vintage spaces
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reat questions. Many home or business owners worry about “losing control” to a designer. But it is the designer’s job to guide you through the process, to help identify and execute your style and your taste, not impose a concept that doesn’t fit you and/or your family’s needs and wishes. The relationship between designer and client should be one of mutual respect. You should be comfortable with your designer, open to their expertise, education, and suggestions, but also speak up if you just aren’t feeling it! My philosophy is not a “my way or the highway” attitude but to represent you correctly ... to make your space both beautiful and comfortable. When determining a budget for your project, remember that we can help you avoid making costly mistakes with something as simple as space planning. You won’t order or purchase a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit the space. We have direct access to manufacturers whether it be furniture, fabrics, floor- ing, lighting, accessories—the list goes on. We have long-term relationships with the best contractors and subs the city has to offer. We help you stay on budget and stay on a timeline. I guess the best question you can ask yourself is: How can I afford not to call a designer? I’ve wanted to use an interior designer but was afraid they wouldn’t listen to me. How do I go about making that happen? And can I afford one? G
Vintage is a family affair in this household. Kathi tracks the family’s schedules in a cozy office nook (above left). Lockers and old wooden beds are featured in her son’s room (above) and numbers (left) adorn each bedroom door (in honor of Kathi’s accountant husband). Lastly, a welcoming entryway showcases an oversized clock (left).
Kathi is a huge proponent of helping people to find their inner an- tique shopper. It not only is a great recycling initiative, but it gives your home a sense of life it wouldn’t have had otherwise. Though it may seem overwhelming, she advises to just start, even if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. “I still make mistakes sometimes,” she explains. “You learn what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ll get there if you keep trying dif- ferent things. But just start.” With a little luck and some hard work, your collection can someday grow as eclectic and vast as Kathi’s—one piece at a time. You can read all about Kathi Hardin’s fun finds on her design blog at tray- bellakc.blogspot.com, or check out her redesign business Burlap JunKtion at burlapjunktion.blogspot.com. ^
-Deb
Deb Vogler has been creating her own brand of Comfort by Design for more than 15 years. Be it a flat in London, a suburban family home in Olathe, or a shabby chic bungalow in the little village of Westwood, her designs express who the client is and en- folds them in what they love. She deals with all aspects of design, from budgeting, to floor plans (renovation or new construction), to furniture, to color at her full-scale design firm. Have a desigin question for Deb? Send it to erin@vintagekcmag.com.
Is your home filled to the brim with unique pieces and vintage trea- sures? We’d love to take a peek. Contact erin@vintagekcmag.com.
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