Kevin Tran & CHL: From Passion to Success
We sat down with Kevin Tran to talk about beginnings, inspiration, and the quiet art of creating something people don’t just see—but feel.
As the founder and creative force behind CHL, Kevin approaches events as more than gatherings—they are emotional landscapes. Through layered linens, intentional textures, and a refined design language, his work reflects a deep connection to culture, community, and artistry.
What first led you to create this company? Where did this begin? What moment sparked it? Why event rentals specifically?
It didn’t start as a business—it started as a feeling I couldn’t shake. I started in designing school uniforms in the early 1990s.
Growing up, I was always drawn to environments and their designs. Not just how things looked, but how they felt. Family gatherings, weddings, even small dinners—there was always this invisible energy created by the space itself. I didn’t have the language for it back then, but I knew it mattered.
The real spark came when I helped design a small event for a friend. Nothing extravagant—but when people walked in, they paused. They softened. Conversations felt more intentional. That moment clicked for me.
Event rentals felt like the right medium because it’s tactile. It’s hands-on. You’re not just designing—you’re physically shaping the environment through materials, through layers, through details people may not consciously notice but absolutely feel.
“I realized I wasn’t just setting up tables, chairs, and linens—I was shaping how people experience a moment.”
How do you approach designing a space or experience?
I don’t start with visuals—I start with emotion and feelings.
Before anything else, I ask: What should this feel like? Is it intimate? Is it celebratory? Is it nostalgic? That answer becomes the foundation.
From there, I think in layers. Linens aren’t just coverings—they’re tone setters. They are the foundation. Texture creates depth. Light interacts with fabric in subtle ways. Even negative space plays a role.
I try not to overdesign. The goal is never to impress—it’s to be impactful, no matter how small.
“A well-designed space doesn’t speak loudly—it lingers quietly.”
How has New Orleans shaped your creative vision?
New Orleans teaches you that beauty isn’t always polished—it’s lived-in. A place in history with so much culture.
There’s history in everything here. The textures, the colors, the imperfections—they all tell a story. That’s influenced me a lot. I don’t chase perfection in my work. I chase feelings.
There’s also this deep sense of community here. Events aren’t just events—they’re extensions of culture. That pushes me to design with intention and respect for the moment.
What do you want people to feel when they walk into a space you’ve designed?
I want them to feel something before they even realize why.
A sense of calm. A sense of presence. Like they’ve stepped into a moment that was made for them.
If they slow down, even just a little—that’s everything.
“If a space can make someone pause, even for a second, then it’s done its job.”
What role do materials, linens, and texture play in your work?
They’re everything.
Materials are the language I design with. A soft drape can create intimacy. A structured linen can add formality. Texture brings contrast—it keeps a space from feeling flat.
I spend a lot of time thinking about how fabrics move, how they catch light, how they interact with other elements. It’s subtle, but it’s what makes a space feel complete.
Behind the scenes: What’s something people don’t realize about what you do?
How much restraint it takes.
People often think it’s about adding more—more decor, more layers, more detail. But a lot of the work is actually about holding back. Editing. Removing.
Also, the physical side of it. It’s long hours, heavy lifting, constant adjustments. But none of that shows—and it shouldn’t. The final experience should feel effortless.
“The goal is to make something complex feel completely natural.”
Where do you see the brand evolving?
I see it becoming more immersive. I have multiple generations of family working at this company. We aren’t just rental and decors. We are the human experience behind it. Our experiences and thoughts shape us.
I want to pass this onto the next generation. They are already creating spaces that feel cohesive from start to finish. Doing what I taught and more. I feel comfortable moving forward with them at the helm.
They are already adding more cultural influence in the designs. Bringing in a modern take that my older eyes are squinking at, very bright and refreshing. Our intentions are personal, rooted, and meaningful—not just to be your yes-person.
For Kevin, CHL is more than a brand—it’s a philosophy rooted in emotion, restraint, and intention.
His work reminds us that the most powerful spaces aren’t the ones that demand attention, but the ones that gently hold it. Through texture, light, and thoughtful design, he creates environments that invite people to slow down, connect, and truly be present.
And in a world that often moves too fast, that feeling—however quiet—lasts the longest.
