The Elements at Prairie Trail

The Elements offers award-winning residential and commercial interior design throughout Iowa and the Midwest. Our easy approach simplifies the process of designing spaces … from rooms to entire homes.

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Glass Arrangements: Watch them come together!

Large glass containers are some of the most versatile options available at The Elements. See how quickly and easily this glass piece is repurposed.

Arrangement 1:

A white, silica sand base firmly holds succulents, rocks, grasses, moss balls and unstructured greenery, with rough and smooth in a perfect mix.

Arrangement 2:

Candlesticks rise out of this glass piece, again with a white sand base. The washed wood candlesticks, carved birds and wood garland create a perfect summer beach vibe. When the last warm days of summer fade, it’s time to reimagine this piece with a fresh design.

To learn more about The Elements and their services, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, visit them online at elementsbyksorbe.com and check out their profile on Houzz. If you need help choosing the right outdoor pottery and planters, visit with the Design Team or shop The Elements’ extensive line of indoor and outdoor pottery, glassware and more at their stores in Ankeny and Storm Lake. Ask about a no-risk House Call and how you can invite Mother Nature inside and embrace her unique sense of style in your outdoor space.

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Keeping Things Contain-ered

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” – Erma Bombeck

Impressive architectural details are the star of this entry; however, the simple white pots with greenery create a soft and welcoming introduction to this contemporary home.

When Kathy Sorbe and the Design Team were posed the question when wouldn’t they use Mother Nature in a project, there were a lot of thoughtful looks. And even after a few minutes to mull it over, they couldn’t think of any. It’s a tough question.

“Mother Nature is an essential part in almost every one of our design projects,” says Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer at The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny. “Even when we aren’t using actual ‘Mother Nature,’ we’re still inspired by the colors and textures she uses in plants, rocks, wood … even the sky… and rely on these when we design spaces.”

Live house plants can be incredible, but they can also be challenging if you’re not blessed with a green thumb. Instead, the Design Team likes to place artificial or permanent florals and greenery that are high quality, realistic and really honor Mother Nature. And as warmer weather approaches, homeowners will gravitate to outdoor spaces and, frequently, to the real thing.

“Whether you choose permanent or live greenery, they need to be contained in a pot,” says Sorbe. “These can be simple or elaborate, and depending on their use and placement, homeowners can choose from glass, glazed pottery, concrete, fiberglass and new composite materials that are stylish, sturdy and weather resistant.”

A very traditional entry is flanked with classical black urns. These pots are subtle but bring the ferns up from the ground and create an approach to the front door. Pink geraniums add a pop of color to this very neutral, transitional home’s entry.

Much like a rug contains and anchors furniture in a space, or a tray confines books and accessories on a coffee table, a container or pot takes elements of Mother Nature, corrals them and instantly makes them more important.

“Containers and pots are available in many styles, colors and sizes, and picking the right one can be a challenge,” says Michelle Patten, a designer at the Storm Lake store. “They can make a statement, almost like a piece of art, or they can quietly settle in the background and let the contents shine.”

Outdoors, on decks, porches and patios, containers with greenery bring life, color and add a soft edge to a home’s architectural features. Flanking a front door, they welcome guests into a home.

“The first thing before choosing an outdoor planter is deciding where it will go,” says Michelle Patten. “Choose a container that suits the color and architectural style of your home, and be sure to pick one that’s size-appropriate.”

Take cues from the home and choose planters that feel like a natural extension of the home’s façade, landscaping and interiors. In the outdoors particularly, Patten stresses the importance of choosing a container that’s not too small.

“Proportion plays a role in creating impactful containers and pots,” says Patten. “For years, homeowners chose low planters and created height with tall plants. We’ve turned that upside down, placing a lot of tall pots with lower plantings. The outdoors is big; it’s important to keep that in mind and choose pieces that are large enough to be impressive, but not overwhelm the space.”

The fiddle leaf fig is the new must-have plant. We like the real ones and love the artificial options, which are much simpler to maintain and could fool even the most experienced gardener.

When choosing exterior pottery and containers, especially in the Midwest, their ability to withstand rough weather is critical. They need to hold up to hot sun and not fade, withstand summer storms and not blow over, and handle cold weather and temperature swings without cracking or breakage. The Elements has products designed specifically for outdoor use that check all these boxes.

“Frost and freezes will kill our plants; winter is hard on our outdoor containers as well,” says Patten. “While we generally don’t recommend leaving them out all winter, some containers will fare better in an Iowa winter than others. The enemy of pottery in the winter isn’t really the cold, it’s water and ice. Ensuring the pots are properly drained will help them weather a winter if the pot is outside. This also means you can enjoy them all year and even add seasonal or holiday decorations.”

The Design Team recommends placing outdoor pots and containers on a hard surface and not directly on grass and soil. This can hinder drainage as cold weather approaches. There’s no such thing as a 100% frost-proof planter, so it’s important to keep the freeze/thaw cycle in mind. If possible, the Design Team recommends bringing in unused planters for the winter.

Clay pots … move aside. Materials like resin and concrete create interesting finishes. Unique shapes, energetic colors and impressive sizes are all available at The Elements’ Storm Lake and Des Moines showrooms.

If durability is key for outdoor containers, indoors, it’s all about versatility.

“Anyone who’s been to one of The Elements’ seminars has heard Kathy talk about ‘investment pieces,’ which are larger, more substantial and likely pricier than the pots your grandmother used,” says Patten. “However, investment pieces aren’t a one-and-done. We like clients to use these for years, frequently changing them out.”

Sorbe and her designers have filled large glass containers with fruit, dominoes, sand, rocks, holiday decorations … you name it. She likes the flexibility of these pieces, using them as containers for greenery, but also for very functional uses as well.

“We love glass,” says Sorbe. “It reflects light and can be sleek and stunning. Glass also can disappear, making whatever’s inside the star of the show. And the contrast between the fine character of glass with the rougher elements of Mother Nature is brilliant.”

Indoors, the Design Team uses pots to hold tall grasses, artificial trees and even birch branches or driftwood, with the height creating scale in the space. It’s another opportunity to bring the beauty and energy of Mother Nature into living spaces.

To learn more about The Elements and their services, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, visit them online at elementsbyksorbe.com and check out their profile on Houzz. If you need help choosing the right outdoor pottery and planters, visit with the Design Team or shop The Elements’ extensive line of indoor and outdoor pottery, glassware and more at their stores in Ankeny and Storm Lake. Ask about a no-risk House Call and how you can invite Mother Nature inside and embrace her unique sense of style in your outdoor space.

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Homeowners Jump Into Home Improvement Projects

“There’s nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” – Jane Austen

We all have something in our home that we would change if given the opportunity. Or had the time. The last months have given homeowners the time, and a lot of it. And in that time, as most spent quite a few more hours in our homes, many homeowners decided it was time for a change.

“With social distancing requirements, changes in work style and recommendations to stay home, the pandemic really put the focus on our living spaces,” says Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer at The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny. “Homeowners quickly recognized the limitations in their homes, and many decided it was time for a change.”

Sorbe says some of these projects were do-it-yourself with homeowners armed with a paintbrush and social media inspiration. But many took this opportunity to think about their home, how they use it and live in it and what they can do to improve it on a bigger scale with The Elements’ Design Team.

“The first question that most homeowners ask when undertaking a major remodel or renovation is whether it’s worth it,” says Mishelle Lalone, a designer at The Elements in Storm Lake. “Some changes can really add value to your home. Others may not add dollars to the appraisal, but these updates and upgrades can add intangible rewards like comfort and convenience. In these cases, the homeowner’s goal is simply to make their home more enjoyable.”

A pool is a perfect example. It’s not an inexpensive upgrade, and some real estate professionals even believe that it can decrease the value of your home or make it more challenging to sell. However, a pool can add hours and hours of family fun, even in the limited time Iowa’s season allows and is an additional space to entertain and relax.

Will a pool bring you a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment? No. Will you ever see wider smiles on your children and grandchildren when you tell them there will be a pool? Probably not.

Sorbe and her team help homeowners balance these two goals.

Homeowners are heading downstairs in a new way. Rather than just extra space, lower levels are great for entertaining, games and sometimes even a quiet getaway. A wet bar and game table equipped with roller chairs are adjacent to an enviable home entertainment system, making this lower level a favorite spot in this home.

According to Zillow, more Americans are interested in renovating their kitchens than any other room, which isn’t surprising to the Design Team at The Elements. Kitchen remodels are the most popular home improvement project in America. Along with bathrooms, they’re one of the priciest, so input and assistance from a design professional can save you time, money and a lot of headaches.

“It’s commonly held belief that remodeling your kitchen will increase the value of your home, matching the investment on the project,” says Lalone. “Spend $20,000 on a remodel and add $20,000+ to your asking price. While not always the case, there is an opportunity to add real value to your home with an updated kitchen.”

Sorbe says that not only do homeowners frequently add the cost of the project to the value of the home, a well-thought-out, timeless and functional kitchen can add more value than the dollars invested in the project.

Kitchens are easily the most-used room in a home, and they can tend to show wear, which can quickly make the space look dated, worn and tired.

“A timeless and simple kitchen that’s functional for the homeowners is the best option,” says Sorbe. “Lots of detail, like an elaborate backsplash, decorative painting or even intricate flooring will get busy and tiresome. We like to add details in artwork and the accessories, which keep the space fresh.”

Three large windows dramatically transform this from a basement bedroom to a lovely guest room. The bed has very few frills and notice how the large artwork makes the space seem even bigger.  

We all love our families, but whether you’re a youngster, teenager or parent, we all need our privacy, and many homeowners look to create this solitary space in the primary bedroom.

“Creating a primary bedroom suite with an attached bathroom – double sink a must! – and walk-in closets is not always as challenging as some homeowners think,” says Lalone. “Moving away from dressers and chests and toward well-designed storage in walk-in closets can free up space and create a more restful, soothing bedroom where you can relax and recharge.”

The Design Team also recommends moving away from elaborate bedding, instead choosing more simple styles in natural fabrics like cotton and linen. And just like most other spaces, the designers add energy, color and whimsy in the artwork and accessories.

Most importantly, outdoor living furniture and accessories must be durable and able to stand up to everything Mother Nature tosses out. Homeowners are expanding their usable space outdoors. Defining the space with a patio, deck or even pergola, homeowners find these outdoor living spaces used and enjoyed frequently.

An extra amount of time indoors over the past few months has many homeowners looking to maximize the amount of living space in their homes, and to do that, many are looking down.

“Lower levels offer a lot of opportunity to expand,” says Lalone, “adding valuable square footage and usable space.”

The Design Team has added extra bedrooms, theatre spaces and home offices, as well as transformed this frequently unused space into man caves, bar areas and even game rooms. The potential in this often-overlooked space is limitless.

“In many new constructions, builders are taking a very different approach with the lower level,” says Sorbe. “They are using larger windows, finer details and, probably the biggest change, raising the ceiling height in the basement to 8, 9 or even 10 feet. The bigger windows and elevated ceilings completely remove the ‘basement vibe’ from these spaces. Gone is that underground feeling that some basements can’t avoid.”

What if you don’t have 9-foot ceilings in the basement? Can you still convert it to a lively, usable space? Sorbe says yes. The Design Team can help select colors and even furniture styles that help create the illusion of a more spacious area without a major construction investment.

The Elements loves working outdoors. Spring will be here before you know it; now is the time to plan your outdoor space. There’s time for your custom outdoor furniture to arrive and be ready for the first nice day!

Homeowners aren’t just thinking about the spaces with four walls and a roof; the outdoors offers an abundance of opportunity to expand. Stamped concrete patios and composite deck materials mean these spaces have little to no maintenance, and the setting is pretty amazing.

“I know it’s still cold, and we see far more white than green now, but spring is closer than you think,” says Sorbe. “Now is the perfect time to plan for warmer weather and your outdoor room.”

Outdoor kitchens … even weatherproof televisions with surround sound … mean that relaxing and entertaining outdoors has evolved to a new level of comfort and convenience. And while many people can’t shake the memory of the “lawn chair” that was far from comfortable, Sorbe says their outdoor living furniture doesn’t sacrifice comfort for durability.

“People laugh when we tell them that some of our outdoor lines are more comfortable than the furniture they have in their living room,” says Sorbe. “We get to chuckle when their eyes get wide as they settle into some of the most comfortable seating in the market today!”

The Elements features outdoor living furniture from O.W. Lee, Lexington and Summer Classics, all carefully chosen lines that offer stylish and comfortable pieces that can hold up to even the roughest weather that an Iowa summer can serve up. Sorbe says outdoor living furnishings have to hold up, and you have to love using them.

“Planning an outdoor space can be daunting because homeowners often don’t know where to start,” says Sorbe. “We don’t just work inside … working with homeowners to envision, plan and furnish their outdoor space is one of our favorite things to do. Whether it’s an in-home or in-store consultation, we can help homeowners create the outdoor space of their dreams!”

Gold accents in the lighting and the hardware look fine and smooth so The Design Team used a textured runner on the floor and raw wood and metal accents for contrast. The white-on-white kitchen is the perfect canvas to update in this clean and timeless space.

If your project is bigger than what your paintbrush can handle, learn how The Elements’ Design Team can help you with your remodel, addition or just to refresh your space with a signature Consultation or House Call. Visit them in Storm Lake or Ankeny or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com.

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"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!" – Joey Adams

After the decorations are packed away, many homeowners are eager to make some changes, and the Design Team with The Elements is ready with some tips for any budget or project.

The timing is perfect. A new start to a new decade! Holiday schedules are freed up, and guests have headed home. After the decorations are down and packed away, many homeowners begin to think about a change, and that change can come in many ways for any budget. As 2020 heads out of the gate, Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and at Prairie Trail in Ankeny, has some ideas how homeowners can refresh living spaces that might need an update.“So many people think that restyling a space for a new look comes with a hefty price tag,” says Sorbe. “That’s just not the case. Editing and repurposing accessories … the only cost you might have is a little time. Bigger projects can come with bigger price tags, but that just doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a new look no matter what you’ve budgeted to spend.”

Edit. Edit. Edit.

Sorbe says that when homeowners sweep up the needles, hunt down the last bits of glitter and store their decorations is a perfect time to step back and take a look at the accessories that finish the space. “Resist the pull to put everything back the way it was,” says Sorbe. “This is a great time to edit. All of us tend to display more than we need to and add, add, add. Look at what you have and plan to keep only what you love.”

Editing accessories and streamlining shelves will immediately update and smooth out a space. 

Sorbe says that accessories can quickly date a space. What was a must-have a few years ago may show its age quickly. She encourages clients to ask themselves, even if they loved something ten years ago, do they still?

“Channel Marie Konda, and if it doesn’t make you happy, it might be time to let it go.”

Paint a New Canvas

A fresh coat of paint is probably the most affordable – and quickest – choice for a dramatic change.

“Paint is the least expensive way to make a big impact,” says Sorbe. “Your walls function a lot like a canvas where a painting unfolds, helping your furniture, art and accessories shine.”

Sorbe notes that many homeowners gravitate to lighter shades, but deep colors are still magical, create a dramatic and sophisticated space and, contrary to a common misconception, won’t make a room feel small.

“We still encourage homeowners to avoid the traditional accent wall,” says Sorbe. “There are many amazing, innovative and affordable wall covering options, from thin brick, textured panels, wallpaper, to reclaimed wood.”

Several products are available at their stores in Storm Lake and Ankeny, but Sorbe says that many can be found at Home Depot or Lowe’s, and most can be painted any color. Instead of painting a wall a different color, Sorbe and her Design Team frequently recommend one of these products for effect.

“We like to say we reinvented the accent wall using texture and pattern.”

Let the Sunshine In

“Window treatments can be an intimidating project, but it doesn’t have to be,” says Sorbe. “Valances, fringe, sheers … they can quickly become complicated and a big design element that can be challenging to work with.”

Sorbe and her team almost always recommend a simpler option. Leaning into natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, they avoid many of the add-ons homeowners think make them look upscale.

“There’s not a window covering made that can compete with the view it frames,” says Sorbe. “Mother Nature takes this one, and we’re not going to even try and compete. We like simple panels, hung from the ceiling to the floor. This can make windows impressive but quickly fade to the view.”

The Design Team encourages homeowners to explore blinds, roller shades and even plantation shutters.

“We really love roller shades that match the window trim,” says Sorbe. “When you want them, they’re ready to go, but when they’re up, they disappear, creating a smooth finish to the space.

The Elements’ Ankeny location sells, measures and installs Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, with a planned introduction of the service to the Storm Lake location later this year.

“Shades are a great option for privacy and light control, and some are even designed to aid in maintaining a preselected temperature in your home,” says Sorbe. “Many are motorized with remote controls that can integrate into smart home systems.”

Painting is the quickest and most affordable way to make a big change in a room. White paint, paired with matching cabinets, allows the gold accents to really shine. 

Bedding in natural fabrics, like linen and cotton, are a simple palette that allow homeowners many options for coordinating pillows and throws.

From small windows to large-scale projects, Hunter Douglas is a premiere name in window coverings.

Invest in the Best

A survey completed by ten major interior design firms indicated a turn back to more custom furniture. Millennials, who frequently were bargain shoppers, are now gravitating to higher quality, large pieces instead of furniture that’s designed and priced for a very short life. Also, homeowners don’t have to adapt or settle; they can choose exactly what they want.

“Custom-made furniture tends to be more stylish, and it’s made just for you,” says Sorbe. “You won’t walk into a neighbor’s house and see the same sofa!”

Literally thousands of fabric choices and the introduction of designer performance fabrics mean shoppers can pick exactly what they want, and that the custom piece will hold up to use for many years to come.

“Instead of short-term costs, we like to remind clients of the long-term value,” says Sorbe. “Custom pieces tend to be more durable, and, if carefully selected, homeowners will enjoy these pieces for years and years.”

Sorbe cautions people not to assume custom pieces are outside of their budget. Shoppers are frequently surprised when they see prices on custom pieces less expensive than factory-produced pieces in big box furniture stores. 

Homeowners looking to capitalize on space are looking for usable living areas outside.

Think Big

Sometimes, homeowners want a big change. Additions, renovations and remodels can be daunting projects; however, they can move more smoothly working with a pro.

“Working with a designer from our Design Team isn’t too expensive for anyone,” says Sorbe. “Often, homeowners want to schedule a one-hour consultation just to get some ideas and suggestions. We love helping at any stage of the project.”

She suggests talking with the Design Team early in the process, which can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes that delay the project. The designers also have access to many different lines with varying price points. Homeowners would have to shop for weeks, maybe longer, to see the merchandise the Elements’ team can show them in an hour. 

Silhouette shades are designed to see out, but when closed, provide privacy and light blocking. Retracted, the shade and hardware disappear for an unencumbered view outside. 

Summer’s on the Way

Even though we’re not seeing any green grass outside doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about an outdoor living space.

“It will be spring before you know it, and there’s nothing we like better than unveiling our outdoor furniture, which will be in the store soon,” says Sorbe. “It can be anywhere from a six- to eight-week lead time for custom pieces, so if your resolution to refresh is happening on your patio or deck, it’s not too soon to start planning.“

Sorbe suggests bringing in the shape and dimensions of your outdoor space so the Design Team can create scaled renderings. Furniture placement – even the location of pots, side tables and outdoor lamps – is decided before the snow melts, and the homeowner knows exactly how the outdoor space will come together.

“If we have the dimensions and details, like doors or window placement, we create scaled drawings of layout options and furniture placement, not just for outdoor spaces but for any room in a client’s home,” says Sorbe. “We’re all visual, so being able to see how the room will be arranged … touching and feeling the fabric … really helps our clients make the best choices.”

Performance fabrics, like Sunbrella, and specially designed cushions mean outdoor living furniture rivals the best indoor pieces in comfort, style and durability.

To “see” how your space can come together, schedule a consultation with the Design Team at The Elements in Storm Lake or at Prairie Trail in Ankeny.

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The Seven Layers of Design

“A grownup is just a kid with layers on.” --- Woody Harrelson

Before Joanna and Chip … before the Property Brothers … when HGTV (at this point in time, a Discovery Channel offshoot) was in its infancy, there was Christopher Lowell. This Emmy Award–winning designer was clutch for the new network and laid the foundation for designers and decorators who influence not only how homeowners approach their design projects today but how they live.    

“Today’s HGTV designers are expanding into furniture and lifestyle collections, household paint lines and more,” says Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. “The first one I remember doing this really well was Christopher Lowell. He was 100% authentic, entertaining to watch and was, at his heart, a talented and groundbreaking personality in the world of HGTV and celebrity designers.”

Without slick production and large budgets, Lowell managed to make design doable and within reach for the everyday homeowner. Developing an easy-to-follow method, which he called the “Seven Layers of Design,” his show was an instant hit. Watching old clips on YouTube, some of the colors hint at the early 2000s, but his fundamental principles – his seven layers of design – stand the test of time remarkably well.

Sorbe and her team credit designers like Clodagh and Kelly Hoppen as inspiration, and even though Lowell’s style didn’t always line up with hers, Sorbe’s fondness for the flamboyant designer is apparent.

“A lot of Christopher’s choices wouldn’t have been mine, but his approach to design was smart, efficient and almost foolproof,” says Sorbe. “He adapted, and that was a great part of his charm, but working from a solid foundation made adaptation all that easier. Sometimes things didn’t work they way he wanted … more often they did, and they looked amazing. But it was his humor and authenticity that underscored his talent for design. He made it fun!”

**

Layer #1 – Paint and Architectural Details

Sorbe says that in Lowell’s heyday, accent walls were a go-to. Impactful and dramatic in contrast, they were a major player in the room. When asked what the star of the show is in a room, Sorbe believes it shouldn’t be the walls. She thinks of them as more of a supporting player.

“We’ve evolved into a smoother aesthetic,” says Sorbe, “and that usually starts with paint. The less contrast, the smoother the look.”

When color isn’t interrupted, the smoother – and larger – a room will seem. Sorbe and her team like to paint walls and trim the same color in different finishes, or even shades of the same color. That’s not to say that the Design Team doesn’t do contrast. White trim is almost always a successful choice, whether it’s paired with the same shade or a dramatic contrast. In this case, the trim becomes an important design element in the room.

“I also love black framed windows against white trim,” says Sorbe. “I remember the first time I saw Diane Keaton’s home featured in Architectural Digest, and the designer had placed black framed windows in white trim. It was so striking, and thankfully many vendors have introduced this style into their line. They’re much easier to find – and more affordable – than they used to be.”

Layer #2 – Flooring

Everything starts from the ground up so the flooring is an important layer of Lowell’s philosophy. Sorbe encourages clients to think “simple” when it comes to flooring. Running the flooring at an angle or adding extra details can be distracting and restrictive when it comes to the rest of the room’s design.

“Together with the walls, the floor completes the shell of the room,” says Sorbe. “It sets the stage where your furniture, art and accessories can shine.”

There are almost as many types of flooring as there are styles. Wood floors are beautiful, natural, renewable, warm and timeless. Unfortunately, they can scratch and don’t hold up well to water. Laminate is a much more affordable option; however, it does look more artificial and doesn’t have the depth of wood. Also, laminate flooring is noisy in a way that some homeowners find challenging.”

“Luxury vinyl tile is newer to the market and one of our favorites,” says Michelle Patton, a design coordinator with The Elements in Storm Lake. “It’s affordable, has a rich look and a wide selection. It’s also practically indestructible.”

Layer #3 – Custom Upholstery

One of Sorbe’s mantras – function first, then we make it pretty – is easier to accomplish with custom upholstery from one of their design centers in Storm Lake or Ankeny. Clients look at size, style and function of the piece of furniture, then they can choose their fabric.”

“There are literally tens of thousands of fabric options,” says Patton. “And new performance fabrics like Sunbrella® open up even more choices. I don’t even think Christopher Lowell would have been brave enough to cover a sofa in white fabric but we do it all the time now.”

When making the investment in custom furniture, the Design Team can create drawings that show how your pieces will be used in the room. This means that you don’t end up with pieces that are too small or too large.

“Furniture will always look smaller in a big showroom,” cautions Sorbe. “Frequently, we’ll come into a project after the homeowner has made the big purchases, and unfortunately, big is the operative word: the client realizes that the pieces are too large when they’re delivered and sitting in the room. Scale drawings really show how the room will look and function, and ensures you’re investing in furniture that will fit and look amazing.”

Layer #4 – Accent Fabrics

Pillows, throws and accent fabrics are an important design element in any room. Sorbe and her team use them to add color and texture. Another nice thing about accent fabrics is that they are easy and affordable to change with the seasons or for holidays, giving a room a fresh look.

“There are some amazing fabrics … some colorful … some wildly expensive,” says Sorbe. “What might be too busy for a sofa or too pricy for a chair could be perfect on a pillow or ottoman.”

Layer #5 – Accent Furniture

The sofa and chairs are the comfort pieces. Lowell called the non-upholstered pieces the work horses.

“These are the tables that hold our wine glasses and the shelves that hold our books and treasures, so these are important,” jokes Sorbe. “Mixing fabric pieces with wood, metal and even glass will give you even more dimension and interest. When things get too ‘matched,’ the space can start to look retail and not like a home that’s lived in.”

Sorbe and her team like to look at large pieces because of their presence and ability to expand the space. Sorbe says that the eyes take in what’s in the room versus the size of it.

“There’s a myth that large pieces of furniture will overpower a room and make it feel small,” says Patton. “Even in a small space, a few overscaled pieces work better than many small ones. An eight-foot bookcase will look better on a nine-foot wall than a six-foot bookcase. The oversized piece breaks up the furniture line and can be impressive pieces in your room.”

A popular layout, especially in open concept floor plans, is two sofas paired with two or four chairs. Sorbe says it’s a great, but challenging look.

“Your rug and coffee table need to be large enough to support these pieces of furniture,” says Sorbe. “I think one of the largest coffee tables we placed was six-foot square. We had it custom-made so it fit perfectly in the space.”

Rather than traditional side or end tables, Sorbe and her team like to deploy drink tables. Small and heavy, but movable, they are sturdy and some of the most interesting pieces in the store.

Layer #6 – Accessories

“Accessories are the items that tell the story of who lives in this house,” says Sorbe. “Here’s where the personalities of the owners come out ... where we can look around and learn something about the homeowner.”

Patton cautions against clutter.

“Clutter is the enemy of style,” says Patton. “Too much, especially too many small accessories, creates what we call visual noise. There’s so much activity that the eye doesn’t know where to rest.”

The Design Team corrals collections on shelves and uses trays to turn several pieces into one. Editing treasures and photos down is important. Too much “stuff” creates chaos, and that activity can draw attention away from more impressive and important parts of a room’s design.

“Your showcase pieces should stand out, and that becomes more challenging when you have lots of other things going on,” says Sorbe. “Edit down your photos. We love to showcase good-looking kids and families, but instead of displaying every school photo from kindergarten through college, edit down to the most recent and your favorites.”

Fewer and larger is the approach they take. From furniture pieces to books and even art, the Design Team looks to make an impact with big, important and stylish pieces instead of more or smaller accessories and art.

Layer #7 – Lighting and Greenery

Lighting is one of the last – and most important – of Lowell’s layers of design. From fixed lighting to lamps, specialty lights and accent lighting, this layer’s first job is function. Sorbe says no one likes a dark room. Lighting can also add beauty and drama to a room, make a small room look bigger and create the overall mood for a space.

“Installed, or general lighting, like cans or overheads, provide overall illumination for your room,” says Sorbe. “When planning a space, we like to make sure that we install enough general lighting and then install dimmers for easy control.”

Sorbe says accent and task lighting is more fun.

“Apothecary lamps are a go-to for the Design Team and are one of our most popular items in the stores,” says Patton. “They are perfect for reading or close-up work, and when you turn them off, they just disappear.”

Lamps are often placed on bedside tables, but The Elements also likes to install pendants, not just over the kitchen island but to flank the bed. Sorbe says this is a sleek and sophisticated look but also functional, freeing the top of the bedside table for your book, phone or tablet. “Master bedrooms are often laid out in a way that only allows one place for the bed,” says Sorbe. “We like to use pendants instead of traditional table lamps. Bedrooms should be restful and uncluttered spaces, and adding pendants is a way to make sure surfaces stay clean and uncluttered.”

Sorbe notes that lamps aren’t just for side tables either. Small lamps find their way to shelves and niches in their finished spaces. The unexpected placement is a nod to The Elements’ motto: anything but ordinary.

No installation – by Lowell or The Elements’ Design Team – is complete without a nod to Mother Nature. Today, Sorbe encourages homeowners to toss the fig and ficus trees favored by Lowell and replace with more natural, organic greenery and elements from Nature. Birch is a go-to, but the Design Team loves succulents and large pieces of driftwood, collected by the Ankeny team at great personal risk.

“It’s important that none of your greenery or natural elements look fake,” says Sorbe. “Invest in quality pieces, and they’ll last for years … far longer than many of us can keep live plants thriving in our homes!”

**

Even distilled down to less than ten simple steps, a renovation or design project can be daunting for many homeowners. The Design Team at The Elements can help. From new construction to remodels … simple paint colors to whole-home redesigns … the designers can make sure the space you end up with is a space that says, “It’s you!”

To schedule a consultation or learn more about their risk-free House Call service, visit The Elements online at elementsbyksorbe.com, follow them on Facebook and Instagram and explore their profile on Houzz.com.

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The Lighter Side of Style

Lighting can make a big difference in the look, feel and function of your space. Depending on the type installed, the lighting can determine whether or not you even turn on the switch and use the room. There’s probably nothing more important to consider when designing your space than the lighting.

The Elements features lighting and lamps from Troy, Corbett, Regina Andrew, Hubbardton Forge, Arteriors, Global Views, The Natural Light, Light and Living, Dovetail, Lite Source, Elk, Cyan, Kenroy Home, Millenium, Quoizel, Noir, Four Hands, TransGlobe and many more.

“We see a lot of clients making appointments during the final phases of construction or the last days of a remodel, and they want to talk about lighting their space,” says Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer at The Elements in Storm Lake, Iowa. “Too often, lighting is the last thing they think of when it really should be one of the first.”

The Elements is expanding with a new store in Ankeny, and Sorbe says the contractor wanted the lighting plan and the specifications for the fixtures even before the concrete floor was poured, which she believes is a very smart request.

Good lighting will help you see better, read easier, provides safety and security, and creates the mood of your space. Choosing the right type of lighting for your space and the best design for your style and budget – and taking advantage of improved lighting controls – allows you to adjust your lighting for any time or event and even the ability to control it from your phone.

Carefully considering how you will use a space and developing a comprehensive lighting plan can help homeowners avoid headaches in the future.

“We can bring in some amazing new furniture, place a great lamp only to discover there’s not an easily accessible outlet,” says Rick Baker, a member of the design team at The Elements. “If we could have started with the client earlier, we would have suggested dropping a plugin in the floor. You’ll be surprised how that simple detail can open up many more furniture placement options for your room.”

Lighting is also a powerful design element that will enhance your space. Make a piece of art important with a spotlight. Create a spa-like, relaxing environment with soft lighting and dimmers in your master bath. And “smart” lighting will really open up the possibilities of a space.

“Smart lighting, which uses technology to control all aspects of lighting your home, can encourage the use of spaces not normally utilized,” says Sorbe. “A great chandelier in your dining room can be turned up for holiday dinners or set low for a romantic night in.”

Sorbe says that lighting can even define your space and function much like walls. Well-placed lighting can create visual barriers within open floor plans that are popular in new construction and remodels.

“We use accent lighting and lamps to create warm, intimate areas in open spaces,” says Sorbe. “Large rooms can seem cold and impersonal, but the right lighting can encourage your family and guests to gravitate to a comfortable conversation area.”

One of the most basic design techniques is the concept of layered lighting.

“Layering is the idea of using multiple sources of light to provide lighting options for every possible scenario in the room,” says Sorbe. “We use cans, pendants and lamps to make sure that there’s enough light for game night, and that it can be dimmed low for date night.”

Lighting should be used to compliment your lifestyle. Ambient lighting is purely functional, and is accomplished most of the time with can lights or hugger-type fixtures. The Elements’ designers often recommend ambient lighting that isn’t a showpiece. Paint any cans the same color as your ceiling and they will disappear. They recommend using task and accent lighting to really communicate your style.

“For years, designer lighting was a budget buster, and the affordable options were just ordinary,” says Sorbe. “But today, our accessory companies are exploding with incredible designs that are affordable and not like anything you’ll find hanging in a big box store. We are seeing twists on iconic designs and even a lot of unexpected materials.”

There is no shortage of styles and sizes. Multiple smaller pendants, placed not only for task lighting, can look like a single piece and will develop the style of your room. The design team also recommends installing a great pendant over a side table in place of a lamp.”

“We love the look of a pendant where most people would place a lamp,” says Baker. “Especially in bedrooms where there’s really just one wall for a bed, a pendant will declutter your bedside table and help create a relaxing sanctuary. The wide variety and affordability of our lighting really open up a lot of placement possibilities.”

Good lighting can stop you in your tracks, but Sorbe believes this should be because it’s cool, not because it’s too bright. Nothing is worse than not enough light, but she encourages clients to think before they screw in that 100-watt bulb.

“You’re not putting on your makeup in the foyer so there’s no need to illuminate it like your bathroom,” says Sorbe. “Harsh, bright light will make guests feel like they’re arriving in the grocery store’s milk aisle, but warm, soft light – or even a small lamp - will creating a welcoming entry to your home.”

For something as critical as lighting, Sorbe and her team recommend working with a professional to determine exactly what you need for how you live in your space.

“Taking just a few moments to think about how you’re going to use a space, your style and the mood you want to create, and any elements you want to emphasize, can leave you with a space you’ll love and use every day,” says Sorbe.

PULL COLUMN:

Types of lighting

Ambient Lighting - The overall illumination of your space. Also known as general lighting, it provides a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and safely navigate your room. In some spaces, such as laundry rooms, the ambient lighting also serves as the primary source of task lighting.

Chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights and lanterns mounted on the outside of the home are sources of ambient lighting. Having a central source of ambient light in all rooms is fundamental to a good lighting plan.

Task Lighting - Perform specific tasks, such as reading, grooming, preparing and cooking food, doing homework, working on hobbies, playing games or surfing the Internet. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and under-cabinet lighting, as well as by portable floor, table and desk lamps.

Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eye strain.

Accent Lighting - Add drama to a room by creating visual interest with light. As part of an interior design scheme, it is used to draw the eye to artwork, accessories, books and collections. Up lighting and down lighting highlight the texture of a brick or stone wall, windows, bookcases or outdoor landscaping.

To be effective, accent lighting requires as least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting surrounding it. Accent lighting is usually provided by recessed and track lighting, spotlights or wall-mounted picture lights and sconces.

FOOTNOTE: Provided by American Lighting Association

The Harmon pendant ($300) from Four Hands replaces a table lamp in this funky space and serves as a dramatic accent to this sleek dining room.

Unexpected materials like leather and concrete are stylish and functional. Add another layer of sophistication with an Edison bulb in this simple glass pendant.

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Create A Dreamy Bedroom

Now deep into my bed I turn

and the world turns on the other side.

Elizabeth Jennings, English poet

Bedrooms are often slighted because they are not out in the open. Homeowners put a lot of thought and money into the spaces they use and where they entertain, but very little into the room where they probably spend the most time.

“A bedroom is a personal space and a sanctuary,” says Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny. “As calendars fill up and our daily list get longer and longer, it’s important that we have a space where we can relax and regroup.”

For everyone in the home-parents and children-the escape, privacy and personal space provided by the bedroom is central to a happy, healthy life.

When planning a bedroom, Sorbe and her design team begin, just like any other room, by looking at the functionality of the space. What does the room need to do for the homeowner?

The Master Bedroom

Simple, sophisticated spaces can be some of the most restful. A platform bed flanked by nightstands and pendants creates a very Zen bedroom.

“A bedroom is a place to sleep, rest, rejuvenate and refresh,” says Sorbe. “It’s also a space for intimacy, and in our busy lives, all of these are important.”

When discussing the design of a master bedroom, Sorbe references a quote from one of her favorite designers, Clodagh: “In especially stressful lives, no room is more luxurious than a bedroom stripped down to the base essentials. There is a bed, a chair for sitting, lamps for reading, a rug for warming the floor and absorbing sound. The less distractions the better.”

Sorbe and her design team subscribe to this philosophy of simplicity when designing bedrooms, especially masters.

“Keeping everything quiet, from the furniture, furnishings and art to the bedding and sheets, creates a comfortable environment where we can relax and unwind,” says Sorbe. “We like to utilize a pared-down color palate and organic bedding because they will almost immediately communicate a restful vibe.”

Pillows can get unwieldy. Sorbe and her team don’t use a lot of throw pillows, and caution homeowners not to fall victim to the instinct to add and add. They carefully use only what a homeowner needs for function and style.

“We like to place pillows for a stylish, finishing touch,” says Mishelle Lalone, “but we’re careful not to add too many. Bedtime should be simple, and a massive pillow move when you make the bed or are ready to climb in for the night are hassles we like to avoid.”

Sorbe says changes in the way master bedrooms are designed affect how she and the design team put the space together.

“Everyone used to buy bedroom furniture in sets…matching everything,” says Sorbe.  “A dresser and chest rounded out the heavy, wooden bed flanked by matching nightstands with virtually no thought at all.”

Walk-in closets were a game changer. With the popularity of closets that house all of our belongings-from socks and shoes to work out gear and even formalwear-the necessity for furniture designed for storage is no longer as important.

This allows for simpler floorplans, fewer pieces of furniture and the creation of a respite where homeowners can unplug from the day-to-day stresses.

Your Child’s Room

A child’s room needs to evolve as they grow. The play sets can be replaced with a desk for homework or seating for friends, and the toys on the bookcase can be replaced with collections, keepsakes and trophies. Keeping things basic makes updating the space a snap.

Children’s rooms need to evolve as their owner’s grow up. Tastes and function will change as quickly as they move from grade to grade. The toy box will inevitably make way for a desk to do homework on. Sturdiness and storage are two concepts that The Elements’ designers keep in mind when creating a children’s bedroom.

A child’s bedroom will be a playroom, a stage, the foundation for pillow forts and battleground for a few pillow fights. Buying simple, sturdy pieces of furniture allows it to function longer and ride out changes in the color and style of the room. Think about painting the walls pink instead of buying a pink bed. It’s much easier to paint a wall than convince a sixteen-year-old that the pale pink bed is her “style.”

Their rooms serve as a private space. They can also be as a canvas for their owners to decorate, tapping into their very own sense of style. It also has to function as a space to do homework, hang out with friends and …

“I haven’t had a lot of clients request a kid’s rooms that is quiet, simple and spa-like,” says Lalone. “Kids tend to love color and attitude, and their rooms should be a place where they can display things that are sentimental and important to them.”

The Guest Room

This tufted fabric bed is natural and organic, and the headboard has a very wingback feel, creating an easy mix of both old and new and an updated classic feel.

“When we open up our home to guests, it’s important that we create a comfortable, private and welcoming space for them,” says Sorbe. “We like to supply everything for the guest so they don’t have to ask!”

Little details can make a guest’s stay relaxing and memorable. Sorbe has some suggestions to make your guests feel right at home.

“A comfortable bed with some great bedding is a must, but it’s the little details that will make your guest instantly at ease,” says Sorbe. “Fresh flowers, a few hangers and a little treat can give your home the feel of an expensive, boutique hotel.”

Sorbe warns that it’s easy to gather more than friends in a spare bedroom.

“From seasonal clothes to crafts to memorabilia, guest rooms often collect our leftover ‘stuff’ that has nowhere else to go” says Sorbe. “We recommend that you hide it or, if possible, get rid of the excess.”

Renown interior designer Clodagh has some tips for creating the ideal space for guests.

Tray with bottles of water

A scented candle

A basket with amenities, including a comb, a brush, disposable razors, emery boards, Q-Tips, dental floss, toothbrushes, shampoo and body lotion

A new magazine

A small bowl of fruit and a couple packages of nuts or a granola bar

Password for Wi-Fi

A local guidebook or map

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Easy-to-Avoid Decorating Mistakes

“Great men, too, make mistakes.”  Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is purchasing furniture that’s too big or too small. Your interior designer can help you avoid this frequent trap.

There are few indoor tasks that homeowners find more daunting – or even discouraging – than repurposing or redesigning a room. Sometimes, even rearranging furniture can induce frustration, resulting in the furniture moving right back to where it started.

“It’s a great way to clear out those balls of dust that accumulate under unmoved furniture, but that’s about it,” says Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer of The Elements by K. Sorbe in Storm Lake and The Elements at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. “One of the most common things we hear from clients is ‘I’ve tried everything, and this is the only way to place the furniture in this room’, but 95% of the time, that’s just not the case.”

Sorbe says that in those few instances when room design and layout really become challenging for her and The Elements’ design teams, furniture size is a common issue.

Chairs, sofas, tables … practically everything will look smaller in a huge furniture showroom, however, when they arrive, the pieces take up a lot more space in your home. Elements’ designer Mary Dowling says it’s all about perspective.

Designer Mary Dowling encourages furniture shoppers to measure and draw your room to scale. Homeowners won’t be surprised with the size of the furniture upon delivery. (Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures)

“Think about the classic tree scene with Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation,” says Dowling. “That tree looked big in the meadow, but we didn’t really appreciate its size until it was indoors. The same principle applies to your furniture, and you can’t solve the problem by sawing off one side of a sofa.”

Measuring ahead and even making some scale drawings can eliminate a lot of these surprises.

“Drawing out your room can also help with furniture placement,” says Dowling. “We’re all visual so being able to better imagine the space will result in better choices, and it will give you a blueprint of how the room can function, avoiding costly and time-consuming mistakes.”

Brittanee Heaning, the newest member of the Storm Lake Design Team, has learned that a lot of homeowners equate big, bulky and cushy furniture with comfort.

“Comfort tops the list of furniture designers’ priorities,” says Heaning. “Well-made and well-designed furniture will be comfortable, and it doesn’t have to be oversized. We look at our clients’ lifestyles, learn how they live in a space and help them make the right choices. Often that’s a custom-upholstered piece.”

Custom pieces also allow the Design Team help shoppers make smart fabric choices when it comes to things like durability, stain resistance and cleaning, making the purchase not only stylish, but valuable over time.  

Sorbe believes placement is as important as the furniture itself. Pulling furniture away from walls creates warm conversation areas.

“A nice seating area will almost encourage you to settle in,” says Sorbe. “A well-thought-out space with the right pieces will also avoid the dreaded screaming distance we sometimes see when furniture is placed too far apart. You shouldn’t have to yell or stretch to set down your glass!”

Today’s open concept floorplans can make furniture purchases even more challenging, but when done correctly, a little bit of extra effort and planning is well worth it.

SHED: Even armed with the best intentions and everything that Pinterest and HGTV tell us, homeowners frequently make the same mistakes.

Left in the Dark

Lighting, which most agree should be the first thing considered when designing, building or remodeling a space, is frequently an afterthought. A good lighting plan will better every part of your room and everything you do in it.

Table lamps that are too large or tall can cut up or obscure a room and will dwarf their tables. Too little lighting presents obvious challenges. Too much lighting and a family room can start to feel like a grocery store milk aisle.

Task lighting, ambient lighting, cans, spotlights, washed lighting … even skylights and lamps all play a major role in completing a stylish, functional space. Some careful thought in how you will use your space and lighting it accordingly can eliminate a lot of additional cost and heartache

Interesting accessories can tell guests about who lives in the space. Paired with books, florals and even artwork, these shelves are highly styled, but don’t appear busy or cluttered.

Matchy-Matchy

Some homeowners can’t relax if all the wood in the house doesn’t match. They buy “living room groups”, including a sofa, chairs, matching side and coffee tables, and if lucky, the furniture store will throw in two lamps.

If everything is matched, the space loses dimension, and dimension is what adds depth, color, sophistication, weight and richness. Varying woods, fabrics, textures and colors will all work together to create interest, eye appeal, attitude and add much more personal style.

Shelve It

Shelves and bookcases are a wonderful addition to any room and are one of The Elements’ Design Team’s go-to pieces. The downside: they can easily become a catch-all for collections and clutter. When each shelf is filled with small pieces and outdated family pictures, any style is lost.

Keeping shelves in hand is an act of discipline. But when they’re controlled, the whole space benefits.

Keeping shelves from becoming cluttered is an exercise in restraint. Think fewer, smaller pieces to create a stylish, simple design.

Too “Retail”

It’s easy to get caught up in trends, buying the newest accessories or adding to collections. (Think Precious Moments, Hummel, Lladro.) It’s easy for a home to look staged or even like a store, and it loses any personality.

Buy some great books that you can use all over your home. Invest in a piece of art you love. Make a big statement about who lives in this house instead of 25 Willow Tree whispers.

Nothing Like the Real Thing

Bringing Mother Nature into a space is a wonderful thing and a signature of The Elements’ designers. But too much artificial Mother Nature will make the room look inauthentic. Even though they require no real care, they will … expire. When your green florals turn blue, it’s time to toss them.

Buy quality florals that look real and are simple in design. Succulents are very popular today and incredible in their variety alone. Permanent succulents can fool even the savviest gardener, and even the live ones are easy to maintain.

Step It Up

Rugs are rarely the star of the show, but they do a lot of work. They add color, warmth and comfort to a room. Rugs control noise and define the space. When they are too small they can make a space look busy and “float” in your room. Your furniture pieces should all be - at least partially -  on the rug.

When the rug is too small, it’s a nightmare; the right rug will complete the space.

This great rug loses its impact floating in front of the sofa. Sorbe says the right-size rug is key, and a five-by-eight rug is almost always too small for a living space.

Making purchases and decisions can be challenging for homeowners, especially if a scattershot approach is taken. Talk with one of the designers at The Elements to learn how they can help you avoid mistakes before they’re made and transform your space into a stylish, functional home. Visit The Elements in Storm Lake or Ankeny and online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com

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The Modern Dining Room

“The oldest form of theater is the dinner table. It’s got five or six people, new shows every night, same players. Good ensemble; the people have worked together a lot.”  - Michael J. Fox

The dining room is changing. Dining spaces were often formal with matching table, chairs and even side pieces like hutches and sideboards. Years ago, it wasn’t unusual for families to eat together in a dining room every day; more frequently it was used on weekends, special occasions and holidays.

With the way families live today, dining rooms don’t get the attention – or use – they deserve.

“There’s something very sophisticated about a dining room,” says Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements by K. Sorbe in Storm Lake and The Elements at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. “It’s family-centered, classic and rich.”

Many of us remember the dining set, which is still very popular, but Sorbe says fewer and fewer people are opting for the matching pieces. The architecture of open concept homes brings the eating area into the main living space so pieces must coordinate with the furniture, art and accessories in the rest of the space, not just the dining room.

“There’s something very distinguished about really fine furniture in your dining room, but in an open floorplan, it can look disconnected from the rest of your home,” says Sorbe. “We certainly love the dining sets, but our team leans more toward creating more interesting options.”

Mixing materials, finishes and textures adds interest and personality. A live-edge table with very contemporary – or even very old – chairs says something about the homeowner … that they have style and a little bit of attitude! And there’s no rule for matching chairs either. Sorbe and her team frequently pair fabric, wood and even woven dining chairs together.

Updated wingbacks covered in tufted fabric surround a zinc and metal table. Notice the size of the pendant above the table. Sorbe cautions against fixtures that are too small.

The centerpiece of the dining room is the table. Sorbe recommends choosing a size that will accommodate the number of guests the homeowner would normally entertain. If you have 18 people over for dinner every three years, she cautions against choosing one that will fit the exception, not the rule.

“A large table with a lot of chairs can be difficult to manage when it’s not in use,” says Sorbe. “If you’re hosting a large group, you can always come up with something for one day rather than wrestling chairs for the other 364 days.”

The china hutch with glass doors can be a blessing or a curse. They provide much-needed storage, but can quickly fill up. And the glass does not hide much clutter.

“Many of the old china hutches are two pieces,” says Dee Lewis, a member of The Elements’ Design Team in Storm Lake. “The designers will remove the top half, which is an instant update. Add some lamps with a great mirror or piece of art, and it’s a very sophisticated – and affordable – sideboard.”

And just like any other room, Sorbe and her team almost always add a rug, which “frames” the furniture and really finishes the space.

The Mambasa rug from Feizy is a stunner. Placing your dining table and chairs on a rug will frame the space. In an open concept floorplan, your rug will define the dining area.

How people entertain has also changed, and some homeowners are rethinking their dining rooms altogether, converting them into spaces that are more useful … and used. Multipurpose rooms are much more functional.

“If you’re one of those homeowners who’s blessed with extra room, consider yourself lucky,” says Lewis. “More frequently, space is a premium, and we want homeowners to use every room every day.”

If the dining room is a space not utilized, Sorbe and her team recommend that clients explore repurposing it into something more practical that homeowners will use all the time.

“Think about the last time you used your formal dining room,” says Lewis. “Many clients use it once, maybe twice, per year, and the rest of the time it just gathers dust. A room that’s only used during the holidays may not be worth keeping.”

Sorbe cautions that a seldom-used room will collect more than just dirt. Today dining rooms are walk-thru spaces and tend to become a catch-all for mail, laundry and some of the other items in life that don’t have a home.”

“Pass-through areas collect junk,” says Sorbe. “And since clutter is the enemy of style, we like to look at how we can better use the space.”

As formal dining rooms become less and less used, The Elements’ Design Team works with clients to convert their unused or underused spaces into something more functional. Sorbe says one of her favorite dining room conversions was a client who replaced their dining table with a pool table.

“This was a move from one end of the design spectrum to the other,” says Sorbe. “From a formal setting to a very relaxed, fun space, this was a dramatic change.” Historically, the dining room was a space where people would enjoy family and friends. Not only did the client’s new billiards room provide a place for their children to spend time with friends, but it became the social hub of the home and wished she would have done it years before.

Sorbe recommends looking at what the homeowner needs and will use. Consider a home office, guest room or even a game room or gym.

“As more of us work from home, a smart, functional workspace is critical,” says Lewis. “With wireless technology and paperless storage, a small writing desk and a few shelves can change an unused dining room into a very productive home office.”

The addition of a comfy chair or chaise creates a quiet and comfortable reading nook. Add a game table and the old dining room can become the center of some fierce competition. Sorbe believes the possibilities are endless.

Whether you like the nostalgia of a traditional dining room or are considering how you can best utilize your underused room, the dining room can be a functional and stylish space.

To learn how you can create a room that’s functional for the way you live, and how The Elements’ Design Team can help, visit them in Storm Lake or Ankeny, or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.

Convert Your Unused Dining Room

Library – A sophisticated addition to any home. Books are some of our favorite accessories, and a great set of bookshelves gives you place to feature artwork, collectibles and family pieces.

Guest Room – Make guests immediately at ease and at home with a guest room stocked with anything they may need, including a snack, bottles of water, WiFi password or some magazines.

Home Office – More and more of us can get a lot done without heading into the office by creating a functional, well organized space at home.

Game Room – Add a pool table or game table and watch your friends and family congregate.

Bar or Wine Room – Dining rooms are often a pass-through room, but who would pass through when they can enjoy a glass of wine?

Playroom – The dining room is almost always centrally located in the home. Corral toys and games where you can keep a close eye on little ones.

Gym – If you can close off the dining space, consider adding a gym. A treadmill and a yoga mat in the middle of your living space can seem out of place, but a home gym keeps everything out of sight and homeowners healthy.

Making the most of square footage, this home office quickly transforms into a guest room with the custom, built-in Murphy bed with side tables.

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Style Comes Full Circle

The sleek minimalism of mid-century modern furniture is a clean look that blends with many different styles.

Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny, says that when she and the Design Team meet with clients in their homes, one of the most frequent questions they’re asked is the same: “Is this in style?”

“That’s a tough question to answer because ‘style’ is a term that’s tossed around a lot and - frequently - misused,” says Sorbe. “’I think some homeowners conflate the term in-style – or what’s frequently called on-trend – with style. If a homeowner wants a room that looks like the cover of the latest Restoration Hardware catalog or Pier1 ad, they’re looking for something that’s trending or in-style.”

If the homeowner wants a space that’s classic, sophisticated and timeless, they need to think about what she calls “Style with a capital S”.

“To capture that kind of style, we use classic, sophisticated and timeless pieces of furniture, fabrics and accessories,” says Sorbe. “Tastes change and trends are tempting, and we see some pieces lose popularity, but the good ones always come back!”

Bar carts are making a big comeback and are available in many sizes and finishes.

Sorbe believes the classics never go out of style.

“Bar carts are the perfect example of a great, functional piece of furniture that we didn’t see for a while, but they’re back,” says Sorbe. “A place to put glasses, ice, alcohol and mixers is important, and it allows homeowners to bring entertaining back into the home.”

For homeowners who don’t have a built-in or wet bar, this is the perfect solution from the front. Guests will gather and mix around the bar cart. When not in use, they can serve as a storage piece or even a side table.

Shows like Mad Men, set in 60s, create feelings of nostalgia and remind us why we enjoyed and utilized pieces of furniture, like the bar cart.

Period shows like Mad Men provide visual inspiration with their stylized sets. (Image courtesy of AMC TV)

An entire school of design that’s enjoying a resurgence is mid-century modern. Sorbe says that many younger people are gravitating to this style. For these homeowners, this may be the first time they’ve seen this very current, but not new, style. From bargain, big-box stores to high-end designer lines like Lexington and Century Furniture, mid-century furniture pieces that could have been manufactured 50 or 60 years ago are popping up in current collections.

“Life is busy and chaotic and a mid-century modern space can provide the exact opposite, which is why I think it’s so popular again,” says Beckly Hasselhoff, boutique buyer for The Elements. “I think mid-century and Danish modern architecture and furniture is ordered, simple and uncomplicated, but still very stylish and functional. Simply put: it’s basic not boring!”

Mid-century furniture may seem delicate or not user-friendly, but natural materials like teak and stone, paired with metals like chrome and stainless steel create sleek, sturdy and functional pieces that are very pleasing to the eye.

Trends come and go. But classic pieces will look as good ten, fifteen or even twenty years from now. Sorbe firmly believes that great design adapts.

The Design Team have some favorite classic pieces that are back again…or never went away.

The wingback chair – Originally designed to keep guests free from drafts, this 17th-century design has seen many updates over the years. Very subtle details on the top are a nod to the timeless design.

Chesterfield sofa – This old-world, British-designed classic has seen many adaptations over the years. Lexington Furniture’s button-less tufting and straight lines create a very transitional sofa, but the Chesterfield’s inspiration is clear.

Sectionals – Conversation groups was the name sectional sofas were given in the 70s, but these comfortable, functional pieces come in any size and work with any style.

Swivel chairs – The skirted chairs that we used to spin around in at our parent’s house have moved aside to make room for sleek and solid-to-the-floor swivel chairs that allow you to turn to the view, the television and the conversation.

Studding – Nail heads and buttons were originally used by upholsters to keep cushions attached to the frame. Today, studs are available in many colors, sizes and finishes and are used as a finishing detail.

Bar cabinets – Just like the bar cart, liquor cabinets are a place to store your party supplies, liquor and glasses. They’re well organized on the inside and a sleek piece of furniture when it’s not in use.

Chaise – Sometimes called a fainting couch, legend says the corsets Victorian ladies wore restricted blood flow, causing them to sometimes pass out. Hopefully no one’s losing consciousness in your home, but a chaise is a stylish and comfortable addition to any room.

Wallpaper – Stripping old wallpaper is a homeowner’s most dreaded task, but it’s making a big comeback. Using wallpaper in a small space – like a powder room – can have a huge impact without a big investment and a lot of work. It used to be a bold and strong design element, but the look has evolved to be more of a background for the rest of the design.

Writing desk – Technology has brought back an old standby. Writing desks were simple tables in the past, but over time, desks evolved into large storage pieces. Technology has allowed us to return to a simple writing table. Function forces adaptation.

Style icon Iris Apfel creates a style all her own. (Image courtesy of wwd.com)

With style comes attitude, and that style can be bold or subtle.

“I believe there’s a confidence that comes with Style,” says Sorbe. “Style-icon Iris Apfel is the perfect example of stepping out with poise and attitude. It’s a look that not everyone can pull off, but you can’t say she doesn’t have style.”

Self-consciousness and only doing what you see – in your wardrobe or your home -  are the enemies of style.

Haselhoff believes you don’t have to embrace Iris’ often extreme look to be stylish. American designers like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen and Tommy Hilfiger, take very simple pieces – white shirts and khakis – and elevate them to a classic Style.

“From fashion to home design, simple, functional Style never gets old,” says Haselhoff. “Popularity wains with some pieces, but good designs never go out of style!”

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All That Glitters …

Simple, woven gold ottomans paired with an organic grey fabric on the sofa create a clean, sophisticated seating area. (Photo courtesy of Global Views)

“Gold is ancient,” says New York designer and The Elements’ favorite Ann Gish, “and it’s always truly luxurious.”

Gish uses gold and many other metallic colors and finishes in her high-end bedding designs. Her products are in the homes of many celebrities and have also appeared in film and TV, including numerous episodes of Sex and the City.

Whether they are decorating a mansion or a more modest home, gold is a color and finish that The Elements’ design team is going to more and more.

“Luxury is a word that’s almost synonymous with gold,” says Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny, Iowa. “Its value is in its rarity. It can be flashy and glitzy, but it can also refine a space, telling a story of authenticity and timelessness without being overly grand or formal.”

Pair metallic finishes and texture. The forged finish on the console is used on a very traditional design. The sleek metal flanking the glass top on this side table is an amazing mix of traditional design and modern finishes.

Gold has a long history, going back centuries, in fashion and as a currency. Jewelry made from gold has been discovered and dated back thousands of years. Sorbe believes that something with such a storied past shouldn’t be left out of your home.

“We are seeing more and more subtle gold and other metallics in fabrics from our furniture companies,” says Sorbe. “Contrasting gold with other colors, especially the greys, warms up those colors and adds depth that gives your room a designer look.”

From lighting and art to accessories and even flatware or wallpaper, designers are incorporating more and more of the richness and sophistication gold adds.

This is not your grandmother’s wallpaper. While not for every home, this handmade wallpaper from Koessel Studios demonstrates the sharp sophistication a bit of gold can bring to a design.

Brass used to be the last word. Chrome and wrought iron both were vastly popular for a time, but their widespread use is waning. Copper and silver have been the “metals of the moment” for a few years, but trends are moving toward the warmer, sophisticated tones of brass and gold.

Mary Dowling, a member of the Design Team at The Elements in Storm Lake, is a fan of mixing metals. For years, homeowners stressed about matching the metal finishes in their home. But Dowling believes that only limits the opportunity to create a warm, welcoming space.

“Contrast between gold and other metals, whether it’s in your fabrics or finishes on furniture, creates a layered look,” says Dowling. “We think that a room finished with a mix of metals looks just incredible … it creates an earthy and sophisticated blend.”

Dowling encourages homeowners to consider mixing metals with different textiles and patterns as well. Bringing together metallics, wood and the right fabrics create the perfect blend of sophistication and style.

Using different metals when decorating your space works a lot like mixing woods and will enhance your design.

“Different textures in metals – and that includes gold, zinc, copper, iron and steel – add warmth and dimension to the space,” says Sorbe. “Contrasting metals in finishes, colors and textures separate and clarify each one.”

Minor History’s smart, sturdy leather accessories come with a rough or pebble gold finish.

Gold can be the star, but like many other trends, too much of a good thing becomes exactly that … too much. Sorbe warns of going overboard.

“We recommend that homeowners be careful when adding gold or other metallics,” says Sorbe. “Like anything, over doing it can be risky, and you could end up with a room that’s cliché or cold and sterile. We love using gold, but we use it carefully so we don’t end up with a space that seems too ‘Vegas’.”

Instead, Sorbe recommends looking for gold accessories. A gold-framed mirror, piece of art, light fixture or even a grouping of gold candle sticks offer a captivating contrast. Look for different hues and don’t be afraid to mix them. Sorbe believes you can’t go wrong with the mix.

Many metal finishes are light-reflective and can almost seem alive as it ages with a rich patina developing over time. They can reflect like a mirror and add authenticity to your room.

“Gold is beautiful, long wearing and gets better and better as it ages,” says Ann Gish. “And everyone is more beautiful near it!”

Sorbe and her Design Team couldn’t agree more.

The subdued gold finish on this lamp combined with its sculptural design creates a functional piece of art. (Photo courtesy of Global Views)

Talk with one of the designers at The Elements to learn how they can transform your space with gold and other metallic accessories, artwork and even furniture. Visit The Elements in Storm Lake or Ankeny and online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com.

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Pretty Plumbing – Creating a Stylish, Relaxing and Functional Bathroom

“I grew up with six brothers. That’s how I learned to dance – waiting for the bathroom.”  - Bob Hope

Most of us are lucky and don’t have to share a bathroom with six other people. But sometimes sharing with another person – even a person you may have promised to love and cherish – can challenge the strongest relationship.

En suite master baths, as well as kids’ bathrooms, guest bathrooms and powder rooms are becoming more and more standard, especially in new constructions. They provide convenience and add value to the home. Powder rooms and guest baths give homeowners the opportunity to do something fun and interesting, and kids’ bathrooms can streamline the morning routine.

And it’s documented: a well-designed master bath can save a marriage.

This white bathroom is accented with black in the vanity, fixtures and lighting. The Design Team used black grout and placed the tiles as close as possible, giving it very subtle depth and texture. The soaking tub and free-standing shower was designed to fit perfectly in the room.

Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny, says that when her team is hired to design or decorate a master suite or master bath, they consider efficiency and functionality first.

“If you’ve ever seen a team of chefs and sous chefs working together in a gourmet kitchen, you’ll notice how they effortlessly move around and easily grab the tools and ingredients they need without ever bumping into each other … in a pretty tight space,” says Sorbe. “Even with two people, it can get crowded, but in a well-designed master bath, getting ready will be smooth and collision-free.”

The Design Team creates a space with a plan. Everything has its place. Storage is plentiful. And the floorplan is laid out to support the dance that’s sometimes necessary when two people use and share a small room.

“We look at the shape of the room or the available space,” says Sorbe. “Then we create a plan keeping in mind how two people will use it. We like keeping the toilet in a separate water closet for privacy and, unless it’s impossible, insist on two sinks.”

Sorbe says a frequent complaint with older masters is lack of storage. She likes to attach a walk-in closet to the master bath that’s spacious and has as much storage as possible. Custom closets offer efficient and specialty storage for long and short clothes, ties, jewelry and shoes. Drawers eliminate the need for large storage furniture in the bedroom, freeing up that space for other uses.

“Homeowners are surprised how often a small seating area or a chaise for reading will be used and really create the feel of a master suite.”

If homeowners don’t have a lot of extra space for built-in storage, Sorbe says baskets are a great solution and can keep things tidy and organized.

The floating vanity creates the illusion of more space in a narrow room. The dramatic black door balances the sophisticated tub and shower on the other side of the room.

Mishelle Lalone, a member of the Design Team, believes it’s not all about function. They like to think of a master bath as a spa for two.

“Everyone needs a private space to relax and unwind,” says Lalone. “We create restful and refreshing spaces that are as spa-like as they are efficient.”

Lalone loves a white bathroom. White subway tile is sophisticated, timeless and easy to maintain. They add white towels, candles and artwork, finishing off the spa for two.

“In a white space we play with textures,” says Lalone. “Mixing materials like glass, tile, porcelain, wood, stone and even wallpaper adds depth to the monochromatic color scheme, adding interest and even a little edge to a simple space.”

Color is something that the Design Team reserves for powder rooms and guest baths.

This homeowner has a background in luxury hotels and pulled from that experience to create this spacious spa master bathroom. The glass shower surround reinforces the open design of the master bath.

“A small space – like a powder room – provides an opportunity to do something surprising,” says Sorbe. “Usually a smaller room requires ‘less of’ something more expensive so homeowners can splurge. If they want to repaint, it’s a quick and easy job with big results.”

An interesting wall covering will instantly add drama. Sorbe and her team like some of the new wallpapers, but frequently turn to materials that aren’t normally associated with a bathroom, including wood, metal, custom murals and tile.”

“Don’t overlook the ceiling either,” warns Sorbe. “We used metal grid work on a ceiling in a powder room that created a dramatic lighting effect. It made a small, simple room a showpiece!”

A classic pattern paired with wainscoting is pure tradition. But the wallpaper’s metallic sheen, the sleek mirror and vanity and the modern plumbing fixtures follow the homes more modern feel.

Lighting is a big element in any bathroom. It’s important when considering the function; to be functional the room must be well-lit. Fixtures – especially pendants – can add some excitement without disrupting the relaxed feel.

“Our accessory companies are introducing a lot of really interesting pendants that are as affordable as they are cool,” says Sorbe. “In a master bath or even a guest bath, you’ll need excellent lighting for tasks like applying makeup, but in a powder room, it’s not as critical. Homeowners can choose something really dramatic.”

Sinks are probably the most-used fixtures in a bathroom so the Design Team puts a lot of consideration into this selection. Vessel sinks have a modern feel. Pedestal sinks can be great space savers. And with materials including stone, hammered metal or even glass, they can make a statement.

Fluffy, white towels are a must-have. Sorbe reminds clients that these are items used every day so you should invest in high-quality Turkish or Egyptian cotton or even bamboo towels.

The designers stress the importance of the finishing touches. Candles are warm and relaxing. Grasses or succulents add some natural elements and will soften some of the smooth and sleek edges from the porcelain and glass. And the Design Team doesn’t forget the artwork.

“We always add artwork … it finishes any space,” says Sorbe. “You don’t have to be the only good looking thing in the bathroom, just the best looking!”

To learn how The Elements’ Design Team can help you with a great looking and functional bath, visit them in Storm Lake or Ankeny or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com

The client chose the same tile for the walls and floor of the master, creating a smooth spa master. Glass walls don’t break up the smooth design; mosaic tile in the define the shower.

Soaking Tubs – An Elements’ Favorite

Soaking tubs make a powerful statement in a master bath and will be a focal point in the room. No other fixture compliments a spa design like a free-standing soaking tub.

“It’s a stress-reliever,” says Kathy Sorbe “and homeowners find that they use a soaking tub more than a standard tub.”

Designed deeper and with materials that insulate and keep the water warm, they are available in many different styles and sizes.

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What’s Your Story?

“The choices you make in a home are integral to the way people react to it. Furniture, especially, tells many tales, but art, books, your specially selected artifacts and personal collections are what transform a house into a home.” Kelly Hoppen

Accessories tell a story about who lives in a space. They explain who you are … your likes and your tastes. Accessories speak about your travels, your hobbies and your family. They may give a small hint to your favorite color or speak loudly about your passion.

Think of going on a blind date with someone who only knew what they could learn about you from your home. The right accessories – that tell your story – may just lead to a match made in heaven.

“People sometimes agonize over big purchases,” says Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny. “They buy the right furniture, flooring, lighting … and then they stop.”

The right accessories add color, texture and attitude to a room, and are really the touches that complete your space. These are the pieces that individualize and personalize a room and create a space that speaks of who lives there.

Sorbe sees clients who have put a great deal of thought into the design of a space and furniture placement, but miss the final details that come with using the right – and right amount of - accessories to finish their room.

Accessorizing is the last step in designing a space that reflects homeowners’ taste and the way that they live.

Don’t take your space too seriously. Add something unexpected to your room for interest and attitude.

Many people think “pretty” when they hear “accessory”. While it’s true, interesting and beautiful things add a level of sophistication to the space, accessories are also a functional component of every room. Sorbe believes that functional and beautiful are not mutually exclusive.

“Side tables give us a place to set our glasses, lamps bring much needed light and rugs anchor our furniture, warm up the room and can help control noise,” says Sorbe. “Working with homeowners to select the right side tables, lamps and rugs allows us to create spaces that flow, are easy to live in and easy to enjoy!”

The Elements’ designers like to use accessories that are not just for display. Clear, sleek glass containers are used in bathrooms to hold tissues, small lotions and even Q-Tips. A great bowl is a perfect catch-all for keys or loose change. An interesting basket or a storage bench can contain a pile of shoes that grows in your foyer. The designers believe that style and function are equally important to consider when choosing accessories for your home.

Accessories in your kitchen should be stylish and functional. The stone mortar and pestle is a conversation piece on your counter and functional when needed.

Some accessories are functional; some are purely sentimental.

Your accessories create the mood in your space. They can make you feel energized or relaxed, but most importantly, they should make you feel happy.

Sorbe believes that renown interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, accessorizes a space better than almost any decorator working today.  

Sorbe’s Design Team embraces Hoppen’s simple philosophy: whether they are artworks or precious objects, family heirlooms or collections, surrounding yourself with pieces that you love or that mean something to you is one of life’s great pleasures.

Changing out pillows and throws is probably one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your space.

Accessories can be large or small … subtle or bold. Regardless, they are a powerful and important element in the design of your space.

“Many homeowners don’t recognize the transformative power of accessories in a room,” says Rick Baker, a member of The Elements’ Design Team. “There comes a time when a well-lived-in space needs to be refreshed. Frequently, we give homeowners the new look they’re after by adding, replacing, editing and repurposing some of their accessories.”

Existing pieces can bring new inspiration when used in a different way or in a different room. Changing pillows and throws is an easy change that delivers a big impact.

“Changing accessories, or even the color of your accessories, is an easy and affordable option to make a dramatic change to your space,” says Baker.

The gold disk from Phillips Collection is a powerful piece; sixteen of them make a big impact. Gold, in different finishes, is carried through this large space in the accessories.

Sorbe says there’s a fine line between accessorizing and displaying, and this is especially true when showcasing collections that homeowners have accumulated over the years. And with many collections, people outgrow them, but still find them difficult to part with.

“Collections can overwhelm a space and divert your attention from other important areas of your home,” says Sorbe. “Displaying them en masse distracts and detracts from the style and function of your room.”

She recommends displaying a few of your favorite pieces or placing them in special cabinets, which are not in the main living spaces. Also, some collections take up a lot of space and clutter up a room. Sorbe believes that clean, functional, and easy-to-navigate areas encourage people to use them every day.

Glass, metal and natural accessories are mixed and displayed on warm, wood and metal shelf.

Accessories add life and energy to your home. They bring a level of sophistication and interest to a space. Done well, it will seem like the space evolved instead of being designed. They stimulate conversation and, sometimes, even speak for themselves.

To learn more about accessorizing your space and how The Elements’ Design Team can help, visit them in Storm Lake or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements profile on Houzz.com

Design Elements: Accessories

Metal – Sleek and shiny, adding metal can bring a modern, industrial or even rustic dimension to your space. Consider metal wall art or sculpture, iron drink tables or metallic finishes on frames.

Mother Nature – No one does color and texture better than Mother Nature. Try incorporating some foliage, stone, raw wood or branches into your design.

Art – Buy art that you love, not that matches your sofa. A favorite piece can become the defining accessory of your room. Remember, large art can actually expand your space.

Rugs – Rugs are the foundation on which your entire room is built. They act as a tray for your furniture, help define your space and absorb excessive noise. It’s another accessory that can add attitude, art and texture to the area.

Family photos -  They’re so important but we need to keep them under control. When the high school graduation pictures no longer resemble the people, it may be time to put them away.

Vases and containers – These pieces don’t always have to be filled. Use scale … large and small.

Lamps – Some lamps add style and weight to a room. Some disappear until they are turned on; decide whether you want the lamps to be players or be quiet. 60-watt bulbs max … no parking-lot lighting.

Trays – A tray functions as a frame for a group of or smaller accessories and showcase anything that’s on them. They can also help control clutter with the loose objects.

Books – Books are probably The Elements’ favorite accessory. From any angle, they look good. Jackets and covers add color and can seamlessly carry a color through your space. They’re also tactile; you and your guests will find it difficult not to pick up – and flip through – a great book.

Foliage and flowers – Flowers, grasses and greenery add a sense of authenticity and integrity to a room. They soften the space and can add scent that contributes to the mood of your home.

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Live Outside

“I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day’s work.”  - Frank Lloyd Wright

As warmer weather and longer days approach, many homeowners are anxious to head outdoors. Months of snow and cold create a stirring in our souls; it's time to head outside.

Outdoor living furniture has evolved far beyond “lawn chairs”. Stylish, comfortable and durable outdoor living furniture expands your living space beyond the walls of your home.

A well-designed and comfortable outdoor space is an extension of your home. It expands your living space and almost gives you a new room to entertain, enjoy family and friends or just kick your feet up with a good book and glass of wine. And with developments to technology and durability, homeowners can create true outdoor rooms, which are fully functional, comfortable and can stand up against the worst weather.

Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny, says that the durability and functionality found in outdoor living furniture, outdoor appliances and accessories expands the opportunities homeowners have to create a stylish, affordable outdoor living area.

“Outdoor spaces are a larger part of our lives than ever before,” says Sorbe. “They’re multifunctional spaces that give us the opportunity to enjoy all Mother Nature has to offer.”

Outdoor dining is a staple in the summer. Dining sets can accommodate even the largest groups comfortably and easily.

State-of-the-art materials and quality craftsmanship using aluminum, iron and teak, as well as redesigned foam, mold- and water-resistant synthetic fibers and upholstery are deployed to products that are dramatically different than the old folding lawn chairs.

“Changes in the design and technology of fabric and frames makes today’s outdoor furniture more comfortable and functional,” says Joni Anderson, a member of The Elements’ Design Team. “We work with several companies who deliver durability and longevity with comfort and style.”

Anderson says it’s not just what’s on the outside. The parts you don’t see are just as important when making your outdoor living furniture purchase.

“We love the cushions constructed with reticulated foam, which doesn’t absorb the rain … it runs right through,” says Anderson. “Sunbrella fabric is fade-proof, stain- and mildew-resistant and can even be cleaned with bleach and water.”

Several companies and hundreds of fabric options allow the Design Team to create pieces – and spaces - that are exactly what the homeowner envisions.

“We like to use color outdoors,” says Anderson. “A red or bright blue sofa could be jarring inside, but playing with the vibrant and dynamic background of nature, bright colors add energy and drama to your outdoor space.”

Homeowners have upped their outdoor dining game. Grills and paper plates have given way to fully functional kitchens.

Kathy Sorbe, owner and lead designer for The Elements in Storm Lake and Ankeny, cautions homeowners from looking at price alone.

“Sometimes people are inclined to skimp or even buy cheaper pieces because they feel if it’s going to be outside, it’s just not going to last,” says Sorbe. “But investing in quality outdoor pieces means you’ll enjoy them for years.”

Sorbe says homeowners expect a lot from their outdoor furnishings, and they are careful to choose furniture lines that are going to be comfortable and can handle all the abuse the weather can dish out. The Elements offers furniture from Summer Classics, OW Lee, Sunset West, Lexington and Tommy Bahama for Lexington.

“Quality furniture is designed to live outside,” says Sorbe. “The pieces we use … homeowners don’t ever have to rush out to bring the cushions in from the rain or drag heavy pieces into storage for winter. Our lines are designed to be in the elements – even saltwater – which is terribly hard on outdoor furniture.”

The Design Team encourages homeowners to look at the warranty, which can be a big indicator of quality.

Outdoor furniture designers are introducing more and more styles … from traditional to transitional and modern. Available in teak, metal and woven styles, pieces can seamlessly fit with a home’s design. 

Homeowners don’t have to abandon modern conveniences when they’re enjoying their outdoor spaces. Speakers, lamps and even televisions are becoming more and more common. And as outdoor kitchens become popular, homeowners are discovering they aren’t limited to just a grill. Specialty equipment like refrigerators, sinks and bars are showing up in outdoor versions.

“Every year we see more and more pieces designed for outdoor use,” says Anderson. “Coffee tables, side and drink tables, servers and even beds are making the move outside.”

Anderson says the Design Team approaches an outdoor project in the same way they would design a living or family room. There are a few fundamentals to consider, and as outdoor furniture lines expand, there are more and more accessory companies offering products designed exclusively for outdoor use.

“A living room can seem unfinished without the many functions of a coffee table,” says Anderson. “If we use a rug and coffee table indoors … why not use it on a deck or patio, too? It finishes the space!”

Sorbe doesn’t believe in the restrictions that come with some of the “rules” of interior design, but she makes a strong case for one suggestion: the coffee table.

“A coffee table anchors your outdoor room, provides a place to set your drink or a small plate and is in the perfect position to kick your feet up and enjoy a cool evening breeze,” says Sorbe. “We want the homeowner to use their outdoor room as much as possible so we think that side tables and drink tables are important components that make the space feel like a finished room.”

The Design Team finishes the space with art and accessories, just like they were accessorizing inside the house.

“We find that the more an outdoor space feels ‘finished’, the more likely homeowners will use it,” says Anderson. “Framed art that’s weather-proof adds a layer of sophistication and sculptures add drama. Lanterns with outdoor candles on timers make the space feel warm, homey and relaxed. Add a television and your family room might be empty on quite a few summer nights.”

A woven and upholstered club chair is paired with an outdoor drink table.

“There’s something about a fire that makes people want to gather,” says Sorbe. “Fire pits create instant ambiance without fussing with wood or smelly smoke and instantly create a warm, relaxed mood.”

The Elements offers fire pits in almost every shape, size and height. From bar height to a low, coffee table-size, they are the perfect place to enjoy conversations with friends and family or just sit back and relax.

Shade is also important. Within an outdoor living space, it can help create the mood and provide a cool spot to relax. Sorbe and her design team love using a pergola.

“Pergolas add architectural detail and dimension to the existing house as well as the outdoor space,” says Sorbe. “They can be covered with living greenery or accented with a colorful fabric. They help define the space while softening the heat and sun.”

The Elements features outdoor living furniture from O.W. Lee, Summer Classics, Sunset West, Lexington and Tommy Bahama for Lexington.

An outdoor space can add extra usable square footage and value. And, if it’s well-designed and furnished, may be used more than some rooms inside your home.

To learn more about designing your outdoor space and how The Elements’ Design Team can help, visit them in Storm Lake or Ankeny or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com

Accessories designed specifically for outdoor use, like candles, lanterns and pillows, are some of the finishing touches The Elements’ Design Team uses in an outdoor room.

An outdoor bed is the perfect spot to relax.

Side and coffee tables are functional pieces that complete your outdoor room.

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Absence of Color

Sounds Boring? Take another look, we love black and white! Warming it up with textures and natural greens makes it anything but ordinary. 

Shades of black and white add dimension, texture, and interest! 

The perfect conversation space....classy, sophisticated, relaxed. 

Combining shades of black and whites with natural wood tones to warm it up makes for an inviting and comfortable gathering space. 

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Exploring The Elements

“Learn to look not with your eyes but with your heart. Find the things that connect with you. How else will you know how to design your home.” 

                                                  – Kelly Hoppen

Design clients are always happy when they find The Elements and almost always discover something they connect with.

In just over a decade and a half, Kathy Sorbe has transformed an old brick warehouse on the west side of Storm Lake, Iowa, (staffed with Sorbe and three part-time employees) into one of the most successful interior design firms in the Midwest. After years of traveling to the Des Moines area, she expanded to the metro with an 8,000 square-foot design center and showroom in Ankeny’s Prairie Trail in 2016.

A visit to one of her stores provides a window into The Elements’ appeal to the design- and style-conscious.

“We want everyone to have an experience when they walk in the store,” says The Elements’ lead designer and owner Kathy Sorbe. “We have music, coffee, fresh cookies – we want to make you feel comfortable and stay a while.”

And stay they do. Wandering through either of her locations opens up a new level of possibilities. The store houses a mix of contemporary, traditional, mid-century, industrial – well, almost any style imaginable. The store boasts one of the largest collections of art in Iowa, including original pieces from local and international artists.

Prices run the gamut from affordable and budget-friendly to those that shoppers take a second look and a gulp.

“We have a reputation of being a pricey store, but that’s just not the case,” says Sorbe. “Our clients come for help, and they all have different budgets. We work hard to have pieces that speak to every client and every client’s checkbook.”

Presentation is her team’s strength and is what makes all their merchandise look expensive. Clients are thrilled when they bring this talent into their homes. The ability to mix price points seamlessly means clients are happy when it comes time to settle up.

With her Design Teams in Storm Lake and Ankeny, Sorbe boasts residential and commercial clients across the U.S.

“We look hard for pieces that do a job and have a bit of an attitude,” says Sorbe. “We have one of the most interesting, ever-changing inventories because we probably have one of the most dynamic buying teams. They’re all talented designers, but each one has a little different edge, and when we take buying trips, each one sees different things.”

White sofas. A set of silver stumps. Fur blankets. A periodic table of the elements. Bookcases with a ladder that would look at home in an English manor. A nine-foot bench made from a Tibetan tree’s root. Their tagline, “Anything but Ordinary” is hardly an understatement.

But it’s Sorbe and her team’s ability to play with scale and pair the interesting with the utilitarian that turns clients into fans. The bedding is mostly simple. Towels are luxurious but offered in three colors (more available). Strolling through The Kitchen House, shoppers encounter plain, white dishes.

Asked why the contrast between the interesting and the simple, Sorbe is quick to answer.

“Cornerstone or fundamental pieces should be timeless,” says Sorbe. “White dishes on a table work for frozen pizza, and they can also be used for an elegant dinner party. It’s how you use them.”

Sorbe also believes that simplicity doesn’t restrict you. Things you use every day, including towels and dishes, need to be able to play nice with your statement pieces.

The Elements’ spaces never look like they’re assembled in a day, but they are. Sorbe’s Design Team will transform a space in a few hours.

Few industries see such quick trends develop, and Sorbe and the Design Team are careful to work with trends and not rely on them.

Sorbe and her team look to leaders in interior design – Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Elle Design – for inspiration rather than how-tos.

“I’ve never had someone bring in an interior design magazine and say ‘I want this room,’” says Sorbe. “Most of those rooms are wild and chosen for their editorial appeal, not livability. They’re very constructed and, honestly, not a space where you can “live.” And just like Houzz.com, clients find pieces and ideas they like.”

Plus, these publications are frequently trend-driven. Sorbe and the Design Team work with trends; they don’t rely on them.

“Our spaces need to look timeless,” says Sorbe. “Always in style!”

Designer Clodagh uses metal, brick, linen, fur, raw wood, scale and light in this impressive space.

If you’re in the business of designing clients’ homes and commercial spaces, interior designers must understand how important it is to give clients what they want. If they want something that’s not ideal, you have to adapt and make it look as good as possible. A designer’s job is to educate their clients, provide options and explain the consequences.

“When clients undertake a project, they’re frequently looking for big changes and can make disconnected decisions,” says Sorbe. “This can result in uncomfortable chaos. Guiding those decisions and impatience will result in a smoother, truer finish, and it’s far easier on the budget.”

This process leaves clients with a space that looks like it evolved instead of designed in a day. The result is a design that reflects the personalities of the clients and a space that’s livable, comfortable and affordable.

The Design Team keeps those budgets in check with one trend they do embrace: repurposing.

“I love the idea of repurposing furniture and using a piece of furniture in a new and inspired way,” says Sorbe, “like an antique dining table as a writing desk in a contemporary space.”

The Elements plays with scale better than most. In new construction and remodels, the Design Team always recommends eight-foot doors in the space. The large mirror is bold, but the finish simplifies and melds into this relaxing master.

Sorbe and her Design Team embrace every challenge, but the “C” word terrifies them. That “C” word is “complete” as in complete living room group. Shopping for furniture can be daunting, and clients tend to buy what they see and are familiar with. What’s easier than buying matching sofa, loveseat and chairs, complete with side tables, coffee table and lamps?

The answer to that is The Elements’ trademark House Call service.

“We can use the furniture and accessories you have, bring in a few new pieces or completely redesign a room,” says Sorbe. “We leave the accessories, art and rugs on approval so it’s risk-free. And just like in the massive furniture showroom, clients can see the space and fall in love with it.”

And the nice thing is that the room is uniquely their own style and won’t look like their neighbors’ down the street.

To learn more about House Calls, and how The Elements’ Design Team can help create your very own space, visit them in Storm Lake or Ankeny or online at elementsbyksorbe.com. Like them on Facebook and be sure to explore The Elements’ profile on Houzz.com.

The Elements’ Reading List

While many look to Kathy Sorbe for inspiration, she has her own favorites.

Irish designer Clodagh’s philosophy is minimal, warm, spiritual and refreshing. Like Sorbe, she incorporates Mother Nature with modern finishes and uses what Kathy calls a “barrage” of textures in her spaces. Clodagh’s rooms are instantly refreshing and relaxing.

Kelly Hoppen is the designer who inspired Sorbe to embrace contemporary design. She brings warmth and comfort to a style that’s widely considered cold and hard. Sorbe frequently shares her books with clients to visualize the Design Team’s suggestions.

Kelly Hoppen is the author of many books, available at The Elements.