An advocate for Australian artists, a colour wizard and true boss lady, our friend Julia Green shares her journey to interior expert and how she would style a couple of our core products.
This courageously stylish lady uses our Koto Chest of Drawers and Riley Bedside in her teenage sons room to an organised and high impact end. One of the most interesting people in the biz, read on to get to know Julia's story a little more, and gain some of her invaluable knowledge.
Julia Green! You are a super style guru and your passion for colour is infectious, for any customers who don't know you already, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to love interiors…
I've always called myself the accidental stylist, as I never meant to become one! I spent most of my professional life peddling drugs, albeit legal ones, in the pharmaceutical industry. But a chance encounter with a photographer (who ironically was buying a couch from me on eBay) took me down a different path. When he collected the couch, he asked me who I 'styled' for?
The conversation took a turn and shortly after I was on set, shooting for mags. This was pre the whole interior explosion we see now, pre 'the block' etc, and sourcing interesting homewares was harder. So I saw a gap, and joined forces with some cool creatives, to start an 'agency' selling homewares, called Greenhouse Interiors. And the rest is history. My career has intertwined the two, and I have had roles on TV, presenting, and running career changing workshops and hosting Design tours to Morocco ever since.
The land of drugs feels a long way away now. But those corporate skills learned back then, in particular selling and marketing, have been invaluable. It feels full circle, that as a little girl, I was so interiors obsessed, but had never considered a career in it. And now, it's what I live and breathe!
I am known for colour predominantly. and my sense of style is unpretentious and never related to how much money an item costs but rather the emotion if conjures and captures. Styling, to me, is the art of visual storytelling, of putting things together that matter to the individual.
Shop the look: Koto Chest of 6 Drawers
As someone who has put together so many gorgeous spaces, what are your top tips for creating a room that works?
Style is intensely personal, so I am very mindful of the subjectivity of it all. I really encourage people to follow their own gut, and gravitate to what they love rather than be slaves to trends.
However, I think if people can remember a few styling basics, such as height and scale, texture, and colour pairings, things can usually work out really well. For instance, a beautiful rug that is too small is a wasted opportunity to showcase a space. A shelf where all objects share the same horizon line lacks interest- so composition with height and scale really matters. You want the eye to take an interesting journey that's not a flat line.
And commitment to colour is personal, but to have a sense of balance is important. I can usually tell when people are tentative with colour, as they often dip their toes in, and you can see that they lack confidence. The secret is to use colours that make you feel good and start gradually and build it up slowly until you reach the point where it's tipped.Then you may have gone too far.
You have a nose for talent, and have created an amazing platform for Australian artists and makers, we would love to get your insight on how to choose an investment piece of art or incorporate original wares into your home?
I've collected art since the beginning of time. When I turned 21, my mother asked me if I wanted the money or a party- I chose a tiny part with my closest, and bombed the remainder on a Charles Blackman artwork (not even knowing who he was) and it's one of my most prized possessions and coincidentally now worth a fortune! The latter was not the reason I invested in it though- it was a piece I had a deep connection with. And still do.
I always start with art when decorating/styling. I find it informs the palette and helps make other decorating decisions easier. For instance, pulling out key colours from the art into soft furnishings. Art is what gives a home personality, a soul, it's a talking point, and it always tells a story.
Shop the look: Riley Open Bedside Table
So, you choose the Koto Drawers and Riley Bedside, why those pieces and how did you style them?
Over covid, for the first time I had the luxury of some time within my own four walls. I realised my teenage son's room was very outdated, impractical, and needed attention. I chose the Koto drawers for their streamlined and timeless appeal, knowing they were the kind of investment that he could well take with him when he moves out of home (like in 50 years. The Riley bedside was also chosen for its masculine sleek form, and the drawer to hide away the mess.
Teenagers by default come with a lot of 'stuff' and 'mess' so a sense of practicality had to prevail here, without compromising on style. The bench seat, although chosen for the same room, will inevitably have many incarnations I imagine, as it's such a practical and beautiful piece, with its relaxed but timeless look. It will start in Max's room but I think it may end up in our entryway. I love its versatility.
Finally, if you could pick 5 more products from our entire collection, what would they be?
Potter Timber Dining Chair, Dusk Print by Kimmy Hogan, Huggy Armchair and Elton Side Table by Sarah Eliison, Pebble Table Lamp.
