I discovered Julie through Instagram of course! I could not get enough of her beautiful interior images and her cute sense of style. So, of course, curious as I am, I began to read her blog and loved her even more. Her home is lovely, and I promise you’re in for a treat! Grab your morning beverage of choice and join me for a fun read!

Q. What did you do prior to writing Elliven Studio?

Before I had kids, I worked at the hospital as a Medical Admin Assistant. After our first born arrived, I left my day job to be a SAHM and here we are! Three kids and 10 years later!

Q. What inspired the blog?

My blog has seen a slew of changes. When I first entered the world of blogging, it was about sewing. I started sewing tote bags and small accessory cases, which I later sold on Etsy. My blog was my place to keep track of what I was making/selling and what was inspiring my designs. Slowly my blog topics shifted from sewing to home decor and fashion. Once we moved to our current home, my blog became my place to track my decorating progress, and that’s when the complete switch over to interior decor & design happened, and I never looked back! Though I still love to post about fashion every now and then.

Q. Did you study interior design?

I didn’t. I’ve learned from reading (A LOT) about interior decorating. It truly interests me and is something that I want to learn all about. I am constantly searching the internet on how to create a harmonious & aesthetically pleasing room, reading magazines for inspiration, and I treat myself to a home decor/design book as often as I can. There is so very much to learn and to know, but that being said, there’s a lot that you can only learn from experience. My house is definitely my laboratory!

Q. What has inspired the decor, accessories & design of your home?

I’m a girly girl, I love pretty, but I have to remember that I’m completely outnumbered in our house! So I try to find a balance that would appeal to everyone. The rug in the living room was the jumping off point for that space, I love pink, so I had no problem working with it! I love vintage pieces and cherish pieces that have been handed down to us from family members, so I often find myself working around those pieces. I do my best to incorporate new and old and since we have kids, we make a point of having a place for everything, hence the slew of bins and chests of drawers throughout the house. I really wanted our house to feel cozy, airy and welcoming. For it to be a true reflection of all of us. The inspiration for the family room was our favourite place…the beach! And I’ve always loved an all white kitchen, so there was no question that that would be the look we went for when we bought the house.

Q. What do you find most challenging about design/decorating?

Deciding what to go with! My indecisiveness always gets the best of me. I love so many different styles, so sometimes it can be hard to make a decision when more than one piece works well in a space. Typically, one will be better than the rest, but it’s not always an easy decision. And hanging artwork! I somehow always seem to get that wrong (thank goodness for 3M Command Strips!).

Q. What has been your favorite project so far?

I’d have to go with our master bedroom makeover. Spraying the headboard blue was a big deal for me! I wasn’t sure how it would all turn out, which caused some stress, but I very much disliked the wooden headboard. Since we couldn’t afford the tufted headboard that I had my eye on, working with what we had was the next best thing. I love how all of the prints and colours play off of one another.

Q. Do you keep all of your talent to yourself, or do you design for others?

Yes and no. I’m more than happy to help friends or family members out, but that’s as far as I’ve gone at this time. We will see what the future holds!

Q. What item or items do you get most excited about incorporating into your home?

Pillows, for sure….I am a borderline pillow hoarder! ha! And side tables, I have a thing for them and chairs too. There’s nothing quite like a gorgeous table and the beautiful lines of a chair.

Q. Can you share tips & tricks on how you keep decorating on a budget?

Patience is hands down one of the most important factors to decorating on a budget. If you find something that you love, but it’s out of your price range, either wait for it to go on sale, or search high and low for something similar. Even if that means visiting your local HomeGoods (or HomeSense here in Canada) every other day. I’ve been there, and it’s always paid off! And be creative! Pairing vintage or thrifted pieces with new is a great way to save. A little spray paint, new fabric or new hardware goes a long way! I do as much as I can on my own as well, sewing pillows, reupholstery, etc.

Q. If you can take off to anywhere in the world where would you go?

Oooooh, though the thought of laying on the beach somewhere hot is oh so tempting, I’d absolutely LOVE to visit Paris. I dream of going there and to London as well. Someday!

I have a hard time making decisions, too! I’m so thankful that Julie stopped by and shared some inside scoop. I feel better now that we share the same passions and frustrations!

Thanks friends for dropping by, hope you have a great week!