Caught On Site!

Fun to open a great site and find myself featured on the home page.  Do check out KC Magazine…they make Kansas City cool.

Thanks, KC Mag!

-jill

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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2010 Color Forecast! Rich, Happy and Peaceful

With the excitement of a new year and all of the expectations that come with it, there is the wonderful anticipation for growth and change…fun change!  The most important space in our lives is our home and it should make us feel amazing.  For a little inspiration for changing how your home feels, here are the 2010 color predictions that will no doubt be hot this year.  I will confirm these for you when I go to the furniture and accessories market in April, but Sherwin Williams is usually right on target.

I hope you find these as uplifting as I know the color experts are hoping you do.  (I am looking forward to emerald being a top pick, but alas, will have to wait until 2011 or 2012).  I find color fascinating and the way they choose these colors constantly, even more interesting.  Did you know one of the reasons chartreuse was such a strong color influence in the home and product design, for so many years, was in strong part due to the popularity of the Shrek movies?  Pop culture, events and the health of our planet are just a few of the facts studied to predict the next hot colors.

Look for them this year….  Have a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve and New Year!!!  Cheers!

-jill

For this dining room, I chose Butter Up as shown in the color group above. Such a fantstic color! Great too, to take it from a small color chip here and see it in a full room!

Make it fab!

Jill

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Festive Red…Love For The Holidays!

There is nothing I love more than the rich, warm and festive color of red in a home.  While hard to design and work with, done right, it really can make a room so fun and fabulous.  I hope these rooms inspire you, too.  Why wait for the holidays to decorate famously?  Have a very, very happy holiday and enjoy!

May you be surrounded by love this holiday…

May it be beautiful and full of precious details, family and friends…

May your holiday be wonderful and memorable.  From the bottom of my heart, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

-jill

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Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Blue…

In honor of the beauty of the holidays, I wanted to share the colors of blue (ok, I know the turquoise room is pushing it a bit, but I love that room so much, I am hoping you will let me sneak it in!)

I wish you and yours a very special holiday and Happy Hanukkah!!!

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Ahhhhhhh, no beautiful blue! (I just had to tuck in a "BEFORE" as they are so fun!) This is for the room shown below.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Jill Tran & Co.

Happy Hanukkah!

-jill

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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Dreamy Sofas I Really Love

These are a few of my favorite sofas.  What else can I say?  Look at them!  They each have wonderful curves and lines that would be perfect in the right space.  Their proportions are so handsome and their style is striking. I have seen all of these in person, of course, in their showrooms at the High Point Furniture and Accessory Market in High Point, North Carolina and wanted to share them with you.

It is always such a pleasure, too, to meet the designers of these great lines.  We always enjoy discussing our mutual passions:  great design.  With so many beautiful options in furnishings created by such talented people, it seems a shame to ever settle for less.   Wouldn’t you just love to melt into one of these sofas in your home or look at their beauty while share cocktails with friends?  I would love a Cosmo right now on one of these in an amazing fabric (that  looks great with what I am wearing, right, ha!) Enjoy!

Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair

Myself and Suzanne Kessler in High Point, North Carolina.

That is mirror on the side!

Hickory Chair

Such beautiful lines and profile

Same sofa, side view

Maitland Smith

Mariette Himes Gomez for Hickory Chair

The enchanting and smart interior and furntiture designer Mariette Himes Gomez and myself in Hickory Chair in High Point, NC.

Hickory Chair

Make it fab!

-Jill

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Before You Move Art Into Your Home, It Should Move You

People ask me all the time about how to select art for their home.  I have one answer, it must “move” you!

I am not a big believer that art must “match” a room.  One thing I love in a great interior design, is when art stands on it’s own.  It makes a statement.  It tells us something about the owner.  We, as humans, are all multi-dimensional and our art and rooms should reflect who we are.

The photos below are a small series of me looking at a piece I fell in love with at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.  It is privately owned piece by the Kemper family created by Joan Mitchell, is an oil on canvas and untitled…so I guess I won’t be bringing it home (I am wiping a tear…).  I think it is spectacular.  To someone else, it may be the opposite.  Yet, it was teaching me something about myself and what I naturally am drawn to, so the next piece I purchase may be a little different. That is what makes art so great.  Art influences us and makes us feel something.   Doubtful there will ever be one piece everyone will like…and I love that.

The basic bottom lines for choosing art is to purchase only what you love.  If it “haunts” you after you have seen it, then it should be yours (unless the Kemper’s already own it, ha!)  Don’t just purchase to fill a space, fill your soul.

There are many other things to consider when purchasing art of which I will touch on soon.  Stay tune and keep your eyes open for your next great piece.

People Are As Unique As Their Domains

One of the things I love most about my job is the people I get to meet, help and build wonderful relationships with.  They are people from all over the Kansas City area and across the nation.  The part I love about each person?  What makes them different from each other, special and fabulous.

Each one is passionate about a different interior style (though they may not even be sure what that style is at first), has different collections from different experiences, unique art, architecture, etc..  Couple those items with the qualities and dimensions of each person, and each design needs to be unique and tailored.  I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life and have the opportunity to express them in so many special ways.

I have a group of living rooms here I think are just yummy…and all very different.  If you could choose one (just one!) that would express you and be the place you wish to live every day in, which would you pick?  Do share!

Pamela Smith

Clean and simple with a complexity that is earthy and real.  The oversized arrangement on the table completely changes the lines of the space (and clearly is just that size for the photograph, as it would need to be rearranged for living) and cuts the hard lines.  This space welcomes you with soft grace and reflects a complex, centered person, with a smooth, cool, exterior.

Craig Wright

This homeowner loves sparkle. Probably within themselves and the friends they choose.  They have an amazing eye for detail and notice thoughtful details others share with them.  They covet small, special things, the history and richness of antiques and probably don’t have small children. 

Jill Tran and Co.

This room reflects a civilized and fascinating couple that love the richness of velvets, the curves of good design and the warmth that color and wood can bring.  Refined pieces gathered to converse with the undertones of a mountain home, add a distinct charm the homeowners must certainly share.

Sam Trimble

Simplicity is a mind-clearer.  This homeowner is no doubt busy and knows that relaxing their mind requires soothing their view.  With just enough color to heighten the senses and excite the space, it is a balance of comfort and interest to allow the people in the room to be the art.

Axel Vervoordt

The outdoors is no doubt important to these homeowners, yet they love a refined life.  A well-traveled past is emphasized here with the variety of styles displayed, which bring an interesting complexity to the space (as they must also have in themselves).  The art is spectacular in the space with it’s striking size and is what makes this room shine.

Roy W. Materanek

This space has energy.  No doubt, the homeowner does as well.  The color is warm (I say color and not colors there is one that dominates and creates the strong mood) and there is movement in all forms.  The art over the mantle looks in motion and even spicy like fire.  While I am not fond of the cool and delicate orchids under the sconces, this space would be lovely to sit and drink wine with friends.

Wallace E. Cunningham

Cool, crisp and light.  These homeowners have captured the essence of their surrounding land and created an oasis within it.  A controlled outdoor area  with all the comforts one could dream of.  The luxurious velvet on the tailored sofas give a warmth to the cool color.  I am in love with the repetitionof the ceiling in the highlighted area in which the fire is housed.  Architecture at it’s best…and design at it’s best.  Applause for the fabric on the chairs in the foreground to pull that look to this side of the room.  These owners give off an intelligent design, the feeling of being very well put together themselves, sharp and organized.

Mariette Himes Gomez

The people that live in this space have an appreciation and love for simple elegance.  Clean lines and colors with warm materials give a depth and brightness to this space.  Moving art in repetitive tones are like charms on a pearl necklace…classic yet beautiful and make you look twice.  My guess is the people that love this space and call it their own, have traveled to Europe, admire strength, make solid decisions and are open to ideas.

-jill

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Eye Candy

I love the details of a room.  They make it or break it.  Thought this photo from Brimar was adorable and wanted to share the details they offer.  I also love thinking outside the (pastry) box.  Nibble, nibble…and enjoy!

These happy and bright colors make me smile!

Such colors remind me of cheerful rooms we’ve had fun doing…

-jill

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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A Beautiful Home With Children and Pets? Yes!

Being adorable is their only defense! Our battle plan? Smart design.

Having kiddos…with two legs and/or four, just adds to your desire to live in a beautiful home.  A gorgeous home is the perfect backdrop to enjoy, love on and take photos of them all.  But to enjoy your home with them living there too, you have to be able to relax.  How can that happen?  A martini?  Why yes!  But also with a solid interior design plan.

Flooring:

• Bare floors such as wood and tile don’t hold onto pet hair, odors and accidents which make them excellent to clean.  They are forgiving to messes and allow for easy cleanup.  If you live in a warmer region, they also allow your pets to stay cool. However stone, cement and tile grout are very porous and must be sealed properly with a quality sealer…and not just upon installation.  If an area gets a lot of traffic, it should be sealed regularly.  I also recommend using dark grouts.
• With older pets, such wood, tile or stone floors create a slippery surface.  You may need rugs (be sure all rugs have thick, quality pads under them to prevent “doggie dancing” and/or “kitty surfing” and sliding around).
• Do watch the rugs with the rubber backing attached (such as bath mats) as cats think it is an invitation to do their business.
• Carpet, even with it’s downsides, is great as it helps with traction for older pets and general joint and body comfort (for humans, too!)  Plan on having it cleaned regularly.
• Solution dyed carpets allow clean up with a light bleach solution.  They are not as luxurious or environmentally friendly, but clean differently.
• Carpet tiles?  Get a bad stain or mess, replace them!
• Choose wool!  While warm and environmentally friendly, it actually releases stains better that synthetic fibers.
• My wool rug suppliers have always raved to simply take your wool rug outside and hose it! Really!  Washing instructions

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Window Treatments/Furniture Fabrics:

• If your little ones have messy feet or muzzles, maybe no drapes in those areas would make your life easier.  This may be particularly true in the kitchen.  Some drapery styles let the fabric “pool” on the floor which can be fun place to sleep, hide or store toys!
• Fabrics that “match” your pet can forgive hair visually.  But if you are like me, my cat is light and my dog is dark!  What to do?  Pattern.
• Tight weaves create a smoother surface on fabrics and are slick so fur has trouble sticking.  Exterior or even commercial grade fabrics are so well made now, they could even be the right choice for a highly used area.  Sunbrella
• Leather and faux leathers also do not hold hair and can forgive food better than some fabrics (grease or certain colors can leave stains as the surface is porous).  Keep in mind also that claws, toys, belts and shoes can scratch them.  Some of the “bomber jacket” leathers today already have a great worn look and can easily camouflage new wear while adding to the character of the piece.  If your dog likes to chew raw hides, make sure leather is off his list!
• Chenilles, velvets or any fabric with a pile will hold hair like a magnet so steer clear.
• Keep these fabic tips in mind when selecting bedding or…
• Get your pets their own bed in a beautiful fabric that compliments your decor.  Be sure it’s core offers support with a firm interior polyurethane cushion (one of the features that makes sofas so attractive) so the warmth, support and comfort is there.  Our pets are just like us and also want to sleep on a cloud!

A small, beautiful chair just for her so she feels special and comfortable.

Try First:

While visiting a childhood friend a few years before having children myself, I noticed she had a small table with delicate wine glasses displayed at child level!  I was amazed as she had three boys.  I asked her how they have remained unbroken all of these years.  My friend said,  “The kids just know not to touch them.”  Is that not the most fantastic answer?

• From her example, I learned a few little rules can make a big difference.  My children may have water and dry Cheerios outside of the kitchen and that is all.  It is simple and easy to follow.  However, my dog Andre, completely ignores this rule…and anyone speaking to him.
• Provide good chew toys for your pups but…
• Don’t confuse your pets either.  I’ve had clients frustrated when their dog chewed the fringe on the end of their wool and silk rug, yet they had a string-knotted bone as their dog’s chew toy.  Another client’s dog went to town on a lovely little pillow, when his chew toy was a stuffed bunny in a similar fabric.  Consider your pets point of view!

Extras To Keep Fabrics Cleaner:

• Don’t forget regular brushing and grooming for the animals.
• Provide wipes or an easy-to-reach towel between the eating area and the doors of the kitchen to create a good habit of wiping hands when eating is done before running back to play.
• You can have fabrics treated additionally for extra stain resistance, but know that most of the fabrics made today have already been treated as such to some degree.

One more great trick: if you want to teach your pets to stay off certain furnishings, take a plastic chair roller mat (found in office supply stores), cut it to fit and place it upside down on your furnishings.  The underside is uncomfortable enough to discourage pets from getting onto designated surfaces, but not damaging to sweet little paws.

Good luck and if you have any additional tips to save sanity for Mom’s and Dad’s, please leave your comments!

-jill  (Mom of 2 two-legged kids and 2 four-legged kids)

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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Decor For Kids, A Fun Christmas Advent Idea That Starts Today!

Helloooooo December! This is such a wonderful time of year for looking back at my wonderful Christmas memories as a child…counting presents under the tree with my brother, making press cookies with my mother in her gold and avocado floral apron and getting that special holiday tree ornament every year from my grandparents.

Another favorite memory of mine, falling asleep every night with my own tiny Christmas tree next to my bed.  How I loved decorating it so very, very much.  It was one of my favorite things about Christmas and now, I want my children to have that same loving and sweet nightlight send them off to dreams of Sugarplum Fairies…

These vintage and newer ornaments from my childhood mean three days less (and counting) until Christmas!

I have put a spin on that old family tradition that now starts on December 1st…I share each child’s excitement and countdown to Santa with their own advent trees!

• December 1:  It is an exciting moment to clear a space for and place their own tiny tree!
• December 2: The lights make it magical
• December 3: Every night with jammies on and teeth brushed, they select and add an ornament…one for each day
• Flash forward to December 24th:  The star or angel tops an that day of fun as they settle down (or try to) for their long Winter’s nap.

I hope you can have such a fun tradition for your children.  Teaching children the proper way to decorate to bring joy to their everyday lives starts with you!

Do share with me what your children think and how they enjoy making their rooms special…

Happy December 1!

-jill

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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