Today, we welcome Julie Couch, owner of Julie Couch Interiors (design firm and retail shop) and author of decoratordozen, a design blog. Get that Pin it button ready–you’re about to be inspired as she takes us on a walk-though of her beautiful home!
Julie:
Thank you, SB, for the chance to write for you today and share my home with you!
When I meet someone new and they find out I’m an interior designer, they typically make a comment like, “I bet your home is perfect!,” or “What’s your style?” The truth is my home looks fabulous … when I have a party or guests coming over for dinner (or, in this case, a photo shoot). Â But just like everyone else, on a daily basis my house has laundry baskets and baby toys scattered all over the place! And as far as my design style goes, I’m still figuring it out for myself! I definitely don’t have a standard “look” that I recreate for clients. Each person my designers and I work with is unique, and every home should reflect that uniqueness and personality.
So welcome to my home–come on in and look around!
The Entry
The vintage runner may be a splurge, but the tall, skinny side chairs were a quirky garage sale find that I painted and reupholstered. We loved the drama of the heavy door and think it adds a little age to a new home.
Our Family Room
Our family room is where we spend most of our time. In our case, this is where the ExerSaucer and Bumbo seat also reside. The baby paraphernalia was removed for this photo so you’d be more impressed! We try to keep fresh flowers or a seasonal plant, but usually they get a little brown before replacements arrive.
Flowers simply make any space more beautiful. No decorative accessory can ever compete with lush blooms in great vases. If I were super wealthy, I would have fresh flowers delivered to my doorstep every week. I would also have a full-time chef and makeup artist, but I digress ….
The Guest Room
And if you stay overnight, this is where you’ll sleep. The lamp was a junk store find for six dollars, but to be totally honest, I then spent a couple hundred dollars to have it rewired, shaded, etc. But doesn’t it sound cool to say it cost six dollars?! The rug is old, yet vibrant, and the French chest I bought from a friend who was redecorating.
My favorite painting, by Julia Martin, was my first big art purchase, and I’ve not regretted it for one moment since. The color palette is stunning, and it works perfectly with my collection of vintage aqua stoneware.
I like the custom headboard’s horseshoe shape as a subtle symbol of good luck for our guests. The walls and bedding are neutral, but the aqua floral and gold velvet pillows add a little whimsy. Dark chests with an intricate drawer style complement glamourous mercury glass lamps.
My mom gave this mirror to me after I asked her a dozen times if she had a place to use it. I think she got the hint! The lamp and angel picture are antique. The chest I bought and immediately painted because I loved the hardware.
The Living Room
Sentimental handprints hang above a marble table that holds vintage Italian crosses, but the white resin lamp keeps it from being too “serious.” The tiny wooden shoes just made me smile, so I brought them home to rest on a stack of design books.
Our Master Bedroom
The Dining Room
A velvet greek key lumbar pillow and scalloped iron mirror add interest.
The Office
Old trunks are storage and an antique pharmacy table serves as a desk in our home office. Woven ivory leather seats and a capiz pendant are simple but striking details in this small space.
Black and white photography is updated with a lucite frame. The desk lamp mixes metals and wood tones well.
A very tall ladder back chair looks modern next to the traditional campaign style secretary. Architectural drawings add to the neutral scheme, but the smoky glass lamp keeps it young.
Our Nursery
And finally, the newest room in our home for the newest addition to our family is full of bright colors and handmade art. The slipcovered chair and ottoman are practical and the Lulu Dk fabric is precious.
