Talk Shop: Julia Miller // Yond Interiors
ABOUT JULIA
Julia Miller is a designer whose work is anchored in the belief that interacting and engaging with intentional design enhances well-being. Her wide portfolio of residential projects, designed with her small team at Minneapolis-based Yond Interiors, are underpinned by this foundational philosophy. Through consistent exploration of proportion, light, and balance they deliver honest and nurturing spaces built for daily life. Their values rest in respect for historical architecture and love for craftsmanship. Sourcing vintage and tailor-made pieces are the cornerstones of their work.
Founder and creative director Julia Miller transitioned into interior design after 15 years of working as a home-based clinical social worker, seeing clients in their homes rather than in clinical settings. Informed by that deep understanding of how environment and behavior can interact, plus her innate sense of scale and texture, Julia's designs feel authentic, restful, and approachable—and you can feel that within this interview. Enjoy!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Earthy and aged.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My love for nature and experience hiking long trails.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
Interior design was a second career for me. I was a clinical social worker for 15 years before making the official transition to interior design. I started a renovation on my personal home in 2018-2019 and found my love for interior design. It took a few years to feel like I could make the significant shift away from social work, but through a lot of introspection I made the official leap in 2020. There are so many things that I love about interior design, but I think my highlight is creating a team that has fun, works hard, and creates spaces that our clients love.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I don't have one specific mentor but I was lucky to meet 15 other designers at a designers’ retreat a few years ago and they have continued to be my biggest source of support. Collectively they are unendingly wise, so fun, and provide so much support. I couldn't do this career without them.
What does your home say about you:
I am the mom of two busy kids so our home reflects my family and my personal love for vintage furniture.
Where do you find inspiration:
I am an outdoor person at heart and so much of the inspiration for our projects is derived from Mother Nature herself. Travel is also huge for me, I have an upcoming trip to Japan and I cannot wait.
Who are your style icons:
I honestly don't have one! I am so wooed by the moment and my inspiration and icons change so frequently!
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good lighting! Without a doubt!
Do you collect anything:
I am a minimalist at heart but I cannot deny a good vintage oil painting or brass candlesticks.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I absolutely love @worldofinteriors and @slow_roads.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I think it's always important to think about negative space and how to use negative space to give a little breathing room to a space. That being said, I don't think there are any hard and fast rules about interior design, it's all about the feeling you want to create in a space and the function you're trying to achieve.
What are you working on right now:
The Yond Cottage! We are so close to the launch of our Airbnb project on Lake Superior and we cannot wait.
Wardrobe staples:
A good T-shirt and a pair of Birkenstocks.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
I absolutely love everything by Michael Smith.
Best interior advice you ever received:
A room needs layers to feel finished and well-lived in.
Best career advice you ever received:
Nothing lasts forever. Whether it's a super great time in the business or a frustrating moment, things always change.
Photo by Erin Little
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I love vintage furniture and am a complete sucker for vintage lounge and dining chairs
Your greatest extravagance:
I will go all out on the right textile, it can change a room or a piece of furniture - so critical!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Round Top in Texas, 1st Dibs and Etsy.
Most prized possession and why:
I had a photographer friend take a photo outside our front door on the days my sons were born. They are one of my most favorite possessions since they capture the weather and mood of my two favorite days of the year.
Your interiors motto:
Layer, layer, layer!
Your life motto:
There is always goodness, you just have to look for it.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Just listen to your own heart, try to tune out all the other noise!
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Pasta all day, every day
Drink: Coffee, literally cannot live without! Or an Old Fashioned for an evening beverage.
Film: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Hotel: Nine Orchards in NYC
City: Minneapolis of course!
Bedding: Linen, always
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with half and half!
Playlist: A little unexpected, but I'm into sports podcasts right now
Weekend Activity: A long run outside
Design Book: Shamshiri: Interiors