JULIE VAN DAELE LOS ANGELES-BASED DESIGNER JULIE VAN DAELE OF WELL-RECEIVED IS KNOWN FOR HER MONOCHROMATIC AND UBER-PEACEFUL INTERIORS. HERE, THE LESS-IS-MORE DESIGNER TALKS QUARANTINE LESSONS, FINDING CREATIVE FOCUS, AND THE POWER OF COLLABORATION.
Getting outside has been a huge must for me when coping with the quarantine lows. Parks, beach, just even a simple walk around my neighborhood by myself. As for capitalizing on the highs—I make sure to celebrate any successes at work and really honor special moments in our lives that have occurred during quarantine, such as my hubby’s birthday, our 6-year wedding anniversary and my son’s birthday. Slowing down a bit has been my greatest takeaway during this time. That might seem obvious but honestly, it’s been such a blessing to spend quality time with my family. That being said, I do miss traveling—it's where I gather a ton of inspiration.
I definitely have a certain aesthetic, so if people come to me, they know that my style and muted color palette will be inserted into their home. Most importantly, I strive to connect with my client on a personal level. Zeroing in on their likes and dislikes, interests, family, lifestyle so that the interior I create reflects more of them and less of me. I also love collaborating and supporting others in the community. I owe a lot to Jenna at Transition State for sharing resources and guiding me, Vanessa Alexander for taking time to meet me for coffee and inspiring my goals for my future career, and Brittany Zwickl of Studio Lifestyle for coaching me through pricing and expanding on larger projects. If I didn’t have collaborators like this, I don’t know where I would be.
To be honest, I definitely have less creative energy as I’m taking care of my son, cooking all the meals for my family and dealing with the reality and weight of all that is going on in our world! But, nonetheless, work does continue, and I have to find ways to stay inspired to create. I love a good inspiration board. For years and years, I have collected images, patterns and textures, so when it’s time to start a new project I love digging through all I’ve saved to start fresh. When I am zeroing in on a scheme and concepting, I stay laser focused. I don’t like to be interrupted when I’m in the zone. My focus now is on giving my clients a place that they feel safe, peaceful and proud of.
"I love this for it's pattern and muted colors palette."
"I envision this in a bathroom with a beautiful stone vanity and brass hardware. So rich, yet still understated."
"I have a home that I am working on incorporating color and this one challenges me to create something totally different."
