Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

High Point Furniture Market is the only internationally esteemed Furnishing Industry Trade Show.   High Point Market is the Fashion Week of Furniture Design and it is every bit as fabulous. Retailer representative attend High Point Market to order furniture lines in person from manufacturers to stock in their stores for the upcoming months.  However, the more exiting more relevant purpose of High Point Market is for high end designers and decorators to convene.  They gather in anticipation of seeing the latest designs and to stay up to date on the latest trends in furniture. They find inspiration for their current design projects, compare the quality and design among different manufacturers, and to search for unique and beautiful furnishings for their clients.

Here are some of our favorite fabulous picks from the designs debuted at this years Spring 2012 High Point Fashion Market.

Norwalk Furniture “The new Norwalk Furniture silhouettes are highly stylish, while offering tremendous flexibility in creating a personal look with new combinations of color, pattern and texture.”  -Norwalk Furniture, You Tube Channel

Norwalk Furniture Spring 2012 Introductions

We couldn’t agree more!

Hickory White We love the new Antique and Classic Collections by Lillian August for Hickory White.

“Artfully crafted, with a timeless sense of design, Lillian’s Classics Collection combines modern techonology of reproduction with archival references. Luxurious details like marquetry inlays, marble tops, and eglomise panels set the stage for furniture that will become family heirlooms.”  (2012 Spring Catalogue)

C.R. Laine

The C.R. Laine collection is an “extensive premier collection of frames and fabric/trims touting a very high degree of customized features.” (C.R. Laine Website)

We love that C.R. Laine provides tons of customizing options in over 900 beautiful environmentally friendly organic  fabric choices. http://www.crlaine.com/ShowResults.asp?pg=1&viewall=true

Stanley Furniture

We love the Classic European Cottage Stanley Furniture Collection.  It embodies some of Design Connection’s design aesthetics and principles that we have built over 35 years of interior design experience. A Classic look with European influence will always be in style.

Design Connection, Inc. is an authorized furniture dealer for all of the beautiful collections above.  We buy furniture directly from these and other manufacturers and have built strong long-term business relationships with them to receive manufacturer direct pricing.  The savings from bypassing retail stores or showrooms is passed on to our clients.  To refurnish with some of the design collections you’ve seen here please visit our website at www.designconnectioninc.com or call us at 913.851.8776 to schedule an appointment. We would love to hear from you!

Some people think that an interior designer is a magician. We can transform a bare, blank space into something wonderful. Materials make a room more interesting, everything from the carpet, to stone, to fabrics. The shape, size and combination of materials are how an interior designer works their magic.

Part of being able to create fabulous rooms is to stay up to date with trends. Tile is one design element that can date a home. Here are examples of dated tile, do you have any of these in your home?

Examples of dated tile

When I walk into a space, I pick up on cues about a client’s lifestyle and preferences. The potential of the room becomes an image in my mind, and I can’t wait to begin to pull all the different materials together to begin to create the feel and look we are going after.

I love to use tile as a design element. And tile is a great way to create interesting focal points without breaking the bank. We usually pick our base tile that will set the tone for the space, then spice it up with a fabulous accent piece, feature strip, or boarder.

A foyer update before and after

Here is an example of Design Connection Inc project. We took a plain vanilla bathroom and transformed it into a gorgeous and modern Tuscan bathroom. We focused on using different size tile to divide up the space. We also switched the direction of the tiles which creates and interesting balance. We used slate in this bathroom.

A Vanilla bathroom transformed into a Tuscan retreat

Other cool trends in tile are textures. There are many more shapes available to us these days which allow us to create a lot of drama on a wall. My suggestion is to use this as a focal point and not for the whole space because too much texture can be overwhelming. A great local source we use is RBC Tile and Stone (http://rbctile.com)

I love to use mosaic. Here in a powder room, we created a lot of drama by accenting a wall with mosaic tile. It really gives this powder room to feel of a jewelry box. A fun new product is a mixed mosaic, where glass and stone are combined in one. The mix of colors allows for a greater range of blend between other materials in the room. These tiles also make great transition features. Another great local source for us is  Sunderlands. (http://www.sunderlands.com)

At Design Connection we have a beautiful design studio which includes meeting spaces, design library, fabrics, upholstery, area rugs, tile and carpet samples, all hand selected to ensure our clients the most up to date materials in the Kansas City area. This allows our clients to complete their projects without the confusion of traveling from place to place.

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.

This kitchen hearth room had not been updated in twenty years and our client was ready for the space to reflect her personal style. She worked with Design Connection Inc. previously to transform her master bedroom suite and was now ready to address other areas of her home. We created a cohesive and contemporary design that carried from the kitchen into the hearth room and dining room. The client feels comfortable and happy in her gorgeous new space.

Design Connection Inc, provided space planning, cabinet faux painting and glaze, furniture, window treatments, accessories, lighting, and area rugs.

Let’s face it, today’s fashion is not going to be the same in 5, 10, 20 years from now.  And with a family’s changing needs, an interior designer can be an invaluable asset to help you create that perfect space for your needs. Designers will work with you, taking into consideration your own personal tastes and lifestyle and can transform what was once a very fashionable space to an environment that truly expresses your own personal style.

Our first step is a space plan to help us analyze your space flow. We care about how you bring in the groceries, how you really use your dining room, and where is your favorite spot in the house, to sit and relax in. Designers have access to specialty products and services only offered to the design profession. Design Connection has countless product lines to obtain extraordinary and exclusive products not available in retail stores and we can attain the perfect fabric, furniture pieces and other custom items you desire. Luckily, Arlene also works with the best vendors in Kansas City. On this project, we had the cabinets painted/faux finished for a much needed facelift!

Hiring an interior design is an investment that will pay you back ten-fold! An investment in time alone should be the selling point for most working adults. Life is busy. And time is worth money!  Arlene spends a couple weeks each year to travel all the way to High Point, NC to attend the biggest furniture market showrooms in the US, The High Point Market. With over 10 million square feet of exhibit space, it is a time for Arlene to hand-pick those unique pieces she brings back to families in Kansas City. Some of those chairs can be found in this home!

Sometimes, what you think are the simple decision are actually a lot more important than you think! Take window treatments for example. Some people think, “Well just hang a couple panels and that’s good enough.” But if you have several windows in your space, window panels are not going to make the lasting impression you want. With curtains, valances and cornices, this step could actually be the most overwhelming part. Arlene has access to just about everything and with a little customization, we can take a great fabric and tie your whole room or even whole house together.

So has it been awhile since your home was updated? Do you need a little, or a lot of help? Design Connection is your answer to the professional difference in the creation of your beautiful and functional space. We will work with you to develop your custom style that reflects your personal taste. Let Design Connection be your contact for space planning, cabinet faux painting and glaze, furniture, window treatments, accessories, lighting, area rugs and countless other design services.

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

Many of our clients think that wallpaper is outdated. Not when it looks like this! Powder rooms are a great space to insert great style. Here we used a gorgeous snakeskin suede wallpaper to set an elegant tone. A great shaped mirror is the dramatic focal point along with the modern fixtures. A crystal chandelier above cast a wonderful glow in this jewel box powder room.

If you have a bland and boring powder room, it might be hard for you to visualize the possibilites. Here is a great example of a powder room transformation. Design Connection Inc. gave it some pizzazz! To create this ‘jewel box’, we faux painted the original cabinet, added a granite countertop with a glass vessel sink and updated faucet. The mosaic tile covering the entire wall makes a dramatic statement – Wow

If you love this idea, but don’t know where to start, connect with us and we will help you create a space that you will absolutely love. Click Here to e-mail Arlene

Reminder – It’s Time to Think About the Holidays Now is the perfect time to begin the process to ensure that your spaces will be finished before your family arrives for the holidays. 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

I recently read an article about using stripes in interior design, and thought I would share with you how I have incorporated stripes into some of my projects. I believe that stripes offer two great design solutions. One they can seamlessly blend color combinations and two, they visuallyВ add height to a room.

Stripes are easy to work into almost any room. When I am introducing a more serious color palate, I like to use stripes to complement the look. In this bedroom, I found a great striped fabric that incorporated all the colors of the room. Scale is very important to consider, a thin stripe can handle the multi-colors more appropriately than a wide stripe. You want to use wider stripes on larger pieces of furniture, drapes and on walls.

Stripes also offer a magical solution for helping a room feel taller. By placing vertically striped window treatments in a room, they draw your eye up and make the windows seem taller. In this elegant bathroom I used the window treatment to bring in a pattern and focal point. Because there is no door between the bathroom and bedroom, I repeated the stripes on the pillows to create a cohesive flow between the two rooms.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about creating a unique space in your home. To view these projects please visit my online portfolio. As a professional interior designer, I enjoy introducing uniqueВ design options. www.designconnectioninc.com

Connecting withВ us is easy, feel free to ask us questions 913-851-8776, comment on our Facebook read our Blog or touch base withВ Twitter!

April Showers bring May Flowers, and we have some great design tips on how to bring the amazing, colorful, outdoor feel into your interior spaces. In the past, small, floral patterns were used in traditional spaces, but today, we have available to us Big, Bold Blooms. This new approach to floral makes them versatile in transitional spaces.

Fabric is an easy way to bring in some fun color into your space. You can cover your chair in a bold floral print, or you can play it a bit safer, with fun pillows. We love the great texture and depth the layers of petals create.

Art captures a beautiful moment in time. And you can use art to create drama or to enhance your space. A large black and white photograph of a gorgeous flower is timeless and stunning.

On a smaller scale, flowers have a beautiful sculptural shape. This makes them an easy choice for an interesting accessory that can be interchanged when the season’s change.

We think your spaces should reflect your personality! Many people would love a fun house, but they are afraid of how to balance out the patterns. We are not afraid of bold statements and can assist you in creating a beautiful new room. We do it all, from design concept, to material selection, furniture purchase and final details.

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

It felt a bit like déjà vu, as I walked the halls of High Point this year. I kept seeing furniture with a “pickled finish”. It is interesting how trends can be reinvented every few years. The old pickled look has been given a new name, and is now known as a Blond Finish.

Pickled wood furniture was popular in the 1950s and many of the pieces are now collectibles. It is no wonder that furniture lines are bringing in this interesting finish that gives furniture a light color option with a rich depth to it. You can play this finish up and create an elegant focal point, or play it down for great decorative charm.

I especially like linen headboards and they are the rage right now. I can pair the blond finish with a great fabric for an old world feel that also feels very modern and relevant. Stanley Furniture introduced a new farm bed with great finish options. The old world distressing gives it a timeless look and the finish options give it character. I love the heavy rubbed through white finish, that offers close to the wood matte finish with a cream colored accent glaze.

Hickory White offers discerning furniture with some great new finish options. I love that moment in a project, where you decide which piece will become the statement in the room and which design elements will complement it. The more finish options I have to work with the more creative I can get. You can call it Blond or Pickled, I can make it look fabulous in your home! Click Here to view our portfolio to get inspired about how we can help you transform your rooms!