Get ready to be inspired by the creative insights of Kerrie-Ann Jones, one of Australia’s most celebrated stylists and design experts. Known for her intentional and deeply personal approach to styling, Kerrie-Ann has worked on major editorial campaigns, curated stunning interiors, and recently launched her book, Curated Style. She will also be speaking at Decor + Design 2025 on Thursday 17 July, in conversation with Jen Bishop, Founder of The Interiors Addict.
In this exclusive Q&A, Kerrie-Ann shares her philosophy on creating spaces that tell a story, the art of minimalism with warmth, and how to balance trends with timeless design. She also dives into her favorite projects, including a serene seaside apartment and her exciting new venture into sourcing mid-century furniture and contemporary art.
Excerpt From Curated Style, Kerrie-Ann Jones
Your styling work always feels so personal and intentional. How do you begin the process of curating a space that truly reflects someone’s story?
First, it starts with getting to know my client, all their ins and outs, quirks, learning about their life and how they like to live. Then, I start the process of gathering inspiration so we are aligned on a look and feel. From there, it’s a fun, creative process of sourcing pieces that reflect their personal story in a way that’s original and pushes both of our creative boundaries to curate a space we both love and feel connected to.
Your session at Decor + Design will explore the idea that ‘less is more’ – but that can be hard to achieve. What’s your advice for creating minimal interiors that still feel warm and layered?
The less is more concept is about being very intentional with the pieces you select and bring into your home. These are pieces that hold meaning, evoke emotions, or spark memories. Sometimes, it’s also about waiting to find that special piece too.
I also like to tell clients and students that you don’t need to have a lot of ‘stuff’ to have a beautiful home. Make use of what you have, and make it special. It’s the way you curate the space and style these pieces together that can create a captivating moment.
Excerpt From Curated Style, Kerrie-Ann Jones
You’ve styled for major publications and campaigns. What are some key styling principles for editorial that translate just as beautifully into everyday homes?
Creating vignettes is a styling principle that works for both editorial and everyday homes. This could involve grouping objects in a cluster of two or three on a shelf or arranging an armchair with a side table and table lamp in a corner of a room. It’s about creating interesting and intentional moments in spaces with items grouped to tell a visual story. The items must have a common thread between them so the vignette looks cohesive; for example, they should fit within a colour palette. Each object or furniture item must vary in size and texture to create an interesting balance.
Trends come and go. How do you approach incorporating them in a way that still feels timeless and sustainable?
The key to incorporating trends is to make it your own. Use it as inspiration, but don’t copy it like for like. Adapt it your own way and interpret it in a manner that resonates with you or your clients, allowing it to have longevity and become timeless.
Trends also require balance, with classic design or a neutral palette. There needs to be a balance of yin and yang, old and new, with a trend colour in a neutral setting.
There’s a lot to cover here, so stay tuned!
Excerpt From Curated Style, Kerrie-Ann Jones
Can you share a couple of recent favourite projects?
Yes, I’ve worked on a variety of projects both styling and expanding my business.
I recently designed and curated an apartment overlooking Freshwater Beach in Sydney. My client gave me free rein to create a peaceful and serene space that reflected the seaside location yet in an elevated and artful execution.
My book, Curated Style, has been a project I’ve been working on for over 18 months; however, it’s been five years in the making. I travelled to Europe, US and Canada to shoot and write the book. It was an incredible experience. Many of the concepts and lessons from the book will be shared in my session.
I’ve also recently launched my online gallery, selling mid-century furniture sourced from Europe and the US, as well as contemporary art and objects. I love curating spaces with unique pieces, and it’s been exciting to expand my creativity and business beyond styling to sourcing special pieces for designers and design enthusiasts.
Mood and atmosphere are often overlooked in favour of ‘the look.’ How do you help clients tap into how they want a room ‘to feel’?
The feel of a room is something that is unlocked in the discovery phase of getting to know my client. I deep dive with them and understand how they intend to use this space and how they want to feel while in it. For example, do they want an uplifting and vibrant living space, or do they prefer to relax and retreat? How I like to use a room may differ from that of my clients and their energy, so it’s essential to get to know them and understand who they are and how they prefer to live.
Once we have established the feel, this informs the aesthetics to ensure we evoke the desired mood and atmosphere.
Excerpt From Curated Style, Kerrie-Ann Jones
What do you hope the audience takes away from this session with yourself and Jen Bishop?
We will unpack so much! Some topics we’ll cover are:
• The Art of Curating Spaces
• How to Incorporate Trends Timelessly
• Developing your Signature Design Style
• Adopting the Less is More concept
• How ‘Mood’ comes first when Designing Spaces
There is also a Q&A session at the end, and I will be signing copies of my book, Curated Style. I’m looking forward to connecting with like-minded design lovers and sharing my perspective and advice on these topics.
Don’t miss Kerrie-Ann Jones and Jen Bishop in conversation at Decor + Design, 16 – 18 July 2025. Register now to attend the exhibition and book your ticket. Use the code JONES20 to activate a 20% discount on this session!
Now in its 21st edition, Decor + Design is the definitive destination for Australian interior design. See 200+ exhibitors across indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, art and textiles.