3 Gifts for the Kansas City Mom in Your Life

This year, get your mom a gift that's as beautiful and unique as she is. Original artwork is the perfect way to say "thank you" this Mother's Day. Don't wait until the last minute and show up with the same old gift as you had in years past; start a new tradition and give the moms in your life an original piece of art. Check out our three gift ideas for the Kansas City moms in your life! 

Fine Art Clutch

A purse says a lot about its carrier; get your mom a purse that's as gorgeous as she is! These lovely handbags begin as a canvas painted by local artist, Julie Hansen. Each one is fashioned into a clutch and features a wooden handle and finished metallic corners. Uniquely designed, these clutches are one-of-a-kind—just like the moms in your life! The clutches come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you'll be able to find one that complements her perfectly. 

Hand Blown Art Glass

There's an old saying that form follows function and that couldn't be truer for these stunning art glass pieces. From decorative bowls to flower vases, our AlBo glass line features gifts that are pretty—with a purpose. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from, you'll definitely be able to find a piece any mom can love. 

Abstracts with a Story

For a gift that will tug at your mom's heartstrings, choose a darling abstract from Kansas City artist, Tara Kesner. All of Tara's work is inspired by her three young daughter's—the back stories truly add a charming dimension to your gift. With a wide range of sizes and price points, Tara's pieces offer the perfect universal Mother's Day gift. 

Original art is a gift that lasts for years to come. If you'd rather gift your mom the opportunity to pick out her own art, Prairiebrooke also offers gift cards in any price denomination. Stop by Prairiebrooke Gallery in Downtown Overland Park and pick out the perfect piece for your mom this Mother's Day. We know she'll love it!  

Spring Ahead...With Your Interior Design

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes a whole spread of design opportunities. So tuck away the dark throw pillows and dust off your favorite vase; your home doesn’t have to get stuck in seasons past. Incorporate these design elements into your space to “spring ahead” with your interior design.

Flowers

Nothing says spring quite like a hand-cut bouquet of flowers. New blooms remind us that even the darkest winters are followed by renewed life. Not only do flowers offer a beautiful landing spot for our eyes, they also share their fragrant aroma with all passers-by. You don’t have to completely redo your space in order to showcase these natural jewels. Subtle floral patterns can be included in throw pillows, art, and accent fabrics. Use varying types of flowers to complement the existing style of your room. Alexa Collins from Decorated Life suggests something elegant like peonies for formal living rooms and playful varieties like daffodils or sunflowers for kitchens. Head to your local market for fresh flowers you can change every week!

Fruit

Springtime yields loads of new produce, you may as well put it on display! Choose citrus fruits with hearty peels to ensure that your décor doesn’t spoil the room–literally. Lemons, limes, and oranges can be displayed in centerpieces, containers, and wreaths throughout your home. Simple vessels made of clear glass or natural wood give the fruit a modest background on which to shine. Bright still-life paintings can be swapped in for some of your heavier pieces to give your room a renewed feeling. Looking for more fruit inspired décor ideas? Check out Home Edit’s article “How To Decorate Your Home With Fruits And Vegetables.”

Fresh

Whether it’s switching your duvet or rotating your art or lightening-up on your window hangings, the theme for spring is fresh. Get creative while doing your spring cleaning and switch the furniture around in your home. Nightstands can make simple end tables in your family room and bookshelves can be used as unique storage in your bathroom. Declutter your counters and sort through your attic or crawl space to see what hidden gems you may find. Styles are constantly cycling, so don’t be surprised if you find a piece you can use in a new way!

Looking for art that welcomes spring into your home? Come to Prairiebrooke. For more than twenty years, Prairiebrooke Arts has been the art resource for Kansas City. Contact us today for your complimentary in-home consultation!

Top 5 Design Trends for 2018

We’re a month into the new year, but it’s not too late for to join in on some of the top design trends for 2018. From colors to finishes to textures, you’ll be sure to find the perfect element to incorporate into your space.

Natural Elements

Society is becoming more eco-conscious, and design is beginning to reflect that as well. If you’re going au-natural, look for products made of sustainable or reclaimed materials like this line of furniture from Eco Friendly Digs. You’ll also want to opt for nature-inspired color schemes and décor. Shades of green, woven textures, and wildlife photography are the perfect way to integrate nature into your interior design.  Interested in adding a touch of the great outdoors in your home? Choose one of these gorgeous, custom-made Ken West landscapes.

Mixed Metalics

en years ago, it was super crucial to match the finishes in your home with one another. In 2018, that expectation is no more! Metallics are showing up not just on hardware or fixtures, but also in design elements like artwork or wall coverings. Look for rose gold, metallic matte black, and satin brass as you move further into 2018 – they’re some of the top trending metallics for the year. Not sure how to mix your metals? Check out this article from realtor.com, “Go for the Gold: 7 Ways to Make Your Home Shine With Metallic Décor,”then stop by Prairiebrooke Arts and pick up this piece from Liz Jardine. It’ll add the perfect amount of metallic to your room, and it looks fabulous with any metal-finish frame.

Bold Palettes

Say goodbye to monochromatic schemes and say hello to bold palettes in 2018. Bright reds, deep blues, and warm oranges bring life and energy into your space – and now you can use them all together. Sam Henderson from HGTV.com predicts a shift into saturated and jewel-tone colors like those found in this Wilfred Lang abstract. It makes the perfect statement piece in any room!

Rounded Elements

While straight edges are still a must in design, 2018’s trends include soft, organic features. Choose sofas with curved cushions or orb-ish light fixtures to seamlessly add this design element to your home. Consider adding circular throw pillows like these from Urban Outfitters, or with a mesmerizing kinetic art fixture by Ryan Kvande.

Ultra Violet

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet – a color in a league of its own. This trend is probably the most difficult to incorporate into an existing design, but if you’re starting with a blank canvas, go for it! Pantone has a whole section of their website filled with tips and products for designing with Ultra Violet. If you’re in search of the perfect Ultra Violet focal piece, look no further than Bob Ichter’s back-painted acrylics. They’ve got Ultra Violet paired with every color under the sun. Find your perfect match today!

When in doubt, look to your art to keep your interior design on trend. For more than twenty years, Prairiebrooke Arts has been the art resource for Kansas City. Contact us today for your complimentary in-home consultation!