Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

Go bold with texture! One of the greatest things about using wall textures is the capability to stimulate a mood or dramatic feature in a room without having to alter the furnishings, flooring, or architectural details. Textured wall panels are a fun new way of bringing a new look into a room. They are sold in sheets that be attached to the wall, and then painted over.

Click on the picture to see more styles

Several wall panel varieties come in different colors, or many home owners prefer to leave them in the standard white. Depending on the aesthetic you are trying to accomplish, bold textured wall panels are a unique selection to bring emphasis to your space! Another bonus aspect is that they are incredibly durable, making them great for kids rooms. To see all styles and possibilities visit B&N Industries http://www.bnind.com/FINAL_ICONIC_PANELS/Iconic_Panels_Opener.html

With new technology come new products. Wall panels are a result of technology making the possibilities endless. For example these glamours wall coverings by Silven are works of art. This Tiffany wall finish was created with crystallized Swarvoski elements, gems which appear on the surface like rainbow coloured dew drops. To see more of what Silven has to offer, visit their website http://www.silven.it

If you love the idea of creating texture in your home. Contact Us! 913-851-8776 We can bring in just the right amount of texture that complements your home, furnishings and lifestyle. To learn more about our services visit our website. http://designconnectioninc.com/

When the temperature takes a dip, people tend to turn up their thermostats and focus on keeping the warm air inside. Did you know that as much as 50% of your homes heating can escape through your windows? That is not a comforting thought! I have the perfect solution for you that also looks great!

Insulating Window treatments! We carry Hunter Douglas in our office because of their superior quality. They have a fabulous product called Duette Honey Comb shades. They are shaped in a particular way with an inner lining that creates air pockets to increase energy efficiency. To learn more about this great product visit their website www.hunterdouglas.com

I know when you think about technology you don’t immediately think about window treatments, but you would be surprised! Motorization of window treatments is a great way to add convenience and safety  to your life. Power Rise, Power Tilt and Power Glide are only a few options.

Window treatments can add so much style to a room and the options are endless! We can help guide you through the best option for your particular room. Visit our online portfolio to get some ideas!

Here is an example of a combination window treatment. We used the cellular shades because of their versatility for privacy and insulation. Then added colorful side panel drape to complete the look of the room.

If you love this idea, but don’t know where to start, connect with us  Click Here to e-mail Arlene

We all have TV’s, and as an interior designer, I am always coming up with solutions on integrating televisions in a space. Some of my clients want to showcase them all over the home and others prefere them to be hidden until in use. Luckily there are great ways of dealing with both prefrences and today I wanted to share some solutions with you!

Have relaxed space with modern flare? The easiest way to keep a TV that you want visible at all times is a wall mounted unit. Not only does it provide you with space below but by mounting your flat screen to a panel rather than a wall gives you the ability to move the unit without having to patch your walls. This unit blends the warmth of antiques with a cool contemporary appeal. This great wall unit comes from a line which Hooker Furniture provides. Click here for more info on this unit.

Love to have your TV in the room to but want the space to be sophisticated and your flat screen hidden? Then a lift console is solution to your problem! A 3-piece console combines contemporary styling for flat panel TVs with a rich traditional dark cherry finish. Features: remote controlled lift, ample storage for audio-visual equipment and accessories, interchangeable door panels of wood, or speaker grille. You can find all the options for this unit at Sunrise Home Furnishings Click here for details.

If you are looking to add drama to your space, using a dark large unit not only adds contrast to the room but make a statement that will be worth your money. Features include one canister light with touch switch, one adjustable wood framed glass shelf, two adjustable shelves, one solid wood panel door, one adjustable shelf behind the door and adjustable levelers at the base. You can even choose an optional cloth door for added design flexibility. If you love this you can find out more at Stanley Furniture.

Furniture is an investment, and my clients trust me to guide them through the options, so that they can enjoy their furniture for many years to come. Check out our portfolio to see examples of our projects http://www.designconnectioninc.com/portfolio

It is hot, hot, hot outside but here at Design Connection, Inc. we are already thinking about the holidays. That’s right, in the design world we are beginning to focus on projects that need to be completed in time for the holidays.

Good design takes time and you want to feel great about your news space, not that you made a rushed decision. Now is the perfect time to begin the process to ensure that your spaces will be beautiful and finished before your whole family arrives.В

Ask yourself these questions!В В Will you be hosting large parties? Will your kitchen be able to keep up? Will the in laws be staying at your home this year? Does the guest room need a makeover? Is you dining room table fabulous, but the space in general lacks any personality?В В

These are all great concerns that we can help you tackle! We welcome everyone into our studio for a consultation. This is a great way to see our space and meet our team and learn all about the design process that can transform your home! 913-851-8776 Our portfolio is another wonderful resource for you to gain some inspiration for the potential of your new space.

What Makes A Comfy Chair? If I had to answer this question with one sentence I would say that – One Size Does Not Fit All!

There are many beautiful furniture options out there – and many people have a love at first sight reaction, when they see a glossy example of the perfect room. It is my job as a professional interior designer to help guide you in making sure that perfect piece of furniture is also perfect for your body size. A petite woman will want a different seat height than a man of 6 feet.

When I begin to select the best chair for my clients, I think about the back height of the piece. Some people like to rest their head against the back of the chair, but it bothers others! If my clients have long legs, I will look for a higher seat height and depth. For shorter visitors the solution is simply a fabulous extra cushion behind one’s back. Some like a firm seat while others like a gentle comfy sink. These are all questions that I ask and answer during the design process, before we commit to purchasing the perfect chair.

Furniture is an investment, and my clients trust me to guide them through the options, so that they can enjoy their comfy furniture for many years to come. Check out our portfolio to see examples our projects and the many great chairs I have provided along the way. www.designconnectioninc.com

Ok, I admit, I have painted a couple of walls beige, but I brought in fabulous furniture, fabric and texture to create the drama in the room. When starting a project, you have to make a choice. Are your walls going to do the talking, or is the furniture and items in the room going to make the statement?

If you want a great couch, with fun pops of color on the pillows I recommend going with a neutral color on the walls. You can bring in textures with your rug, drapery and accessories to keep the room interesting. Neutral walls also showcase art better, allowing the picture to draw your attention, rather than competing with a strong color.

If you feel more comfortable with a neutral furniture scheme, then I would defiantly bring in some color on the walls. You can create beautiful monochromatic furniture layouts, by paying attention to details and creating interest through pattern and texture. Then you can use the walls to either make a bold color statement, or more subtly enhance your room with just enough color to keep the room fascinating.

Everybody has a different definition of beautiful and that is the fun part of interior design, that we can cater a project exactly to the lifestyle and needs our clients. That is our design philosophy here at Design Connection Inc. and our clients agree.

What our clients have to say!

“Arlene and her team did a phenomenal job with our new home. They listened to what we wanted and delivered in a huge way! When we bought the home, it was traditional and ordinary and did not reflect our tastes, but Arlene was able to completely revamp it with a contemporary, fresh look that we love!

- Chris B.

I would like to make a fresh start in my bedroom. I have always had traditional furniture and bedding, but, this time I want to create a fun, colorful bedroom. What are your suggestions?

-Karen Stark

Who said a bedroom had to be stuffy and beige? You should feel great when you enter your bedroom. If color inspires you, go in that direction. I just returned from High Point Market, the largest furniture trade show in the world. I was thrilled to see bold pops of bright colors in fabrics and furniture.

I recommend starting with a neutral wall color; it blends well with many color pallets and allows the fabrics and accessories to make a bold statement.

When it comes to furniture, the bed is usually the focal point. There are many lines of ready-made custom bedding, which allows for a custom look without the custom price tag. As an example our client requested a refreshing and fun bedroom. So I selected a lime green and aqua color scheme, balanced with a transitional charcoal color. By subtly repeating the fabrics around the room, you can create a balanced feel without being matchy matchy.

If the bed is the statement piece, approach the other furniture in the room as the supporting cast. Clean, elegant and interesting bedside tables along with great shaped lamps add ambiance to the room, rather than compete with it.

Think outside the box. Instead of using a traditional bench, two fun ottoman cubes do the trick. Instead of a reading chair, consider a chaise with a great fabric pattern!

A room is never really finished without accessories. Remember less is best in today’s streamline style. Enjoy your new room!

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about creating a unique space in your home. To view this project please visit my online portfolio. As a professional interior designer, I enjoy introducing design options I find outside of the Kansas City area. www.designconnectioninc.com

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!

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

School is out, summer has kicked in and on those days where it’s either raining or too hot I’ll bet many of you are wondering what to do with the kiddos. If you ask me, the answer is simple, let them design! I love incorporating items with a personal touch into my design and there are some very cool, interactive accessories out there that not only look great, but keep the little ones occupied. Design with function, what’s not to love?В  Here are a few fun ideas for projects you can undertake with the kids to use throughout your home. The best part is that you’ll get to make memories and a statement with your design style all at the same time.

Art on every wall!
Remember when it was taboo to write on the walls? Indulge your future graffiti artist with chalkboard walls in either classic green or black! The thing I love about this paint is that the walls are not just a frame for your design, they become a living and changing part of it and the kids will have a blast customizing it with their handiwork.

You’ve been Framed!
Remember shadowboxes? A perfect rainy-day project for you and the kids to capture a piece of their childhood that you can proudly display on the walls.В  All you need is a glue gun, found items like bits of toys and games to make a colorful and whimsical statement in any room of the house. These would be so cute as a grouping!

Choo-Choose to frame some photos!
Fun and harmless for the walls- if you have a train aficionado, these wall decals are for you. Spend a few hours choosing the photos you want to display and then get them on the walls with these bright and simple train graphics!

Scrub-a-Dub
There are so many things to love about this shower curtain it’s hard to know where to start. They are made of plastic so they won’t off-gas, plus they come with your choice of color in permanent markers so that you can customize and create your own bathroom masterpiece.В  Get the kids involved and let them do their own shower curtain for their bath- with plenty of room to draw, this could be a fantastic family project!

Fun on the floor
These require little effort other than finding the space in a room (perfect for a playroom!) and the great thing is that you can set the kids up with some toy cars, people and animals and let them have a ball playing in this “town”В  There are several rug options out there anymore, from train tracks to cities, and even baseball diamonds or soccer fields.В  More fun that you could ever imagine!

No Room on the Fridge?
No sweat- these fun and practical picture hangers will do the trick by giving you another way to decorate your walls with your kid’s artwork. Just make sure you have plenty of paper and crayons on hand!

A bright idea
A bit of quick fun here with flat packaged lighting (left) that you bend to form your own idea of a chandelier. Have the kids do the bending and let them make this artistic light fixture their own!

So now that you have a few ideas, go grab the kids and have a little bit of design fun when you’re not in the sun. As always if you need any help with your decor or a bit of interior design inspiration and ideas, feel free to stop by or give me a call. Design Connection offers free in-studio interior design consultations and we love to help our clients find ways to involve the whole family in the design process.В  Do you have more ideas that you’d like to share? Feel free to comment on my blog or check us out in our interior design page on Facebook or send us a tweet on Twitter!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Rust-Oleum, Potery Barn Kids, Uncommon Goods, Grain Design, JustKidsRugs.com, The Land of Nod, re-modern