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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.”

 

 

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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

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Shawnee Magazine Feature, Our Client Is Thrilled!

As an interior designer in Kansas City, it is so wonderful to have our work in print.  Thank you, Shawnee Magazine.

I have some details on the living room below…where we began and how the design became magazine ready.

If you want to read more on this home, click here

SEE THE “BEFORE” AND “AFTER” SHOTS OF THE LIVING ROOM HERE

"BEFORE"




The article in Shawnee Magazine...and the "After"


The Living Room:

These wonderful clients had a living room space with an awkward floor plan.  It was a long room with great windows and a magnificent view, but the room itself left something to be desired.  They wanted a sectional and great seating for entertaining.  Lighting was an issue in the evening.  She loved green so she and I decided to complement the outdoors and frame them with beautiful pieces with great lines.  The silhouettes in front of the windows needed to be sleeker pieces were what would make her happy.  All of the aging oak needed to be toned down a bit as well.


The Living Room:

Our design solutions?

This new area for entertaining needed some wonderful color, softness and beauty so we played up the greens, added drapes up to the crown molding and some beautiful furnishings and accents.  The original oil was commissioned and is fun, unexpected and cuts the space perfectly.  For handsome silhouettes in front of the grand windows, natural sticks, a darling lamp with a semi-opaque glass body and a “tree” table base over marble were perfect.

They are both so thrilled now with their main living space.  It was great fun to help them take a room they had no feelings for and make it wonderful for them and their family to enjoy everyday.

SEE THE “BEFORE” AND “AFTER” SHOTS OF THIS LIVING ROOM HERE


The dining room "Before"

The dining room “AFTER”:


READ MORE ON THIS HOME

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Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to DISCOVER ALL OF JILL’S LATEST BLOGS FULL OF GREAT DESIGN, TIPS AND INSPIRATION

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.

Contact Jill

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“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...





"After" and a great finish.


Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to DISCOVER ALL OF JILL’S LATEST BLOGS FULL OF GREAT DESIGN, TIPS AND INSPIRATION

**Got a question?  I’m listening….  Ask by making a comment here!

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

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.

Contact Jill

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Searching For The Perfect Fabric For Your Home, Like Finding The Perfect Dress, Part IV: Red, Black & White

We have all been there…a special event to go to and nothing to wear.  What’s a girl or guy to do?  Get help!

I want to share these dynamic fabrics with you in a small series from that began last week and will wrap up this week.
If you have been dreaming of the right fabric for an accent pillow, bedspread or window treatment, one of these may spark your inner fashion diva.  While they are not for everyone, nor every home, it is still fun to watch them walk down the runway with this quick fashion shoot…

See more inspiring fabrics at Architectural Digest…


Want to see more great fabrics?  Continue this fabric series by clicking here


Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to DISCOVER ALL OF JILL’S LATEST BLOGS FULL OF GREAT DESIGN, TIPS AND INSPIRATION

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

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.

Contact Jill

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Living Room Gold Award, Before and After

One of my favorite things to do after completing a space, is to walk around and remember what it used to be…

You can almost do that now here as well.  Isn’t it amazing the difference?

The photos here are from our gold award for the Living Room/Dining Room category for the Design Excellence Awards from the prestigious KC Magazine.  They recognize  Kansas City’s best interior designers, architects and kitchen designers with gold, silver or bronze awards in a variety of catagories for residential and commercial interior and exterior design.  It is always such an honor to have your hard work appreciated.  Thank you again, KC Mag!



"Before"


This client was ready for a complete living room transformation.  She wanted to have her sectional worked into her custom design.  Like so many, she didn’t want to get rid of her oak trim and moldings, but knew the finish looked dated.  She loved the crisp contrast between creams and blacks, but wanted a hint of color here and there.  She desired the room be warm, spacious feeling, transitional (a look between traditional and contemporary) and traditional in feel, sophisticated and friendly.


"After" my design solutions were installed by our teams.


To fulfill the client’s wishes for a space she would love, I decided some crisper lines would be an essential first step.  She loved them.  Small patterns add texture and color.  Interesting artwork in rich hues and fascinating sconces add warmth and mood for entertaining in the evenings. We exchanged the “common” lamps and accent tables with more unique and handsome pieces to give the room a memorable look.  I also chose elegant furnishings for a fuller and more complete layout.  Our design using classic lines, hues and a discerning eye have transformed her main living area into a rich, transitional room for her to enjoy every day!


"Before"



"After" my design solutions were installed by our teams.


Another view of her living space:


"Before"



"After" my design solutions were installed by our teams.

Thank you so much again KC Magazine and judges for the honors!

Make it fab!

-Jill

 

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Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

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.

Contact Jill

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Art For Friday

Anyone who knows me, knows I love art.  I don’t know what it is, but it stirs me all up.  I have painted many pieces myself and loved it so.   Because of that when I study a piece, I enjoy thinking about the artist and how they felt in the middle of creating their art.  Joy, frustration, doubt, happiness, grief, enjoyment?

These are pieces from a recent trip I took to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.  The info on the piece, follows the piece.  Let your mind go, check out their other pieces on the links and happy, joyful Friday to you!

Franz Kline:

Mark Rothko:

Neil Welliver:

Wayne Thiebaud:

Fairfield Porter:

Richard Diebenkorn:


Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

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.

Contact Jill

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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

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

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.

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More NYC Apartment “BEFORE” and “AFTER” Photos

There is nothing more fun to me than New York City.  The lights, the people, the design.  It is so exciting!

These NYC clients of ours wanted a fun and funky space.  Greens, blues and black…almost a mod look.  They needed a place other than the master bedroom for guest to sleep and wanted the space to be bright and sunny.  I give you, our New York…mod!

Click here to view the first blog in which I shared this apartment with you.  There you can see more “BEFORE” and “AFTER” photos of the kitchen, hall and landing of this cool apartment.


"BEFORE"



"DURING"



"AFTER"



"AFTER"



"AFTER"



"BEFORE"



"AFTER"


WANT TO SEE THE OTHER “BEFORE” AND “AFTERS OF THIS SAME APARTMENT?

Click here to view the first blog in which I shared this apartment with you.  There you can see the kitchen, hall and landing of this cool apartment.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Share your comments?  Reactions?  Questions?

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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.


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New York Apartment, Before And After

There is nothing more fun to me than New York City.  The lights, the people, the design.  It is so exciting!

These clients of ours wanted a fun and funky space.  Greens, blues and black…almost a mod look.  They needed a place other than the master bedroom for guest to sleep and wanted the space to be bright and sunny.  I give you, New York…mod!


"DURING"



"DURING"



"AFTER"



"BEFORE"



"AFTER"



"AFTER"



"AFTER"



"AFTER"



"AFTER"


Click here to view the second blog in which I share this apartment with you.  There you can see more “BEFORE” and “AFTER” photos of the living room and bedroom of this cool apartment.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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.


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