Master Suites – III

So far, we’ve shown you some glammed up versions of master suites, but today, we wanted to share a softer side. Bathed in yellow, this sunny room is the perfect retreat for cold winter days. Read more »

Best Bath Remodel, Award by KCH&G Magazine, “Before” and “After” Photos

“Sexy.”  That was the direction I was asked to take the design of this bath remodel (See the “BEFORE” below).  “Clean, white, bright, and some bling!” is what she asked for.  It was to have great storage and some unusual elements.  Our aim was clear.

Once again, Clay Lyon of Lyon Construction did a fantastic job with his crews at applying all of the finishes I chose.

"BEFORE" A small, dated and awkward layout of 2 closets and 2 bathrooms.

"BEFORE" A small, dated and awkward layout of 2 closets and 2 bathrooms.

I give you...Sexy.

The tiles I chose were so fun to design with.

Many people don’t understand what a designer does for a remodel or new construction.  For example, on this bath, I chose each tile’s style, color and size, where it was to go and how it is to be installed.  We chose the cabinets, size, color, finish.  We found the legs and had those installed.  The shower…what doors was it to have?  To the ceiling?  What faucets and shower heads?  Where in the shower?  What should we do on each wall?  What type of lighting should be enough and where should it go?  What type of tub, faucets, counter top, sink, their faucets?  Etc…

I love the wallpaper in the above shot.  It is glass beads on vinyl.  I had the wallpaper hanger split it in half length-wise and hang it horizontally for a unique look.  Under the cabinets, we has lighting installed as a “night light” for safer trips in the middle of the night.

Can you see the beading on the wallpaper and the subtle metallic flecks in the counter top?  Gorgeous, but not too much.

After a job well done: Myself with the contractor, Clay Lyon of Lyon Construction.

A briefing on the project by KCH&G magazine.

My Lifetime Achievement Award In Interior Design!

I cannot express how humbled I am to be awarded the lifetime achievement award from KC Magazine.  Thank you, thank you….

When people ask me what I do, it really is an easy answer;  ”I help people.  I help them to be happy!”   To get my clients to that point is a tremendous amount of work.  It is a delight to have all of those hours, weeks and months recognized by not only my clients every time we finish a space, but by such the wonderful and amazing staff at KC Magazine.

A big “Thank you!” too, to the article’s author, Kaitlin Motley.  I think you nailed it…even I couldn’t pin my style down!

EDWARD TANNER AWARDS – Lifetime Achievement In Interior Design

             Profile by Kaitlin Motley (as seen in KC Magazine, July 2011)

“If the Edward Tanner Award for Interior Design were to recognize achievement for a lifetime only as long as that of our Design Excellence Awards themselves, Jill Tran would still be an indisputable frontrunner.  A talent honored by the awards program all four years, Tran has established herself as a designer with a knack for transforming houses into homes.

Paying strict attention to her clients’ personalities, interests and sometimes hard-to-articulate desires, Tran has achieved what is perhaps the oxymoronic goal for every interior designer’s portfolio:  constant variety.  Armed with myriad influences and emotions suggested by her clients, Tran scours the world for unique pieces that bring everything together in nuanced harmony.  Often quirky painting or sculptures, the pieces add personality to a room and act as jumping-off point for conversation.

The anticipation of the activity and daily life that will take place in the finished rooms could be what inspires Tran to search far and wide for the eye-catching details that often punctuate her work.  She visualizes the way her clients and their guests will interact with a room to be sure no detail is overlooked.  Such was the case with this year’s winning design in the Children’s Room category (not pictured).  ”[A] custom upholstered bench was brought in to allow the little girl to climb into bed by herself like a big girl, without having to utilize a side stool for Mom nad Dad to trip over, ”  Tran says of the project.

If wedding multiple influences and personalities is the challenge for Tran, the other part of interior design seems to come naturally.  She has a trademark flair for layering interesting textures and fabrics and setting them off with bursts of color.  Tran adopts her clients’ visions and maintains their requests, but she leaves an inimitable signature behind.  In regard to Tran’s winning bathroom design (a collaboration with Lyon Design, LLC, above), DEA judge Kim Tucker notes:  ”I am in love with this vanity–and those silly, sexy legs.  The bathtub styling says:  Jill Tran.”

Tran has crafted her brand into design that is quintessentially both her own and her clients’, leaving a bit of legacy behind–just like this award’s namesake.”

We’re Showered With Design Awards

It was an amazing evening.

I was shocked as my new business partner, Carmen Thomas and I, kept hearing my name over and over at the Design Excellence Awards by KC Magazine.  I am flattered beyond flattered and oh, so humbled. It is such a joy to have my work, time, effort, ideas and dreams recognized.  No one knows how much work an interior designer REALLY does for their clients like the people in that room.

The people I would like to thank…Everyone at KC Magazine…Katie Van Luchene, Eryn Swanson, Erin Calvin, Dara Macan, Kim Tucker and all of the other wonderful people at KC Magazine.  Thank you, thank  you.

Of course too, I would like to thank my clients because if it wasn’t for their faith in me, none of the gorgeous rooms would have happened and I wouldn’t have been standing there without my umbrella.

Thank you all so much!

Yours,

Jill

Awards from KC Magazine:

Edward Tanner for Interior Design, Lifetime achievement award

Gold:  Interior, Speciality Room

Gold:  Interior, Bathroom

Silver:  Interior, Dining/Living Room

Bronze:  Interior, Dining/Living Room

Gold:  Interior, Best Use of Art

Bronze:  Interior, Best Use of Art

Silver:  Interior, Children’s Room

“Before, During and After” Photos, A Black And Silver Master Bedroom

WHAT, OH WHAT, HAD THE CLIENT BEEN DREAMING OF?

There is nothing more fabulous than someone who know what kind of bedroom they want…a gorgeous one!  This client loves black high contrasts in color.  Like a classic car, the colors were to be black and silver.  We needed slick design with storage bigger than a glove box and a clean, simple elegance…not too much “stuff” if you know what I mean.

So everything had to change.

"Before"

"Before"

"Before"

PART OF THE PLANNING:

Upon finding the most amazing stripe fabric in black with champagne/silver stripes, I designed this dramatic headboard for the client.  My pencil sketch is below.

***Why simply stripe a piece of furniture when you can add to the complexity, make your upholsterer a little crazy and take the room to the next level?

My illustration to communicate to the upholsterer how I wanted the stripe to appear on the custom headboard.***

THE PLAN COMES TOGETHER:

Installation days are always crazy fun.  This particular day, there were 5 of us respecting the space.  There is nothing more satisfying than working along with such professionals with all of us driven toward the exact same goal…to make the room perfect!

"During" Drapes and rods going up.

"During" Time to begin assembling and making the bed with custom designed bedding.

"During" The headboard begins to make it's way onto the wall.

"During" The guys just brought this piece in. It is magnificent! I should have taken a shot of the inside...you would melt with the velvet lined drawers. I have marked where the TV and sconces are to be hung.

"During" The chandelier goes up in front of the new silver drapes.

DRUM ROLL…..THE DREAM IS HERE:

Finally!  After a long day, you can see the fruits of all the labor.  Months of planning come down to this moment as we now get to enjoy it and stand behind the camera.  It is a beautiful thing.

What did this Client have to say?  Well, she LOVED it!  She went on and on.  Her friends went on and on.  Her family went on and on.  I could go on and on with how pleased she and her husband were with the results and that is what matters to me.  I never really “leave” a job.  I am there if anything ever comes up and to make sure they are 110% thrilled.  I hate to leave, but it is time to continue with the next design spinning in my head….

****What do YOU think of this space?  I would love to hear!  What is your dream bedroom?  Everyone’s is very different and that is what makes each one so great.

"After"

"After" A glorious fabric contrast...unexpected.

"After" The silk drapes are so luxurious with a strong hand.

"After" The hand-carved detail at the top is really something and so very special. I love the space between the upholstered fabric and the carved wood. Did they get the stripe right off of my sketch?

"After" Yes! The fabric on the very custom headboard looks just like my sketch. Striking is the word! Custom silver leaf side tables with plenty of storage.

"After" The diamond studded fabric on the shams add sparkle and catch the sun. Luxury.

"After"

"After" A dramatic finish. The piece looks so spectacular. This photo simply doesn't do it justice...or any part of this room justice!

"After" Such a fantastic finish on this piece. That is a huge way to tell the difference in quality on a piece...the finish.

"After" How wonderful to take a bath with this chandelier on the dimmer. Sparkle and shimmer to relax the day away.

"After" The drapes are the perfect length to add drama, beauty and keep clear of stray bubbles. They are lined to not let light in for a peaceful night's sleep.

"After" Bubbles over bubbles...

Make it fab!

-Jill

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for her interior design clients in Kansas City and clients around the country.

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Our Baths Feautured In KC Home Design Magazine

The always stunning Kansas City Home Design Magazine interviewed me on bath design for this month’s issue on all of the wonderful trends and exciting ideas that are so fresh and “today.”  Such spaces can be so luxurious and beautiful.  The opportunities are limited only by your imagination!  I know you already know how important the design of your home can be to your life.  Keep in mind, the bathroom and bedroom are where you start and finish your day…how do yours make you feel?  What do you see when you open your eyes first thing?

Thank you Kansas City Home Design!

Close-up on the page...

Close-up on the page...

Make it fab!

-Jill

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Photos:  Our bath designs are featured on the pages of KC Home Design Magazine

Contact Jill
Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for Kansas City Interior Design clients and clients around the country.

Wallpaper How-To’s…How To Make It Gorgeous!

While the thought of wallpaper makes some people scream, for you, I hope it will bring squeals of delight!  It is back in full force and with so many gorgeous papers out there to choose from, they are just starting to make just paint look, well, not as exciting.  Why not have the best?

After hearing what my readers think about wallpaper, most of us hear “wallpaper” and our minds automatically go back to some very dated looks.  Think TV.  You all mentioned All In The Family, Dallas, Everybody Loves Raymond, Eight is Enough, Family Ties and Growing Pains?  Sooooo yesterday with those set looks, right?!  Today papers are showing up in grand spaces on shows of all kinds.  They are now in young hip shows.  The Apprentice and America’s Next Top Model.  Ant those are just a few.  Of course, paper never left some of the grandest homes I have had the pleasure of seeing in person.  Papers make spaces so amazing.

Another fear I am finding from my readers is not putting the paper up, but taking it down.  To remove it right, the walls must be sized first.  Sizing is similar to applying paint.  It rolls on.  It holds the paper tight to the walls, yet releases it the day you want to change the wall’s surface again.

As far as resale for a home, telling the buyer the walls were properly sized before the paper was hung could make them happy.  Keep in mind though that a fashionable and up-to-date home will attract buyers sometimes more than the “neutral” and/or “safe” home’s design.  When they think back to a home, they will remember the home that was the most beautiful…not the most neutral.

See the paper I added to this little babe's room...it is white with little glass beads for a sheer, gorgeous and light sparkly look.

For thoughts on how to hang wallpaper, check out this link for Seabrook Wallpaper’s directions.  I think they are good instructions and cover most everything.  How To Hang Wallpaper

As far as choosing paper, be aware of the scale of the print.  Smaller rooms should usually have smaller prints, larger prints for larger rooms.  Unless you want a more fun and funky look….like we wanted in the hip bath we redesigned above.  Watch for flocked papers and foils in bathrooms or areas with moisture.  While a lot of papers are tough, some can take a little less cleaning such as with surface added details like the flocking or beads, ete..  Take a chance and make a fun, gorgeous choice. If you aren’t so sure at first, try a smaller space first like a bathroom.  Get a great paper hanger, too that has done this a million times.  They know all about plumb lines, prepasted -vs- non-pasted papers, tricky areas, etc. It is money well spent.

Wallpaper question?  Let me know and shoot me a comment.  Think bigger than paint…think paper!  Send me your pics…I want to see!

Make it fab!

Jill

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pics by Jill Tran Interior Design and Co. and Schumacher

Wallpapers Are Moving In, And I’m Loving It!

Dear Jill,

I want my living room to look great.  I am having trouble deciding between paint, faux finishes and even wallpaper???  For some reason the paper scares me a bit.  What do you think?

Love your blog and work.  Thank you very much,

Anne in KC

Hello, Anne!

I get asked this so often…but who doesn’t love a great paper?  If you are thinking about your grandmother’s kitchen, your aunt’s bathroom or the guest room in the house you grew up in, you are thinking way too long ago.

Today’s papers are gorgeous, crisp and exciting.  They add such beauty to a space.  Paint is just not cutting it anymore!

Faux Finishes -vs- Wallpaper -vs- Paint

Faux paint finishes?  My thoughts are this:  Just like with anything in life and design, there are good ones and there are bad ones.  Just be certain you truly have a talented person do your faux finishes that have done them a million times before.  I would rather see a solid paint than a bad faux.  It can be easier to strip wallpaper that has been correctly applied (using sizing first) than to sand down and paint over a faux (depending on the faux)!  Many faux finishes are stained or have the color mixed in so if one was to paint over those finishes, the paint would “fill” the small cracks and the look would be lost.

Paint is well, just paint.  Yet there is nothing like the richness of a beautiful paint job highlighting trims and architectural details. Paint is easy to change or, even paper over!  Texture should be a consideration for you with paint too as there are so many different textures now…even metallic paints.

A few well said thoughts from Seabrook papers:  With so many design options in the world of home decorating today, why use wallpaper? Besides the obvious beauty that wallpaper brings to a home, the practicality of its durability and cleanability is a definite bonus in adorning your walls. Wallpaper is the single most effective way to change a room’s decor. By simply applying paper to a wall, elegant design is instantly present in your home to enrich your living quarters and your everyday experience. While wallpaper has astonishing historical relevance, it is also completely en vogue for today’s home fashions. Artistic designs and contemporary color palettes will enhance your home’s interior and ultimately contribute to the value of your home.

The opportunity to add depth, complex textures, intricate patterns, and varied colors is easily achieved when you choose to use wallpaper. Modern technology has integrated sophisticated printing techniques into today’s wallpaper, providing everyone with the chance to incorporate stunning art into their homes. The colors and patterns of wallpaper can subliminally affect your emotional well-being and attitude, adding a boost of energy, serenity, or cheer to your daily living.

Much attention has been turned to our children’s’ rooms within the world of interior design. Pattern is very important in decorating for children because of the repetition within a design. This repetition, or rhythm, of a pattern promotes problem solving and gives the child a sense of stability. Many visual learning aids have been combined into the designs of Seabrook’s recent children’s lines.  Yet another reason to use wallpaper in a child’s room is the inherent durability and ease of cleaning – always welcome where kids are concerned!

Add to your individuality by choosing a wallpaper pattern that is particularly suited to you, and watch your home transform into a one-of-a-kind backdrop that is a reflection of your life!

So, Anne….I vote wallpaper!  Just find a really great one!

Next blog:  How to choose wallpaper and install it correctly.

In the meantime, make it fab!

-Jill

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Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co. and Schumacher

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More blogs by Jill on Wallpaper, click here. Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for Kansas City Interior Design clients and clients around the country.

Spring Green…Relaxing, Peaceful and Full of Life

Today, I want it to be spring.  I have had just about enough of the dull, cold and dirty weather!  Please join me for a moment…new leaves and stems bursting with fresh color, birds sharing their good news, the bright warm sun and soft green sofas (at least, that is what I think of!).

Green brings peace.  It is soft, fresh and the color of life.  It is also the color of the love chakra.  It denotes calm feelings and when needing to relax, it is the perfect color solution. Green is an easy color for the eye to see as the retina does not need to change to focus on it.  Could that be why nature is mostly greens?  It also helps to calm anxiety and ease depression. We should all eat more greens and surround ourselves with more greens!

I hope these rooms bring a smile to your face and a little warmth to your day.  I think I will bring a few luscious bouquets home today to set on my cocktail table and in my kitchen..you should, too!  Or, I’ll just redo an entire room in either a spring green or luxurious emerald.  You know, just a “little” improvement before evening coffee…  Enjoy!

Utah Luxury

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Jill Tran

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real simple

decor pad

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home design interior

Make it fab!

-Jill

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The Pantone Color of 2010

By Jill Tran & Co.

By Jill Tran & Co.

By Jill Tran & Co.

By Jill Tran & Co.

It will no doubt be everywhere this year!  I love that it is fun and bright. 

Photo from Pantone

-jill

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