Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design: Rustic French Country Living Room — Make Design Not War…

The Dream Is Possible, I’m Proof.

quick links

online design services

start designing your project

About Me

Testimonials

In all honesty, even those of us who share a wonderful connection with our significant other can find ourselves in a design battle when it comes to decorating our home.

Let me illustrate this scenario: Picture the mounting frustration as you and your beloved struggle to reach a consensus on something as seemingly trivial as a floor lamp.

Some might argue that it's just a floor lamp, lacking any real significance. However, I encourage you to delve deeper into its implications. It goes beyond mere functionality; it transforms into a profound declaration of our individual identities, a tangible symbol of our unique personalities, and a way to assert our distinct presence in the world.

In essence, it becomes a statement about who we are as individuals. It boldly proclaims, "This is me."

Bedroom refresh featuring new blue bedding with a dark wood headboard, new white curtains at the window and behind the bed, calmer blue paint on the walls, and a new floorplan.

Much like fashion, interior design and decorating carry profound personal significance, serving as a reflection of our very essence.

In our quest for serenity, there may be times when we compromise and yield, but a lingering question remains: Is this truly the way we wish to inhabit our own space?

Does our home genuinely capture the essence of our authentic selves?

If you find yourself resonating with these sentiments, I invite you to pause and take a deep breath.

Because, my friend, it's time to exhale. I understand. I've walked in your shoes.

A few years ago, my spouse and I embarked on an ambitious home renovation project, placing our trust in skilled contractors to strip it down to its core.

In my innocence, I envisioned this journey as a dream, an opportunity to apply my interior design knowledge to the canvas of our own home.

Finally, a chance to transform it into the sanctuary I had long envisioned.

However, the path proved to be far from effortless.

This is the magazine I was published in before I graduated from design school.

Read my story.

My father embodies the easygoing individual who grants my mother the freedom to pursue her decorative desires, albeit within reasonable boundaries. Centerpieces and sofa pillows seldom elicit strong opinions from him, as long as he finds comfort within the confines of his home.

However, those days of detached indifference have faded with our generation. The modern man yearns to partake in the decision-making process. If my husband serves as any indication, he harbors an opinion on every conceivable aspect, from paint colors to the minutiae of doorknob selection.

The modern man yearns to partake in the decision-making process.

If my husband serves as any example, he holds an opinion on virtually every aspect, from paint colors to the tiniest doorknob details.

Naturally, I assumed that my esteemed expertise as an award-winning, published-design expert would effortlessly sway my husband's agreement. I envisioned him calmly conceding, "Sure, honey, I trust your vision."

To my chagrin, I discovered that he genuinely cared about every decision, one after another. My husband proved to be the most challenging client I have ever encountered. Such is the nature of designing and decorating one's own sanctuary—an intensely personal journey.

Regardless of what I presented to him, he would assert, "Keep searching, honey. You can find something better."

Hours upon hours were dedicated to scouring my sources in pursuit of each meticulous choice for our renovation. Those countless hours were invaluable for the sake of our own dwelling.

If you find yourself immersed in a renovation, you are well aware of the multitude of choices that must be made. I've had clients confess, "Designing a home is a full-time job!" I wholeheartedly concurred, deeply honored that they entrusted me with their home's design.

However, coaxing my husband into agreement on matters like paint, window treatments, new furniture, and the like was akin to extracting teeth. Yet, we emerged triumphant, weathering the storm of our renovation. It was an arduous journey.

During this process, I gained profound insights into my husband's design sensibilities and mastered the art of harmonizing our distinct aesthetics into a cohesive whole.

And now, dear friend, I'm here for you.

Countless times, I wished for a fairy godmother to magically align our visions and conjure a harmonious resolution. Alas, no such enchantress materialized. Thus, I resolved to become the very design mediator we yearned for during those challenging times.

Consider me your fairy godmother of design, ready to weave my expertise into the tapestry of your home, bridging divides and fostering fair compromises.

Together, we shall embark on this journey, transforming your space into an embodiment of shared harmony and exquisite beauty.

Continued below…

View Portfolio

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design, I possess the skill to harmonize diverse aesthetics, ensuring that your home becomes a true reflection of the best of both worlds.

In today's age of Instagram and the proliferation of self-proclaimed homemakers-turned-designers, discerning the true professionals in the field has become increasingly challenging.

Among the ranks of genuine experts, it's crucial to ensure you are receiving the optimal value for your investment.

Having the privilege of being featured in Interior Design Magazine even before completing my studies at MSU, I can attest to the exhilaration it brings.

Furthermore, by combining my academic background with my newly honed skills in 3D rendering, I offer an unparalleled advantage.

With my discerning eye for design and comprehensive education, I hold a distinctive position as a valuable asset in your design journey.

I specialize in guiding couples like yourselves through the invigorating process of revitalizing your home decor, manifesting the very essence of your long-held dreams for an ideal dwelling.

start designing your space

VIEW ALL Services

Frequently Asked Questions

New Local Clients (Monroe County, NY)

eDesign Clients (Worldwide)

Project Case Studies

Design

Style: Discover Your Style

Style: Boho

Bohemian-Inspired Home Office Inspiration (with a client example)

Style: Coastal

How to Create a Serene Coastal Setting with a Rustic Console
What is Coastal Style? including favorite books and online sites
Shop The Look: Romantic Coastal Living Room

Style: French Country

Style: Glam

Home Offices

Wellness

What is Wellness Design?

Online Shopping Resources

80+ Online Home Decor and Furniture Sites

The Proust Questionnaire

A Work In Progress

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To me, the epitome of pure bliss lies in a carefree day spent frolicking at the beach, indulging in the joys of snorkeling. Basking under the warm embrace of the sun, I embrace a profound sense of gratitude for the enchanting hues of the ocean and the bountiful wonders of nature as a whole.
What is your greatest fear?
The thought that evokes my deepest apprehension is the notion of being rendered invisible, overlooked and disregarded in the eyes of others.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
The characteristic I find most disheartening within myself is my introversion, yet ironically, it has proven advantageous during the ongoing global health crisis of 2020.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
The characteristic that I find most abhorrent in others is racism.
Which living person do you most admire?
The individual whom I hold in the highest esteem is Michelle Obama, and I yearn to possess even a fraction of her grace and poise.
What is your greatest extravagance?
As for my own indulgences, dedicating ample time to this business stands as my foremost extravagance, closely followed by my fondness for technology.
What is your current state of mind?
Presently, my mind is a hullabaloo of creative concepts, with a singular me tasked in bringing them to fruition. It is in such moments that I grasp the allure of having clones.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
The virtue that tends to be excessively hyped is justice. During my younger years, I wasted considerable time pondering over whether I had been dealt a fair hand, only to realize that fairness is not an inherent quality of the world. Moreover, I am convinced that our system of dispensing judgments in the pursuit of justice has let down numerous individuals. While I could delve into an extensive analysis of this topic, I'll keep it concise. When one embraces mindfulness, the urge to establish who is right or wrong diminishes significantly.
On what occasion do you lie?
I find myself resorting to lies in certain instances, much like many others do, particularly when it comes to expressing my true emotions when asked. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to fabricate a falsehood to shield a child's innocent perception of the world.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
As for my physical appearance, my chin is the aspect I am most dissatisfied with.
Which living person do you most despise? T
When it comes to individuals, the one I hold the utmost contempt for is anyone who would inflict physical harm upon a pet and abandon it to perish.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
In a man, the quality I appreciate the most is intelligence.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
In a woman, I value a positive outlook on life the most.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I tend to excessively employ the word "beautiful."
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The greatest loves of my life encompass my husband, my dog, and design.
When and where were you happiest?
While my wedding day, sixteen years ago, was an absolute delight and fulfilled my long-held dreams, there is another day that frequently occupies my thoughts. It was a distinct kind of happiness, infused with surprise, relief, and a sense of accomplishment. I am referring to the day of my graduation from Michigan State University. The relief stemmed from reaching the culmination of a lifelong aspiration, which had germinated in my mind since kindergarten. The feeling of achievement arose from knowing that I had given my absolute best, competing primarily with myself. However, the true surprise came when I stood in line during the graduation ceremony, perusing the program, and discovered that the asterisk next to my name denoted that I was graduating with Honors. It had never crossed my mind, particularly among such a substantial student body. All these emotions melded together, forming a brand-new type of happiness I had never experienced before.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The skill I yearn for the most is the ability to sing. Unfortunately, I am completely tone-deaf.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If there's one aspect of myself I wish to alter, it would be my tendency to be excessively self-critical.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The pinnacle of my accomplishments lies in my marriage.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Where would you most like to live?
If given the choice, I would eagerly choose to reside in the captivating paradise of a Hawaiian island.
What is your most treasured possession?
Among my cherished possessions, my bed holds the most significant value.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loneliness, to me, represents the utmost abyss of misery.
What is your favorite occupation?
Without a doubt, my preferred occupation is that of a residential designer.
What is your most marked characteristic?
According to my friends, kindness stands out as my most prominent characteristic, a trait I hold in high regard.
What do you most value in your friends?
The ability to trust my friends is something I deeply value.
Who are your favorite writers?
When it comes to writers, I hold a special admiration for the works of Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Jane Austen, Edna St. Vincent Millay, David Sedaris, Carl Sandberg, Anne Sexton, and numerous others.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Among fictional heroes, Anne of Green Gables holds a special place in my heart.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
As for historical figures, I find a strong sense of identification with the renowned artist Georgia O'Keeffe due to her sacrifices for her art.
Who are your heroes in real life?
One of the individuals I consider a true hero in my life is my mother. Her heroism extends far beyond the fact that she gave birth to me. She has demonstrated immense strength and resilience by overcoming multiple battles with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Breast Cancer. Her unwavering determination makes her a real fighter in my eyes.
What are your favorite names?
One of my favorite names is "Rachelle." I chose that name for my confirmation, so it holds a special place for me.
What is it that you most dislike?
The type of companions I hold the utmost disdain for are fake friends. I have never been one to follow the crowd or seek the company of the "right" people simply to attain popularity. If someone lacks genuineness and authenticity in their friendship, I find it difficult to endure their presence. Naturally, I always maintain a courteous demeanor. However, I make it a point to weed out insincere individuals from my circle of friends.
What is your greatest regret?
Reflecting on my life, a notable remorse that lingers within me is the decision to remain silent about my struggles with depression during my teenage years. It is disheartening to realize that, on average, individuals grappling with depression wait around a decade before seeking assistance, and I, unfortunately, fell into that category. Nevertheless, I am immensely thankful to affirm that I eventually sought and received the necessary support to traverse the path of therapy and emerge victoriously on the other side.
How would you like to die?
As I contemplate the final moments of my life, an aspiration takes hold: to depart from this world in the comforting embrace of my beloved husband, either together or with only a few fleeting minutes between us.
What is your motto?
My mantra lately is “I am enough.”