BIG Things Are Happening At Jill Tran Interior Design…

I just have to take a quick moment to share that I have missed blogging to you!

Not only have we been incredibly busy designing for many new wonderful clients, we have been at the International Furniture and Accessory Market in High Point, NC finding fantastic new things AND working on some exciting BIG, exciting changes for Jill Tran Interior Design!

I apologize for having fallen back for the past few weeks. I am looking forward to sharing all I have been doing soon!

Stay tuned!

-Jill

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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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How To Make A Great Outdoor Living Area

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

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

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

How A Design Came Together For KC Magazine, The Den

There is nothing better than wonderful, kind clients.  Those fabulous people that appreciate great design and want to surround themselves with it to make every day better for themselves.  This couple was no exception!

Once frustrated, Kerry and Mike Helmuth turned to me for wonderful design solutions.  Their home needed some TLC and a plan.  Once I discovered the direction they wanted to go with their home’s design, the challenge began.  How to combine a cowboy feel with Country French using greens and a bright color pop here and there?  More seating was a priority, too, but of course, not too much stuff.  Less is more, but sometimes, you just have to break the rules.  But when?  Now.

See the full KC Magazine issue as a pdf

Cover of KC Mag Jill Tran Interior Design's work is featured in.

Assignment
These clients liked little about this room before we began and needed to keep the wainscoting and sofa. “Just make it not so depressing.”  They enjoy horses, own a ranch and asked for a more masculine, comfortable feel.

Challenges
There were several challenges in transforming this space, not the least of them blending two different aesthetic tastes in the overall design.  Large doorways gave the clients no privacy during late evenings OR early mornings.  To establish privacy and a warm, comfortable feel, drapes from another room were “recycled and reinvented” to serve as flexible screening.   The architecture of the room is somewhat odd and creates an awkward traffic flow, proving difficult to lay out in a way for a couple with different relaxation habits.  But after installing a new design and some better lighting, it became the perfect place for reading, watching the news or enjoying a conversation.

Innovations
An oversized dog painting, a zinc horse statue, and a custom velvet lamp shade were also added to amplify the character of a room transformed from cold and odd to warm and personable.

The Den "before". Dark and cold with an odd layout. A tough space to work with!

The design I created for them is starting to come together. They are so pleased and excited! It will be gorgeous. Jill Tran Interior Design

Their den is complete! Photographed here by Bob Greenspan for KC Magazine. It is now warm, inviting, perfect for enjoying and special. Jill Tran Interior Design

The other half of the open KC Magazine. Jill Tran Interior Design

Close up of KC Magazine. Jill Tran Interior Design

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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

How A Design Came Together For KC Magazine, The Living Room

There is nothing better than wonderful, kind clients.  Those fabulous people that appreciate great design and want to surround themselves with it to make every day better for themselves.  This couple was no exception!

Once frustrated, Kerry and Mike Helmuth turned to me for wonderful design solutions.  Their home needed some TLC and a plan.  Once I discovered the direction they wanted to go with their home’s design, the challenge began.  How to combine a cowboy feel with Country French using greens and a bright color pop here and there?  More seating was a priority, too, but of course, not too much stuff.  Less is more, but sometimes, you just have to break the rules.  But when?  Now.

See the full KC Magazine issue as a pdf

Cover of KC Mag Jill Tran Interior Design's work is featured in.

A "before" shot of their living room. They wanted it to be much more beautiful and special.

Another "before" shot of the space. Kerry just wasn't pleased with it. It lacked color and interest for her.

The design I created for them starts to come together with wonderful details and exquisite fabrics. Jill Tran Interior Design.

The same room completed as shot by Bob Greenspan for KC Magazine. It is colorful, interesting, beautiful, has more seating and rich in special details and features to make it wonderful! Jill Tran Interior Design

The same page from KC Magazine. Jill Tran Interior Design

Notice the rich color pops…not too much, but just enough.  The seating is comfortable and welcoming with luxurious fabrics.  The cow art was commissioned from artist Mary Ann Johnson and is of the homeowners’ farm.

Close up of KC Magazine. Jill Tran Interior Design

Me standing in the space, it is fun to enjoy it for a moment. Jill Tran Interior Design

The original shot of the space we took with the bull I found (the plan was to move him to the back hall once the other piece came in, which we did). I love the croc skull I found, too. A little rough and tumble. Jill Tran Interior Design

Enjoyed this blog?  Follow us on facebook.

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

P. I. N. K.

It is always great fun to see our work in print.  The House and Home section of the Kansas City Star is such a wonderful publication…and this week’s topic is a personal favorite of mine…pink!

Pink.  Yeah, Baby.  Love the pink.

Not only is the color fabulous, it makes you feel fantastic.  It is calming, yet energizing.

           ***Did you know it used to be the color for baby BOYS?  ‘Twas.

See more of our thoughts below in the fabulous Kansas City Star’s House + Home section, Think Pink!, written by Stacy Downs.  

See more photos on facebook

Have you heard?  The secret is out!  Jill Tran Interior Design is now Tran+Thomas Design Studio.

Life, Crazy Life To Blame For Delaying My Posts….

….but we had ANOTHER death in the family.  That is two good men in just 4 months.  I certainly do not want to bring you down, I want to share with you what I learned:

1) If you or a loved one have been prescribed medication, take it!

2) Life really IS short, so do what you need to do to enjoy life NOW!

My wonderful Grandfather that passed. He was so dear and sweet...

My amazing and kind Father-in-Law that passed, too.... (shown here with my darling Mother-in-Law)

Surround yourself with people you love, people you admire and those that lift you up.  Celebrate together everyday and don’t delay in telling each other how you love and support each other.  Part of that joy for all of us too, is our homes.  I wish you a beautiful home full of joy…where ever you live, to receive those that mean the most to you and new friends!

Thank you for your patience with me during this difficult time.

Jill

Holiday Decor Tip #1

We all love holiday decor and like every other season, your home’s decor says everything about you.  Make it look festive, together and beautiful!  I wanted to share a few fun and easy tips the last two weeks before Christmas.

May you have a great holiday and may your home be fabulous!!!  Cheers!

Darling pinecone garland is easy to make and string.

Try a ribbon in any color. Add cranberries, popcorn or cinnamon sticks, too.

Any color ribbon, add jewels or beads, spray paint gold or silver.

xoxo

Jill

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Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

May your feast be abundant, your family and friends healthy, and your drapes in better shape than these.  Cheers!

Jill

See Our National Publicity

The lovely Susan Britton, a writer for the national site The Examiner, called last month to do an article on me and my firm.  We had such a great conversation and chatted for over 90 minutes.  She herself is a designer and writes on some of the biggest interior designers and product designers in the country.  I can’t wait to read her upcoming articles as her “to-write” list coming up is amazing…but I have been sworn to secrecy!

Thank you so much, Susan!  Keep me posted!

Read the article here

Searching For The Perfect Fabric For Your Home, Like Finding The Perfect Dress, Part VI: Pink, Purples

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 this last section of my small series.  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 Interior Design…

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