From The Publisher

Zach Lieberman, the publisher of the gorgeous Kansas City Home Design magazine gave me another wonderful little “shout out,” this month.  Thank you, Zach!

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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A Gold Award For A Comfortable Forest

After winning the Gold for this room from Kansas City Home Design magazine’s Design Excellence Awards, I received a lot of questions so I thought I would answer some of them here!

I always try and bring the outdoors inside as it is important not only for the sake of an interior design but for good health.  Whether it be stone, trees, marble, cotton, silk, shaped woods, metals, etc., such materials promote a hearty closeness with nature and an opposition to the slick materials man has created.  Even Fung Shui encourages using those elements for a balanced life.

I always try to look at a space with new eyes and thought with this room, ‘Who said these bookshelves had to be used for books?’  With that, we ripped them out and brought the outdoors in.

"BEFORE"

The stone fireplace was a work of art hidden behind a wall, ordinary shelves and a dull palette. The unusual solution for a couple that loves the outdoors?

"BEFORE"

Bring the outdoors in!  Birch, oak and walnut trees now complement the natural beauty and colors and veins of the rock. The tree’s hand-made leaves colored in coppers, golds and silvers echo the metallic embroidered silk drapes and luxurious custom love seats. Now let it rain or snow outside all it wants.

"AFTER"

To create your own oasis plan a natural stone wall or floor for rich texture for the eyes and feet.  For placement, let the rock ‘speak’ to the stonemason.  In this room, I used soft cottons and lush silks to contrast the roughness of the stones.  For depth and a directional change, real trees, grasses and twigs add a fascinating interest and color.  If you choose to do the same, just be sure your pieces are free of any critters.  Though Fung Shui encourages live plants in all rooms, I think dried naturals can be beautiful in addition to.

Bring in a bowl of beautiful rocks, shells, small sticks or pinecones you have collected.   Let your children add to the bowl so they can contribute and increase their observation skills while playing in the sun.

I found this head of Quin Yin while shopping with my friend in Seattle. Carried her home on the plane. She is 45 pounds and just fit under the seat in front of me.

I Give KC Home Design Mag A Tour Of The Furniture And Accessory Market

I always enjoy going to the High Point Furniture and Accessory Market.  It is fabulous inspiration, tons of work and eye candy until your head spins.  I have gone since I was a kid (they don’t even let kiddos in anymore) and must confess, was not much of a fan when I started going…I wanted to stay home and hang with my friends!  Now, I look forward to it.

I had a wonderful invitation from KC Home Design to share such an experience with their readers.  It was such an honor, as it is the first article of its kind that ventured out of Kansas City!  Thank you, KCHD!

A closer view to the page

A closer view of the page

Was such a pleasure, KC Home Design!  Thank you!

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KC Home Design Mag Follows Me Through The Explosion

Buying at the High Point Furniture and Accessory Market in North Carolina is great fun. Tiring and exhausting, but fun! I would love to know how many SKU’s I see a day there…it would have to be in the gazillions. I know many “newbies” to the market never return as it is an explosion of eye candy that not many minds can wrap around and retain – let alone mentally design with.

Couldn't resist a sit!

Stopping to refigure and record.

My partner and I having a good time in a contemporary showroom.

This chandelier makes me melt (thus the chair back for support).

She is such a sweet and talented woman!

Such a great feel. Would love to design a whole house around them...

The "latest and greatest" color for 2009!

These were pretty in the sun...

Looking from IHFC toward Showplace building. Fascinating architecture, don't you think?

Hiding The View, From View, My Article In KC Home Design

It was fun to write a short article for Kansas City Home Design (see page 43 on this link’s digital version) on hiding wide-screen sets.  There are some amazing solutions such as those from Inca Lifts, that will surely amaze you.  Do be sure and check out the Inca Lift site.  The Jetson’s, eat your heart out!

Space, The Final Chandelier

Another mention of us in Kansas City Home Design…

I love this fixture designed by Paul de Haan.  It has a wonderful shape in that it isn’t a perfect sphere.  It’s inconsistent and icy ornate look is glamorous in a Star Trek-y sort of way.  An example of detail…the bulb with their mirrored surface, makes all the difference.

-jill

Got a comment? Reaction? Question?  Tell me what’s on your mind!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

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