Julia Atkinson-Dunn: From Blogging to Blooms – A Journey of Passion and Petals
Julia Atkinson-Dunn: From Blogging to Blooms
Julia Atkinson-Dunn, a vibrant and energetic interior designer and blogger with a massive following of 41,000 on Instagram, has recently added another feather to her cap – that of a passionate suburban gardener. Her journey from a farm in North Canterbury to becoming a design maven and now a gardening enthusiast is as inspiring as it is fascinating.
Early Life and Career
Julia’s story begins on a farm in North Canterbury, where her mother’s love for gardening first sparked her interest in flowers. After high school and a year as an exchange student in Canada, Julia trained as a ski instructor, working in various locations in New Zealand and abroad. However, at the age of 23, she realized her true calling was in design.
She pursued several courses, including a diploma in interior design, where she honed her practical skills. Julia’s discovery of the renowned US blog, Design Sponge, inspired her to start her own blog, Studio Home, in 2008. The blog, which covered creative people and products in New Zealand and Australia, quickly gained popularity, making Julia a trailblazer in the design blogging scene.
The Shift to Gardening
Despite her success in interior design, Julia found herself drawn to gardening after purchasing a villa in Linwood, Christchurch. The house’s character and a stacked vegetable garden in the backyard sparked a new passion. Julia immersed herself in gardening, using resources like the Yates Garden Guide to learn and grow.
She found that gardening communities were incredibly giving and supportive, unlike the sometimes cagey world of interior design. Julia’s friend Penny Zino, who wrote the foreword to her book, Petal Power, is one of the many gardeners who have shared their wisdom and experience with her.
Petal Power and Beyond
Julia’s love for flowers and gardening culminated in her beautiful new book, Petal Power. The book captures her gardening journey and the joy she finds in planting and nurturing her beloved flowers. In addition to her writing, Julia has also found success in creating art from her garden. She photographs her flowers, makes fine archival prints, and paints over them using acrylics. These unique pieces, framed by Julia and her husband T, have been well-received.
Julia’s story is a testament to the power of passion and the joy of exploring new interests. From blogging to blooms, her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to discover new loves and pursue them with all your heart.
For more information on Julia’s work, you can visit her Instagram profile.
