Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design

Not ready to tackle a whole-house or large room remodel just yet? If that sounds like you, then you are probably considering doing something new with your bathroom. Sometimes it’s better to start small. Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in the house, a quick google search yielded some surprising statistics. Apparently we spend an average of 210 min per week in the bathroom. (Yes you read that right!) That adds up to about 10,920 minutes per year, 182 hours or 7.58 days.В  So considering that we all generally spend quite a bit of time in the bathroom, it is only natural that the idea of remodeling that space is so appealing. In an economy where some people are hesitant to commit to a larger project, a bathroom is the perfect place to start.

Showering you with ideas!
Having a spa-like experience everyday is something many of us dream about. Beautiful and heated tile floors, a towel warmer, maybe a gorgeous sink and shiny new fixtures to compliment the ultimate bath or steam shower…ideas and options abound. The key is taking the ideas you want and working them into the existing space that you have in a way that is not only eye pleasing but livable. We love comfort and beauty but we also like convenience of surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain. When you plan a bathroom remodel you need to consider whether you are wanting to do a partial or full remodel. Partial might involve replacing existing sinks, baths and toilets with newer models but keeping the same layout. A full remodel could include gutting the entire space and restarting from scratch. Depending on your lifestyle and your budget, you can and should work with an experienced interior designer to plan out your space. Not only can they introduce you to the latest products that are on the market, they will ensure that the choices you make
compliment each other to give you the spectacular bathroom you deserve.

Ready, Set, Remodel!
If you are thinking about remodeling, you are in luck! The Design Connection Team is going to be at the Kansas City Remodeling show February 12-14 at the American Royal. We would love to see you there and talk to you about your ideas and show you some of the great remodeling projects we’ve done in Kansas City, including bathrooms that we love.В  Look for our booth at the show. We will post details closer to the event on our website but you can always ask questions here, or on the Design Connection Facebook or Twitter pages. Looking forward to seeing you at the show!

So there you are, you have done everything right, you researched and hired a designer and they are working to transform your space and you hit a roadblock. The “My Way or the Highway” approach seems to work for some designers but let’s face it, it’s your home and you have to live with it which makes it important to find a qualified designer who will collaborate not quarrel.

In Kansas City, I recently assisted a client who had traditional furnishings we were working around. Upon meeting with him, I found out he really wanted something very contemporary. I was off base, we worked together from a new starting point and voila he was happy! He even sent me a follow up e-mail thanking me for taking the time to listen.

It made me start thinking about the fact that not all designers will listen and just how important that is. Granted, I may not think that sentimental family piece should be incorporated back into your room but if you love it so much, I’ll find a way to work it in as best I can. The goal is to make your space perfect for you. At Design Connection, we do listen and cater to the needs of our clients because we think that’s important. Afterall our motto says it all, You Talk, We’ll Listen, You’ll LOVE!

Weв’d love to hear what you think- if you’ve had an experience (good or bad) that you’d like to share feel free to speak up! Weв’re listening…

It all started when Mom and Dad gave you the old couch when you got out of college.В  Sure, it didn’t really go with anything but it was a place to sit and of course you were grateful to have any furniture at all. Fast forward to the present and you realize that you’re still hanging onto that old couch, that old kitchen table, recliner or other piece of sentimental furniture because you just don’t have the heart to let it go.

With the last week of the year, and one that was especially challenging for most of us, I think it’s a great time to take a look at your surroundings and reassess things in order to gear up for the new year.В  It’s a clean slate and many of us are looking for 2010 to be an uplifting and “better” year than 2009 with jobs, economy and quality of life. If you head to your local bookstore, you’d be amazed and the many offerings of books to help you attract abundance or learn the art of positive thinking in order to improve your lot in life.В  Your surroundings play a major role in your personal sense of well being and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably agree that when you love your surroundings or your home, you simply feel better and can take on the world! If you’ve heard ofВ  Feng Shui, it is all about creating harmonious spaces geared specifically toward helping you achieve a better life and success in your work and relationships. I truly believe that having a space that makes you feel fantastic can have an incredible impact on the other areas of your life.

So in an effort to close out 2009 on a positive note, I am going to say it’s time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.В  If you can’t afford to get rid of that ugly old couch and splurge on a new one, look into updating the look with a great slipcover and some throw pillows.В  You’d be amazed at how it can transform a room AND your attitude. You can refinish that table or donate pieces to your local goodwill.В  When you let go of the old, you open yourself up to attracting the new, which is probably just what you need! Here’s wishing all of our clients, friends, fans and family a wonderful, harmonious and prosperous New Year.В  We are welcoming prosperity, balance, love and joy in 2010 and we hope you will too!

Oooooh that’s Bamboo?  Shock and surprise are often a common response when we show samples and ideas for bamboo flooring to our clients. There are a variety of styles and finishes to choose from that make Bamboo a serious contender for hardwood flooring choices. Typically when we think of bamboo, visions of lush green forests and zen design styles come to mind, but did you know it’s one of the most renewable resources out there? Bamboo is an extremely fast growing plant which can reach maturity in as little as 3 years unlike traditional hardwood trees which can take decades to regenerate. >From kitchens to living areas, there are lots of great ideas out there and many great galleries to look at to become inspired.В  For instance, check out this Flooring Gallery from Bamboo Hardwoods for some great photos and ideas on how different bamboo floors can look.

There is an ever growing selection of colors and finishes from traditional to the visually stunning and unique strand woven finishes that can suit any style from conservative to dramatic! Another great gallery to check out for ideas and reviews of bamboo floorsВ  is from Ambient Bamboo Floors. Bamboo is an ideal flooring choice for everything from kitchens to living rooms and even bedrooms and bathrooms.

As a flooring choice, bamboo is so versatile, easy to care for and it’s beauty will last for years to come.В  We especially love the tiger stripe finish for a beautiful and unusual floor that will definitely get everyone’s attention! The internet is such a great place to research and get ideas, and since we’re all about sharing information and great resources, we’d also recommend you check out these websites for some ideas on terrific types of bamboo floors as well as unique ways to incorporate them elsewhere in your countertops, cabinets, vanities and furniture!

Kirei Bamboo Kitchen Gallery

Cali Bamboo Flooring Gallery

If you are considering a bamboo floor, we would love to help you find one that is perfect for your home.В  Or if you already have a bamboo floor, Design Connection would love to hear what you think about it. How do YOU Bamboo?! You can comment right here on the Design Connection blog, or find us and interact on Facebook or Twitter.В  We look forward to hearing from you!

We love the things in life that are easy to do, so we wanted to share some great ideas for holiday centerpieces to dress your Thanksgiving table without the stress!

Think simple.В  Whether your approach is casual or sophisticated, sometimes less is more. When you’re out getting your staples for dinner, why not pick up some small to medium sized pumpkins or gourds for your table? The fall colors look fabulous and you can group them together or spread them out along the length of the table and alternate them with some small votive candles on a beautiful table runner. Not into the less is more look? If you want to get creative, consider hollowing out a couple small pumpkins to hold candles or a combination of beautiful fall flowers and leaves. Minimal effort for maximum impact!

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I love the color purple and I have seen it in the stores as a hot color for fall. But, this rich and fabulous color has disappeared from the fabrics that we are using in our homes. I have a client that loves all the shades of red and purple, so recently I have spent many hours researching fabrics. I felt challenged to find the right shades for her. In the end, I came up with fabrics the client loved, but I realized we are still behind the time in using the color in our designs.

We will be seeing more of this color in our interior designs, in the next two years. Home fabrics are usually right behind great fashion trends.

Since we have just researched these fabrics, Design Connection Inc would be happy to assist you, if these are the colors you love, and can’t live without.

Check out these sites for some good ideas.

http://www.robertallendesign.com/

http://www.fschumacher.com/

You master bedroom represents your sanctuary, it is the room that helps you rest and relax after a hectic day. Many people neglect their bedroom and it is often the last to be redesigned. Here are some quick fixes to help inspire any bedroom.

Keep it as unisex as possible, focus on brining in masculine and feminine touches with details and accessories. That might mean neutral colors on the walls and bolder pieces of furniture, then a pop of color with throw pillows and a flower arrangement on the nightstand. Pillows and flowers can be changed to match the seasons, which will keep a fresh new feeling all year round.

Tone down the patterns. If you have more than three major patterns, you are on the verge of going overboard. Instead focus on textures and interesting details, this will make your room unique and special. The quality of your materials is always worth it.

Begin with a plan. Start by picking out your color scheme, then move onto fabrics and textiles, try to have a color or theme that brings all the elements together. And remember it is always easier to add items, than take them away. You don’t have to create the perfect bedroom in one day. Good Luck!