Name:
Julie Hillman
Company:
Julie Hillman Design
Contact info:
1063 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10028
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
15 years
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I was a fashion designer and thought since I was a little girl that fashion was my calling. I decided to stop working for a few years until both of my children were in school all day. During this time, my husband and I built a family home in East Hampton. I absolutely loved the whole process from beginning to end. It was a true reflection of our family, and to this day, my favorite place to be. New friends that I met through my 2 ½ year old daughter asked me to design their apartments. I realized that I had found my genuine passion and started my business. My kids were 4 and 5, in school all day, and I had a new career that I loved.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I believe it’s my ability to mix different vintage furniture, contemporary furniture, and luxurious fabrics to create unique and inviting spaces. I also feel my style is constantly evolving and I endeavor to bring a fresh approach to every project. Collectable design is something that is a constant in all my projects, and I love introducing my clients to a new way of living with design.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
I feel my interiors are extremely individual and truly reflect my clients’ needs and personality. My clients’ homes are unique. I do not dictate to them, but collaborate with them. I am inspired by vintage and collectable furnishing from all periods. My eye is constantly evolving as I am always exploring new avenues of design.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I strive to give my clients great joy living in the home I have designed with them. The feeling of loving your home is unparalleled.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I absolutely love what I do. I have many favorite parts, but it all starts with having amazing clients. I love collaborating with each of them and making their homes a complete reflection of themselves. There is no better feeling than working on an install and watching my clients’ excitement and happiness as they move into their new homes.
How do you benefit mamas?
I raised my own children and understand the demands on a mom and what the children will need in their home. I understand a mother’s concern and how to make her family’s apartment or house into a home.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
It’s hard to remember any individual feedback. I strive to make all of my clients happy, and I am not satisfied until I have exceeded all of their expectations
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Jacques Grange and Axel Vervoort
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
It’s better to want what you have than to have what you want . This goes double in new york.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I make sure to plan my days in advance. It’s so important to prioritize and to set out to complete what you’re working on rather than to leave a lot of loose ends to come back to. I make sure that I always have down time in order to stay balanced and invigorated.