In Conversation with Kerrie-Ann Jones

We visited interior stylist and newly published author Kerrie-Ann Jones at her Sydney pop-up, a space that blends mid-century design with sculptural objects and quiet moments of joy. With a sharp eye for curation and an unmistakable sense of soul, Kerrie-Ann speaks to the power of storytelling, personal style, and creating spaces that reflect the way we truly live.

From her book Curated Style to her growing gallery-store hybrid, Kerrie-Ann shares what’s inspiring her now,  and why timeless interiors begin with intention. Come inside.

Can you introduce yourself and share a little about what you do? How would you describe your personal approach to design and interiors?

I'm an interior stylist & curator, a newly published author, a mum and wife.  The title of my book, Curated Style, sums up my approach to design and interiors. With my background as an editorial stylist, I have developed a curated and edited approach to how I design and style spaces. I don't like space to feel overly decorated or themed; I want them to have mood and atmosphere, reflect my client or the visual narrative we are want to express and source unique pieces that will be cherished for a lifetime.  

What defines your personal aesthetic, and does it talk to the aesthetic of your home? How does your wardrobe influence your approach to styling your home?

I love working with warm neutrals and monochrome for my wardrobe and home. It's an easy, effortless palette to work with. However, I like to throw in something a bit bold, structural, shiny or unexpected, too, for both my clothes and at home. This has become part of my signature style to use neutrals that feels timeless and accessorise with something unique. For interiors, I'm naturally drawn to furniture and objects with sculptural shapes as they add personality and interest to a space. Our sense of fashion style naturally crosses over with our interiors and reflects who we are, what we love and how we like to live.

Walk us through your creative process - how do you find focus, and what fuels your inspiration? Who, what, or where is sparking inspiration for you at the moment?

I like to start my day with an exercise session. I've been doing reformer pilates since I was 15, so I'll often start the day with a reformer class, which sets me up to feel focused and energised for the day.

I feel most inspired when I step out of my daily environment and either visit stores, restaurants, galleries, and hotels, walk along the beach, hike, or travel. What I see when I'm out or having time to think on a walk usually sparks ideas and gets the creativity flowing.

Is there a project or something you're currently working on that excites you?

Over the last 18 months, I've been working on three big projects simultaneously. The first is my book, Curated Style. I travelled to Europe, the US, Canada and the east coast of Australia to photograph and write about phenomenal homes that capture the essence of Curated Style.

During the time I was in Europe and the US, my husband and I sourced some beautiful mid-century vintage furniture and contemporary art. As a stylist, I come across some incredible vintage and contemporary design pieces, and I wanted a platform to share and sell these hidden gems so, we shipped them home to Australia to start my online store.

Once I delivered the manuscript for my book to the publisher and finished the editing and design process, we launched the online store.

With much interest to see the pieces in person, I decided to open a pop-up gallery in Bondi to coincide with the launch of my book. The pop-up space is an extension of the book, showcasing my interpretation of what Curated Style is to me. It's been a big 18 months, and I'm so proud of these projects. They have pushed me creatively, and I'm so grateful I get to pursue a career I love, on my own terms.

When curating a space, what matters most to you?

What matters most to me is how the space feels. I want an interior to feel comfortable and reflective of the people who live there or use the interior.

What role does storytelling play in your approach to interiors?

Visual storytelling is a key factor for my creative process. I do this through layering a space with furniture, art, and objects that are special or collected over time. I want the spaces I curate to evoke mood and atmosphere and share the story of the homeowner or, if it's my home, to reflect my style and share what's special to me. How the pieces are arranged in the space also helps to shape the narrative too.

You live in the Sutherland Shire, what is your local hero and best kept secret? 

I enjoy hiking in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Kurnell; some of the tracks overlook the ocean, and during migration season, you will often spot some whales; it's such a nice break from the 9-5 hustle.

Some of my favourite local spots to eat are:

Flour – have the most delicious pastries but get in quick as the line is out the door and around the corner!
Blackwood Pantry – have the best Chai and the miso avo on toast is amazing.
Yalla Salla – I love Middle Eastern food and can't get enough of everything on their menu, but my favourite is the roasted cauliflower with tahini.
Pippi's  - for a beautiful sunny day.
Hazelhurst gallery & Hazel restaurant – The gallery exhibits some wonderful art and the newly renovated Hazel restaurant is both a visual and gustatory delight.