Meet the personality behind our much-loved House Proud series
It’s that time again where we’ll be taking you behind the scenes with our favourite local business owners and creatives to find out where they go to eat, what playlist they’re listening to, where they take their out-of-town friends, and ultimately, what makes them tick.
For our 21st instalment of SPILL, we’re catching up with the personality behind HUNTERhunter’s much-loved content series, House Proud – Julie Evans.
Julie Evans
Firstly, what and where would people across Newcastle recognise you from?
Through my interior design business, Julie Evans Design or by reading my regular House Proud feature for HUNTERhunter, where I get to interview home owners about their incredible homes and share their tips and tricks with readers.
Where are you from originally and what made you decide to make Newcastle home?
I’m an Essex girl! Born in Colchester, UK. My ex was in the air force and posted to Williamtown RAAF base when we were 22. The relationship didn’t last but my love affair with Newcastle has stood strong!
Do you consider yourself more of an early bird or a night owl?
Definitely an early bird.
What’s your morning ritual?
Head to a session at Sunrise Fitness for a 6.45am class, and on days where I don’t have early meetings, I try to sneak in a coffee with the women I train with at Local Customs.
What’s your coffee order?
Soy flat white. Having said that, I’ve just discovered Performance Coffee by Before You Speak and I’m kind of addicted.
Speaking of coffee, which local venue knows your order off by heart?
Neighbours on Market St. It’s right across from my office so I’m a regular fixture.
Tell me about your biggest career highlight…
Every time a client falls in love with their home all over again at the end of a project. There’s no better feeling.
In your spare time, what are your THREE top favourite things to do in Newcastle?
1. Take a walk along Nobby’s break wall when there’s a big swell and watch the waves smash against the rocks.
2. Hiking through Glenrock with a bestie to soak up the peace while getting a cardio hit.
3. Dinner for two with my hubby at Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar on Darby Street.
If you wanted to dazzle your out-of-town friends and family, where would you take them?
The first time my husband visited Newcastle, I took him to King Edward Park to watch the whales. He fell in love with Newcastle then and there.
Beer? Wine? Cocktail? Mocktail? What is your tipple of choice and where do you frequently visit?
Champagne…champagne…champagne. We always start with a glass of French champers at Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar before even looking at the menu.
On the daily, what’s guaranteed to make you smile?
My husband’s eccentricities get me every time. He has me in stitches.
What do you NEVER leave the house without?
Keys, phone, and lip gloss.
We’re all about keeping it local here at HUNTERhunter – tell me THREE of your favourite local businesses that you live and breathe by and why you couldn’t live without them…
That’s easy:
1. Earps Bros Newcastle – I love going into their showroom and bringing looks together for clients.
2. DiLorenzo Tiles – they have a great range of exclusive decorative tiles that take designs to that next level.
3. Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar -– we’re obsessed. Always great food, great wine, and great service
Can I add a sneaky fourth?
4. Talulah at The Junction – We take our Goldie, Maggie The Wonderdog there for doggy ice cream every weekend.
What are you reading / watching / listening to now?
Reading – The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
Watching – White Lotus
Listening to – My husband’s acoustic Spotify playlist
If you’re needing a short break away from Newcastle, where do you go and why?
The last few years it’s either been Tassie or New Zealand. This year we’re having a sneaky five-night getaway to Singapore.
What’s your go-to playlist?
Acoustic covers, or Miley Cyrus radio.
What would you like to see more of in Newcastle?
Gourmet delis.
Lucky last – who would you recommend we interview next for SPILL?
Kasia and Tim from Urban Restaurant and Wine Bar.
