A Masterclass in Eclectic Design with Julia Chasman
In this episode of the Slow Style Home Podcast, I have an inspiring conversation with Julia Chasman, who transitioned from a 30-year career in the feature film industry to becoming a home designer. Julia shares how industry changes and her growing disinterest in film led her to renovate historic homes in Los Angeles. She highlights her approach to design, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, attention to detail, and incorporating personal touches. We talk specifics of her projects, such as creating personalized spaces using vintage collections and how she seamlessly balances prints and colors. Julia also discusses practical tips on TV placement and integrating family heirlooms in home décor. Through our conversation, Julia reveals her love for open shelving, portraits, and the importance of “the hand” in design, reflecting a human connection in home interiors. This episode captures Julia’s journey and design philosophy, making it clear how her diverse life experiences enrich her work.
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A Late Bloomer in Design
Julia's journey into the world of design is nothing short of intriguing. She started her career in the feature film industry, spending over 30 years as an executive and producer. This career shift to design came later in life, sparked by a downturn in the film industry and a growing sense of boredom. Julia had always loved home design, often renovating her own homes, but it wasn't until about ten years ago that she decided to jump in fully. Buying and renovating fixer-upper turned out to be the perfect way to launch her career. Her first two projects were a great success, particularly the second one, which drew twelve offers. Remarkably, she saw an opportunity and reached out to the eleven disappointed buyers, offering to find and renovate homes just for them. This innovative approach laid the foundation for her design career, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth and creativity.
Storytelling Through Design
One of the most interesting elements of Julia's work is how she incorporates the client's personal history into their home's design. She shared a delightful story about a client in Pasadena who had a few cherished vintage spice cans from her mother. Julia expanded this tiny collection by finding more cans to create a striking and meaningful display. This thoughtful touch not only honored the client's memories but also became a defining feature of the kitchen's design, adding a bright red accent color that resonated throughout the space.
Maximizing Charm with Creative Touches
Julia excels in using unique and personal elements to add charm to a home. She discussed a project where she added a red scalloped wallpaper border to a dining room, a cost-effective yet striking detail that helped make the room feel complete and intentional. These small touches reflect her keen eye for design and her ability to transform spaces by focusing on what matters most to her clients.
Embracing Color and Pattern
One of the reasons I feel so connected to Julia's work is her fearless use of color and pattern. In our conversation, we spoke about a "snug" sitting room she designed, filled with vibrant patterns and a mix of prints. Despite the bold choices like bright aqua tiles around the fireplace, the room feels cozy and inviting, defying the typical association of relaxed spaces with neutral palettes. Julia emphasizes the importance of balance when layering prints and the necessity of mixing scales and colors to create a harmonious yet dynamic space.
After
TV Placement and Practical Design Solutions
Television placement is a common design dilemma, and Julia shared her insights on the subject, advocating for practical yet aesthetically pleasing solutions. For dedicated TV rooms, she suggests building millwork around the TV to integrate it into the design seamlessly. When the primary living space is the only option, she strongly advises avoiding placing the TV above the fireplace, a spot better suited for artwork or mirrors. These choices reflect her commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful.
Treasured Collections and Personal Touches
Julia's personal style shines through in her love for open shelving, breakfast nooks, portraits, and handmade items. She often uses open shelves in kitchens to display clients' treasures, blending functionality with artful display. Julia's knack for incorporating personal collections into her designs adds layers of meaning and character to each space.
In her own words, “I want my houses to show off their stuff,” and this philosophy is evident in how she manages to make each home uniquely reflective of its inhabitants' lives. Whether it’s a carefully curated collection of oil paintings in the kitchen, a lamp adding a touch of warmth, or a vintage textile draped over a sofa, Julia's designs are rich with personal stories and memories.
The Magic of Handmade
We also talked about the importance of handmade items in home decor. Julia believes that incorporating handcrafted pieces brings humanity and warmth into a space. Whether it’s buying from artisans or creating something yourself, these items tell a story and add a personal touch that mass-produced goods simply can’t replicate. She cites the charm of silhouettes and small sculptures as examples of how these small details can make a significant impact.
The Journey and the Joy of Design
Julia’s confidence in her design choices, developed over years of experience in film and travel, allows her to take risks and trust her intuition. She shared the joy and learning that come with every project, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the process and contribute to the development of a truly personalized and harmonious space.
Our conversation was a delightful exploration of Julia Chasman's design philosophy and practice. Her emphasis on personal storytelling, creative problem-solving, and the integration of unique elements makes her work stand out and resonate deeply with her clients and admirers alike. For those of us who cherish the idea of a home filled with meaningful, eclectic touches, Julia’s approach is both inspiring and validating.
Thank you for joining me on this journey into Julia Chasman’s world. I hope her stories and insights inspire you to look at your own home through a new lens and embrace the magic of eclectic, personalized design.
Until next time,
Zandra
