I am SO honored to be featured as a 2017 Style Maker in this special issue of Kansas City Homes & Style Magazine! Check it out!

Here is the article as seen in the Kansas City Homes & Style 2017 Style Makers Special Issue:

Blessed with a keen eye for design and an innate ability to understand her clients, Arlene Ladegaard, Principal Designer and Owner of Design Connection, Inc. presents a winning combination of experience and passion for what she does, coupled with a solid grasp of how to precisely deliver results that transcend each client’s expectations.  Undoubtedly, it is her crisp, timeless style that speaks to the clients most, remaining fresh with each passing year.

A certified interior designer, Ladegaard continually keeps her finger on the pulse of a business she began nearly three decades ago that has positively transformed the lives and homes of hundreds of clients, creating polished spaces that are decidedly functional and beautiful. The reason for her tenacious drive is simple: “I love what I do,” she smiled.

The trajectory of her career initially took her to Stevens College in Columbia, Missouri, followed by studies in interior design at the University of Arizona and the University of California at Los Angeles. She began her career in Southern California working for various firms before setting out on her own in 1988, establishing Design Connection, Inc. Additionally, Ladegaard has lived and worked in Switzerland and was a member of the International Interior Design Association, London UK chapter. She completed continuing education through the study of architecture in Paris, France and obtained her California Certification on Interior Design while living abroad.

As part of her unique style, Ladegaard takes a different approach to each project that has truly propelled her to the heights of success within the industry, and that is one of a total team approach. Together, they create beautiful spaces that hold great meaning to for their clients, becoming the places where they want to relax, enjoy, and stay.

“We have an in-house architect, an office manager and an assistant,” noted Ladegaard. “We work cohesively as a team to complete our project, executing every phase of the design process from concept to completion.

Design Connection, Inc. also ensures each project maintains its own individuality, each one quite distinct with its own personality and truly reflect of the client’s needs and lifestyle. Not only is the client’s lifestyle taken into consideration, but also the client’s story, capturing that and translating it into timeless and elegant designs that are beautiful and comfortable.

“Our job is really to understand what clients want,” expressed Ladegaard. “We are honest, direct, and clear and do our very best to deliver the job we promised to each and every client.”

Highly active within the community, giving back to others in an integral part of Ladegaard’s life philosophy, and is currently approaching two decades of service with the Leawood Rotary Club. She also enjoys her membership with the Leawood Chamber of Commerce and has had events hosted at her home and design firm.

Pro Tip…

Design trends tend to change every four to five years. If you design your home based on what’s in style today, you will want to change again if five years or so. For instance, five years ago Kansas City design was based on a Tuscan-heavy look. Today, the preferred design styles are lighter and simpler with more clean lines. If you choose the colors and designs you truly love, you will never tire of your surroundings no matter what the design style. Go with your heart!

Read the entire issue here: