First Impressions by Julie Wagner

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First Impressions by Julie Wagner Julie Wagner is an experienced Interior Designer based in Chapel Hill and Chatham County, North Carolina She loves what she does, and it shows.

Julie is a warm and friendly professional who is impeccable with her vision, her project management, and her dedication to taking exceptional care of clients. Julie began her career more than a decade ago in Dallas, Texas, and has since relocated to fast-growing Chatham County within the Raleigh-Durham metro area of North Carolina. Over the course of her career, she has worked with both residential clients and with large commercial clients including Macy's, Tiffany's, JARED Galleria of Jewelry, Zales, Dillard's, Sears, JC Penney, McDonald's, Papa Murphy's, Blockbuster, and Service Merchandise. She has also worked with a number of small companies like the Bridges at Preston community in the Dallas metro area. No matter how large or how small your design project is, Julie has the experience and know-how to get a beautiful job done on time and on budget.

Timeless Style in Thrifted Velvet: A Durham Find That Still Shines  ✨There’s a special kind of thrill that comes from di...
11/02/2026

Timeless Style in Thrifted Velvet: A Durham Find That Still Shines
✨

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes from discovering something unexpected and beautiful! Especially when it happens in a secondhand store. I remember the day like it was yesterday: I walked into Always Home Furniture Consignment in Durham just to browse, maybe find a side table or a lamp. I certainly wasn’t planning on walking out with two Bergère chairs. But design has a funny way of surprising us.

I had them reupholstered not long after, choosing a green velvet that felt rich, earthy, and just a little bit daring at the time. This was ten years ago, long before green velvet was trending. I got a few raised eyebrows when I mentioned the color, but here’s the thing: when you’re designing for longevity, trends take a backseat. You pick what you love. And I’ve never regretted that choice.

Read more on today's featured blog (link in bio):
https://www.impressionsbyjulie.com/2026/10/01/timeless-style-in-thrifted-velvet-a-durham-find-that-still-shines/

Sometimes, it’s the little moments that make an ordinary day feel special. ☀️☕🌿A quiet morning with sunlight coming thro...
11/01/2026

Sometimes, it’s the little moments that make an ordinary day feel special. ☀️☕🌿

A quiet morning with sunlight coming through the windows. A drink in the mug you always reach for. A walk around the community. A good laugh with a friend.

Life moves quickly, but there’s something to be said for slowing down long enough to enjoy what’s right in front of you.

What’s one simple moment that made you smile today?

A little porch magic for Halloween. 🎃✨Pumpkins, mums, warm lights, and a wreath on the door make the entrance feel festi...
10/31/2026

A little porch magic for Halloween. 🎃✨

Pumpkins, mums, warm lights, and a wreath on the door make the entrance feel festive without losing that cozy, welcoming feeling I love. Happy Halloween from Impressions by Julie!

Share your style preference, and if it's something different, let's chat about it!
10/30/2026

Share your style preference, and if it's something different, let's chat about it!

10/29/2026

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. 🤍

Layering velvet, quilting, pattern, glass and a little metallic detail gives this bedroom depth without taking away from the calm feeling of the space.

One of my favorite ways to create a meaningful interior is to work with pieces that already have a story.These matching ...
10/28/2026

One of my favorite ways to create a meaningful interior is to work with pieces that already have a story.

These matching floral chairs bring color, pattern, and a traditional touch to the room, while the crisp white built-ins create a calm backdrop for books, artwork, pottery, and little treasures collected over time. The mix keeps the space from feeling too formal or too perfectly coordinated. 🤍

I love helping clients see the possibilities in furniture they already own. Sometimes a beautiful chair simply needs new upholstery, a thoughtful fabric choice, or a new place in the room to feel relevant again.

That approach is also one of the simplest ways to make interior design more sustainable. Keeping quality furniture in use, supporting skilled upholstery work, and combining old pieces with new ones can create a home that feels deeply personal rather than pulled from a showroom.

For this Pittsboro, NC living space, the goal was a room with warmth, character, and room for the things that matter.

This room is a lovely reminder that good design does not have to mean starting over.The clean lines of the white section...
10/27/2026

This room is a lovely reminder that good design does not have to mean starting over.

The clean lines of the white sectional create a calm foundation, while the floral chair, warm wood coffee table, plants, and patterned textiles bring in personality and a sense of history. The custom drapery adds another layer of softness and color while helping frame the windows beautifully. 🤍

One of my favorite parts of interior design is finding the balance between what a client already loves and what a room needs next. Sometimes that means keeping a meaningful furniture piece, introducing new upholstery, or choosing window treatments that tie old and new together.

In this Chapel Hill, NC living room, the result feels comfortable, welcoming, and meant for everyday life. Nothing feels too precious. It simply feels like home.

Ultimate Guide to Designing an Open Concept Home  ✨When it comes to design ideas for open concept homes your options are...
10/26/2026

Ultimate Guide to Designing an Open Concept Home
✨

When it comes to design ideas for open concept homes your options are going to be limitless. While yes, there are rules to interior design, at the end, when it comes to decorating a space, it’s going to be about what you want and your lifestyle.

Let’s dive into some tips that I use to help make decorating an open concept home design a bit more seamless.
1. Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme
2. Use Area Rugs to Define Spaces
3. Use Furniture to Create Separations and Conservations Areas
4. Add Architectural Details
5. Add Tall Drapery Panels

So, is the open concept going out of style? Absolutely not! People are tired of the restrictions of the old home layout. The airiness allows the space to feel bigger and it aids in creating a seamless transition to the outdoors as well. If you’re decorating an open concept home, just know that you have limitless opportunities to create the space of your dreams! Reach out to me for help with a design consultation to help you achieve your design goals.

Read more on today's featured blog (link in bio):
https://www.impressionsbyjulie.com/2022/08/21/ultimate-guide-to-designing-an-open-concept-home/

Appreciate the good things in life, big or small. Gratitude is a powerful force that can bring a fresh perspective and p...
10/25/2026

Appreciate the good things in life, big or small. Gratitude is a powerful force that can bring a fresh perspective and positivity to each day!

Spruce up your home this fall without breaking the bank. Here are some simple ways to bring all the fall feels into your...
10/24/2026

Spruce up your home this fall without breaking the bank. Here are some simple ways to bring all the fall feels into your home:

1) Pumpkins are the easiest and most inexpensive fall addition.
2) Check your backyard or a park for pinecones and acorns.
3) Dollar General, Target, and Walmart usually have picks, garlands, and fall signs.
4) Purchase one fall-scented candle to make your home smell like fall.
5) Look up DIY ideas on Pinterest with items you may already own.

Address

Chapel Hill, NC
27516

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19195787313

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