Envision Design Select Simplify
Julie McCulloch, MaEd
Consultant
Beginnings...
I love the artistic side of interior design - blending texture, color and elements to create a space that works. I am a counselor/psychotherapist by training, and a designer by passion. It began in my early twenties when I would take pieces of furniture and redo them to give them new life. A coat of paint, a whimsical design - the possibilities were endless with a blank canvas. And when I finally had my own space, I designed on a tight budget - blending DIY with treasures; tearing out pages of design inspiration from magazines to create files and binders of projects that spoke to me.
Creating a home for my family once I was married and had children became my favorite past-time. I designed built-ins, painted and re-painted walls and developed plans for the homes we lived in. Prior to building our current home, I renovated a 1960's Cape Cod room by room, including exterior and landscaping, until it fulfilled the vision I had seen in the fixer upper it was when we bought it.
Moving and building a new home opened a new world of possibilities. And while I loved the process of selecting all of the design elements for our home, I continually heard from others how overwhelming and intimidating it was. So I took a risk and have launched my own business helping others through this process.
Design doesn't have to be inaccessible or complicated. It is about recognizing things that you love and combining the elements so that they work together and give your home a sense of cohesion. My counseling background makes me an adept listener - your home should be about you - not simply a designer's trademark on your space.
I really like transitional or eclectic style. I think the best designs happen when elements are mixed together or layered to create a space. Sometimes that means taking something a little mid-century modern and blending it with something farmhouse or something bohemian with cottage. Rustic elements are great when mixed with a little industrial edge - and sometimes people like to stick to one note or style within their space. That works too. A lot of people don't know if they have a style - they just know they like something when they see it. Your home will keep evolving just as you do, so my advice is to try avoid things that are too trendy; but ultimately your home should speak to you.