What Our Clients Had to Say…
Their management of the project was very professional and well done
There are not enough words to express how well this project was handled. Design Connection decorated and renovated my condo from the ground up, helping select all the furniture, accessories and color palette. All their contractors were excellent and their management of the project was very professional and well done. In addition, they were just the nicest people to work with. I would recommend them to anyone looking for designers.”
– Beth Eliason
Smooth experience, beautiful results and hopefully more to come
Arlene and her team at Design Connection were great to work with. They listened to what we wanted to accomplish and delivered a new home we are excited to share with our friends and family. Arlene knew when to push for a good idea and when to listen and look for an alternative. Her balance kept us on task, but allowed us to help guide and be involved in the process. There is no way we could have handled the project without the assistance of the DC team especially with their on-site project management. It was a smooth experience, beautiful results and hopefully more to come.”
– Ron Clary
We are delighted with our new home and received many compliments
We recently built our first new home and wanted to make sure the flow of colors, design style and furniture were cohesive throughout the house. We met with Arlene and took a leap of faith to work with her and her team. The Design Connection team helped us choose paint colors, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, tile, floor color, carpeting, and furniture for the main living area. They also provided design help with cabinetry and our wine cellar as well as many other elements that needed to be coordinated with the builder. We are delighted with our new home and have received many compliments from our guests. We appreciate all the guidance, suggestions, and assistance Design Connection provided.”
– Deb & Tom Swenson
From the First Visit Arlene Listened to Our Wants and Needs
After much consideration, my husband and I decided to renovate our home of 24 years. The project included a new kitchen, sunroom, and ultimately touched almost every room in our home. Our first step was to visit Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection. From the first visit Arlene listened to our wants and needs and began the process to achieve our goals. Her insight has been incredibly helpful. Arlene or her staff was always available to meet with our architect or contractor along the way. We could never have tackled this project without the help and expertise of Design Connection. Her staff is professional and wonderful to work with. We could not be more pleased with all they have done for us!”
– Janet Euston
The Entire Process Was Simple for Us
About a year ago, our family was at a point where we needed to make an important decision. Our two boys were both going to be in the same elementary school. We considered moving to a new neighborhood, but we really enjoyed the school and friends that we had here.
In researching our options, we found Arlene Ladegaard and the Design Connection, Inc. team on the Houzz website. We set up an initial consultation and talked through all of our thoughts between building a new house and remodeling our current house. Arlene did an excellent job of talking through potential options for us and spent a lot of time listening to our likes. We also included new furniture, area rugs and accessories in our new design.
We decided to remodel our entire lower level to make the space more family friendly. The entire process was simple for us, Arlene’s team came up with materials, drawings and designs, and we approved the approach. When it came to construction, the Project Manager did an excellent job.
The contractors that Design Connection, Inc. used are some of the best I have ever encountered. They were all experienced craftsmen who arrived on time and did not
leave a mess. This is important when you have people in your house every day for two to three months!
The entire project finished on time and on budget and the small punch list was completed before furniture was delivered! I can’t stress enough how easy this part was.
Overall, we are extremely happy with our decision to remodel versus moving and extremely happy with the work and design done by the Design Connection, Inc. team. Thanks, Arlene and team!”
– Matt & Joy Blume
A True Jewel-Box of a Home!
We called upon Arlene and her outstanding crew in hopes that they could help us accomplish a nearly impossible task of completely renovating a 1974 Federal-style home located in a small town in Eastern Kansas. Despite the fact that the future resident was living in Florida at the time and the main contractor specialized in commercial projects rather than residential, the Design Connection, Inc. team didn’t shy away from this immense challenge and did a truly outstanding job.
In the end, the new home that Arlene and her team designed, now constitutes what can only be described as a true jewel-box of a home. This is what can be accomplished when exceedingly careful attention is paid to each and every detail by a group of people who commit to working together to get the job done right. The family is absolutely pleased with all of the work that Design Connection, Inc. did along with all the new furnishings. Few if any other designers in Kansas City could have tackled this job. Arlene and her crew did it with grace and excellence. We are confident that they will be able to tackle your project and bring to your life the same level of joy they have brought to ours.”
– Doug Kurtenbach
Our Dream Kitchen Is Now in the 21st Century
Little did I realize that when I invited Design Connection, Inc. to help with the layout of the family room, that Arlene Ladegaard was going to declare war on my kitchen. It failed miserably with the rest of the home. She said, “Well, if we start first in the kitchen, the rest of your home will fall into place.” Additionally, she asked me, “What did you want? And, what did you dislike?” She listened and addresses all of it! We remodeled the kitchen from top to bottom, and she thought of every last detail down to the lighting and hardware. She redesigned and rebuilt our dream kitchen to be of 21st-century standards. We love it!”
– Debbie & Collins Tuley
Stunning… Sophisticated… Beautiful.
I recently worked with Arlene and her team on a whole house renovation. She listened and was quick to pick up on exactly my taste, wants and needs. The finished product is stunning and a total transformation from a house stuck in the 70’s to a sophisticated open floor plan reflecting today’s beautiful finishes and design. Her scope of work ranged from removal of walls, total kitchen, powder room, master bedroom and en-suite, furniture, rugs, accessories! Just beautiful. So very much fun working with Design Connection, Inc. and their strong leader, Arlene Ladegaard. Bravo.”
– Alan Emery
Very Good Value…Great Service and Great Results!
Arlene and the team at Design Connection, Inc. did a wonderful job updating my home! They were reliable and professional. My home is finally functional and comfortable. The selections are classically elegant and will add beauty and comfort to my home for years to come – very good value. I look forward to completing the remaining rooms with Design Connection, Inc.’s assistance. Great service and great results!”
– Bernice Duletski
Her Design Selections Were Spot On!
After 15 years in our home it was time for some serious updates! Arlene and her staff were able to completely transform our main floor into beautifully functional spaces that our family will enjoy for the next season of our lives. We had floor-to-ceiling projects and no area was left untouched! From kitchen cabinets and countertops, to new appliances, new flooring, paint throughout, bathroom redone, new furniture, window treatments, artwork and even accessories – no detail was overlooked. The contractors Arlene used were professional, reliable and performed high quality work. Her design selections were spot on and she or her staff was on site every step of the way. We love the new look of the total transformation!”
– Rick & Malinda Schumacher
They Are Masters in Their Trade
Arlene Ladegaard and her team were fantastic to work with. They are masters in their trade. We initially contacted Arlene to assist us with our outdated family room. She came to our home and assessed that our needs were not being met with the current configuration in our kitchen/hearth room. After seeing plans to reconfigure the kitchen hearth-room we were excited and decided to tackle the first floor remodel along with furniture. Arlene had all the best contacts to complete our project. We are so appreciative to Arlene and all her staff for the dedication and professionalism they displayed while working on our project. They handled all the scheduling and details of the project. While it wasn’t cheap to complete this large-scale project, we feel it was worth it. As Arlene predicted, we are using rooms we never had spent time in before. Our redesigned kitchen and family room have become gathering places. Thank you again to Arlene Ladegaard for designing us this beautiful space! We love it!”
– Tom & Patty Burns
Arlene Understood What We Wanted Immediately
After purchasing a house with perfect layout in a fabulous neighborhood with great schools, we hired Design Connection, Inc. to get us the rest – the dream kitchen and the modern interior style my husband and I craved.
We had hardly any experience in remodeling a house. Arlene understood what we wanted immediately, having lived in California and Europe. Moreover, she was realistic and honest about which part of our vision would work and which part wouldn’t. She was very good at prioritizing work that needed to be done versus things that were nice-to-have, for budget’s sake. Also, Arlene was meticulous on getting all the details just right, and the contractors she worked with delivered the highest quality of work.
In the four mouths it took to get the remodeling done, we were given frequent updates on the progress but were never stressed about the details. And the project was completed right on schedule.
My husband and I are completely in love with our house. We love it! Arlene’s assessment on what needed to be done in the house was spot on.
We have more planned with Arlene. Phase two will include additional furnishing/decorating and updating our master bathroom. And we can’t wait!”
– Bruce & May Wang
Enjoying The Final Product!
Arlene is a creative designer who listened to our ideas of what we wanted and came up with plans to make the outcome lovely. She let us know what the design cost would be as soon as she had a developed design. Design Connection, Inc. is organized into a team of people who divided up supervision of the tasks involved in the remodeling project to insure its successful and on-time completion. She brought quality contractors into the project who delivered good results. Before any work began, we were given a day-by-day calendar that indicated who would be in our house and what they would be doing during the three-month project. We are enjoying the final product and loving all the new furniture and accessories!”
– Dave & Marsha Boyer
Absolutely Perfect!
Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. has just completed a second project in my home. She listened to my dreams and desires then transformed my spaces into rooms of beauty that are immensely livable. She nailed my style with colors, furnishing, carpet, paint and a custom fireplace. The installation of the products was completed by first-class contractors. I love, love, love my new rooms! They are absolutely perfect!!!”
– Mikel Flinkinger
Professional, Knowledgeable and Efficient
We hired Arlene with Design Connection, Inc. after we moved into our newly built dream home. She came in and very quickly assessed exactly what we needed in each room. We focused on window treatments first and then went on to furniture. We are taking things room by room to keep in line with our budget.
Arlene is very professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. She is responsive. She is quick to put together your info sheet with items and pricing and has equally professional installers. It’s so nice that the only waiting you’ll have to do is for any of your custom items to be made – which is to be expected. When you hire Arlene, you feel like you are her number one client.
She puts together amazing fabrics, textures, colors etc. She really took note of my style and is picking colors and patterns that I like. I was so pleased when I saw the layout of what she had put together for me, because I felt like it was exactly what I would have picked out if I could have done it myself.”
– Joe & Erica Ismert
Quality, Professionalism and Trustworthiness
Design Connection, Inc. has helped us update our twenty-five year home in phases. The most recent update was our hall bath and master bedroom and bathroom. We chose Arlene Ladegaard because of her award-winning design skills. She has involved us in each phase to help customize the projects to what we were looking for. Other factors important to us were the quality, professionalism and trustworthiness of the contractors. The Design Connection, Inc. team has given us a fabulous updated home, and we would highly recommend them.”
– Loren & Barbie Breedlove
Quiet Elegance, Tailored Comfort and Simplicity
Our relationship with Arlene began about four years before we actually met… my husband would leaf through magazines and always paused at pages showing her room designs. The quiet elegance, tailored comfort and simplicity were so appealing. No dramatic “ruffles and flourishes” as he called them – just excellent color choices, texture and quality.
Over the next six weeks we met with Arlene and members of her design team. Room by room, we watched them design a comprehensive, integrated, and coherent interior for our house. With Arlene’s encyclopedic knowledge and intercontinental life style experiences, she brought our home a new, understated elegance mixed with comfort and approachability.
Arlene was very careful to select timeless elements that unified and flattered the project as a whole, and that highlighted her eye for color, texture and proportion. Just as we had witnessed in the magazines featuring Arlene, her tasteful and tailored signature was readily apparent in our project too. This is truly comprehensive interior design – not mere interior decoration.
Throughout the entire process, Arlene and her team provided timely and comprehensive input to my construction team and between them, completed the entire project exceeding the most stringent standards of excellence in construction and finish.”
– Jerry & MaryAnn Hansen
Collaborative, Professional, and Instructive.
Arlene Ladegaard absolutely excels at interior design. She really listens to her clients as to their goals, lifestyles, tastes, preferences and budget. She’s not a designer who has to have it her way, or else. She is at once collaborative, professional, and instructive. All of her design team members are a pleasure to work with, and are extremely responsive and helpful.
I had never worked with an interior designer for a complete project before hiring Arlene. She completely transformed my living room from a mismatched hodgepodge of furniture to a coordinated, balanced, “grown up” room that both respects and accentuates the architecture of my home. I can now entertain friends, family and clients in both style and comfort. I will, without hesitation, recommend her to friends, colleagues and clients whenever the opportunity arises. Thank you, Arlene!”
– Sonya Muller
Great Talent, an Artistic Eye and Patience
Bringing together the best of Classic European Old World Style and individual personality, Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc., is devoted to the importance of allowing the clients individual ‘stamp’ to shine through in the finished project.
Familiar with my love for texture, Arlene, from the moment we broke ground, has been engaged in the smallest of details throughout our new home. Her experience is priceless. In business some thirty-plus years, Arlene has groomed solid relationships around the world, in her field, to assure her clients that their desires and needs can be achieved. The team at Design Connection, Inc. designed and selected each part of this 6000-square foot house from the tiles, carpet and wall colors to the intricate designs for each bathroom and kitchen. The new furnishings are first class and we love all the fine details in each piece.
It took great talent, an artistic eye and patience to create our wrought iron winding staircase that matches the exquisite front and back doors.
We are now engaged in finding and securing, the ever-so-important “finishing touches” to our Dream Home. Not to worry… with Ms. Ladegaard’s professionalism and “eye for detail,” the finished project is sure to be pure elegance.”
– R. Stonecipher
Completely Nailed My Style
I met Arlene about 11 years ago when I was beginning to build what I call my dream home. I definitely knew I wanted a professional interior designer to help me, and when I met Arlene at a home show, I was immediately drawn to her decorating style. Our personalities clicked and I hired her to assist me in designing my entire home.
Arlene was involved in every aspect of designing my home, from creating the architectural plans, selecting and providing flooring, plumbing, lighting and window treatments to furnishing my entire home. She made sure that my home was turn-key ready and oversaw every detail down to the smallest accessories. I continued to use her services through the years for décor updates in just about every room, including redecorating my library and living room that was beyond my expectations. Most recently, Arlene updated my master bedroom and bathroom. She designed the furniture, giving me a unique master retreat that completely nailed my style. I trust her judgment in taste so much that sometimes I don’t even see some things before she orders. I know it will be correct. In my opinion, she is the best!”
– Mary White
Classically Elegant, Timelessly Beautiful
We love our homes, don’t we? They reflect our past, celebrate our present, foreshadow our future… but from time to time, they need an update!
Arlene and the talented team at Design Connection, Inc. expertly spearheaded an extensive renovation of our home. Bringing our residence into the new millennium, Arlene assessed our family’s needs, assembled construction crews, presented options and attentively guided us through the entire process with wisdom, candor and good humor. From paint job, hardwood floors and carpet to appliances, countertops and hardware; from the big picture to that final faucet, Arlene professionally transformed our home into one with lasting impact: Classically elegant, timelessly beautiful and ready to make more memories!”
– Elizabeth Anderson
Can’t Believe the Changes!
My wife and I really want to express how happy we are with our renovations. Your design choices in our new rec room really achieved what we were after; a warm inviting area to watch TV with the family as well as a sophisticated and “cool” area to entertain. While we sometimes were nervous about making such big changes to our space, you always saw the final product and you were right on. Our kitchen makeover turned out just as well. The new, large single-level island is a godsend. We certainly bit off quite a bit with this project, and you always helped keep our stress levels down. Everyone that has seen the new spaces can’t believe the changes and they all tell us how much they love the new digs. Thanks to your entire team for all the great work!”
– The Alumbaughs
The Highest Standard in Interior Design
Prior to working with Design Connection, Inc., we purchased four major pieces of furniture for our family room. We were at a standstill as to the furniture design of the room. Seeing Design Connection, Inc.’s photos and feature stories in local magazines, I was attracted to Arlene Ladegaard’s design concepts.
Arlene magically transformed our living space into a beautiful and comfortable environment for relaxing and entertaining. She graciously accepted our ideas and incorporated them into an elegant design, changing our room from outdated to updated.
Working with Arlene and her staff has been a delightful experience. We highly recommend Arlene Ladegaard and Design Connection, Inc. as the highest standard in interior design.”
– Randi and Joel Feder
The Final Product Is Gorgeous!
In reviewing options for our remodeling project, we encountered many contractors and designers that also have distribution relationships for specific cabinet companies and other vendors. We wanted a seasoned design professional with knowledge of multiple vendors that could help us first create the vision and then match us with the resources best suited to deliver our vision.
Arlene and the Design Connection, Inc. team did a great job of helping us create a transitional space plan and design that incorporated our vision while maintaining the character and grandeur of our 85-year old Tudor.
The final product is gorgeous!”
– Scott W, & Miriam Henry
Everything looks great! We are very happy!
Arlene, my husband and I would like to thank you for all your time, knowledge and generosity with our kitchen remodel.
Everything looks great! We are very happy! You have an exceptional team. Bailey was so nice to get to know and did an expert job working with all the subs and keeping everything on schedule. It was a pleasure to work with all your team, Pam Shane and Courtney.
Though the decision making process was extensive, I feel we achieved a beautiful kitchen with all your guidance and hard work. THANK YOU!”
A spa experience every day!
Clean, clear, crisp. A master bath should transport you where you want to be. A bit of nostalgia dashed with adventure. In our case, Paris. Or, closer to home, a spa experience every day!
Saving the best for last, the master bath makeover is the crowning jewel of our whole-house renovation. Although we kept the original footprint, Arlene and the Design Connection team totally transformed the space with a stunning, perfectly-positioned freestanding tub. We pulled the Jacuzzi (never used) in favor of freestanding (yes, it’s used!). Soft grey walls shimmer against Italian floor tile and porcelain tile in the shower and behind the tub resembles precious marble. The dark chocolate cabinets are complemented by matching vertical mirrors highlighting the tall ceiling. Caesarstone countertops again with a marble-look are virtually maintenance-free leaving more time for tub enjoyment! And the sleek Euro door shower gives an added continental feel.
We love how the light cascades from a gorgeous vintage-inspired chandelier and shines off the polished nickel fixtures. The unique single sconce between the mirrors offers extra allure.
Arlene and her team thought of everything right down to a special tiled area in the walk-in closet for our cats’ personal needs! Now with such class and comfort all around, who really needs the Champs-Elysees?”
I can honestly say there is no comparison!
I had hired a “decorator” when we built our house seven years ago — my first experience with having professional help. Now that I’ve worked with Design Connection, I can honestly say there is no comparison! I had followed Arlene’s work for a while on Facebook and her website, wanting to get a feel for the style and types of projects. When I finally first met with her, I knew it was going to be a fantastic experience!
Our new great room looks absolutely beautiful but still feels like “us” and it can be lived in! I could never have come even close to what she has designed for our space.
I will also say, excellent on follow-through, well organized, and greatly appreciated the periodic updates that kept me informed of the progress. I hope to work with her again for another project soon!”
– L. Ladesich
We will not hesitate to hire her again – and in fact, already have!
We hired Arlene to design our basement project for us. We ended up with 1,700 square feet of family room, kitchen, gym, playroom (bed room), study area and a full bath. The basement looks wonderful! Honestly, it puts the rest of our house to shame it looks so good.
Arlene works hard and can be quick with an opinion but her work is really outstanding. The few times when we disagreed or were not sure we talked about it and after thinking about it almost always went with Arlene’s suggestion — and that’s a good thing because we discovered her taste and knowledge is far superior to what we thought we’d picked up watching home renovation shows. We will not hesitate to hire her again – and in fact, already have! A+”
– James C.
Better than I could have ever imagined.
I hired this company for space planning, painting, wall paper, window treatments, carpet, furniture, kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, and decorating of my new home. They took the colors that I love and designed and created a beautiful home. I could not be at the home to review, but walked in the completed project and it was better than I could have ever imagined.”
– Pam Hon