This month for The Style Segment, we had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Julia Green, founder of Greenhouse Interiors. Julia is an interior stylist, writer, speaker, brand-ambassador, TV-host, consultant and mum to two gorgeous boys. Greenhouse Interiors has fast become the #1 destination for boutique textiles, homewares, fine art and interior styling services. Julia curates all artists, brands and collections and is instrumental in the brands voice on social media and we were excited to be able to chat with her.
Amy: In a past life, you were a pharmaceutical industry executive, tell us a bit about yourself and where does your interior journey begin?
Julia: I founded Greenhouse Interiors in 2010, as a former pharmaceutical industry executive with a passion for great design and a love of emerging art. From humble beginnings and a chance meeting with a Vogue photographer (when selling a couch on eBay of all things!), I set about a major career change and jumped deep into the world of interior styling without taking a breath for almost a decade. Now I have a great team behind me and we work with over 60 brands and artists, hundreds of stores across Australasia, whilst shooting editorial stories for leading lifestyle publications. Fast forward to 2022 and Greenhouse Interiors is now a household brand in Australia for all things interiors and designer art.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: Tell us about Greenhouse Interiors and how it has evolved since its humble beginnings in 2008?
Julia: It’s been a case of one thing leading to another. I started out with one job that led to 3 more. And those 3 led to 9 others. Such a spider web of opportunities. Every job has been completed with love and attention, which has spiralled into new things. My greatest advice is to treat each job like it was your last. And be kind to everyone.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: You’ve worked with some incredible artists and brands over the years, what are some of your favourites if you’re allowed to say?
Julia: That is like asking me to pick a fave child! I simply can’t do that. 🙂
But I can tell you that my love for the work of ceramicist Kare Morton has lasted the test of time. Kaz is the queen of reinvention. She paints, weaves, and makes ceramics. There is NOTHING creatively that this kid can’t do. We have worked together for 12 years and her work gets better with time and our relationship! I also adore the artwork of Marcia Priestley and Georgie Wilson. Both girls are nothing shy of amazing. Their abstract works are full of colour and amazing compositions. Another example of long-standing relationships that show how creative collaborations work best over time.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: What are some of the most notable projects you have worked on throughout your Greenhouse Interiors career?
Julia: Where to begin? Styling covers for leading Australian mags like Inside Out, featuring in Bec Judd’s early styling projects, writing a book, co-hosting a channel 10 reno show for 2 years, opening a flagship store, landing notable artists like Ken Done, still remembering to be a present mum and friend, and keeping my feet on the group (the latter my most proud achievement). I don’t think any of these achievements define me. I know it’s a fickle industry. What counts is being a good, honest and authentic human. And being remembered for that.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: The work of Greenhouse Interiors regularly features in some of the biggest interiors and lifestyle publications in Australia and overseas. This must make you incredibly proud. Is there a particularly memorable feature that springs to mind?
Julia: Maybe the first time my faves at Inside Out asked me to feature in their colour issue on the front cover. It was my own home, and I was early on in my career… I still feel humbled by their trust in me to pull it off.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: How would you describe your own interior style?
Julia: More is more, eclectic, personality infused, and always colourful. That doesn’t mean garish either. It just means white is duck egg blue. I don’t do conventional.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: What design trends are you loving right now?
Julia: I honestly don’t pay much attention to them. I am sure to be influenced by them somewhere. But the way I decorate now hasn’t really changed in 20 years. I like spaces that show something about the personality of those that live there. I despise cookie-cutter items, as I know it’s someone else’s blueprint. I just wish people would express what they love.
Image source: www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors
Amy: Where do you draw your creative inspiration from? Are they design/style icons you follow?
Julia: I do love India Mahdavi. She personifies all of the qualities I love. Quirk, shape, bold colour and confidence.
India Mahdavi Showroom Paris
Photographed by Fracois Halard
Amy: What does a day in the life of Julia Green look like?
Julia: Good Lord. Madness! Every day is different and every day is manic. No two are ever the same.
Amy: You’re an interior stylist, writer, speaker, brand ambassador, TV-host, consultant and busy mum to two gorgeous boys. Tell us how you like to stay centred and sane?
Julia: I wish I could say I did. I am not sure I do though. I feel it all. Creatives often do.
I feel enormous pressure to be better every day, and the more I achieve the harder that gets. I try to see the beach a few times a week. The ocean grounds me. The gnarly nature of outside, its unpredictable nature, the loud sounds, crashing of waves, the drama of it all. It makes me feel like I am always going to be okay. A hug with my kids, a frolic with my dog. It’s the simple things.
Amy: What are your favourite pieces from the Huntley + Co range?
Aston 3 Seat Sofa Tusk
Bronx Occasional Chair Mustard
Twiggy Outdoor Side Table White