Hope you were able to catch us this month on Fox 4 for some great tips we have learned over the years to make our client’s homes more beautiful, easier to live in and love!

1. Jars for Paint
Who wants to drag out a dirty, old, rusty can of separated paint? You open it and the crumbs fall right in. Have your painter fill a large glass jar with a plastic lined lid with touch-up paint. Keep in mind that flat paint touches up less noticeably than higher sheen paints.

2. Plates/Bowls to Corral Small Items
Everyone has lots of small and random objects that they use on a regular basis. They can be all over a table, desk or counter…but why? Toss them all into bowls, onto platters or trays. Keep everything looking good and together.

3. Empty picture frames to fill
We love to help our clients with their family photos and fill picture frames for them. Purchasing beautiful frames will hopefully encourage you to print your favorite family shots and moments to enjoy every day. Don’t forget to put them on your dressing table and in your bath!

4. Dimmers on ALL Light Fixture Switches
Lighting is everything…and controlling how severe it is makes a huge difference when entertaining and enjoying an evening at home.

5. Extra yards of fabric for upholstered furniture
Got kids? Got pets? How about friends or wine? If you have any of the above, you might consider extra fabric. We encourage our clients to invest in a few extra yards of fabric as an insurance policy for future possible damage. So when your wine drinking friend’s kid’s dog’s muddy feet get on your new sofa, fear not! You were smart and have some spare fabric to repair your cushions.

6. Add a second sensor for the thermostat on any new heated floors
Any time you have a heated floor, there are mechanical parts involved. Those parts will eventually wear out. However, when you add floor heaters in your bathroom or any area of your home, have your installer add an additional sensor for the thermostat. It is an insurance policy that you can keep your floors working fabulously!

7. Grout color
Any time you are able to select a darker grout for your tile (if it is on the floor) select a darker grout. Let that grout work for you and hide your dirt. Don’t forget to be sure your tile installers seal your tile and/or grout, too. That will help make any dirt that does land there come up easier!

Have a question for Jill Tran or Carmen Thomas? Please let us know how we can help!
To your beautiful home,
Jill Tran
About Tran + Thomas
Built on the foundation of a 30-year, family-owned Interior Design business, Jill Tran and Carmen Thomas opened Tran + Thomas Design Studio in 2011 bringing a combined 36 years of experience to their projects. They work on both residential and commercial projects across several styles. Interested in their services? Call (913) 268-9595 or schedule a consultation below.