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designer tips

Kate Spade: Staying True to her Roots

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designer tips

Via LuxQ

Kate Spade is a name recognized all over the world but nowhere more than in Kansas City. Before attending Arizona State and heading to the Big Apple, Kate graduated from St. Theresa’s Academy and attended the University of Kansas. Then it was in 1993 that ever-popular line of Kate Spade Handbags was born, which expanded to include stationary, home décor, shoes, perfume, loungewear and even eyewear.

But Kate has never forgotten her roots. She gets back to Kansas City several times a year and makes visiting her old haunts a priority. In an interview, Kate told the Kansas City Star about her home visits saying, “All I want to do is eat barbecue . . . We often go to Arthur Bryant’s because my dad likes it. I also have to go to Ponak’s—I love the food . . .  And I love going to Winstead’s.”

Kate also admits that a part of her decorating style comes from where and how she grew up. She told the Kansas City Star, “A lot of it comes from my mom. She never let us turn the overhead lights on. Also, I picked up on the salon-style way of hanging wall art because I grew up with it.”

Even though she sold her company five years ago to focus on her family and her seven year old daughter, Kate knows that those days are numbered, “At some point, she’s going to be sick of me and not want me around,” making us wonder what this Midwest designer has planned next.

 

designers

Via Adeline Adeline

Modern british colonial

Worldwide British Style

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As the entire world watches the 2012 Olympics, there is a renewed interest in all things English, especially interior design. And two things come to mind when English décor is discussed, quaint brick cottages full of history and light airy modern flats featuring fresh colors and cutting edge styles.

British interior design

Photo Credit: Heart Home Magazine

 

Modern british colonial

Photo via pinterest.com

Many of these English brick country homes are blessed with outstanding architectural detail. And if you are presently decorating a home with some these same features: high ceilings, soaring windows and intricate mouldings, then take advantage of the space by using tall mirrors, stenciled ceilings and contrasting moulding colors. While a modern American home would take advantage of the extra space by crafting oversized built-ins, the English generally favor more low slung pieces emphasizing the room’s openness.

 

Modern British Interiors

Photo Credit: styleathome.com

If your tastes run more toward the modern, think bright colorful fabrics meshing with bold furniture and accent pieces. It’s easy to update a classic piece with a couple coats of paint or funky upholstery. Or the newest trend is all white…and while it does present a clean crisp look just think twice if you have pets or children!

Would you ever consider bringing a bit of English design influence into your Kansas City home?

great room-homes-living-room

Great Rooms: Keeping the Flow Consistent, but Distinctive

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You may remember the days where dinner was promptly at 7 p.m. and everyone was at the dinner table at that time. Well that almost seems like a luxury today. However, many homeowners are wanting to bring the family back together in one room with a great room home remodel. The typical great room usually brings together the family room, kitchen, dining room, and/or a sitting room. The beauty of the great room is now the whole family can enjoy being together while doing different tasks. But some people seem to get a bit overwhelmed when it comes to decorating such a grand space. Simply remember: together, but separate.

When decorating the space you want the interiors and furnishings to flow together, however, you want to make sure to create distinctions that separate the space.

great room-homes-living-room

Photo Credit: arizonafoothillsmagazine.com

Area rugs work well for defining a space. There are a variety of ways you can arrange furniture on or around the rug to create conversation nooks that allow you to comfortably chat with family and friends.

great room different flooring

Photo via Houzz.com

Mixing the flooring is another great way to separate these areas without disturbing the design flow.

Are you having trouble keeping the flow of your great room consistent? The Decorative Touch is here to help! If you live in the greater Kansas City area, give us a call at 913-888-1388.

 

Antique Wood Beams

Antique Wood Beams

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Want to add a little flavor to your space? Antique beams are an amazingly posh way to do just that. One of my most beloved ways to make a space have its own unique, powerful voice is to add touches of wood in the home. Wooden beams speak resoundingly, and honestly, the look just takes my breath away.  Antique beams can be added to many different types of rooms from the den or living room to the kitchen. And in every space that I’ve seen them or dealt with them, they’ve always been the highlight of that space. But you don’t just have to take my word for it. I’ve got pictures that certainly speak for themselves. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of adding antique wooden beams. We just adore them. This is what The Decorative Touch is all about: 913.888.1388

Antique Wood Beams

Antique Wood Beams

Antique Wood Beams

Antique Wood Beams

Antique Wood Beams

Antique Wood Beams

Photos via brookegiannetti.typepad.com

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Things Are Looking Up: Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

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A striking chandelier or a stunning light fixture adds the ideal punctuation mark in a well-designed room. I like to think of them as style on high — no pun intended. One of my favorite online inspiration sources is ElleDecor.com. This time when I decided to focus on spectacular chandeliers, these lovely pieces were rich in color and  beaming with style. Take a gander below at the diverse décor. As illustrated no room is complete without the right lighting, adding the special something that each room needs. Below are my faves. But it doesn’t have to stop there. Share with me on Facebook some of your favorite illuminating treats.

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Designing with Beautiful Chandeliers

Are you ready to light up your world? I can help you complete the task with much grace, taste and style. Just reach out to The Decorative Touch,  and we’ll give you a new, bright start on your home.

Photo via ElleDecor.com

The Convertible: The Kitchen Office

The Kitchen Office: A Creative Use of Space

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At The Decorative Touch, we want you to make the most of your space without giving up your personal style. So, we’re always attempting to show you ideas that give you a two-in-one solution with the space you have. The latest idea we came across was the ‘kitchen office’. Sounds kind of like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? But it certainly doesn’t have to be. If you’ll open your eyes, and take a good, long look at your upscale home, you’ll see that your kitchen may offer you more workspace solutions than you ever thought. Take a look at some of the pictures I spotted below on the Web. They are the paradigm of this convenient concept for the working adult.

For example, situate a desk extension at the end of a long counter top. Instant work space.

The Convertible: The Kitchen Office

The Convertible: The Kitchen Office

For those on the go, a stand up station might work best.

Stand-up Station: The Kitchen Office

Stand-up Station: The Kitchen Office

Plus you can add storage to augment a new work area.

Bonus Built-in: The Kitchen Office

Bonus Built-in: The Kitchen Office

Are you looking to optimize your living space? We can help you get started in the right direction.  Just contact the Decorative Touch, and we’ll help with the next step.

 

Simple Living Room

Simple Home Style

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So you’re not a complicated person. I get that. And as someone easy going and carefree, you want your home to reflect your subtle personality. The Decorative Touch loves to use the simplicity of an understated palette to make a prominent statement about who you are. Below I’ve gathered ideal pictures that illustrate how to make a dashing impression from a minimalist point of view. The design of your room never has to be overdone or overstated. With a few simple touches, you’ll be amazed how a little really does go a long way.

For example, in this photo we see a mixture of prints, however the colors and patterns are very subdued. No aesthetic drowns out the other.

Mix of Prints

Mix of Prints

Here, Texas long-leaf pine floors and wood moldings create a stunning canvas. Not too much. Just enough.

Simple Living Room

Simple Living Room

An all-white environment is both simple and regal, as you’ll see the in the photo below.

All White Bedroom

All White Bedroom

Are you thinking of redesigning your home? I can help you design the home of your dreams. Just contact me at 913-888-1388 or decorativetouchltd@yahoo.com. Also feel welcome to stop by in person at 14111 W. 95 Street , Lenexa KS. We can help you come up with ideas that will match your home’s look, feel and style.

Photos via Country Living

House of Turquoise: Living Room

House of Turquoise

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When reading a few online blogs recently, I came across a design philosophy I wholeheartedly agree with: design to celebrate life.  To help homeowners celebrate life, I have to know how my clients truly function in their homes — their reality — and still design a space the incorporates how they’d like to live — the fantasy. The combination makes for amazing results. Many times, I’m asked to include an outgoing color pallete into a home. I love challenges like these, figuring out the line between tasteful and tacky when infusing lots of color. Turquoise is a very lively color. But can it be used in a practical, real-life environment? As a design expert I say it can, and I’ve got the pictures to prove it. This cheery Cape Cod-inspired home I’ve featured below is a beautiful blend of turquoise style and function. (To be precise, the color is called Stratoon Blue.)  Glance at the photos, and be inspired to splash some exuberant color throughout your home.

House of Turquoise: Living Room

House of Turquoise: Living Room

House of Turquoise: Kitchen

House of Turquoise: Kitchen

House of Turquoise: Home Office

House of Turquoise: Home Office

Are you thinking of redesigning your home with an outgoing touch of color? I can help you design the home of your dreams. Just contact me at 913-888-1388 or decorativetouchltd@yahoo.com. Also feel welcome to stop by in person at 14111 W. 95 Street , Lenexa KS. We can help you come up with ideas that will match your home’s look, feel and style.

Photos via houseofturquoise.com

Kitchen: Going Green

Going Green: Adding Green in Your Home

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Do you want a fresh mix of color and great pattern? Then think about adding the color green as a theme in your home decor. Any upscale, timeless home will embrace the color. You can use the color green in many rooms throughout the house. I’ve collected several gorgeous pictures from interior design blogs that illustrate my point. Hopefully when you finish reading this post, you’ll be consider having me help you go green — literally.  Let’s start by looking at the sunny breakfast room, infused with green by using the green chairs.

Breakfast Area: Going Green

Breakfast Area: Going Green

And I’ve always loved to use the kitchen island as a way to add a pop of color as you’ll see in my recent blog The Extraordinary Kitchen Island. The green island and green color on the ceiling (another technique I love to incorporate) works well.

 

Kitchen: Going Green

Kitchen: Going Green

Finally, this living room is stunning, using the combination  green and blue.

Living Room: Going Green

Living Room: Going Green

Are you ready to transform your space by infusing the lively color of green? I can help you successfully and tastefully achieve the dynamic look. Just contact The Decorative Touch to get started today.

Photos: House of Turquoise

Turn Your Closet into a Work Zone

Small Space Design

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In interior design, there are no such thing as small spaces; only small imaginations. The Decorative Touch can take minimal space and maximize its potential. Believe it or not we often take small spaces, make them super-efficient without ever sacrificing any style. We can do the same for you. Check out some of the small spaces that have been converted into amazing areas on the Web site of Better Homes and Gardens.

Have you thought about turning an extra closet into a work zone? We love how this space uses drapery panels to slide along a curtain rod, allowing the homeowner to hide the clutter.

Turn Your Closet into a Work Zone

Turn Your Closet into a Work Zone

Also, you can add storage as well as architectural aesthetic by including a built-in. Incorporate a recessed daybed into this design, eliminating the need for both a bed and a sofa.

Incorporate a Built-in

Incorporate a Built-in

Need help envisioning how a nook can be transformed into a voluminous, multi-functional space? Reach out to The Decorative Touch, and we can assist you starting today.

Photos: Better Homes and Gardens