Tran+Thomas Interior Design » JILL TRAN INTERIOR DESIGN http://jilltran.com/blog Interior Design Firm Shawnee Kansas Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:30:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 My Lifetime Achievement Award In Interior Design! http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/07/a-thank-you-to-kc-mag-as-big-as-life/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/07/a-thank-you-to-kc-mag-as-big-as-life/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:29:33 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=2247 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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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/07/a-thank-you-to-kc-mag-as-big-as-life/feed/ 0 How To Make A Great Outdoor Living Area http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/03/how-to-make-a-great-outdoor-living-area/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/03/how-to-make-a-great-outdoor-living-area/#comments Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:41:17 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=2024 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!


  • 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.

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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/03/how-to-make-a-great-outdoor-living-area/feed/ 0 How Jill Judges The 2011 KC Home & Garden ‘Home Of The Year’ Awards http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/03/judging-the-2011-kc-home-garden-home-of-the-year-awards-which-would-you-pick/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/03/judging-the-2011-kc-home-garden-home-of-the-year-awards-which-would-you-pick/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:24:30 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=2001 This year’s day to judge some of Kansas City’s newest homes was, sunny and full of beautiful homes.  It was again time to judge the Kansas City Home and Garden magazine’s 2011 Home of the Year awards.

It is such an honor to again be selected  as one of the judges the work of some of Kansas City’s greatest architects, builders, designers.  I know from my gold in 2008 the work that goes into each submission. The homeowner’s get just as excited.  It is a day to see who was able to do the most with what they had to work with, and how far the bar will be raised, again.
Each year, we are sent in small teams to a variety of homes all over the city in different categories.  The entries are submitted by the homeowners, architects, builders and designers and must be brand-spanking new.
I take the job very seriously.  This year, the 5 properties I judged were from all over the city and all different styles, shapes and sizes!  It is like comparing apples to bananas to oranges.  How do I choose?  Very carefully and thoughtfully…
My team and I had great discussions about which home should win!  My personal criteria?
  1. • I look for unusual and unexpected design solutions that work beautifully
  2. • Note smooth layouts
  3. • Search for special details (especially those that work for the land or homeowner specifically)
  4. • Examine quality of materials and craftsmanship
  5. • Reward green design
  6. • Want thinking outside of the box (instead of a “me too” design) that ultimately adds value to the property and/or the lives of those that will live there
  7. • Notice location
  8. • Judge the overall feel and look of the space. Not only must the home’s design work, it must be outstanding.
I ask myself:
  1. • Did the architect waste space or leave any small, funny areas the homeowners won’t know what to do with?
  2. • Were the niches, built-ins and/or lighting intended to be centered but didn’t quite make it?
  3. • Is the interior cabinet hardware going to last or did the builder cut a corner where no one would look?
  4. • What about window placement?  Vent placement?
  5. • Does the entry have a “WOW” feel?
  6. • Does the exterior complement the land and interior?
  7. • How would someone live in the space and make it their own?
  8. • Were the designers innovative while respecting the style of the structure?
  9. • Were their solutions unique, without going into Oddville?
  10. • Is the selling price appropriate?
The categories are perfectly arranged (I don’t know how Andrea Darr and Brooke Pearl organize this every year) so the judges can make sharp choices as we drive to each structure, critiquing and taking detailed notes as we go.
What does the competition do for you?  It encourage the designers and builders in KC to constantly question their work, push themselves, explore and stay current with trends, materials and procedures.  It matters.
See the KCH&G issue now and  judge for yourself!

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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

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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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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2011/03/judging-the-2011-kc-home-garden-home-of-the-year-awards-which-would-you-pick/feed/ 0 Fun Trends…Color! Part V of V http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-v-of-v/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-v-of-v/#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:53:50 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1702 I love color.  What can I say?  It captures a mood and changes how you feel.  How do these spaces make you feel?  Check out these spaces from the most recent International Furniture and Accessory Market.

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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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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-v-of-v/feed/ 0 Fun Trends…Color! Part IV of V http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-iv-of-v/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-iv-of-v/#comments Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:28:12 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1700 I love color.  What can I say?  It captures a mood and changes how you feel.  How do these spaces make you feel?  Check out these spaces from the most recent International Furniture and Accessory Market.

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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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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-iv-of-v/feed/ 0 Fun Trends…Color! Part III of V http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-iii-of-v/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-iii-of-v/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:02:14 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1699 I love color.  What can I say?  It captures a mood and changes how you feel.  How do these spaces make you feel?  Check out these spaces from the most recent International Furniture and Accessory Market.

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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.

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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-iii-of-v/feed/ 0 Fun Trends…Color! Part II of V http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-ii-of-v/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-ii-of-v/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:45:21 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1698 I love color.  What can I say?  It captures a mood and changes how you feel.  How do these spaces make you feel?  Check out these spaces from the most recent International Furniture and Accessory Market.

“Like” us on facebook

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

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.

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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-ii-of-v/feed/ 0 Fun Trends…Color! Part I of V http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-i-of-v/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-i-of-v/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:43:19 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1697 I love color.  What can I say?  It captures a mood and changes how you feel.  How do these spaces make you feel?  Check out these spaces from the most recent International Furniture and Accessory Market.


“Like” us on facebook

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

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.

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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/11/fun-trends-color-part-i-of-v/feed/ 0 My Own Holiday Decor…Non-Traditional And Happy http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/10/my-own-holiday-decor-non-traditional-and-happy/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/10/my-own-holiday-decor-non-traditional-and-happy/#comments Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:02:25 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1614 It’s October 1st and time to think about the winter holidays!?!  Well that is what we did when the lovely writer Gloria Gale and photographer Jason Dailey stepped into my home in JULY!  That’s right…this is what my house looked like in July of 2010.

Speaking of, many of you always ask about my own personal home and want to see what it looks like.  I wish I had more time to work on my own home but I just get too busy designing great spaces for my clients!  Here it is ready for the holidays, in July.

I do love birds and wanted to be sure to bring them into the space.  I adore the close-up Jason took of the roses and bird seed.  It is so festive, warm and sweet.

Photo shoots are always so interesting and enjoyable.  I took a quick snap here from behind the camera to let you in on the fun.


During the photo shoot. Lights, lights, lights!


Make it fab!

-Jill

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

Tell me what’s on your mind….leave a comment here for me!

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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]]> http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/10/my-own-holiday-decor-non-traditional-and-happy/feed/ 0 See Our National Publicity http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/09/see-our-national-publicity/ http://jilltran.com/blog/2010/09/see-our-national-publicity/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:09:33 +0000 admin http://jilltran.com/blog/?p=1591 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


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