Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

The master bathroom is a magical place, where you can close the door and refresh. If you don’t feel the magic when you walk into your own master bathroom, it might be time for an update. Give yourself the gift of design this holiday season, and wake up to a brand new bathroom in the upcoming year. Here are some new trends and technological advances that we, as interior designers at Design Connection Inc. love.

Bathtubs: The bathtub makes a great focal point. The stand alone tub has come a long way since the claw foot tub. Today, you can select a gorgeous stand alone tub in almost any style.  If you still can’t find exactly what you want, we can always frame out the exact shape you desire, using tile or wood surround to capture the style. A great technological advance for bathtubs is the Pure Air feature. Think of a million small and gentle bubbles giving you the perfect mild massage.

If any of these tubs catch your eye, you can learn more about them by visiting Cheviot, Ariel and Jacuzzi

Vanities: The vanity should be beautiful and functional. There are many things to coordinate when designing a vanity. We always spend some time discussing with our clients, what their morning routine is. For women there are many tricks to making hair drying and makeup a breeze. For men an extra outlet for an electric shaver and toothbrush can make all the difference.

Trends in vanities: More people are asking for vanities that have more of a furniture feel. To accomplish this, you could reconfigure a great piece of furniture into a vanity. Or bring in certain details to capture the feeling of furniture into the cabinetry. By breaking up the height of the vanity top you create a vanity with more elements. These smaller elements resemble the characteristics of furniture, which combats the long typical vanity.

Design Tip: As time moves on, so do design standards. Back in the day, vanities were placed at around 30”, but today, we are designing them at 34”-36” which is a much more comfortable height. If raising your cabinets would make brushing your teeth more comfortable, you can do this by resetting your cabinet and adding a filler piece. Consider changing out your countertop, backsplash, hardware, sink and faucet, and raising your existing cabinet. This will create a dramatic new look.

These great vanities can be found by visiting Splash Kitchens and Baths and picking up a copy of Great Baths Collection

Showers: The shower experience keeps getting upgraded as new ideas in fixtures come out. Body sprays and rainheads are the most popular upgrades that people add as they renovate their bathroom. Kohler is a company leading innovation in the way we take showers.

From a design standpoint I love to bring in fun touches of design in the shower space. From boarders, to pops of color, the possibilities are endless.

Bathrooms are spaces that you can pack a lot of design into. I love working with my clients to design, space plan, renovate or update their master bathrooms. If you are ready to tackle your project, call us. We have the experience and industry connections to bring your project to reality, on time and on budget. 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.

With the weather taking a turn for the cold, a fireplace is always great at creating a warm and cozy feeling within a space. There are so many options available to homeowners these days that adding or updating a fireplace is easier than you think.

Wishing you could enjoy one without the expensive cost of building? Electric fireplaces are not only cost effective but low maintenance and great looking! They range from traditional to sleek and modern, also come in multiple sizes and finishes that fit into any space for you and your family to enjoy this upcoming winter!

http://www.electricfireplacesdirect.com/

Is your old fireplace begging for an update? Replacing just your old tile with a more modern choice and staining the trim a darker color can do wonders. You can also replace your fire screen and accessories for a fresh new look.

http://www.susanjablonmosaics.com

If you are looking for elegant drama, a fireplace that trims out to the ceiling is the way to go. A great piece of art will add wow factor to the space. Don’t add too many accessories, let the beautiful shape and trim do all the talking.

http://designconnectioninc.com/portfolio/great-room/103

If you are looking for a little less drama, but want classy fireplace, a premade surround may be the way to go. These are semi-custom surrounds that can be adjusted to fit any shape, size or situation. I love having every possible design style available for my clients!

http://www.eldoradofireplaces.com

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. 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.

Who needs to go to a hotel when you can have a master suite like this? A master bedroom suite is your private space, where you can truly be yourself. It is a room that should reflect your personal style so that you can rest, relax and rejuvenate.

A Design Connection Inc Master Suite Transformation

Thirteen years ago, when I first put together my master bedroom suite, I was a bit out of touch, I had been living in Europe and pickled furniture was all the rage, before we left California. Arriving in Kansas City was certainly culture shock and lo and behold, pickeld furniture was still in style, along with big floral prints.

Before - Master Bedroom Suite - Featured in a national magazine in 1998

Last summer, while I was recovering from my foot surgery, I spent a lot of time in my bedroom. It didn’t take me long to decide that it was time to treat myselft to a new and updated look.

New furniture was purchased, the color of the walls and ceilings was deepened and extra lighting was added. Hickory White furniture was chosen because of its rich and beautiful finishes. The dramatic custom fabrics and bedding were provided by Eastern Accents. Comfortable chairs with a matching ottoman give great seating to watch a new 55″ flat screen tv.

The elegant color scheme is carried into the spacious master bathroom, where fabrics from the bedroom are repeated for a continuous flow.

Are intrested in updating your bedroom?

Complimentary In-Studio Consultation By By Appointment

913-851-8776  |  www.DesignConnectioninc.com

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

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

We are getting prospective clients calling that are ready to make changes in their master bathroom. They want to eliminate large bathtubs and have great walk-in showers, they have been seeing in the model homes. Most of the time we are able to accomplish what they are requesting. I always remind my clients most things are possible, but there is a price to pay for such a modern large update.В 

В We are enlarging showers and upgrading to body spray systems or integrated custom showers. Kohler has some really great new and updated products that can turn your outdated master bathroom into something magical and spa like. For inspiration on bathrooms visit our portfolio.

Tip: We have been told by realtors that you should still have one bathtub on the same floor.

We are at your service, how can we help you? www.designconnectioninc.com

Design Connection Inc. was recently honored with two ASID awards (American Society of Interior Design). We are proud that we can deliver high quality results. Below is a description of the project and how we approached the design.

The client hired us, after viewing our work and realizing his style meshed with our style of design. The client a bachelor wanted a turnkey project which the designer could act independently of the client. He lived out of town and wanted a residence in Kansas City where his children lived. We furnished everything from paint colors and wallpaper, to a complete kitchen which included dishes, pots and pans.

This residence was a condo space that had many angles interesting architectural features, but left you feeling cold. So, Warm tones and neutrals were selected to create an inviting space and to help support the custom art work in making a fresh, bold statement.В  The linen drapery panels were hung using a satin nickel drapery rod to create a masculine feel; across the room the client’s desk is topped with granite and flanked with file drawers.В  A wonderfully soft fabric was used to upholster the sectional sofa, where the client enjoys relaxing and entertaining.

The furniture floating in this area reflects the angles and the ten foot ceilings allow the space to feel ample.В  The walls and ceilings are painted the same neutral khaki and the base boards are an even darker khaki.В  When walking into this room the view is fabulous, with no furniture obstructing the line of vision.В  Our client loves to spend time enjoying television, using his computer, and just hanging out!

If you like this look, click on the links to view the websites ofВ  Stanley Furniture C.R. Laine and Z Gallerie

To see the full project visit our website portfolio

Did you see the article about cork flooring in the Sunday House and Home section of the Kansas City Star? My opinion on cork is that it is a wonderful green alternative material. But… it must be used in the right room with the right conditions. Cork is perfect for a fun playroom because it is soft and durable. However, if you have a traditional kitchen, the casual look of cork would probably not work. It works best with transitional or modern designs. I suggest consulting an interior designer before you make major home improvement decisions. You might be focusing on the qualities of the material, while we can see how it will impact the look of your home. www.designconnectioninc.com

Design Tip: Cork is a flexible material and can be cut into a variety of sizes. We can create interesting borders orВ patterns just like we would with tile or wood.

DesignTips KC: Adding a medallion in your foyer creates a special detail that creates a great first impression of your home.

Deep, dark, rich colors like chocolate and espresso are the new way to go with your hardwood floors. Things toВ consider with flooring – in addition to color -В are plank width, wood texture and layout patterns. Your floors are an important consideration in the design of your home. They visually tie your rooms together, don’t take them for granted.

We work with www.svbwoodfloors.com for their quality attention to detail.

If you are interested in an interior design consultation contact us! www.designconnectioninc.com

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