Who: Julia Black, a décor stylist with serious cred who has appeared on HGTV, worked on-staff at Chatelaine and is currently a regular contributor to The Marilyn Denis show. (FYI: She also builds Pinterest boards and shopping lists for clients seeking professional reccos and design advice).
The stats: Two little ones (Wyatt, 2 years old, and Quinn, 4 years old), the family dog Parker and her husband, Andrew, who’s also a professional contractor.
Her home: She just moved this past April into a 3-bedroom century-old detached home that’s 2500-square feet (including the basement).
Her style: Casual, contemporary and as minimal as possible with a full house.
Her favourite room: “This family space that I can see from the kitchen and the dining room. This is a new for me. We used to live in a narrow semi-detached house and I didn’t have the luxury of an open concept living area before.”
She admits: “The whole house is still a work in progress. I feel like I’m transitioning in every part of my life right now actually…the house, as a mom and in my career.”
Her a-ha moment: “After I had Wyatt, I realized I wanted to stay home with the kids. I know some moms say they lost themselves after they had kids, but I never felt that way. I feel like I discovered a whole new part of me that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. I love being a mom and being at home with them which is why getting the house just right is important to me. It’s going to take some time and that’s okay. I’m in no rush.”
What’s next: “I’m adding wallpaper to the living room. I love a print for rooms that are separate from an open space like my living room, or a powder room or a home office. It’s an opportunity to have fun with colour and pattern. We’ve decided on a bold paper from Farrow & Ball. Once the living room is finished, I will work on our bedroom, which is going to be my happy place. It will be my true style—minimal, casual and comfortable.
What’s next in her career: “I have a degree in psychology and health and I was a trained, competitive dancer when I was younger. I’ve always exercised every day and that’s how I tune into myself. That’s my me-time. I feel like my life is going full circle and I may go back to where I started. I have this urge to bring all my interests together. And ultimately adulthood changes us all. I feel I get excited and motivated by different things than what I used to. But that’s the joy of growing and self-discovery. We’ll see what happens next!”
We’ll be staying tuned to her next moves—in her home and her career—but until then, check out the details of her favourite space.
HOME TOUR A blank slate turned living room that’s made for playing
WORK IN PROGRESS
OPEN BOOKS
COUCH LOVE
A WELL-BALANCED KITCHEN
FLOORS CAME FIRST
THE INVESTMENT PIECE
WHAT A GIFT HORSE
1. Sun Valley Goose Neck Kitchen faucet 2. Design Within Reach drum pouf 3. Umbra Conceal Floating shelf collection 4. CB2 Tecca pillow 5. Farrow & Ball wallpaper 6. IKEA Kivik sofa 7. HomeSense Printed cotton dhurie rug
1 comment
beautiful Julia!