A R T F U L ARTICLE NATALIE FIELEKE PHOTOGRAPHY CHAD JACKSON
D E S I G N AN OVERLAND PARK COUPLE POSSESSED
complete the remodeling portion of the project.
GALLERY-WORTHY MODERN ART PIECES,
She reviewed drawings and elevations and spec-
BUT NOT YET THE SHOWCASE FOR THEM.
ified all the materials used in the project, from
So they turned to Arlene Ladegaard, principal
tile and countertops to paint and stain colors,
designer at Design Connection, Inc., to transform
light fixtures, and carpeting.
their newly-purchased contemporary home into an art-collector’s dream space.
Clients purchased the modern and minimalistic furniture, area rugs and accessories
Ladegaard drew design inspiration from their
– many of them one-of-a-kind pieces – under
collection – settling on a color palette of corals,
Ladegaard’s guidance from some of her favorite
oranges, and blues – to create a styled space
vendors in California.
allowing art to be the focal point.
Some areas, like the bathroom, were conceived
“Since the artwork was so outstanding, the
and designed as completely new spaces, while
other elements work off it to create a unique feel-
other areas, like the kitchen, were freshened with
ing in the home,” Ladegaard says.
new facades, countertops, and backsplash.
One example of this is in the dining room,
Although blending old and new finishes and
where the light fixture, furnishings and rug
furnishings could represent a potential design
were all specially selected to bring to life three
challenge, Ladegaard achieved a cohesive feel
coordinating pieces of art. Another case-in-
throughout the home by keeping the natural
point is the living room, where Ladegaard
elements and colors consistent.
refreshed an existing sectional sofa with new
At the end of a nine-month renovation period,
back cushions and color-pop pillows that draw
the project was complete and the client ready to
the eye to the adjacent art and custom-built
move into their spacious, modern home.
Courtesan Oak floating cabinet.
Although she says her Midwest clients don’t
Design Connection, Inc. managed the whole-
typically lean this modern, this home’s natural con-
home renovation from start to finish. Ladegaard
temporary style comes easily to Ladegaard with her
viewed the home with the clients, coordinated
sourcing connections and her love for using natural
their wish list and selected a contractor to
elements in a variety of ways.
CONTINUED >
September 2018 | Johnson County Lifestyle
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