Transformations by Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors
We often work with the most talented and sought-after designers. We have worked on several projects with Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors. The work process is always amazing, and we love seeing the end results of each project. They are quite busy, but they took some time out of their schedule to talk to us about how they transform their clients’ homes.
Photo Credit: Michael J. Lee Photography
LPC: What was one of Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors’ most exciting transformations during 2018?
JLK: We started a new project over the summer in which we partnered with your team—a sprawling home in Weston, on a beautifully landscaped piece of land that was uber traditional in look and feel when our clients bought it. Our clients are a very busy family with three children who wanted a more transitional, streamlined look throughout the house. The home was built with beadboard and shiplap throughout, and we decided to paint that and all of the trim in a bright white with a high gloss finish, rather than remove it from the walls. As we have made changes throughout the house, going room by room and impacting the floors by re-finishing them and making them darker, updating the lighting and furnishing it from top to bottom, we are increasingly seeing progress and the design transformation take place. We will continue to update spaces—we are about to gut the master bathroom, and are in the process of transforming the husband’s home office and powder bathroom. The kitchen will be next and we can’t wait to begin. Our favorite space is above the garage and includes a media room and a kids’ playroom with table tennis and foosball table. We carpeted it in a sophisticated plush nylon that no one thinks is anything but silk. It is going to be spectacular when done over the course of the next six to eight months!
LPC: Can you tell us about an upcoming project that your team is looking forward to this year?
JLK: We are looking forward to working on two different units under construction right now at the new Four Seasons-1 Dalton property. We have been inside the building twice, and just getting upstairs on the elevator suspended on the side of the building is an adventure. The views of Boston are quite spectacular. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Cape and Blue Hills. The look inside is fresh and very modern-a blank canvas for our interior design.
Photo Credit: Michael J. Lee Photography
LPC: Where does the inspiration come from in your design process?
JLK: I was just in London during Christmas week, and the entire city was decorated and bathed in beautiful twinkling lights, flowers, and greenery. Everywhere I looked was something inspiring and exciting—from the lacquer colors on all of the doors, the way our boutique hotel was designed with inspiration from the Art Deco era, to the lush gardens and store window displays. It provided me with much needed inspiration and energy going into the new year. In the absence of a special trip like this one, I love reading shelter magazines and find daily inspiration in the work of other designers and in the fabrics, artwork and pieces we source for our clients.
LPC: There is so much out there in terms of paint color, wallcovering, fabrics, etc. Do you have any advice for clients on how to start thinking about what they envision for a space?
JLK: When we start a new project and our clients don’t know where to start thinking about color and palette, we may possibly give them a homework assignment to start—buying some of our favorite magazines, like New England Home, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Architectural Digest and Veranda. They would be asked to earmark anything and everything they like-whether a color, a look and feel, a specific item they like—and then review it with us so we can get a sense of their preferences. This may be in the absence of having an existing space they can reference to articulate what they like about it—and even more important, what they don’t like!
LPC: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. We enjoyed hearing about the transformation process and how you help your customers realize their dreams for their homes.
JLK: Our pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity.
Photo Credit: Michael J. Lee Photography
If you have questions or would like to contact Jill Litner Kaplan Interiors for a consultation, they can be reached via phone at (617) 558-7751 or via email at jill@jkcrs.com. You can also check out their portfolio on Pinterest, houzz ,and their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!