Julia Miller on Experiential Home Design at Yond Interiors
people • Designers
Julia Miller is the creative director of Yond Interiors, a Minneapolis-based studio celebrated for its experiential design and emotionally attuned interiors. With a background in clinical social work, Miller approaches interior design through a deeply human lens—prioritising how spaces support daily rituals, comfort, and connection. Her journey into the field began with the renovation of her own home, leading to a design philosophy that embraces intuitive decision-making, warm modern interior design, and a continually evolving style. Now in its fourth year, Yond Interiors continues to shape homes that reflect both intention and individuality across the U.S.
WEBSITE:yondinteriors.com
INSTAGRAM:@yondinteriors
Words: designeers
july 2024
designeers
What is your main priority when starting projects? Is there a foundational element inherent to your practice, philosophy, and approach?
Julia miller
Given my background in social work, our guiding principle is experiential design—crafting environments that support the rituals, passions, and everyday moments our clients value most. Whether it’s a kitchen for a cook or a ski home for a skier, we design spaces with emotional and functional intention. This approach allows us to handcraft people-specific spaces that go beyond aesthetics.
designeers
How do you organise and manage the competing demands of modern business and life? Do you have any tips or tricks you could share with us that help you in your day-to-day?
Julia miller
Hire people better than you! Honestly, surrounding yourself with people that are smarter and more talented than you is the only way to manage the demands of business and home. I am so honoured to be surrounded by women that are so talented and kind! Day-to-day I keep a fairly strict calendar and do my best to protect my personal time which has really helped bring balance to my life.
designeers
What do you feel is the most challenging part of being a designer today? And if you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Julia miller
I feel like the rising costs of nearly everything is the most challenging part of being a designer today. From sourcing natural stone and artisan finishes to balancing client expectations, costs are increasingly complex to navigate—demanding greater transparency, flexibility, and creative problem-solving at every stage of the design process. If I could change one thing about the industry it would be some of the competition that can naturally occur. I truly believe a rising tide lifts all boats and we’re all better together.
designeers
What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to follow your path? What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your firm?
Julia miller
I would say – focus on developing your own evolving design style. Discover the type of work that energises you and design from that place of truth, rather than chasing trends or external expectations. That clarity will shape more authentic, enduring interiors. It is so easy to be swayed by the style of the moment and to feel like you have to keep up, but what distinguishes your work from everyone else’s. The biggest lesson learned is just listening to my gut about literally everything. Nothing in this business is completely intuitive and you have to be willing to step out and trust yourself.
“With each project, I delve deeper into the history of architecture and design, causing my taste and style to continuously evolve.”
Julia miller
designeers
What’s next – can you share with us your vision and some of your goals?
Julia miller
We are so excited about some product collaborations we have in the works. Our team is literally brimming with so many ideas and being able to bring them to more people is just a delight. Our team is forever focused on our specific clients and their spaces, we do our best to stay so attuned to our work and are continually improving every bit of what we do.
designeers
Best design hotel in the world:
Julia miller
The best hotel I’ve stayed in was Nine Orchards in NYC! So many wonderful moments!
designeers
On your coffee table right now:
Julia miller
Truthfully? A vintage chess board my kids use every day, my favorite candle, and a bunch of library books.
designeers
What are the top 3 suppliers you love working with:
julia miller
Well we love everything vintage, so anyone who is selling great vintage stuff is a friend of ours. We also love small makers and a few of our favorite suppliers are Rovan Furniture in Minneapolis, MacLaren Fixture Co, and South Loop Loft.
designeers
Design inspiration hero:
julia miller
It’s impossible to pinpoint just one but something that keeps me inspired is seeing what my design friends create. It is so fun and inspiring to see what people I love create!
