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

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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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“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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**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

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.

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.

New York, (before) New York (after)!

There is nothing more fun that comparing a space before we touched it to after we completed a project.  This apartment in NY was no exception!

The client loves blue, but didn’t want a soft blue.  The room was to be “strong” and unique, but gorgeous, rich and interesting to study.  The couple wanted as much seating for guests as possible in the small space.

"BEFORE"

"BEFORE"

We gave the apartment a great deal of space to sit, relax and laugh with guests.  The daybed/sofa is a wonderful solution as it also can double as a bed for guests to spend the night.  The ottoman can be used as a table, a place to rest your feet or to sit and enjoy the fire.

"AFTER"

The rich contrast of the patterned rug gives the space much visual interest and is wonderful next to the mantle’s details.

"AFTER"

Such a fantastic table below here…beautiful in the space.  So many straight white lines in the rest of the room make it’s curves magnificent.

"AFTER"

For morning coffee, or an elegant dinner for two, these mild quatrefoil chairs contrast beautifully against the velvet drapes with their high-sheen upholstery tacks.

"AFTER"

Make it fab!

Jill

Click here to view Jill’s most recent 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.

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A Fun Resolution For You And Your Home

Take a group of “BEFORE” shots of your entire home!  As your life shifts and changes, as your family grows, as you make your home more beautiful, there is nothing more fun than seeing the changes…measuring them.  Pulling out the “BEFORE” photos can do that!  See how far you have decided to come.  Another hint: take them with children or grandchildren in the shot for yet another measure of time.  Try it!

I want to share with you to see a few of my “BEFORE” and “AFTER” shots here.  It is so fun for me to see the changes, look back and appreciate all of my work and planning.  What a difference!  Enjoy!

Happy New Year!!!!!

-jill

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 (excluding sparkler 2010):  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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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.

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Our Interview on KCTV5 News

What a fun morning! I had such a great time watching Matt Stewart and Gary Amble of KCTV 5 News work their magic while waiting to be their featured guest. They are amazing! Matt was so fantastic at making me feel comfortable and was just as sweet as could be!  Such professionals. I have a whole new respect for their craft as they are fast on their feet.

I want to thank them, too, for their compliments on all of my “before” and “after” photos. One transformation that was on the show by Jill Tran Interior Design is below.

They are right – there are so many possibilities for all rooms…it completely depends on who designs them and that person’s resources.  Thank you again to KCTV 5….and that’s a wrap!

"BEFORE" How I found the room originally. The client said, "I just don't know what to do with it and hardly like a thing!"

"AFTER" She now calls the room, "absolutely perfect," and says it makes her FEEL amazing every day!