Last Saturday night, I was honored to have my work as an interior designer acknowledged at The National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) annual REMY awards. Not only did my design win the DESIGNS AND PLANS GOLD ALL STAR trophy, it  won BEST OF SHOW UNDER $75,000! The Remy Award winning projects are chosen from homes completed throughout Kansas City and represent the highest quality projects found in the metropolitan area. I am so honored, and somewhat speechless, to receive such a recognition. 2013 was an amazing year at Design Connection, Inc!

I’d like to share this project with you in the hopes that it will inspire you. Inspire you to envision your basement; not as the cold, dark cellar that it may be, but see it for what it could be. Lower Level Living Space.  The basement of this home was completely unfinished, very dark and very cold. What a transformation!

All lower levels have one thing in common: Structural posts and support beams. Hiding these elements within the design of this space while creating the perfect location for the entertainment center was a necessary key in this design.

 Behind the custom cabinetry, a room was created for a designated place to house all of the media devices and cables. This not only keeps every cord and wire out of sight, it allows for easy access for maintenance and storage. An additional feature to compliment the warm tones of the wood finishes in this lower level space is a wall treatment that realistically mimics natural limestone.

 This entertainment area also features an extra large sectional. Upholstered in a plush golden fabric with warm brown leatherette ottomans, the furnishings were custom designed to meet the requirements of the clients’ needs and were tailored to fit the space.

The wish-list kitchen brandishes all of the bells and whistles found in a fully equipped kitchen and bar, including an under-counter beverage cooler. The multi-line backsplash tile creates a seamless look and compliments the wall features that are showcased beyond the kitchen. The curved ceiling was created to add visual interest and defines the kitchen space while adding movement and flow throughout this open lower level.

A complete bath with a clean and simple concept was accomplished by carrying the same tile specified for the floor onto the shower walls, as well as creating a wainscot behind the toilet and vanity. Full glass shower doors keep this small area feeling open and light.

Located beyond the kitchen and media center, a custom built-in desk provides the clients much needed office space and allows excellent sight lines to the children’s playroom.

A playroom that could transition into a space for different use in the future was a priority in the design of this young family’s lower level. A custom built-in bookcase was created to provide organization of books and toys, while a mechanical component of the home was concealed by creating a corner bench in between the bookcases.

The structural I-beam, left exposed in the exercise room, was blended well into this design by having the ceiling painted dark. The ceiling color also complements the color of the rubber floor and balances our the contrast of the lighter walls. Because no natural light enters this space, overhead fluorescent lighting was installed and an entire wall was covered in mirror to extend the boundaries of the room. The custom shutter doors are aesthetic and provide proper ventilation and access to the mechanical room.

We’ve got a lot of projects that are nearing completion-we can’t wait to share all of the Before & After pictures!

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Design Connection, Inc. is a full service interior design firm known for creating innovative designs that are timeless in style and unique to each client. Whether you are looking to redecorate one room, remodel or build new, Arlene Ladegaard and her experienced team of professionals at Design Connection, Inc. will oversee every detail; from selecting the perfect paint color to creating custom furniture to masterminding an entirely new floor plan, Design Connection, Inc. does it all!
Interior Design Blogs by Arlene Ladegaard