Dream Designs

I spend time each day scrolling through Instagram to take a break from reality. A surefire thumb-stopper is anytime I come across photos from Julie Donovan Interior Design’s account. It embodies everything that Instagram is about - stunning photos that make you want to jump into the world she’s carefully curated. While she could easily snap photos of home interiors with her phone, she has taken things a step further, utilizing a professional photographer - Lauren Pressey. The double whammy of a gorgeously designed room amidst a clean canvas of fresh white paint coupled with an expert photog equals a knockout punch! Read on to find out more about Julie and her expertise.

Q & A With Julie Donovan

Before you started Julie Donovan Interior Design you had another career. Tell us about that.

I was in the movie industry for 18 years. Specifically, in the visual effects industry. I got my start at George Lucas’ visual effects studio called Industrial Light & Magic. I traveled the world and worked on a lot of fun movies such as Star Wars and Jurassic Park. I worked my way from a production assistant up to an executive producer. It was an amazing bunch of years but not very conducive for a family!

Living in a house of boys must keep you on your toes, how do you express feminine touches in your home?

Being boys they don’t really have an opinion on anything house related so I am lucky there. I pretty much get to do what I want! They are hard on everything so having performance fabrics on furniture is the key to my sanity.

What is your favorite color of paint and why?

White! I know it sounds boring but I always say there is nothing that doesn’t look good in a beautiful white room.

What’s your favorite room in a house to decorate?

I love to design kids spaces! There is so much fun to be had with wallpaper and colors and whimsical kids stuff.

How do you design virtually if a client wishes that?

Its pretty easy these days with FaceTime/Zoom. I can send designs and we can still discuss face to face. I do like for my clients to be able to see and feel samples of fabrics and rugs but as long as I can show them on FaceTime it works.

Do you prefer when a client gives you carte blanche with your design aesthetic or some sort of direction?

Some direction is good. I always ask for a client to bring reference to our consultation so I can see the aesthetic they are going for. After that its better if they relinquish control, the design always comes out better!

What’s been the most challenging part of the last few months?

Some people are worried about the uncertainty of the economy, so they are hesitant to spend money on making changes in the home. On the flip side, the fact that everyone HAS been home so much makes any small issues glaring, so I have seen new clients that are just sick of looking at their stuff and ready for a change!

What’s been the silver lining from the past few months?

The fact that we were forced to slow down a bit. Sometimes things get so crazy with work and kid’s activities you forget that although the days are long, the years are short. Quality time is key to making memories.

Your Instagram page is a thing of beauty, what's your secret to making it look so exquisite?

Well thank you! I was late to the instagram game. I just try to I just try to keep it light and genuine.

Keeping It Genuine

Truer words have never been spoken. To have a successful social media presence it has to be genuine. The images you choose, the voice you use, the interactions you make must be authentic to who you are. People love to know that there’s a human being on the other side of that account who gets them. How you conduct yourself on social comes across loud and clear. You want to be the one who understands their problems and struggles and can help them resolve them in a relatable manner. If you can do that, you are golden.

Get In Touch With Julie

Shop with her:
320 Tejon Place
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

julie@juliedonovandesign.com
310-961-6712

Interiors: Julie Donovan Interior Design
Images: Lauren Pressey

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To Market We Go | An Interior Designer Who Does Instagram Right