Mar 21

Spring Is Here!

Categories: Area Rugs, Carpet, Current Trends, Flooring, Remodeling, Remodeling Tips, Tile No Comments »

It’s hard to believe that spring is here. It seems to have been a long winter.

I have many a client ask me about ceramic or hardwood floors, and what would be my preference. I have had both in my main living areas. I had tile while living in Switzerland and they had water running throughout the flooring system. It was warm and wonderful. I enjoyed the easy care of tile and it did not show dog stains or scratches. I now have wood and I love the beauty of it. I had my floors refinished a few years ago and with 2 dogs and children they could use to be refinished again. It is really personal. I love both styles of flooring.

I think it depends on the style of your home and what kind of traffic you have. I would spend time asking friends and neighbors which they prefer and you will come to your own conclusion. I will say that carpet in kitchens and bathrooms is not in vogue at this time.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Arlene

Arlene Ladegaard IIDA

Allied Member ASID

Certified Interior Designer

Design Connection, Inc.

www.designconnectioninc.com

Office  913 851 8776

Mobile 913 593 6919

 

Jul 22

Decorate or Remodel in Kansas City, Trends

Categories: Current Trends No Comments »

I have been reading about the consumer trends in 2008 and find that our clients tastes and their individual lifestyle are most important when deciding to decorate or remodel their homes.  There is less formality and wanting a more casual focus in decorating.  They want to put their own stamp in their home design.

I always ask my clients to research their design style by looking at magazines and other publications so I can help them figure out what design direction they want to go.  I would say that most of my clients want their home to look different than their neighbors.  Many years ago there was an emphasis to have your home look as good as your neighbor, and I was taken to the neighbors or fiends house to copy the style or to come up with a design similar to what they had.  My clients now want their home to reflect not just one style but a few different styles so the home has character and reflects their own tastes.

I think it was easier to decorate or remodel in Kansas City, Kansas or Missouri area a number of years ago.  This area was considered traditional and the stores carried a more traditional style to reflect the area.  In the marketplace today, the younger generations do not want the traditional contemporary of 10 years ago.  They want a more mixed eclectic look with a metro countemporary flair.

I have such a great time with my clients reflecting on how their tastes have changed and where they want to make the changes to reflect how they live today.  I do remember in younger years how all the rooms had matching furniture and looked like they belonged in a display room at a furniture store.  It is so great that our furniture tastes have changed as well as our styles.

It is a beautiful day outside and the pool is calling to me.  It is Sunday and I will take the rest of the today and enjoy the beautiful calm weather and great family dinner before the hectic week ahead.

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Arlene