CI Design Delivered - Our Newest Design Service!

Announcing our NEWEST Design Service!!!



Want the design style of Connell Interiors as a DIY project for your own home?


This design service is for those who want to be more “hands on” but would 
like a designer’s expertise to achieve the “look” of Connell Interiors!


We will provide you with everything you need to create a beautiful interior that 
YOU can implement yourself. YOU too can be an Interior Designer, 
(with a little help from Connell Interiors!!)

You will receive a rendered floorplan:

And rendered elevations for your aid:

And SO much more!!

This service includes ALL types of rooms and projects ranging from 
kitchens to baths to even child's bedrooms and all in between.

Click HERE for all the information!

Contact US to help you turn your home into a dream house made for you...made BY you!!

Until Next Time,

Pouf Craze in Vegas!


Back from Vegas! 


As a national board member of the Interior Design Society,
I fulfilled my role as a speaker on a panel during the Leadership conference,
sat in a whole lot of meetings,
attended great seminars,
watched our local chapter win two prestigious awards,
gambled:),
and shopped Las Vegas Market- sigh.

I'm tired but it was well worth it!

Here's a quick trend from Vegas Market...




The Pouf!


These gems are from Surya.



Do you want to jump on the "pouf" bandwagon? Everywhere you look, 
you see these "poufs"! 
They make a great foot prop, ottoman, coffee table, kids bean bag, 
dog bed and much more... 
AND they are aesthetically pleasing!!


Can't get enough... here are a few more!


Open Weave Ottoman




Calypso St Barth

Calypso St Barth


Calypso Home


Beignet Pouf

Viva Terra
CS Post



Maybe you'll get Pouf crazy too!


Until next time,

Client Project: Space Planning Tips for a New Kitchen!




Exciting project on the books...

Custom Build in Fairview

Here's my client's bathroom in her last house-
so this should be fun!


With blueprints scattered everywhere, we are beginning with
the kitchen design. I have a new appreciation for a red pen and liquid paper
correction tape used by Richard, of Richard Drummond Davis architectural firm...
-as we add, tweak (repeat:)

He's done a beautiful job on the plans and has captured
the homeowner's unique vision.

So, if you are planning a new kitchen or just a remodel-
keep reading!

Here are some pointers:

When planning a kitchen, it's important to give careful consideration 
to how the space will be used.

Some questions to ask yourself from HGTV:

A. What is your cooking style and the appliances that you are going to want?
B. Do you want people in the kitchen, or do you want people sitting on 
the other side of the bar, talking while you cook?

Space planning for your kitchen is very thought out and useful.
Check out these layouts. Source: Better Homes and Gardens

U Shaped Kitchen


Traditionally, the stove, sink and refrigerator are placed at points of 
a triangle for efficient movement in the kitchen.

This efficient, versatile plan usually puts one workstation on 
each of three walls.


Pros: Storage and counter space on three sides maximize efficiency,
 and the dead-end floor plan ensures that traffic doesn't 
interrupt the work triangle.


Cons: This isn't the best plan for entertaining or for 
accommodating multiple cooks.



Island Kitchen


The island floor plan, which continues to be popular, is a great way to 
add informal seating, as well as extra prep space and storage, to a kitchen.


Pros: This plan works best for large kitchens in which the work triangle 
would exceed the 26-foot rule if all three workstations were located against walls.


The "26-foot rule" dictates that for maximum efficiency, the perimeter of the work triangle should measure at least 12 feet but not more than 26 feet.


Cons: Island plans are not well-suited to kitchens where 
two work stations must be on opposite walls.

Islands, which continue to be popular, are a great way to add informal 
seating, as well as extra prep space and storage, to a kitchen.


L Shaped Kitchen



The L-shape plan puts two workstations on one wall and the 
third on an adjacent wall.


Pros: This layout is more space-efficient than a U-shape plan, especially 
if the main workstations are located close to the crook of the L.


Cons: Not well-suited to small spaces. Be sure to allow adequate open 
counter space between the two workstations that share the same wall
 -- at least 4 feet.


I have to confess that I think we are breaking all the rules mentioned
above... custom is custom!

Contact US to help you maximize your space for any room of your home!

Until Next Time,

2012 Interior Design Trends

Can you say build, build, build??






Our new year at Connell Interiors is filled with two new custom
build jobs, two huge renovations and a few remodels...
not to mention our favorites...
full room furnishings!


While our heads will be in tile, hardware and carpet-
you might want to think about 

Trends of 2012! 

What should we expect for the upcoming year? 
How can YOU stay ahead of the trends? 
See what top designers and blogs are saying 
about the new upcoming design.

Celebrity Interior Designer Kelli Ellis says this about the New Year ...
"Even better, that most of next year’s trends are cost-conscious and
 budget-friendly with a focus on the basics as well as a few 
emerging products that can create the “wow” factor." 

Design Decor Staging says  "This year we will see shiny fabrics, sleek and 
glossy surfaces and vibrant colors, combined with elegant and classy gray, 
white, golden and silver tones.

The "new year bedroom" will become very luxurious with silk and wool, wood and glass
and wooden ceiling designs.

wooden-ceiling-floral-wall-decor-silk-cushions


Interior design trends are moving towards modern decorating ideas in eco style with
gray-white-pink color design.

bedroom-decorating-ideas-lighting-fixture-pink-cushions


Wood and glass, natural stone and flowers, linen upholstery and silk cushions, and wood 
wall paneling are all new elements to incorporate in your new year design!

decorating-ideas-wood-wooden-paneling-wall-decoration

Design Shuffle says this about the new trends:

Natural, weathered and worn wood furnishings are going to continue to become huge! 
Aidan Gray and Restoration Hardware are a few manufacturers that have picked up this trend.



Greys! This is such a beautiful, soft color to mix the bold, bright colors into.



Industrial mixed with traditional. This provides versatility and unity for 
two completely different styles.



Natural Linen and Soft Cottons. While rustic has been a big trend, using these materials 
for the upholsteries in the room will offset it nicely.


Oversized Art!
Modern works are showcased in traditional settings for an unexpected focal point.



Celebrity Interior Designer Kelli Ellis also says:
1. The basics get bolder: “Over the last year, we’ve seen wood finishes 
getting lighter, rougher and unfinished. As a result, upholstered 
furniture is fighting back from beige! We are seeing a slow trend 
towards bright, colorful and bold patterned sofas and chairs.”

2. Let there be light: Aside from paint update your lighting for a 
simple way to update a room.  Almost always increase the size – 
think bigger for a big impact. The trend is to blend styles. 
Iron and crystal combinations, drum pendants and blown-glass, and 
colored crystal and organic shapes will instantly add some "wow."

I will definitely keep this tips in mind when designing 
these new homes!


Until Next Time,

Zen from Jen: 8 Tips to Feng Shui Your Home!



What a nice surprise when I was given a gift of candles from 
my daughter's boss for Christmas...


Some Zen from Jen! 


Ashley and Jen are a dynamic duo sweeping the marketing corner of the IT world
 from their home base in Austin... via Spiceworks.


(sidenote: Their brand color is the Tangerine Tango...
the Pantone 2012 Color of the year... read about it here:)


She's a huge believer in Feng Shui and we thought you should know about it too!


Here's the dish...


 Feng Shui Home Design is the Ancient Chinese method of achieving harmony through the arrangement of items and space. 
I know that I have heard many different ideas on Feng Shui
and many are misunderstood or misinterpreted. 

These 8 tips and points help to explain the beliefs 
and process of this design technique!

Photo from Patricia Gray Inc.

  • Chictip.com has some wonderful tips to designing with 
  • Feng Shui shared below!

  • De-clutter Every Room.
  •  Clutter in the home restricts the flow of positive energy, and can 
  • result in cluttered thinking. 
  • Having a tidy, organized home will result in feelings of calm and relaxation. 

  • Position Furniture Correctly
  • Furniture should be positioned so as not to restrict free 
  • passage through the room, 
  • as this is a reflection of the flowing of energy. 
  • People should be able to sit with their backs to a wall whenever possible.

  • Keep Work and Rest Areas Separate

  • *this means no sleeping with your Blackberry**
  • Any work or home office space should be kept very distinct 
  • from living or sleeping areas. 
  • The belief behind this rule is if these are mixed then relaxation 
  • will be impossible, and work material kept in the bedroom will 
  • prevent getting a good night’s rest.
  • Check this bed out! It follows the curves known by Feng Shui and 
  • must be very comfortable by the looks of it!
  • Hang Mirrors
  • Mirrors are believed to reflect positive energy, therefore doubling the effect. 
  • They also work by preventing the flow of negative energy around the home.
Photo from manolohome.com
  • Display Plants, Flowers, and Fruit - Bring the outdoors IN
  • Displays of fresh flowers and plants promote positive energy.
  •  Displays of oranges and lemons throughout the home are 
  • thought to bring good luck.


Photos from elledecor.com
  • Fill The House With the proper colors
  • Colors have a special significance in feng shui, with 
  • different colors representing different things. 
  • For example, green symbolizes nature, and is therefore 
  • representative of life and hope. 
  • Yellow represents power, and red and purple are said to be lucky. 
  • Relaxing colors are best used in living spaces.
Photos from elledecor.com
  • Avoid Sharp Lines And Corners.
  • Roundness is preferred in feng shui. 
  • Wherever possible corners should not point to beds or chairs, as they 
  • will prevent calmness and relaxation.

Thank you Jen for thinking of me!




Until Next Time,

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