Janine’s Tip of the Week #1: Design Homework

/in , /by

KitchenAre you considering redecorating or remodeling, and yet have no idea how you want the space to look? Are you completely unsure of your own style?

Before calling your interior designer, start by doing a little homework.  I always give my clients a little research project: Go to your favorite bookstore and invest in 3-5 design magazines in your project category. Are you interested in kitchen remodel? Are you interested in a fabulous new great room or are you focused on your master bedroom?

By diving into a few magazines and creating a scrapbook of your favorites, you are sure to tell your favorite designer a lot about the look you have in your heart. Just by looking at someone’s favorite tear outs, it’s easy for me to see what is consistent.

And remember, decorating is a FUN and exciting process. Enjoy the peace of mind a professional can bring to the process of successful interior design.

Janine Terstriep

2010 nursery style alert: birds, owls, giraffes oh my

/in , /by

Expectant parents have so many decisions to make when designing their little bundle’s nursery. One of the first decisions that parents must make is choosing a theme. While themes can range from the ultra modern to the understated traditional, some of the trends hitting the scene have included nature-inspired themes such as birds, owls, and the newest addition: giraffes.

giraffe_nursery_theme_B_large

Jennifer Sbranti's giraffe-inspired inspiration board

Though giraffes might be all the rage now, Jennifer Sbranti, Founder + Editor-in-Chief, Hostess with the Mostess blog, suggests making the nursery personal  by incorporating those special pieces, like a piece of art or mural, alongside the more trendy decorations to avoid that “matchy-matchy” look of the past. She also advises that those little touches such as  unique throw pillows or adding colorful trim to a lamp shade can help personalize the room and make the nursery a comfortable haven for mom and baby.

Interested in learning more? Click here to read more from Jennifer Sbranti’s post featured on the Stroller Traffic blog.

By Jessica Scheufler

Featured project: Leawood Kitchen Remodel

/in , /by

The 14’x16′ kitchen was the weakest part of this beautiful Leawood home. But the homeowners had dreams of gathering around a large center island and entertaining friends and family in a more open and welcoming space. Our main challenge was to keep the roof line the same and work within the existing foundation. We removed one of the two 1/2 baths and expanded the opening between the kitchen and hearth rooms. Our feature of the stone opening and large center island gave the owners the open, functional space they were hoping for. The high-end Wolf stove and steamer are fabulous appliances and the Sub-Zero refrigerator is secretly hidden behind the beautiful new cabinetry.

Check back on Thursday for some useful tips on kitchen remodeling.

By Janine

Recycling Tips

/in , /by

We all agree that recycling is good for the environment, but what about good for your interior design? Kansas City Homes & Gardens featured an article recently covering “new” building materials that you may want to consider for your next renovation. Recycled glass in your countertops, reclaimed into tiles for your backsplash, and even paper and metals can find a second life in your home.

Image Courtesy of Kansas City Homes & Gardens

By Jaime Tamsin