Overland Park Interior Designer, Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc., was brought into this remodeling project by the client who wanted to update his 1980’s home which sits on a beautiful property, but which had an interior that was severely dated. Prior to the remodel, this kitchen had dated oak cabinets, old counters, antiquated appliances, and inadequate storage. Ladegaard considered the client’s desire to lighten the kitchen, and transformed the space with the aid of Brackman Construction. A load bearing wall was removed to open the space to the great room, and a new large island was added… perfect for entertaining. Aside from the beautiful aesthetics of gray glass staggered tile on the back splash, new quartz counters, gorgeous new appliances, and updated modern lighting, one of Ladegaard’s main considerations in planning this kitchen, was the client’s need for more storage. Cabinets were designed in both the kitchen, and the adjoining laundry/pantry area, where storage was highly customized and made to suit the specific needs of the client. Upon completion of the project, the client is thrilled with the major updates to this functional space. Design Connection Inc. of Overland Park provided: Kitchen plans and elevations, material selections, appliances selections, detailed materials key for the contractor and project management.

Shawnee homeowners contacted Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. to update their family room which featured all golden oak cabinetry and trim. The furnishings represented the mid-century with well-worn furniture and outdated colors. The homeowners treasured a few wood pieces that they had artfully chosen for their interest. They wanted to keep these and incorporate them into the new look. These pieces anchored the selection of the new furniture and the design of the remodeled family room. Because the family room was part of a first floor remodel and the space flowed from one room to the next, the colors in each room needed to blend together. The paint colors tied the rooms together seamlessly. The wood trim was sprayed white and the walls painted a warm soothing gray. The fireplace was painted a darker gray. A floor plan was created for all the furnishings to meet the homeowners’ preference for comfortable chairs that would focus on the fireplace and television. The design team placed the TV above the mantel for easy viewing from all angles of the room. The team also chose upholstered pieces for their comfort and well-wearing fabrics while ensuring that the older traditional pieces mingled well with the contemporary lamps and new end tables. An area rug anchored the room and gold and warm gray tones add richness and warmth to the new color scheme. Hunter Douglas wood blinds finished in white to blend with the trim color completed the remodel of this beautiful and updated transitional room. Design Connection Inc. of Overland Park provided space planning, remodeling, painting, furniture, area rugs, accessories, project management and paint and stain colors.

The clients were graduates of Kansas State University where the color is purple. The idea of taupe 4 by 18 tiles run vertically accented by purple glass mosaics in the built in shampoo shelves, as well as back splash above the Cambria Quartz countertops was exciting to them. The 12 by 24 textured floor tiles gave an updated look to the space and the heated floor is warm and inviting on a cold winter morning. Arlene Ladegaard principal designer of Design Connection Inc. Overland Park Kansas enjoyed their excitement in the project and happy to tie in the Kansas State colors. She was able to oversee every detail from the design phase to the last towel and a robe hook that was installed. The project took 8 weeks to complete. Design Connection Inc. Kanas City Interior Designer provided: Auto Cad drawings and elevations for design details, tile, cabinets, painting and installation as well as project management.

Endecor Balustrade System-TM-US Patent D672,064 S
Staircase - transitional staircase idea in Houston

Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. was chosen to assist with the new designs and renovations. This large, classic-styled home featured beautiful moldings, cabinetry, and craftsmanship, but was in need of an update. Although the windows were beautiful on their own, they looked too bare without window treatments. Gray linens were chosen with a contrasting accent band and the chrome rods with crystal finials blended well with the other accents. The new draperies define the space while adding softness and drama. A massive area rug completes the look and adds warmth and elegance to this beautiful formal living room. The clients wanted a formally dressed living room with comfortable, elegant furniture to accommodate entertaining multiple guests. The scale of this space allows for many furniture groupings. The furnishings were sized to fit the space perfectly and the fabrics were chosen with daily use and easy-cleaning in mind. The many layers of textured and printed fabrics add visual interest and emulate the clients’ collective style. The clients love the new furnishings in their living room. “We were at loss for how to make it look elegant, beautiful, and yet functional. Arlene got the style of the space.” Design Connection, Inc. provided AutoCAD drawings, all furniture, area rugs, paint colors, lighting, and accessories.

After living in their home for 15 years, my clients came to Design Connection, Inc. for help in re-furnishing areas of their home that they simply weren’t spending time in. After meeting with this active family of six it became apparent that they required more than just updated furniture; they wanted their entire main floor to “flow”. With the budget and my clients’ wish-list in mind, we transformed the kitchen by faux-painting the cabinets in a java finish the lightened up the island with a cool, gray hue. The new quartz countertops add elegance and depth alongside the classic elongated herringbone pattern subway tiled backsplash, while the vinyl wallpaper was chosen for texture and durability. Read more from our Design Story and see all of the Before and After pictures here: http://www.designconnectioninc.com/main-level-transformation-a-design-connection-inc-featured-project/ Design Connection, Inc. provided: space planning, countertops, tile and stone, light fixtures, custom furniture, painting, hardwood floors and all other installations and as well project management.

Our client’s loved mauve as was in style in the late 1980’s when this Olathe custom home was built on acreage. The before pictures feature mauve moiré wallpaper and gold accents. What is most dated was the low cabinet size of 30 inches that was popular at that time. Arlene Ladegaard principal designer of Design Connection, Inc. was contacted after updating many rooms in their home. The first decision was to leave the marble tile floor that had been installed a few years back. Wallpaper in the purple tones was requested. The client loved purple and had accents of it in many rooms in her home. They are Kansas State University graduates. A new standard height cabinet of 36 inches was specified along with Cambria quartz countertops. A mosaic backsplash hinted of the purple accents to blend beautifully with the newly updated floral purple and silver wallpaper. Brushed nickel was chosen for the plumbing fixtures as well as an oval mirror above the countertops. The client’s love the new look including the Kohler ADA height toilet. There is no more bending down. The design of this new powder blends well with the Traditional Style of the home and works with the surrounding spaces. Design Connection, Inc. Interior Design Overland Park provided: Cabinet design and specifications, wallpaper, countertops, plumbing fixtures, lighting, installation as well as project management.

Design Connection, Inc., Kansas City interior designer, provided space planning, architectural drawings, barstools, kitchen dining set, plumbing fixtures, countertops, cabinets & cabinet hardware, lighting, tile, stone fireplace, hardwood flooring, paint colors, installation of all materials and project management to ensure that the high standards of Design Connection, Inc. were maintained.

Shawnee homeowners contacted Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. to update their family room which featured all golden oak cabinetry and trim. The furnishings represented the mid-century with well-worn furniture and outdated colors. The homeowners treasured a few wood pieces that they had artfully chosen for their interest. They wanted to keep these and incorporate them into the new look. These pieces anchored the selection of the new furniture and the design of the remodeled family room. Because the family room was part of a first floor remodel and the space flowed from one room to the next, the colors in each room needed to blend together. The paint colors tied the rooms together seamlessly. The wood trim was sprayed white and the walls painted a warm soothing gray. The fireplace was painted a darker gray. A floor plan was created for all the furnishings to meet the homeowners’ preference for comfortable chairs that would focus on the fireplace and television. The design team placed the TV above the mantel for easy viewing from all angles of the room. The team also chose upholstered pieces for their comfort and well-wearing fabrics while ensuring that the older traditional pieces mingled well with the contemporary lamps and new end tables. An area rug anchored the room and gold and warm gray tones add richness and warmth to the new color scheme. Hunter Douglas wood blinds finished in white to blend with the trim color completed the remodel of this beautiful and updated transitional room. Design Connection Inc. of Overland Park provided space planning, remodeling, painting, furniture, area rugs, accessories, project management and paint and stain colors.

Ed Ritger Photography
Transitional kitchen photo in San Francisco

Ryann Ford
Example of a country two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Austin with a metal roof

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

As a Flagstaff custom home architect, our approach to every project is to balance innovative solutions with bold design aesthetics. The Micro Mini, a compact and modern accessory dwelling unit (ADU) nestled in the heart of Flagstaff, is the perfect example of how thoughtful design can solve space constraints while offering a stylish, functional, and delightful living environment. Our client came to us with a unique challenge: to create an additional living space on their property that was efficient, visually striking, and flexible in its function. They wanted to maximize a small footprint while incorporating pops of vibrant, monochrome color throughout the ADU to give it personality and make it feel like an extension of their larger home. The solution we provided, as your trusted Flagstaff custom home architect, was Micro Mini—a design that offers both efficiency and fun while making a big impact in a small space. The first challenge we tackled was how to make the most of the limited square footage. Our approach, rooted in the principles of modern architecture, was to keep the floor plan as open and flexible as possible. By eliminating unnecessary walls and creating multifunctional spaces, we were able to design an interior that feels spacious and airy, despite the small footprint. The living area, kitchen, and bedroom all flow seamlessly into each other, using strategic cabinetry, sliding doors, and built-in storage to keep the space uncluttered. The use of glass for windows and doors amplifies the sense of space, bringing in abundant natural light and connecting the interior to the outdoor landscape—a key consideration in any Flagstaff custom home architect project. One of the most striking elements of the Micro Mini is its creative use of color. The client wanted each space to feel distinct, while still maintaining a cohesive design language. To achieve this, we incorporated monochrome color schemes in various sections of the ADU, starting with the kitchen. The kitchen is a bold statement in shades of blue, with blue-stained cabinets, blue backsplash tile, and even blue fixtures. This color immersion gives the kitchen a distinctive identity while still blending harmoniously with the rest of the space. In other areas of the ADU, we played with pops of other fun colors—each carefully chosen to complement the modern aesthetic of the home while adding a personalized touch. As your Flagstaff custom home architect, we believe that color is an integral part of design, and Micro Mini is a testament to how thoughtful color application can elevate a space. The bold monochrome interiors are a fun, creative twist that make this ADU stand out while ensuring it remains functional and inviting. Beyond the bold use of color, the interior of Micro Mini is designed with simplicity and function in mind. We utilized clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and carefully selected materials to keep the overall look sleek and modern. Light wood floors contrast with the bold color accents and add warmth to the otherwise minimalistic design. Attention to detail is paramount in all of our projects, and as a Flagstaff custom home architect, we take pride in the craftsmanship and quality materials used throughout the Micro Mini. From the custom-built cabinetry to the thoughtfully designed storage solutions, every inch of the ADU was considered for both aesthetics and practicality. A key problem we solved for the client was how to make the ADU feel spacious and functional despite its small footprint. As your trusted Flagstaff custom home architect, we used a range of design solutions to achieve this. First, we incorporated high ceilings to enhance the sense of volume and space, creating an airy feel throughout the ADU. The placement of windows and the strategic use of sliding glass doors allow light to flood in, further opening up the interior and blurring the lines between inside and out. These elements not only make the ADU feel larger but also create a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Another key element was the use of built-in furniture and storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free. From hidden storage under the bed to custom cabinetry in the kitchen, every corner of the Micro Mini was designed with functionality in mind. This approach ensured that the ADU met the client’s needs for both comfort and practicality, while still adhering to the modern design aesthetic they desired. Being based in Northern Arizona, we are acutely aware of how important it is for our designs to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. As a Flagstaff custom home architect, we carefully consider the site’s natural beauty and how our projects can integrate with it. With Micro Mini, we focused on making sure that the ADU feels like a natural extension of the client’s existing property. The large windows and sliding glass doors bring in views of the surrounding landscape, while the outdoor deck extends the living space, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Whether you’re standing in the living room or on the deck, you are always connected to the beautiful Flagstaff setting. In line with our commitment to responsible design, sustainability was a key consideration for Micro Mini. As your Flagstaff custom home architect, we prioritize energy-efficient building methods and materials. The ADU was designed to be energy-efficient, with high-performance windows and insulation that keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, the color choices and materials used in the interior were chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their durability and sustainability. Low-VOC paints and finishes were used throughout the ADU to ensure good indoor air quality, while the energy-efficient lighting and appliances help minimize the ADU’s overall environmental impact. At HEY! designs, we believe in a collaborative approach to architecture that puts the client’s needs and vision at the forefront. Whether designing a large custom home or a compact ADU like Micro Mini, we bring the same level of dedication, creativity, and attention to detail to every project. Our work is rooted in modern design principles but always infused with personality and a sense of fun. Micro Mini exemplifies this approach—a bold, colorful, and efficient ADU that meets the client’s needs while also reflecting their unique style. If you’re considering a custom home or ADU in Flagstaff, HEY! designs is here to help bring your vision to life. As a Flagstaff custom home architect, we specialize in creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also responsive to the unique qualities of the site and the needs of the client. Micro Mini is a testament to how small spaces can still be big on style and function. By incorporating bold color schemes, maximizing space efficiency, and maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors, this ADU achieves everything the client wanted—a modern, fun, and functional space. As your Flagstaff custom home architect, we would be thrilled to help you create a unique and personalized space that meets your needs, no matter the size or scope of your project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life.

Rear garden terraces are framed by forest and lower rain gardens, filled with native birch, willow, fern and iris. Roof drains on the residence and french drains in the lawn terrace fill the space defined by low stone walls. Cypress logs were harvested from nearby river bottoms and milled to create the bridge that connects the terraces. The rain garden extends from forest edge to a large window in the master suite of residence. Photo Credit :Rebecca A O'Neal

As Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. commenced work in other areas of the client’s house, the homeowner began to see the transitions and grow more aware of design trends, and decided to add his master bathroom to the scope of the project. In the master shower, 4 “x 18” tiles are used vertically, and a niche was fabricated using marble tile with chrome accents. The entrance to the shower has a zero clearance entry for easy access, while the Euro glass enclosure give the bathroom a high end edge. Design Connection Inc. provided for this project: space plans, elevations, tile, lighting, material selections, wallpaper, liaison with the contractor, and project management.

Example of a large beach style master dark wood floor and brown floor drop-in bathtub design in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Inspiration for a large cottage medium tone wood floor and brown floor foyer remodel in New York with white walls and a white front door

Like a gorgeous piece of jewelery, the crowning jewel of this bathroom is the dramatic brushed nickel draping chain chandelier. New 12 x 22 brick patterned Marca Corona Italian tile was chosen to wrap the bathroom and shower walls, pairing perfectly with the crisp white 12×24 Caesar tiled floor. See the Before & After pictures from this bathroom remodel by Design Connection, Inc. here: http://www.designconnectioninc.com/portfolio/bathroom-in-leawood-ks/

photography by Brian Vanden Brink
Beach style exterior home photo in Portland Maine