Living With Kids: Julie Blackmon

One skill that contributes to a beautiful home, don’t you think? Julie Blackmon, an amazing photographer, has mastered the art of creating a stunning living space. Her home, a picture-perfect abode in Springfield, Missouri, is not just a place to live, but a work of art that reflects her refined eye and attention to detail. I’ve known friends who take photos of their home to “check” how it’s living, but Julie does it all perfectly. Just take a look at her home’s harmonious balance of colors, textures, and patterns. But what you don’t see is inside the drawers, closets, basement, garage, or the broken skateboard parts scattered across their front porch. And then there’s Photoshop! Really, they do love their house, and I’m about to share why.

The Blackmon’s Story: A Home Filled with Love and Chaos

Correction: Julie Blackmon is an amazing photographer. And that’s one skill that contributes to a beautiful home, don’t you think? Having a refined eye that can edit mercilessly, arrange a room so that the sunlight dances through it, and ultimately create a space where both kids and adults feel comfortable. Julie’s home is the perfect blend of art, functionality, and family life. Her husband, WD, is head of English at Missouri State University, and her 13-year-old son, Owen, is a bright and active young boy who loves to express himself. They live in a beautiful house that’s been in the family for over 15 years, and it’s a place where memories are made every day.

Julie’s sister, Sharon Taylor, is a genius designer who can stage anything. She’s the one responsible for creating the picture-perfect atmosphere in their home. When I asked Julie about how she maintains her home’s beauty, she said, “We do love our house, and it’s because my genius designer sister can stage anything.” It’s clear that Julie and her family have put a lot of thought and effort into creating a home that’s not just beautiful but also functional and comfortable.

The Power of Photography: Capturing Life’s Moments

As a photographer, Julie’s work is all about capturing life’s moments and turning them into art. She’s had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients and projects, including a recent shoot for TIME magazine in their dining room. The story was about how paying kids to make good grades really works, and Julie’s creative vision brought the concept to life. With a big ten-foot roll of white paper draped from the ceiling, a school desk, and a stock of 1,000 one-dollar bills, the shoot was a huge success. And the best part? The kids got to keep a few of the bills as a reward.

Chaos and Beauty: Living with Kids

Living with kids can be chaotic, but it can also be beautiful. Julie’s home is a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and effort, you can create a space that’s both functional and visually stunning. As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your home should be perfect, but Julie’s story shows us that it’s okay to have a little chaos and imperfection. In fact, it’s often the imperfections that make a space truly unique and beautiful.

The Art of Editing and Arranging

Julie’s approach to editing and arranging her home is all about creating a focal point and enhancing the space around it. She likes to think about what’s adding to the piece and what’s distracting from it. With kids, this approach can be especially challenging, but Julie’s strategy is to take out anything that’s not adding to the space. This way, everything in the room works together to create a cohesive and beautiful atmosphere.

The Importance of Family Time

As a family, the Blackmons prioritize spending quality time together. They spend a lot of time at home, and they’ve worked hard to create a space that’s comfortable and inviting. Julie’s dad used to take them on Sunday drives after church, and they’d always stop at Burger King. But on those drives, Julie’s dad would always slow down in front of their current house, which was a famous rock star hangout in the late 70s. This childhood memory has a special significance for Julie, and it’s a reminder that even the most mundane moments can be turned into beautiful memories.

Conclusion

Living with kids can be chaotic, but it can also be beautiful. Julie Blackmon’s home is a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and effort, you can create a space that’s both functional and visually stunning. Her approach to editing and arranging her home is all about creating a focal point and enhancing the space around it. And most importantly, her family prioritizes spending quality time together, making memories that will last a lifetime.

The Verdict

In conclusion, Julie Blackmon’s home is a beautiful example of how to live with kids while maintaining a sense of style and functionality. Her approach to editing and arranging her space is all about creating a cohesive and beautiful atmosphere, and her family’s love and chaos are a reminder that even the most imperfect moments can be turned into something truly special. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of living with kids, take a cue from Julie and remember that it’s okay to have a little imperfection. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a home that’s both beautiful and functional.