Do you ever go green with envy at those people who seem to have design or styling as a superpower? That’s how we feel everytime we encounter the work of interior design queen, Jacqui Antoniadis.
In this edition of the Do.Upper Chronicles, we chat to Jacqui about her background, inspirations and how a career change late in life has brought her more fulfilment and joy than she could’ve ever imagined.
Meet Jacqui Antoniadis – super mum, interior designer and all-round legendary human
As an interior stylist, Jacqui is passionate about design – she loves how functionality and aesthetics can work together to make your home more inviting and support the lifestyle you cherish.
As a mother of two – a 14 year old son Lucas and a 10 year old daughter Leila – family comes first for Jacqui (it’s the driving force for everything she does). With the unwavering support of husband Nick, she’s been able to pursue her dream of Interior Design quite late in life.
What we love about Jacqui’s approach to interior design is that it’s not only about aesthetics, but also about emotion and feeling. Her aim is to tell the story of her clients and show their personality, rather than concentrating on trends. We think you’ll fall in love with her down-to-earth vibe and authenticity, so let’s dive in!
What 3 words would your friends use to describe you?
The 3 words I think my friends would use to describe me are:
- Loud
- Loyal
- Always laughing!
Aside from the necessities, what’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Books! Books! Books! I love reading and do so in any free time I have.
What are your greatest passions in life?
I would say my greatest passions in life are travel, reading, learning new things, gardening, my family and interior styling.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I think the advice that I have come to appreciate and live by these days is to always look at things through the lens of gratitude and positivity. If you can do this, you’ll always find joy even in the hardest of circumstances. It always propels me to appreciate even the smallest of things.
If you could learn one new skill – either professional or personal – what would it be?
Oooh! I would love to learn to paint. I love the beauty of art and how it can add beauty and emote feelings in people.
What’s your proudest accomplishment to date?
LOL! Surviving studying two courses concurrently while working full time and raising a family. That was hard and I had no life for 3.5 years. It was worth all the hard work and sacrifice though. I love my job and I’m so glad I persevered (even though it was so hard to juggle everything).
Tell us a little about yourself Jacqui…
A little about me…hmm… I’m a bit of a self-professed nerd. I love reading and learning new things. I always have my head in a book if I have any spare time. I love to laugh and have a bit of a dry sense of humor. I love watching documentaries and historical series like Peaky Blinders, Vikings and The Lost Kingdom. See, NERD!
I LOVE indoor plants and have filled my home with so many of them – it’s crazy. There’s nothing more welcoming and relaxing in my mind than a home filled with beautiful plants. It just raises the energy of a home. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
I love to travel and have gotten so much inspiration from my travels. There’s nothing better than being immersed in another country. I love the history associated with architecture, art, culture, food and wonderful people. This is one of life’s greatest joys!
As far as career goes, in my early years I worked for the Grand Hyatt Melbourne for 7+ years. My last role there was as a Sales Executive where I contracted and organised events held at the hotel. This role was super exciting and I enjoyed that each event was so different. From gala events and awards ceremonies, to weddings and conferences, I enjoyed how different staging and aesthetic choices contributed to each unique atmosphere. I think this was my first glimpse into what curated design and staging (aka interior design) can achieve for the feel of a space.
I then moved into the Real Estate Industry where I worked for 15 years. It was while working in Real Estate that I noticed the importance of presentation and good design in homes. How crucial spatial design and a functional floor plan was, not just aesthetics. I found it fascinating how properties with good functionality and design attracted more buyers.
I’ve also pursued renovating and building my own homes over the years successfully and loved it. This prompted me to pursue my education in Interior Design & Decoration. For me, it’s not just about the aesthetics and functionality of space, but also the energy, which prompted me to study the art of Feng Shui. I found this so complex, layered and fascinating – I often incorporate some of my learnings from this practice into my designs.
After completing my Interior Design & Decoration course and my Feng Shui Course, I started my own business in 2019 called Jack & That, an Interior Design & Property Consultancy – and I haven’t looked back! I’m able to offer my services in Interiors, Real Estate Consultancy and Feng Shui, so I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my clients. I absolutely love what I do and am very grateful every day that I get to do what I love for a living.
You’ve made quite the career shift going from Real Estate to Interior Design. What was that deciding moment for you and why the Interior Design Space?
I had grown tired of Groundhog Day! It seemed that each day blended into the next and I wasn’t being challenged anymore. I needed a change – badly. I wanted to have a job that spoke to my passion, one where I woke up every morning eager to start my day. I knew I enjoyed the creativity of renovating and transforming spaces, so I thought I would go back to school and pursue my passion for interior design. I never in wildest dreams thought I would be able to do this every day. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to break into what is a very competitive industry.
Yet I committed myself to working hard and putting as much positive energy into my pursuit – and then the universe took it from there. I’ve been slowly building my clientele and am so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had now, and others soon to come!
What advice would you give to our readers who may be thinking about making a career shift also?
Go for it! If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Take the steps that you need to take to get you closer to where you want to be.
The biggest pitfall I see is people making excuses for why they can’t pursue things. If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way. If you’re determined and channel your energy in the direction of where you want to go, things have a way of opening up to you.
I’m a true believer in the power of manifestation. When you’re so focused and determined, life can synchronise perfectly to your plan. It might not unfold the way you think, but that’s part of the fun. Where focus goes, energy flows!
What does a typical day or work week look like for an Interior Designer?
A big part of interior design is research into materials and products, so I spend a lot of my time with suppliers. I love materials so I’m always on the hunt for new materials, or new applications of old materials. It’s important to me that I’m able to bring fresh and new ideas to my clients, ideas that have longevity. So I make sure I’m educated on all aspects of any materials that I recommend. This means I have great relationships with my suppliers.
Client consultations are some of my favourite days; I get to talk to them and interpret their vision. It’s important that I understand their wants and needs as I’m employed to make their house a home. I need to consider not only aesthetics, but also functionality and atmosphere. It’s important that the people resonate and feel comfortable in their spaces. So I must ensure that I have a clear understanding of the brief.
I also spend a lot of time preparing concepts and mood boards for my clients so I can ensure that they get the design direction. Visuals are gospel in my work, as well as documentation.I’ve got to be able to communicate my designs clearly to those who are constructing the vision, so I spend a lot of my days preparing specifications schedules, drawings and renders so that contractors are clear on all aspects of the construction of the design.
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing the happiness on my clients’ faces when a project is complete. When they see the vision realised and come to life, it’s the best feeling!
What drives your design decisions? What are some of your biggest inspirations?
Intention drives all my design decisions. It’s important to be really clear about what you’re trying to achieve for the client. What is the intention? If the client tells me they want their house to feel tranquil and relaxing, then I’ll make all my design decisions based on this intention.
My biggest inspiration in interior design is probably materiality. Looking at everyday forms in nature and our surroundings gives me great inspiration. Looking at different textures and colours, how they are used in different spaces and how I feel in these spaces is something I take note of when I’m out and about.
I also love observing the use of lights and how they’re used in different spaces, and how it can add a different element to the feel of a space.
Do you consider aestheticism or functionality to be more important? Why? Have you ever had to compromise one for the other?
Ha ha ha! This the eternal debate: aesthetics versus functionality. I think fundamentally, functionality must be at the core of every design, for if it’s not going to be functional, then what’s the point?
In saying that, this doesn’t have to be at the sacrifice of aesthetics. With today’s technology and increasing access to customisation, we can often overcome any issues where we have the need to compromise.
Honestly yes, there have been times where I’ve had to sacrifice one for the other, but more often than not it will be functionality that will win out!
Would you say you have a signature style or favourite décor style you like to work with?
I’m still in my exploratory phase in my career, so it’s still developing. I love many different interior design styles from Mid-Century Modern to Art Deco, Hamptons to Modern and Contemporary. I can appreciate all styles… except maybe gothic, I find this style a bit repressed and depressing, LOL!
For our DIY-ers at home, what would your top décor tips for designing/styling a room or space?
The devil is in the details. Planning is essential – this means that from the paint colour to the hardware on the joinery, you should leave nothing to chance. I see people often making big changes on the fly, deviating from the original plan, or not having a plan at all (oh the horror!). This often ends up with disconnects in the space as they haven’t taken the time to put all selections together and ensure that there is a cohesive language being spoken amongst all the selections chosen.
Take your time at the beginning and make sure you have all of your items selected before you start. Ensure you have put all your materials together (i.e. material flat lay), as this way you can check that there’s the right balance of colour, texture and materials.
As well as styling and decorating, do you dabble in any DIY– i.e. upcycling or reupholstering any furniture of your own? If so, we’d love to hear about a memorable project.
Yes, I love tackling projects at home. In a world where we have become such temporary consumers and change things out in short periods of time, I prefer to try and give life to old pieces where possible (it’s more sustainable).
I actually revamped my daughter’s chest of drawers using some of Do.Up Metal Wrapped Grey Marble Knobs to give it a bit more interest. These cabinet knobs are so beautiful and added the right element to brighten up an old piece of furniture that was looking a bit sad.
Is there a particular trend that you hope makes a comeback?
Hmmm.. I love the elegance and class of the 1920’s, very Art Deco and Gatsby-like. They had such fun with patterns and colour in this era. I love colour and this was an era that celebrated colour and patterns in a very sophisticated way.
Where can we find out more about you and your services?
You can contact me via Instagram @jacquianton for enquiries on my services.
Would you (or someone you know) like to feature on the Do.Upper Chronicles?
We’re always on the lookout for fresh new faces to introduce to our community. So if you’re a DIY-er, upcycler, designer, artist, architect or interior stylist, we want to hear from YOU! Get in touch with us or tag us on socials using @do.upper for your chance to be featured.
