Grass, mud, puddles.
We have all seen it, then been amazed as it became flowers, a fireplace….beautiful!
Outdoor areas today are much more than they used to be and can include just as many luxuries as the finest indoor kitchens. Below is a space designed by myself and Clay Lyon of Lyon Construction. It turned out beautifully and won us an award from KC Magazine.
To start:
- Think about how you live, cook and spend time outside. Who is there? How often? What says luxury to you?
- Write down the features you want, then research them. Like below, there is a Big Green Egg Grill, a pizza oven, fireplace, sitting areas, a swing, etc.
"During" the process. This area used to be all mud and grass. At this point, the entire outdoor living area has been through the idea phase, planned, approved and is in the middle of the installation process.
- Layout the space. Professionals are great at this as they know all the right questions to ask. We came up with the plan below which was perfect with how it connected to the house and how the yard worked. Don’t forget the details that take it from average and expected to something more memorable.
"After" It is complete!
- Make it happen. Get pros, do it yourself, do both, but do it right. Be sure to ask lots of questions if you don’t know how to make an area work properly, efficiently or safe (think about the heat, etc.).
- Add the finishing touches…down to your choices for silverware, plates and flowers. I loved this table and thought it was perfect for the family and their needs. Don’t forget the invites, the pizza and the marshmallows…you have yourself an outdoor party!
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The Big Green Egg! Fantastic for the outdoor chef!
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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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Tags: "Before" and "After" Photos, Clay Lyon, Deck design, Ideas, JILL TRAN INTERIOR DESIGN, Lyon Construction, outdoor fireplace, outdoor living area, Outdoor living room, patio design, Pizza Oven, Stamped patio
Ideas, KC Mag, Outdoor Patios, Uncategorized | admin | 
March 22, 2011 9:41 pm | 
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Andrea Darr of
Kansas City Home & Garden magazine chose my work and the construction work of Clay Lyon of
Lyon Construction to feature in her beautiful magazine announcing the NARI Homes Tour. So great to see my designs on their pages once again. The home really did turn out famously. The homeowners were absolutely spectacular (see the pic) from start to finish and couldn’t be happier. It was exactly what they wanted! They communicated their wishes to Clay and I and then let us perform the magic we do best.
The article in
KCH&G, titled “Family Ties” (April 09′) shows the ‘after’ shots, but I am going to give you the insiders look at the ‘before’ shots below!
We blew out the back wall in the kitchen and added the room with the arched door out on to the new deck. Downstairs, we blew out the back wall to add the indoor pool. Clay and I had such fun designing the fireplace, pizza oven and placing the Green Egg.
Thank you Andrea, Brooke Pearl and Keith Sauro!
"BEFORE" Eating Area, Hearth Room, Family Room
"AFTER" Eating Area, Hearth Room, Family Room
"BEFORE" Hearth Room fireplace
"AFTER" Hearth Room fireplace
"BEFORE" Looking through the window at the new family room
"AFTER" The windows have been removed and the new family room is complete. The chair at left is for their daughter to snuggle and read. Notice the client's beautiful new desk...and her views!
"BEFORE"
"AFTER" For the outdoor gourmet! Notice the all-season fireplace and pizza oven on the far right.
"AFTER" Such a fantastic, relaxing and energizing room for the whole family.
Myself, our wonderful clients and Clay Lyon of Lyon Construction.
Tags: Andrea Darr, Best interior designer midwest, Brooke Pearl, JILL TRAN INTERIOR DESIGN, Kansas City Home and Garden, KCHandG, Keith Sauro, Lyon Construction, NARI, renovate, renovation
"Before" and "After" Photos, Client Appreciation, Family Rooms, Indoor Pools, Kansas City Home and Garden Magazine, Kitchens, Living Rooms, Lyon Construction, Magazine Articles, NARI Homes Tour, Offices, Outdoor Patios, Remodeling | jilltran | April 2, 2009 4:40 am | Comments (0)
Sometimes, a designer needs to let their office attire be a swim suit and no shoes. This week is, “casual Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday” close to home in Fort Meyers and Sanibel Island, Florida.
I think it is important once in a while to take a moment to step back and examine my life and my life’s work. How lucky I am to have my wonderful friends, family and a rewarding job making others happy. However, in order to get a few moments to myself with two little ones at home, I need a beach or wait until they are sleeping to enjoy my favorite room in my home. I hope you have your healthy and beautiful escapes, too, be it a favorite beach to the next room over.
I wanted to show you the cute and fun art we found. Does it make you smile? The colors are superb. The power of color is just amazing. How it changes my mood just to look at these snapshots. Are you feeling better, too? I am in love with Leoma Lovegrove’s Gallery.
Aren’t these fantastic shoes I found? They make mermaids wish they had feet.
Design tip from my travels: when visiting the beach, I bring home a little sand or a few shells (even check the bottom of your beach bag). I layer them in a beautiful vase after returning from each holiday. The layers remind me of my fun in the sun, love of life and the new perspective I gained on each journey. This sunset is for you!
Art Galleries, Beaches, Choosing Color, Color, Designer Tips, Escapes, Florida, Inspiration, Outdoor Patios, Travel | jilltran | March 12, 2009 3:29 am | Comments (0)
