As a Greater Kansas City interior designer, it is such an honor to be featured in the November 2015 publication of Leawood Lifestyle Magazine. The team at Design Connection, Inc. would like to share with our cover story with you.

A Touch of Classic Elegance

Extensive remodel adds beauty and comfort to area home.

Article Ann E. Butenas | Photography Chad Jackson

Getting this Overland Park home into enviable shape required a keen focus on attention to detail while simultaneously painting the bigger picture. While previously lacking in apparent form and function, the kitchen, family room and guest bathroom all currently offer an inviting and relaxing ambiance, with a decided touch of class and elegance coupled with supreme comfort and ease of use.

The client was thrilled with the final product, noting not only the reliability and professionalism of Arlene Ladegaard and the design team at Design Connection, Inc., but also applauding the lasting value and superior results of this project.

“The selections are classically elegant and will add beauty and comfort to my home for years to come. I look forward to completing the remaining rooms with Design Connection, Inc.’s assistance,” says the homeowner.

Kitchen

To get the ball rolling in the kitchen, the formerly awkward island and disproportionate pantry welcomed a new façade. Keeping the pantry intact, only the doors were replaced and were changed to a darker color for a dramatic effect while the newly-installed kitchen cabinets were adorned with a new warm gray color accented with a coffee bean glaze that partner well with the new island.

Eye-popping state-of-the-art appliances joined forces with a brilliant granite mosaic backsplash highlighted by warm gray quartz countertops. Rounding out the welcoming vibe are the transitional dining table and chairs, all boasting a dark finish that work in effortless style with the island and pantry.

Living Room

A gathering spot for the family to watch TV, ample seating was the primary objective in this long and narrow space. After a few style changes, this hearth room is the perfect place for the entire family to comfortably relax at the end of the day. A gray flannel sectional partners perfectly with the warm gray walls while the wing chair and accompanying ottoman, donned in neutral fabric, is the go-to spot to cozy up and settle in for an evening of popcorn and movies or to just lose one’s self in the pages of a good book.

The two-tone shag rug invites barefoot fun and also serves as the place for the family dog to catch up on some napping during the day.

Bathroom

No longer a room with a closed door, this powder room has been completely transformed as a crown jewel in the home, perhaps offering the best seat in the house, as the view is spectacular.

The former builder-grade and uninspiring golden oak cabinet, plain mirror and standard light fixture were gutted and replaced with the newly styled dark coffee bean stained cabinet, and the new mosaic tile proves to be a harmonious partner with the tall mirror, adding a feeling of a larger and more dramatic space.

The Kohler slate gray sink, single lever faucet and slate gray finish of the toilet offer a sassy and fun complement to the new wallpaper and metallic paper for the ceiling. Together, these elements provide a feeling of not only added dimension and height to the space, but also encourage an open door policy when not in use!

Hearth Room

The initial request of the homeowner was to place a TV over the fireplace and then add furnishings to create a beautiful look. With careful space planning, this cozy area now comfortably seats five people by incorporating the right sized furniture made of fabrics designed for consistent use while still maintaining a great look.

The linen down filled pillows add a soft touch while the wool area rug sets the overall tone for the room. Opting for a warm gray color on the walls, the fireplace was perfectly set off by the java finish to complement the kitchen.

Content for this article was provided by Arlene Ladegaard, owner and principle designer of Design Connection, Inc.  She can be reached at 913.851.8776.