Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

Have you ever had to arrange the furniture in a bare room and not know where to start? Well, you are not alone with the many new or current homeowners who are faced with this exact predicament and feel absolutely overwhelmed with the possibilities and insecurities of furniture arrangement. Today, Design Connection Inc,  put together some helpful tips just for you.

If you’re like most families, the living room is used mainly for lounging and Tv-Watching. This is a great space for a sectional sofa. Sectionals offer great flexibility and comfortable seating. Many come in a variety of units, from armless chairs to love seats, ottomans, and chaises that you can mix and match to fir your own personal space. At Design Connection Inc, we often time recommend the sectional because it reflects family living. The big comfy sectional is great for snuggling with your loved ones, or comfortably relaxing with a good book. We carry the furniture line C.R. Laine for their comfort, quality and fabulous style.

An effective room arrangement starts with a focal point. If your living has a fireplace, this step may already be done for you. With a fireplace you can direct your main seating toward it to give it all the attention, or two sofas facing each other, as seen in the picture below, gives a nice conversation area.

If you have a very large space and are having trouble pulling everything together, a large area rug will help unify the room. An area rug can also help with selecting accent colors for your space. In the picture below, notice how they pulled the blue from the rug for the pillows and vases that really pop out from the dark brown sofa and stark white shelf.

Don’t have a living room big enough for the usual sofa or love seat? Our you prefer a more formal layout? Our solution to you is using four comfy chairs! This is an orderly, compact, yet welcoming seating group. You won’t be able to snuggle with your sweetie, but it is a great layout for easy conversation.

Last tip of the day we’d like to leave you with is to create order with symmetry.  You can do this by pairing matching sofas, side tables, lamps, side chairs, whatever you may have.  The symmetry you create imposes a sense of order on the space.  If you feel like this will be too boring or stiff for your taste, introduce some variety like a bean shaped table, or artwork to add blasts of color.

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.

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!

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

Arlene relaxing on the furniture to test how comfy it is!

I just got back from High PointВ Market and am so happy to see that big bold pops of color are in. Green and gray were both the color of the season! We now have available in our upholstery lines the use Benjamin Moore Colors on the furniture frames that are wood. What a great way customize the look in your home.
I talk about going to High Point Market – but do you know what it is? Twice a year I travel to North Carolina to view a rich variety of home furnishings to stay up to date on international furniture trends. I sit in furniture to test comfort level; I purchase unique and different art to show off in our design studio. I get to view great light fixtures and accessories and so much more! This is how I can bring together a special look for your home and create that beautiful Design Connection Inc touch.
The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, with 10 Million Square Feet of Showspace. One of the reasons I attend is because new product lines are launched here and I want to make sure that I have a pulse on the most up to date trends! There are 2,000 exhibitors and if I can’t find what you need at High Point… it probably doesn’t exist.

It’s not all work at High Point here we are at a C.R. Laine Party enjoying the food and alcohol and we danced the night away to a live band.

Here is a room that I loved! Showrooms put together room vignettes for lots of great ideas for us designers that I can then, help you achieve in your home.

 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.  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.

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.

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!

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:

So I have to start this week’s blog with a bit of a sad story.В  I had this antique iron bed in my guest room that is over 100 years old that collapsed for the (sniffle) last time. Whether it was from sheer exhaustion or old age, I’m not sure- but it had been repaired enough times in the past that it was simply time to put it out to pasture once and for all before someone got hurt. As I stood there saying my last goodbyes to my beloved bed (it really was fabulous!) it occurred to me that I now had the opportunity to put a new bed in there and I felt the spark of excitement begin moving through my veins. With the myriad of choices that are out there, my mind began to race… should I do iron again, or how about wood?В  Perhaps a combination of materials or maybe just a headboard. What about the style?В  Should it be contemporary, traditional, modern or maybe a combination? You’d be amazed at how a simple bed change can impact a room. If you’re looking to change things up in the bedroom and want to phase in pieces to minimalize impact on your budget, my advice is to start with your bed or bedding.

I decided to seize the opportunity and chose a gorgeous upholstered bed (you’ll see which one below) and I can’t wait for it to arrive. While I was trying to choose the perfect bed, I came across some really wonderful upholstered beds that I would like to share with you.В  Upholstery just adds that “custom” feel to a bed that I just adore and paired with the right bedding can make it absolutely stunning!

If Sleep Had Angel Wings…
It would look like this gorgeous bed from Hickory White. It just happens to be the very bed I chose to replace the one that collapsed in my guest room.В  If you click on the link you can see the pictures from an angle that makes the distinctive “wings” on the sides of the headboard really pop. If I were to choose a word to repeat over and over about this bed it would be FABULOUS!

The High Point at Market
I fell in love with this bed when I went to High Point Market this year. It blends the best of both worlds with a mix of materials: wood and gorgeous linen. Combined with the jaw-dropping new “Blonde” finish from Stanley, this bed will make you look so lovely you may want to stay in there forever.

Sleek and Elegant
The classic combination of sumptuous leather and polished dark wood lends a classic elegance to this bold bedroom. Combined with a soft and textured bedding it transforms the bedroom into a delightful smorgasbord of materials that delight the senses!

Parles vous Français?
Pretty tufts and perfect pleats make up the finely upholstered headboard and footboard for this beautiful French inspired bed. One of the trends I’ve seen this year that I mentioned in my blog from High Point Market is the re-emergence of linen. I just love the effect when it’s combined with the beautiful wood and the unique curvy lines of this bed.

A Modern Take
A larger than life headboard more your style?В  You can make a bold statement with an expanse of quilted fabric in a funky and modern platform bed like this one that you can get with or without the wall sconces!

Let’s hear those Sleigh Bells jingling…
Winter and snow may not be here just yet but this completely fabric covered sleigh bed makes me think warm and cozy thoughts…in fact….yawn…I could really use a snooze in one of these right now.

Pretty Patterns
At first glance you might think this headboard had a printed pattern on it but it’s actually upholstered fabric in a fantastic geometric pattern.В  If you go with something so bold, make sure to keep your bed linens simple so they don’t take away from the styling details in the furniture.

Sometimes choosing a single piece of furniture can be difficult especially if you are trying to change things up but still make it “go” with the rest of your furnishings and accessories.В  If you are looking to replace any of the furniture inВ  your home or bedroom, Design Connection can help! We have access to several lines of furniture that you just won’t find in the retail stores and you might be surprised at the comparison in cost.В  Just because furniture is in a retail store, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best value. Come into our studio for a Free Interior Design consultation and we’ll be happy to show you what you’ve been missing and help you choose the perfect piece that’s guaranteed to fit your space AND your style!В  That’s the Design Connection way: You Talk, We Listen, You’ll Love!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Hickory White, Stanley, Brownstone, Baker, Usona, Zgallerie

So I have to start this week’s blog with a bit of a sad story.В  I had this antique iron bed in my guest room that is over 100 years old that collapsed for the (sniffle) last time. Whether it was from sheer exhaustion or old age, I’m not sure- but it had been repaired enough times in the past that it was simply time to put it out to pasture once and for all before someone got hurt. As I stood there saying my last goodbyes to my beloved bed (it really was fabulous!) it occurred to me that I now had the opportunity to put a new bed in there and I felt the spark of excitement begin moving through my veins. With the myriad of choices that are out there, my mind began to race… should I do iron again, or how about wood?В  Perhaps a combination of materials or maybe just a headboard. What about the style?В  Should it be contemporary, traditional, modern or maybe a combination? You’d be amazed at how a simple bed change can impact a room. If you’re looking to change things up in the bedroom and want to phase in pieces to minimalize impact on your budget, my advice is to start with your bed or bedding.

I decided to seize the opportunity and chose a gorgeous upholstered bed (you’ll see which one below) and I can’t wait for it to arrive. While I was trying to choose the perfect bed, I came across some really wonderful upholstered beds that I would like to share with you.В  Upholstery just adds that “custom” feel to a bed that I just adore and paired with the right bedding can make it absolutely stunning!

If Sleep Had Angel Wings…
It would look like this gorgeous bed from Hickory White. It just happens to be the very bed I chose to replace the one that collapsed in my guest room.В  If you click on the link you can see the pictures from an angle that makes the distinctive “wings” on the sides of the headboard really pop. If I were to choose a word to repeat over and over about this bed it would be FABULOUS!

The High Point at Market
I fell in love with this bed when I went to High Point Market this year. It blends the best of both worlds with a mix of materials: wood and gorgeous linen. Combined with the jaw-dropping new “Blonde” finish from Stanley, this bed will make you look so lovely you may want to stay in there forever.

Sleek and Elegant
The classic combination of sumptuous leather and polished dark wood lends a classic elegance to this bold bedroom. Combined with a soft and textured bedding it transforms the bedroom into a delightful smorgasbord of materials that delight the senses!

Parles vous Français?
Pretty tufts and perfect pleats make up the finely upholstered headboard and footboard for this beautiful French inspired bed. One of the trends I’ve seen this year that I mentioned in my blog from High Point Market is the re-emergence of linen. I just love the effect when it’s combined with the beautiful wood and the unique curvy lines of this bed.

A Modern Take
A larger than life headboard more your style?В  You can make a bold statement with an expanse of quilted fabric in a funky and modern platform bed like this one that you can get with or without the wall sconces!

Let’s hear those Sleigh Bells jingling…
Winter and snow may not be here just yet but this completely fabric covered sleigh bed makes me think warm and cozy thoughts…in fact….yawn…I could really use a snooze in one of these right now.

Pretty Patterns
At first glance you might think this headboard had a printed pattern on it but it’s actually upholstered fabric in a fantastic geometric pattern.В  If you go with something so bold, make sure to keep your bed linens simple so they don’t take away from the styling details in the furniture.

Sometimes choosing a single piece of furniture can be difficult especially if you are trying to change things up but still make it “go” with the rest of your furnishings and accessories.В  If you are looking to replace any of the furniture inВ  your home or bedroom, Design Connection can help! We have access to several lines of furniture that you just won’t find in the retail stores and you might be surprised at the comparison in cost.В  Just because furniture is in a retail store, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best value. Come into our studio for a Free Interior Design consultation and we’ll be happy to show you what you’ve been missing and help you choose the perfect piece that’s guaranteed to fit your space AND your style!В  That’s the Design Connection way: You Talk, We Listen, You’ll Love!

Click on the photos to visit the websites of these fine folks: Hickory White, Stanley, Brownstone, Baker, Usona, Zgallerie

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!