851-8776, filling out this form online CLICK HERE>>>, or coming by the office at 10520 Barkley Suite 140, Overland Park, KS 66212.

‘Tis the season for friends and family, time for gathering and sharing our lives and our homes with the ones we love. The days of having a formal gathering space in the home seem to have gone by the wayside in favor of having a more casual and comfortable place to relax and enjoy company. The modern day kitchen has become a space where people tend to congregate and linger- over coffee, snacks, even as a main gathering space for parties. Opening up the kitchen and making it flow seamlessly with a living area is a hot trend in homes right now and we were delighted to assist in renovating this Ward Parkway home to create a modern and open kitchen worth gathering ’round!

This kitchen has seen many years of makeovers since the Tudor style home in which it resides was built in 1929. We were challenged with updating it into a streamlined and contemporary kitchen that blended seamlessly into the classic architecture of the original home.

We started with space planning. Looking at the original plan and deciding which walls needed to stay and which ones could go was critical to the end result. By eliminating walls, we were able to open up the rooms and make traffic flow better and create a multi-purpose kitchen that was perfect for cooking and conversation!

Adding a large center island creates more working counter space as well as a perfect place to set out food and drinks during a party! Minus the old walls, the space is bigger, brighter and ready to play host to friends and family.

Combining white cabinetry (a nod to the original style) with warm woods and stainless steel makes for a clean and modern kitchen without compromising on the warmth!

From drab to delightful! New lighting and appliances have given this kitchen a new life.

Open spaces bring smiling faces! An old floor plan feels new again with the removal of a few walls. The beautifully finished wood floors help both rooms work in unison.

We were thrilled with the final outcome of this project and the client couldn’t be happier!В  Here is what they had to say once the work was complete:

“In reviewing options for our remodeling project, we encountered many contractors and designers that also have distribution relationships for specific cabinet companies and other vendors. We wanted a seasoned design professional with knowledge of multiple vendors that could help us first create the vision and then match uswith the resources best suited to deliver our vision. Arlene and the Design Connection team did a great job of helping us create a transitional space plan and design that incorporated our vision while maintaining the character and grandeur of our 85 year-old Tudor. The final product is gorgeous!”

I just love it when I have happy clients! Do you want to become one of them? Design Connection is your Kansas City resource for complete interior design services including kitchen remodeling, space planning and all of your furniture needs. If you are looking for your space to be as unique as you are, we are here to help! Contact us for a complimentary in-studio design consultation by clicking here and filling out the form, OR give us a call anytime at 913- 851-8776.В  You can see more pictures from this kitchen remodel and other interior design projects in our website portfolio.В  We would love to hear from you and your thoughts what we do as well as your design questions. You can find us and say hello on Facebook, Twitter and right here in our blog!

‘Tis the season for friends and family, time for gathering and sharing our lives and our homes with the ones we love. The days of having a formal gathering space in the home seem to have gone by the wayside in favor of having a more casual and comfortable place to relax and enjoy company. The modern day kitchen has become a space where people tend to congregate and linger- over coffee, snacks, even as a main gathering space for parties. Opening up the kitchen and making it flow seamlessly with a living area is a hot trend in homes right now and we were delighted to assist in renovating this Ward Parkway home to create a modern and open kitchen worth gathering ’round!

Kansas City Kitchen Before Remodel

Kansas City Kitchen Before Remodel

This kitchen has seen many years of makeovers since the Tudor style home in which it resides was built in 1929. We were challenged with updating it into a streamlined and contemporary kitchen that blended seamlessly into the classic architecture of the original home.

Original Space Plan for Kansas City Kitchen Remodel

We started with space planning. Looking at the original plan and deciding which walls needed to stay and which ones could go was critical to the end result. By eliminating walls, we were able to open up the rooms and make traffic flow better and create a multi-purpose kitchen that was perfect for cooking and conversation!

Final Space Plan for Kansas City Kitchen Remodel

Adding a large center island creates more working counter space as well as a perfect place to set out food and drinks during a party! Minus the old walls, the space is bigger, brighter and ready to play host to friends and family.

Completed Contemporary KC Kitchen Remodel

Combining white cabinetry (a nod to the original style) with warm woods and stainless steel makes for a clean and modern kitchen without compromising on the warmth!

Completed Contemporary KC Kitchen Remodel

From drab to delightful! New lighting and appliances have given this kitchen a new life.

Completed Contemporary KC Kitchen Remodel

Open spaces bring smiling faces! An old floor plan feels new again with the removal of a few walls. The beautifully finished wood floors help both rooms work in unison.

We were thrilled with the final outcome of this project and the client couldn’t be happier!В  Here is what they had to say once the work was complete:

“In reviewing options for our remodeling project, we encountered many contractors and designers that also have distribution relationships for specific cabinet companies and other vendors. We wanted a seasoned design professional with knowledge of multiple vendors that could help us first create the vision and then match uswith the resources best suited to deliver our vision. Arlene and the Design Connection team did a great job of helping us create a transitional space plan and design that incorporated our vision while maintaining the character and grandeur of our 85 year-old Tudor. The final product is gorgeous!”

I just love it when I have happy clients! Do you want to become one of them? Design Connection is your Kansas City resource for complete interior design services including kitchen remodeling, space planning and all of your furniture needs. If you are looking for your space to be as unique as you are, we are here to help! Contact us for a complimentary in-studio design consultation by clicking here and filling out the form, OR give us a call anytime at 913- 851-8776.В  You can see more pictures from this kitchen remodel and other interior design projects in our website portfolio.В  We would love to hear from you and your thoughts what we do as well as your design questions. You can find us and say hello on Facebook, Twitter and right here in our blog!

It’s officially the first day of Fall and as I watch the weather change and the leaves fall, it makes me think about how this day marks the beginning of the holiday season rush for me and my clients in the interior design world. Yes, I said it. The holidays are coming! But don’t panic, there is still plenty of time to prepare your home for the holidays and insure that everything is ordered, delivered and installed before your first guest of the season crosses the threshold.В  Many of my clients are looking for a quick way to spruce up their homes and freshen their existing spaces. One of the most effective ways to achieve a quick redesign is with a fantastic area rug. I love taking the patterns and colors in an area rug and design a room around it to pull all of the elements together. So many of the homes in Kansas City feature gorgeous hardwood floors which are a perfect canvas on which to feature a gorgeous rug and of course I have a few in mind that I would like to share with you in case you are considering transforming your space!

It’s All In The Details
One of the things I love about rugs is the wide variety of styles and textures and the difference that both can make in a space. Subtle variations in pile height and the density of the weave can help give your rug a very custom feel.

No Slight of Hand Here
I love the subtle variations you can find in hand woven rugs. When I talk aboutВ  hand woven rugs, I’m always surprised when people expect to see something haphazardly thown together. There are a large variety of area rugs that are artistically and expertlyВ  hand woven like the ones above that look and feel amazing, among my favorites is the classic black & white zebra rug. So versatile, it goes with just about anything and adds so much visual interest in a room!

A Traditional Take on Rugs
Classic rug patterns never go out of style. If you are more in line with the idea of having a traditional pattern underfoot, there are designs galore to choose from.В  The fun begins when you start getting into unique and colorful combinations of pattern and color that will definitely turn your floor into a show stopper!В  Pull it all together with some matching throw pillows and accessories in the same color family.

Subtle Does It
A rug can command attention and add to the overall feel of a room without being overpowering. The great thing about them is that you can change them out when you get tired of the colors or the pattern. There are lots of rugs like this one that incorporate subtle colors with bold patterns that really transform the room into something special.

Pretty Florals Add Punch
If bold is more your style you can bring the outdoors in with a fun and funky floral like these. Paired with contemporary furnishings they are visually stunning and add some serious WOW factor to any room!

When you are considering an area rug for your space it’s important to remember that the size of the room and the size of the rug can make a huge difference in whether it “works” for the space or not. Also, the colors, the pattern, pattern size and the texture of the rug needs to be planned to ensure it will compliment your furniture whether you choose to pair it with existing pieces or purchase new.В  All of the rugs you see in my blog this week are from Chandra and you can purchase any or all of them through Design Connection! You’d be amazed at how affordably priced these gorgeous rugs are and what an impact it will have on your home’s interior.В  If your room is ready for a transformation, come by for a FREE in-studio Interior Design Consultation. We can go over what you need, look at samples, colors and create a spectacular custom designed room where you’ll be proud to host your holiday visitors!В  We are one of the only interior design studios in the Kansas City area with a licensed architect AND a licensed space planner on staff so that we can take care of all of your needs from start to finish.В  Contact us today and let’s transform your space!

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!

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.В  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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.В  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.В  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.В  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