Julia Alt is the principal designer at the award-winning Alt Design Group. She was destined to end up in the design industry. As an architect’s daughter she was constantly surrounded by the business at home. Alt Design Group creates, and crafts curated residential interiors, unique kitchen and bath design, and personalized home styling. She enjoys working with her clients to turn their visions into reality and believes that collaboration and the development of partnerships are some of the most important aspects in the design process. Alt Design Group designs to compliment the way we live now: fresh, relaxed, and uncomplicated. Julia is a recipient of an ASID OC Platinum Design Award and recently served as the President of the California Orange County Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Her designs have been selected for participation on many occasions for the Philharmonic House of Design and several charity events including winning Laguna Design Center’s Designer Runway. Alt Design Group is based in Orange County, CA.
Go-to color for painting a kitchen?
Dunn Edwards Bay Salt. It's warmer than white but still a great neutral.
Favorite part about interior designing?
I am in love with creating and helping people navigate the process of design and construction for their homes.
How would you describe your style?
California Casual.
Favorite trend(s) of the year?
Marble and Quartzite, the return to warm colors, and texture.
What inspires you at the moment?
Organic materials, simplicity, and the outdoors are what inspire me. I love the idea of creating spaces that express who my clients are and what they want to do in this life. For me personally, I am inspired by small scale entertaining, cooking, reading, my garden, and my animals. Although we have not traveled recently, I love exploring new places with my husband. Family and close friends in our home enjoying the food we have made for them and the ambiance we have created. I am also inspired by my fellow designers and the design community itself.
What kind of work do you usually prefer?
I came from a decorating background and really wanted to do kitchen and bath. In the recent past, most of my work has been kitchen and bath. Now, I am starting to get more of both. I love remodeling and am looking forward to getting into new construction. Whole house projects are where I'd like to expand.
What do you consider before designing?
How the client wants to feel in the space. What the story of the house will be. What the purpose is. Of course, defining a budget. I want to understand the clients' likes and dislikes. For instance, we have one starting demo next week and the client told me at the first interview that she wanted it to feel warm and cozy. Honey and cream were her words to describe the color palette. This home will be a vacation spot for them in Newport Beach and it will be different from their other properties. I want it to feel like a warm hug and a place to gather for their family. I have a similar project on the other side of the bay. Their son is younger. They want to return the home to its Midcentury origins. My goal for them is to make the home fun and more colorful: a great place to visit and enjoy the beach atmosphere.
Visit Julia's website at altdesigngroup.com
Or follow on social media at:
FB: @altdesigngroup
Instagram: @alt_design_group