Posts tagged: Jill Tran

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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Inspiration In Red and Pink (Okay, And A Little Chartreuse)

It’s a gorgeous day today and I just wanted to express how I am feeling with design and color combinations I love.  Bright, happy, energetic and happy!

Is this arrangement not Dy-no-mite and delicious?

Fabulous color on this vase…

Lovely detail on this pot.

Just yummy!


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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., MIGUEL FLORES-VIANNA

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 Jill Judges The 2011 KC Home & Garden ‘Home Of The Year’ Awards

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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PINK, More Than You Saw In The Kansas City Star

Amazing PINK!

It is vibrant.  It relaxes you when you first see it, then after a long time in it, it can rev you up!  That is why sports teams paint it in their opponents locker rooms!  It was once the color for baby boys before baby blue came along.  It is flattering to all skin types and the child of red…another fabulous color!

Find out even more and read the article with our interview in The Kansas City Star.


Pink is the place to be! Jill Tran Interior Design



This client loved pink and yellow, but wanted elegance... Jill Tran Interior Design



This darling baby's room I designed for a fabulous client that loves pink, black and white. Since pink is such a wonderful baby color, the chair is wonderful! Jill Tran Interior Design



The photo from the KC Star article. Yes, pink at the movies! A fun and easy to enjoy space. Jill Tran Interior Design



The other side of the same room just before the large screen television is installed. Jill Tran Interior Design



This soft, soft pink room is elegant and a house favorite for spending time and relaxing. See the "before" of this space here. Jill Tran Interior Design

See more of the room above including the “before” shots.

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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.

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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.

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Our Work Featured In KC Magazine, They Made Room For Baby

It is so wonderful to open such a gorgeous mag and see our work featured again.  KC Magazine takes the pulse of Kansas City to it’s pages.  Check it out!

Click to read and see more photos of this room

including all of the “Before” shots!

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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!

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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Art To Evoke Both Sides Of The Mind: Part III

There is nothing I love more than fabulous art.  I am addicted to all kinds and love depth and meaning in them…pieces that make you think or feel.  I prefer to be moved on the left and right side of my brain to think, “Why?” and then care about the answer.  But don’t get me wrong, odd pieces can be great fun.

In the world of modern contemporary art, I think layering is essential.  It can separate the men from the boys, if you will.  Just as it took time to layer the earth to create a living masterpiece, it takes time to layer great art.

To follow are pieces created by a family of painters.  I find them very beautiful.  Can you guess who may have painted what?

If you want more info, give me a shout!

See More Great Art in Part  I of this 3-Part blog series.

Make it fab!

-Jill

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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

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I Video Guest Blog On Brainzooming.com (The Creativity Blog)

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the fantastic and well-known blogger, Mike Brown from Brainzooming.com at the Central Exchange in Kansas City.  (View the video/blog)  It was such fun to listen to him speak about blogging after having done it myself for a while.  But what I love the most about Mike’s great work is his blog topic…creativity.


Being a creative individual myself, I know that there are days when great ideas just pour out of me and others when I struggle just to get one drop of a marginal idea out.  I really appreciate Mike’s views, ideas, research and work.  Without creativity and such support for creativity, the world would be stuck and there would cease to be inspiration for others to be creative (and accepted).

I look back to high school when I sometimes felt like the “weird girl.”  I made most of my own clothes constantly and liked to push the limit with them.  I remember making backdrops for the big stage for our shows and even making all of the costumes for an entire group of girls for us to perform in.  They were all pure white fabric I used my spray gun to paint each one individually.  Man, I wish I could have time like that again!

I don’t think everyone thought they were great, but I know most of the girls and the audience liked them…and I want to thank those girls, and that audience.  I would like to thank all of the people in the world that see something new and different and don’t make a face.  Without such supportive individuals in this world (that may not even fancy themselves as creative) no new ideas could fly.  I guess it takes a flock to give an idea wings.

I dedicate this blog to Mike, all of the creative people in the world no matter what media they work in and to the audiences that make them great.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

Make your world fab, trust yourself, the creativity in you and your instincts,

Jill

VIEW THE 3 MINUTE VIDEO ON BRAINZOOMING.COM by clicking here



Super-creative expert, Mike Brown and me


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!

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People Are As Unique As Their Domains

One of the things I love most about my job is the people I get to meet, help and build wonderful relationships with.  They are people from all over the Kansas City area and across the nation.  The part I love about each person?  What makes them different from each other, special and fabulous.

Each one is passionate about a different interior style (though they may not even be sure what that style is at first), has different collections from different experiences, unique art, architecture, etc..  Couple those items with the qualities and dimensions of each person, and each design needs to be unique and tailored.  I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life and have the opportunity to express them in so many special ways.

I have a group of living rooms here I think are just yummy…and all very different.  If you could choose one (just one!) that would express you and be the place you wish to live every day in, which would you pick?  Do share!

Pamela Smith

Pamela Smith

Clean and simple with a complexity that is earthy and real.  The oversized arrangement on the table completely changes the lines of the space (and clearly is just that size for the photograph, as it would need to be rearranged for living) and cuts the hard lines.  This space welcomes you with soft grace and reflects a complex, centered person, with a smooth, cool, exterior.

Craig Wright

Craig Wright

This homeowner loves sparkle. Probably within themselves and the friends they choose.  They have an amazing eye for detail and notice thoughtful details others share with them.  They covet small, special things, the history and richness of antiques and probably don’t have small children.  :)

Jill Tran and Co.

Jill Tran and Co.

This room reflects a civilized and fascinating couple that love the richness of velvets, the curves of good design and the warmth that color and wood can bring.  Refined pieces gathered to converse with the undertones of a mountain home, add a distinct charm the homeowners must certainly share.

Sam Trimble

Sam Trimble

Simplicity is a mind-clearer.  This homeowner is no doubt busy and knows that relaxing their mind requires soothing their view.  With just enough color to heighten the senses and excite the space, it is a balance of comfort and interest to allow the people in the room to be the art.

Axel Vervoordt

Axel Vervoordt

The outdoors is no doubt important to these homeowners, yet they love a refined life.  A well-traveled past is emphasized here with the variety of styles displayed, which bring an interesting complexity to the space (as they must also have in themselves).  The art is spectacular in the space with it’s striking size and is what makes this room shine.

Roy W. Materanek

Roy W. Materanek

This space has energy.  No doubt, the homeowner does as well.  The color is warm (I say color and not colors there is one that dominates and creates the strong mood) and there is movement in all forms.  The art over the mantle looks in motion and even spicy like fire.  While I am not fond of the cool and delicate orchids under the sconces, this space would be lovely to sit and drink wine with friends.

Wallace E. Cunningham

Wallace E. Cunningham

Cool, crisp and light.  These homeowners have captured the essence of their surrounding land and created an oasis within it.  A controlled outdoor area  with all the comforts one could dream of.  The luxurious velvet on the tailored sofas give a warmth to the cool color.  I am in love with the repetitionof the ceiling in the highlighted area in which the fire is housed.  Architecture at it’s best…and design at it’s best.  Applause for the fabric on the chairs in the foreground to pull that look to this side of the room.  These owners give off an intelligent design, the feeling of being very well put together themselves, sharp and organized.

Mariette Himes Gomez

Mariette Himes Gomez

The people that live in this space have an appreciation and love for simple elegance.  Clean lines and colors with warm materials give a depth and brightness to this space.  Moving art in repetitive tones are like charms on a pearl necklace…classic yet beautiful and make you look twice.  My guess is the people that love this space and call it their own, have traveled to Europe, admire strength, make solid decisions and are open to ideas.

-jill

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