Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

As the seasons in and around Kansas City surely change, so do our styles and tastes.В  It’s one of the reasons why our clients hire us, to transform their spaces and keep them up to date and gorgeous! Interior Design is what we do and we love nothing better than a fabulous makeover which is why we are so excited to introduce you to our Brand NEW website!В  While we’ve been busy making our client’s spaces stunning, we have been also working on updating our website where we showcase those projects for you to review and become inspired.

A fresh new color palette and design, our new website is built to be easier to navigate and find the information and ideas to put to work in your next Design Connection project! We will be highlighting key points of our exclusive C3Design Strategy so that you can see how the process works for each space and how it can work for you. You asked for it, so we made our portfolio photos nice and big so that you can see all the beautiful details in the spaces we design from the faux paint to the custom furnishings and textiles.В  We hope you like what you see and think you’ll agree the website is beautiful which we felt was the perfect compliment to the stunning rooms we showcase from our clients. Let us know what you think, feel free to comment here or drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! Hope to hear from you soon.

It’s Thanksgiving week and I was lucky enough to have spent the past few days on a tropical retreat in Hawaii soaking up the sun before returning to winter in the midwest. I don’t remember ever appreciating being able to take a vacation as much as I am appreciating this one. It has provided a much needed break to rest and rejuvenate before the beginning of another new year as well as providing me with some quality time with my dear husband, Ed. In a time of economic difficulties for many, it has caused us- individually and as a society -to take a hard look at the things that are really important and begin to really appreciate the things that matter most. With that thought, this week’s blog is dedicated to you and all of the wonderful things I am deeply grateful for.

1. My Clients And Their Spaces – One of my biggest joys is to meet new clients and help them achieve a space that they love. From remodels to furniture, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet such wonderful people and to be able to do for them what I love to do most, interior design.

2. The Wonderful Design Connection Team – Teamwork is a big deal for me and I am so grateful to have such a supportive and talented staff to work with everyday. I am so very thankful for all the work they do behind the scenes to make sure our projects go smoothly. Words cannot begin to express how much I appreciate having them on my side. Love you guys!

3. My Vendors – From the people who provide extraordinary furniture and accessories to the faux painters and craftsman who take my visions from paper to reality, I am so fortunate to have such an amazing array of resources to draw on for every possible need. You make me look good and I am so honored to be able to work with all of you in the world of interior design!

4. Awards and Kudos – Knowing the work you do is great is one thing but it’s such an honor to receive an award from your peers recognizing the quality of your design work. I am so grateful for the awards, articles and compliments I’ve received this year from my peers, area publications and in client testimonials. It just gives me warm fuzzies at the end of the day to realize that I was able to make a difference and that there’s a smiling client out there with a spectacular room that I helped create!

5. Good Health - I was dreading my foot surgery this year and while recovery has been painful, it is such a delight to be able to walk on both feet AND wear shoes again. I’m so appreciative of the fact that I am able to get about on my own once again!

6. Friends and Family - Having a successful and fulfilling work life is nothing without friends and family to share it with. I am so thrilled to be able to call so many of my clients, “friend” at the end of the process and thankful for the support and love of my family who make everything worthwhile.

NOTE: Our holiday contest is still underway and I hope you take time to participate for your chance to win! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS All you have to do is “like” us on Facebook! Easy as pumpkin pie!

The contest gives me an opportunity to give back and say thank you to one lucky new friend this holiday season! I would encourage all of you to share your thoughts and input on my facebook, twitter and even here on my blog if and when the mood strikes. I love hearing from you and it’s always nice to be able to interact with new friends and faces!

My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you have a wonderful day with those you hold near and dear and can take a moment to reflect on your year and be grateful for the good things that came out of it. If you can’t be with those you care about in presence, be sure to spend some time with them in thought. It really does count!

Brrrrrrr. That cold front is moving through Kansas City which means winter isn’t far around the corner. With fuzzy slippers, a hot beverage and warm thoughts on my mind I decided that there’s no better time than the present to share some fireplace ideas that you can cozy up to. Many of us forget that the fireplace can often count as a piece of furniture in a room- oftentimes it is the central focus. With that thought in mind, why not play it up and make it work with your room’s decor and your design tastes? An upgraded fireplace is a great investment not only from a design perspective but with new energy efficient models the impact on your pocketbook could have you wondering why you didn’t make the change years ago.В  Whether you add an insert to a traditional wood burning fireplace, replace your mantel and surround or install a brand new model, there are many options that will suit every conceivable need. Read on dear ones, and get ready to get fired up about fireplaces!

Cast stone Bordeaux fireplace mantel from Northern Stoneworks

Elegance Personified
I love the look of stone around a fireplace, it just adds to the overall warmth and with a cast stone mantel you get all the charm of carved stone without the expensive price tag of a hand carved stone piece.

Cast concrete tiled fireplace in truffle from Solus Decor

Extraordinary Tile
Can you believe that the gorgeous warm tiles surrounding this fireplace are made of concrete? Simple yet stunning, these tiles are handmade which elevates an ordinary fireplace to extraordinary status! Who knew the tile around your fireplace could be a work of art in it’s own right?!

Horizon HG54E fireplace from Regency Fireplace Products

Resplendent Rectangle
A trend I’m seeing a lot of lately is a surge in wide angle fireplaces. Like the minimalist look? Visually unique, the wide angle makes these fireplaces perfect for a contemporary and sleek space.

H38 Multi-sided fireplace from Montigo

One-Two-Three
I love that you can see the fire from 3 sides on this multi-sided gas fireplace. With many of the new gas fireplace options, you can use glass, stone, or gems instead of the traditional logs to give your fire a very hip and customized look that matches your space!

Vidro wall fireplace from Blomus

No Chimney? No Problem!
One of the newest innovations in fireplace technology is the use of Ethanol fuel as an environmentally and safe way to enjoy the heat from a real fire without the mess. Odorless &В  non-polluting, it does not require venting with a chimney which allows for fantastic fireplace creations like this one to mount on your walls or just about anywhere.

Metri cast stone fireplace mantel from Design The Space

Sleek n Chic
Another cast stone fireplace mantel that I just love. There are so many ways to do these- depending on the style, you may choose to combine a mantel with stone or tile around your fireplace or stick to one large solid piece like this one.В  I love the log-less fire and the fact that this fireplace is installed on level with the floor with a large viewing area that goes through to the next room!

Sunface fireplace from Northern Stoneworks

For Fun
I couldn’t resist including this one. It’s so original and unique. I will say if you are looking for a conversation starter, this fireplace will certainly provide that and more! The thought of sitting in front of this fire just makes me smile.

As you can see, there are lots of options to choose from and no matter what your design preference, there is sure to be a fireplace out there that is perfect for you. Would you believe that they have portable fireplaces now that are a part of your coffee table?В  It’s true!В  There are even some that can go on a shelf or sit directly below your television. A fire evokes warm fuzzy thoughts and soothes the mind and spirit when you can sit and enjoy the comforting warmth on a cold winter’s day. It makes sense to incorporate one into the spaces in your home where you spend the most time. Plus, the benefits in the winter with heating can make having one a no-brainer. Want a fireplace but you’re worried about your room’s configuration or furniture setup? Don’t sweat it, I can help you find the perfect solution. It’s what I do! If you’re ready to re-do your fireplace or add one, then call or contact me to set up a complimentary in-studio interior design consultation where we can work to get you the fireplace you’ve always wanted. Would love to hear from you- don’t forget to stop by and say hi via comments here on the blog or check out my Facebook or Twitter!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:

Let’s face it, there is only one of you on this earth, which makes you completely and utterly unique. So, why settle for mainstream when you can incorporate one-of-a-kind style choices into your home decor that reflect your personality? I come across so many interesting individuals in my work which is what makes it so fun to do. Getting to know people, finding ways to make their homes sync with their personalities and tastes is one of the things I enjoy most about interior design. There is nothing better than to have a client say how much the love the work you did or exclaim over accessories you found that seem to have been made especially for them!В  This week we’ll take things a little bit further and show you some ideas for the creating amazing spaces with uncommon elements that highlight your individuality.

If Walls Could Talk…
They would tell you it’s their turn to shine in your interior decor. Did you know you can design your own custom wall murals from scratch? You can go with a template where you simply pick a pattern and colors or completely design from the ground up if you are artistically gifted, better yet use a favorite photo for a larger than life wall that will make you smile!

A Neat Seat
Forget just choosing the fabric for your sofa and go for the whole design experience by choosing your wood finish, style, upholstery AND pillows. The result will be a combination that is completely YOU.В  Living Green has an easy to use customizing tool on their website where you can create your own furniture on the fly like I did with the sofas pictured above!

Switch On Your Creativity
I love being able to design my own lighting and with companies like Lamps Plus, it’s easier than ever when you can pick your own light fixture, floor or table lamp and dress it up with a myriad of colors and tons of patterns. Serious fun to be had here (can’t you tell from the light fixtures and lamps I created above?!)

Wallpaper is NOT Dead
In fact, it’s alive and well and for your particularly creative souls, you can create your very own custom printed wallpaper online anymore. I am so impressed with the tools that are available to experiment with different looks and see results instantly. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun in one afternoon…

Cut a Rug!
Bet you had no idea you could have your very own custom wool rug hand-loomed to your specifications by Peruvian artists did you? You start out with a blank slate and add the design which is then created especially for you to showcase in your home. There won’t be another soul out there with the same rug that you have- AND as an added bonus you can even customize pillows to match. Now that’s divine design!

Beautiful Bedding
Inspire sweet dreams with bedding that screams with personality. I love the custom options from InMod where you can choose everything from the fabric (cotton, silk etc.) to the pattern to the color of the thread used for the embroidery. Plus, the prices are so reasonable for this level of customization!

Isn’t it amazing the level of customization you can get for everything you could possibly want from the floors to ceiling these days? I just love all the options that are available out there to really make a space go from ho-hum to simply brilliant. Self expression in interior design is key to making your home a place you can truly enjoy spending time in.В  By customizing pieces, you give them meaning and turn them into something truly special that goes beyond owning a one-of-a-kind item.В  Beyond the things I showcased here there are many more ways you can put your personal stamp on your decor with custom finishes, furniture, window treatments, artwork, accessories and more.В  If you need help, you know who to call!В  We have the resources you need to make your dreams a reality and can customize just about anything you can dream up. We love creating inspired spaces and can help make sure you end up with something that is as unique and as special as you are!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks:В  TotallyCustomWallpaper.com, Living Green, Lamps Plus, Alluminare, Jonathan Adler, InMod

Summer is here and whether you work at home on a regular basis or find yourself taking care of tasks at home during time off or on the weekends, it’s important to have a space that functions and flows, especially if you ever want to get anything done. After last week’s post on cramming a lot of function into a small kitchen space, I received a few questions about home office spaces from some teacher friends who are “off” for the summer but end up working quite a bit from home which inspired me for this week’s post. Ready to get some work done?В  Don’t let the lack of space cramp your style, we’re here to inspire the office you truly desire!

Give your Gadgets a Rest!
Tidy up those messy cables and recharge your portable devices in style on a fun and functional bed of grass. Not only does it hide cables, it cushions your electronics and might make them feel like they are on a summery vacation (plus it looks cooler than a standard charging station!)

Put it on the Wall!
In a small space furniture can take up so much room so why not put it on the walls? It gets everything up neatly off the floor, creating the illusion of more room AND utilizes the space you might not use for anything other than art and accessories!

Got Books? Defy Gravity!
I love the idea of these fantastic and conversation starting bookshelves that convert an existing book into a shelf to make your books look like they are floating on the wall! Not only can you organize your books, they actually can become your wall art!

Wrap it up
Living in the electronic age means we have lots of cables and things to plug in. Don’t let your cords and cables trip you up. What to do when you’re not using them? Here is a simple and wonderful solution that makes both practical and stylish sense!

Small footprint, Big light!
Adequate lighting doesn’t always come with the space so if you want to make sure your desk area is illuminated, look no further than a slim LED light that takes up very little space but gives off plenty of light! There are lots of designs in a multitude of colors and even clamp versions in case you’d rather hang your light from a bookshelf and keep the desk area nice and neat!

So much more than just a chair
I am a huge fan of really good seating and task chairs in your home office is no exception, in fact it should be one of your better investments simply because if you plan to spend a lot of time working at your desk, you’ll feel better if you are comfortable (and you’ll get more work done if your neck and back don’t hurt from the strain of sitting in a bad seat!) Ergonomic task seating can be found just about anywhere and you can inject your styleВ  by choosing unique colors, finishes or upholstery to make your seat compliment your space beautifully!

Inspired yet? I have lots of space challenged clients and one of the things I’m a big believer in is space planning. Especially in smaller areas, it’s so important to lay out the room and determine where everything will go and make sure it will all fit before you ever pick up a paintbrush or start making improvements. At Design Connection that’s one of the things we do best, helping take the challenges out of a space and creating areas that our clients can use and love for years to come.В  We do complimentary in-studio consultations for interior design in Kansas City, so if you are interested in some home decor one-on-one time with the Design Connection Team members, contact us today. You can either fill out the form, give us a call or come by the office to make an appointment.В  We would love to help your optimize your space whether it’s an office, kitchen or other room in your house, design is our passion.В  You talk, we listen, you’ll LOVE!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: ThinkGeek, Mash Studios, Umbra, Oboiler, Artemide, Hive

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

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

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

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

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

Custom Furniture with a conscience

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

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

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

Things are heating up in the midwest this week with temperatures rising and summertime finally announcing it’s arrival with nothing short of a bellow! Already I’m thinking of idyllic days by the pool or vacationing at the lake or the beach. Water seems to call to me as a relaxing element both inside and outside of the home which is probably why it’s my inspiration this week.В  If you haven’t seen Frank McKinney’s Acqua Liana home, prepare to have your jaw hit the floor!В  It is nothing short of stunning and incorporates water in ways you’ve probably never thought of into the home. If you want to see a video virtual tour, click the photo of the breathtaking entryway below.В  Then when you’re done, come back and check out some of my ideas for incorporating water and design in your home!

If You Love Water…
You will adore this home. Take the time and click on the image above to watch the video. You will be amazed. Yes, there are water floors and walls in this home, an eco masterpiece!

Water wall from Bluworld

Not a waterfall, a water wall!
Bluworld does some really spectacular work incorporating water into design both for residential and commercial installations. Look how pretty this rippling sheet of water is in this home.В  Aaaahhhhh.

Fish Tank Coffee Table from Clear-Seal

Swim with the fishes…
Well or put your feet up on them. Funky coffee table brings water into the living room, and perhaps some fish too!

Recycled Bottle Vases from Re-Modern

Water and Blooms
Recycled bottles see a new life as vessels to hold water and your favorite flowers. Beautiful for the environment, and for your home!

Water dish from Everyday Studio

Fluffy and Fido need water too!
Hydrate your four legged friends in style with a minimalist water dish like this one. Who wouldn’t want to drink out of this?

Katagami by Kohler

Function and Form
The gorgeous bronze Katagami from Kohler is so pretty you almost forget it’s a bathroom sink!

You’ll notice I didn’t include any swimming pools in this week’s post.В  That is one that I’m savoring writing as things get even warmer in the midwest.В  Love the sunny days of summer and the cool refreshing element of water no matter how you work it into your home and your spaces.В  If you have any unique ways of working water into your design, I’d love to hear about it.В  Be sure to say hello on Twitter and Facebook and as always I welcome your comments here.В  If you are getting inspired and want to trickle some water inspiration into your home decor, I hope you’ll contact me or the Design Connection Team to collaborate!

As the seasons change and spring turns into summer, I find myself sometimes idly sitting on the deck contemplating life and design. Have you ever found yourself in a mental rut only to realize that it has been raining and cold outside for a week and the moment the sun comes out, you suddenly start to feel better?В  The sunlight coming in a window or the brilliant blue hue of the sky peeking between the trees in the backyard are always an instant lift to my spirits. The play of light on the walls of my house and how it changes the mood of a room at different stages of the day, made me start thinking about some of the fundamental elements of design and how our spaces can have a profound impact on our sense of well being. With summer comes a sense of excitement, flowers are in bloom, I get a chance to get outside and plant things that I can nurture and grow and with that comes a feeling of optimism. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bottle that up and bring it out when we need it the most? The good news here is that I think you can and you don’t even have to bottle it up. You can experience it everyday by the design choices you make for your spaces. From a simple coat of paint to a bunch of fresh flowers, the thought you put into your design is as important as the design itself.В  If it makes you feel good, that’s all that truly matters.В  Here are some of my ideas to brighten up your world, starting with your home!

Sofa from Little Pond Design

RENEW

Not only can this fabulous sofa renew your spirits with its super chic lines, you can feel good about knowing where it came from and its impact on our environment. Because it’s made of earth conscious and renewable resources, you can take a deep breath and relax knowing that you achieved killer design without killing the planet!

A room with sunshine and cheery yellow! source: DecorPad

ENERGIZE
In traditional Feng Shui, yellow is an energizing color bringing joy,В  happiness,В  luck,В  and wealth. It also happens to be my favorite color! Why not invite a splash of yellow into your rooms where you need a little positive reinforcement and happy vibes?

Zen inspired room - source:DecorPad

RELAX
When you think of relaxation the first thing that comes to mind is sleep.В  Using soft linens, comfy pillows, and choosing colors that help you unwind at the end of the day is just the ticket when it comes to making your space help you relax! Ahhhhhhhhh.В  Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Seablue Sky Candle from Votivo

AWAKEN
Aromatherapy is a simple yet effective way to set a mood in a room. I love burning candles year-round and one of my favorite “smelly” candle brands is Votivo. Their candles smell just heavenly and they can make your homeВ  that way too.В  If you’re all about the total sensory experience, don’t forget to include scent in your home! Sit back, and take a deep breath and revel in the wonderful space you’ve created for yourself!

Zen pool and gazebo - source: DecorPad

INSPIRE
Where do you go to find inspiration? Personally I love the water, whether I’m at the lake, on a beach or soaking in my tub the element of water soothes my soul. This pool just made me think of how relaxing it could be to lay poolside and lounge on the cushions or listen to the song of the sea while I dream up new design ideas for my clients!

Decor with meaning, wall photos! - source: DecorPad

COMFORT
A friend of mine once said that everything in his house has a story. He chose to create and fill his spaces with decor that had meaning, whether it was a piece from childhood or something that had a fond memory attached. Finding comfort in your surroundings is so key to your mental well being. Decorating with personal pictures, or maybe a funny accent that you have joked about for years with a friend can make a space special!

The bottom line here is that your space should make you feel good. Negative thoughts about a room can make their way into your life and none of us need that kind of drama.В  So go ahead, think about your rooms and what you can do to them to make them into places you’ll identify with and love! If you need more ideas for how you can personalize and energize your space so that it helps you to stay positive, all you have to do is contact me! I offer free in-studio consultations at Design Connection and I specialize in creating custom solutions for the interior design needs of my clients in Kansas City.В  If you like what you see, feel free to comment and give me feedback either here or online at Facebook and Twitter!В  Now that I have such a burst of fresh ideas and inspiration, I think I will go play in the yard a bit. Who knows, it might help me decide what I feel like writing about for next week! See you then.

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Little Pond Design, DecorPad, Votivo,

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