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.

A Last Fall-ra-ra-ra-ra to Autumn!

As much as I love the rich, warm and delicious colors of fall, I love the bold, striking and metallic colors of the winter season, too!  So until we say, “Hello,” to the festive colors of December, let’s enjoy one last day in my favorite season of fall.

So alas, I will reflect on some wonderful spaces from my pocket of work in shades of pumpkins, golds, reds and chocolates just once more for 2009…

The “BEFORE” and “AFTERS” below:  The goals for this first room were to create a warm and “spicy” room that was soft and inviting while still masculine and “interesting.”  My interpretation and solutions?

"DURING" In the middle of the process...we already had the stains, tiles...everything! chosen and ready to go! The client was so excited to get everything done...

"AFTER"

A tall piece of original artwork from Jean Yancey (the second piece to the series is just around the corner from the first) is a wonderful welcome into the room.  The rustic lamps, hand-thrown pottery and rich woods give the space a great look and livability.  Where do the children do their homework?  By gathering around “the-coffee-table-of-many-drawers” that houses everything they might need, of course!  The ultra plush sofa, copper table and cowhide rug give a warmth and comfort like a fresh baked pumpkin pie.

"BEFORE" On the opposite side of the room you just saw, lives the area where all pies and goodies are to be baked. You can tell by the fan, it was very hot during this point in the home's construction.

"AFTER"

Can’t you just smell the fresh cinnamon bread, stews and desserts?  The stone for the top of the counter was hand-selected to accent the warm wall color and stains on the floor and cabinets I chose. Unusual light fixtures over the bar add interest and are even more amazing in person.  The small hand carved stool in the corner? … for the children to sit on while doing homework, watching television or can serve as extra seating when guests arrive.  Bon Appetite!

"DURING" The stone hearth was beautiful, but lost amongst mundane furnishings. How to lose the ho-hum look?

"AFTER"

…by bringing the space to life with decedent fall colors, a new mantle and furniture layout.  The stone is now on stage (as it should be) adding interest and an earthiness to the space.  Just a casual, warm and welcoming invite is what this room reads.  Would you care to sit down and have a cup of coffee?  Do you take cream?  Happy fall to you!

Got a comment? Reaction? Question?  Tell me what’s on your mind!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Contact Jill

Elle Decor in Kansas City

What can we say?  We are fabulous, aren’t we?

I do love Kansas City and think this is a most flattering article published by Elle Decor.  I enjoyed our local Patricia Shackelford’s incredible ability to capture our cities graces and she did so by highlighting the best and brightest, yet not the most obvious.  Well done Patricia (she also has a great blog you just MUST see), well done!

I just had to add this to the blog one more time, but this time with regards from Margaret Russell, Elle’s Editor in Chief. Enjoy…again!

Highlights From International Furniture Market, Artwork and Lighting

I cannot believe another High Point Furniture and Accessory Market has come and gone.

This enormous, biannual international market is brimming with the latest and greatest from designers and companies around the world.  It is what a runway show is for fashion, only it is for home fashion…and we do all the walking.

The latest furnishings, casegoods, fabrics, accessories, lighting, artwork, rugs, details and ideas, etc. are there on display to sell to the trade.  It is eye candy like you have never seen and takes up building after building from their ground to top floors, for blocks and blocks.

I just adore going.

Here are a few things I thought you might enjoy seeing.  While this is a tiny, tiny amount, it is fun to see what will slowly trickle down to the shelter magazines such as Traditional Home, Elle Decor and Architectural Digest, in the next year or so.  I just snap quick shots with my little camera each time so you can imagine how amazing they are in person…

Enjoy!

Kansas City To The World

LOVED Elle Decor’s article on Kansas City.  My clients, friends and I fully agree it is the fabulous and creative heart of our nation.  What a pleasure to have such a gorgeous publication highlight it’s fine beauty, talent and history.  It was a wonderfully written piece we can proudly add to our city’s résumé…thanks to our local Patricia Shackelford who did such an excellent job of sharing KC with the world.

Many thanks from the City of Fountains, Elle!