Virtual interior designer and space planning pioneer Julie Jones is redefining modern design through cutting-edge technology and innovation. At the forefront of the virtual design movement, her company Julie Jones Designs offers her followers advice on how to best redesign a space without the expensive costs of a personal interior designer.
Julie’s background in architecture and aesthetics meets her clients’ needs as she seamlessly combines functionality and elegance in each project. Her virtual design tools and techniques provide immersive, interactive experiences for clients worldwide. Julie and her team of designers offer a digital approach that includes virtual consultations, 3D modeling and rendering, and space planning expertise.
Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What inspired you to become an interior designer and spatial planner?
Julie Jones: I started very early. As a kid, I was always drawing something, so my mom recommended I study interior design in college. It was more technical than I expected. In your first drawing class, you quickly realize it’s not just about decorating. You learn a lot about building codes and commercial design. I started working with contractors and creating designs for individual homes, and have been doing that for over 14 years. When Covid happened, I started meeting clients over Zoom.
How does space planning fit into interior design?
Jones: Every interior design starts with space planning, which has to do with safety, building codes and the way we function in a space. Many beautiful spaces lack functionality and that is exactly what I bring to the table. That is where my work begins.
How do you go about renovating a room? Do you clear the space and start with a blank slate or do you incorporate existing furniture and decorations if the client insists?
Jones: This is a common request. Some pieces have sentimental value, others are brand new. Customers will say, “I love this sofa, please make it functional.” We accept what you cannot change in your room.
What influence does lighting – both natural and artificial – have on your room and space planning?
Jones: Lighting is much more important than most people think. First, we need to be able to see, so dark interiors are not safe. Second, you need to layer the lighting, so use multidirectional light. Natural light is multidirectional. It spreads everywhere. It’s a ball of light. Most designers use lighting that resembles natural light. Light from the ceiling is downlight, which lets us see surfaces but also casts shadows. That’s why we have mid-rise light – like table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, etc. I try to make sure there is mid-rise light in all corners of a room I’m designing.
Does Feng Shui influence your interior design and space planning?
Jones: Feng Shui is more of a belief system than a design technique. It is an ancient system that began in Chinese culture. It works to balance the energy of a space, whereas in Western spatial culture it is more about safety and building codes. I have great respect for Feng Shui. It contains wonderful things that we can learn from it.
Will the type of pet or pets in your home influence your design and space planning?
Jones: Yes. We always ask about pets and children. We have to consider the choice of flooring and fabrics for sofas and seating. We also avoid sharp or pointy furniture when there are small children in the house. Basically, we design according to the client’s lifestyle.
Some people have guests all the time. How does that affect your room planning and design?
Jones: For busy guests, we ask how many people use a room 90 percent of the time. We make sure there is enough seating in dining and living areas. We create conversation zones. For example, if you have a large 20-foot living room, we can divide it into two 10-foot conversation zones. We also consider traffic flow.
How do you address the needs of clients from the entertainment/music industry or famous athletes?
Jones: For example, we ask musicians where they would like their piano to be. Such instruments are not always easy to use in sunlight. For others in other areas, we determine their needs and take them into account.
Do view features influence your space planning and design?
Jones: Yes. You either have to focus on the view or whether you want to put a TV in the room. Sometimes you have to get creative. I’ve done rooms where we’ve put a projector above a window or even a pop-up projector because we don’t want the view and the TV to compete. At night, when the view is dark, we can turn on the projector. Some people don’t want a big black box to be the focal point of their room anymore. Some TVs start to look like works of art.
How do plants and flowers influence your interior design and space planning?
Jones: We usually incorporate different types of plants into a room to bring nature indoors. For those who cannot keep a plant alive, we recommend artificial plants.
And finally, what impact will AI and robotics have on your designs?
Jones: Good question, especially with virtual designs. People can now type something they’re thinking of or bring it to life through voice. But the reality is that AI is not a person. And designing a room or a house is so personal. AI doesn’t know your personal needs or lifestyle. Still, AI can be used as a design tool for some elements.
