“My home is a dream I’ve had my whole life,” photographer and design influencer Julia Arceri says of her Houston, Texas, home. Julia and her husband happened to sign papers to build their place “two days before everything with COVID hit the fan,” she explains. “If we had waited two more days to sign, I probably would have been too afraid to move forward, but we were already under contract.” Not to mention, with Julia and her husband working in the wedding photography and videography industry, there were a lot of other unknowns that began to emerge. “Somehow through all that, God made a way when it looked truly impossible,” Arceri reflects. “I still look back and am shocked that we are even here, with an unheard-of interest rate in the most unlikely time in the world, for the most unlikely people.” 

Since moving into her space, Julia started her Instagram account, @arceriinteriors. “I knew for years that I wanted to use my home as a ‘portfolio’ but was always afraid to start putting myself out there,” she shares. “Once I finally gathered the courage and took that step of faith, my account grew exponentially within just a few months.” She adds that showcasing what was a secret, longtime passion for interior design came as a surprise to some. “I don’t think many people I knew in person even knew this about me until I started posting about my home online,” she comments. Keep reading for an inside look at Julia’s custom space, which reflects her love of European and French styles and contemporary furnishings. 

My style: My style is a mixture of many styles. I love modern furnishings and clean lines, but then I love European/French accents, such as wall moldings, light fixtures, and artwork. I don’t think I could ever stick to just one style — there’s too much good stuff out there. 

Inspiration: I can find inspiration almost anywhere. But I really start drooling when I see Parisian-style homes with their beautiful architecture. Pair that with modern contemporary furnishings and you’ve got a save from me. Some of my favorite designers are Jean Stoffer, Carly Page Summers, and Jake Arnold, just to name a few. I’m constantly looking at new inspo and finding new things I enjoy.

Favorite element: I love my French gilt mirrors and crystal chandeliers. I have either one or the other in every room in my house — sometimes both. They just add such an elegance and grandeur, and they are timeless. I remember looking back on my Pinterest pins from a decade ago and I was constantly pinning those chandeliers and mirrors, so I think I will love them forever. 

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Find out what YOU really love. Pin a ton of pins you’re drawn to and for every single one, ask yourself, “What do I like about this space?” “What don’t I like?”and then narrow it down. Pay attention to what colors you’re drawn to, styles of furniture, styles of art, etc. Enough studying and you’ll discover your true style. After that, refrain from buying anything that doesn’t fit into your true style, and begin to replace the items in your home you don’t love. And always make sure to measure your space. Don’t be afraid to fill the room out. Oftentimes I see furniture and rugs that are too small. Make it proportionate to your space and don’t be afraid to go big on the furnishings.

• Sectional — Arhaus
• Rug — Rush House
• Coffee table — Burke Decor
• Mirror — Restoration Hardware
• Console — Painted Fox Home
• Light fixture — Amazon
• Curtains — Amazon
• Pillows — Twenty Third by Deanne

• Rug — Overstock
• Sofa — River and Bord 
• Mirror — Old World Antieks
• Fireplace — Creative Co op brand, Facebook Marketplace
• Chairs — Bought on Facebook marketplace and reupholstered 
• Table — Antique
• Chandelier — Amazon
• Accessories from antique stores
• Vases from H&M home

• Mostly antique stores or items out of stock.
• Sconces — Amazon
• Bed frame — Mainstays
• Throw — Amazon

• Chairs — Pottery Barn
• Dining table — West Elm
• Dining bench — West Elm
• Light fixture — Anthropologie

• Chandelier — Restoration Hardware
• Bed frame — Custom from Harris Marks Home 
• Bedding — Sold out from Pottery Barn
• Euro pillows — Target
• Nightstands — Sold out
• Lamps — Crate and Barrel
• Frames — Art to Frames
• Curtains — Amazon

Thanks, Julia!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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