In this interview we meet Giulia from @giuliaballetti, an interior designer passionate about fashion and pretty facades.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

I have an Italian name that may lead you to believe I was born there, but I was actually born in Sydney Australia. I left 20 years ago to travel the world and had planned to spend just 6 months in London, but this beautiful city captured my heart and I’ve been here ever since.

Like many other Instagrammer’s I have a day job, but over the past few years I’ve increasingly focused my time and energy towards bringing some creativity into my life. For as long as I can remember I’ve been obsessed with interiors so I’ve studied a little interior design and have started up a small business on the side. I offer personal shopping & styling for furniture and homewares and walks that take in my favourite design shops and instagram facades. I’ve recently started a photography course at Central Saint Martins and I’m becoming obsessed. I adore fashion and my not to guilty secret is my addiction to American reality TV. Give me a Housewives franchise any day.

2. Where do you live in London and what do you like/dislike about that area?

I live in Clapham with my two little Somali cats, Matilda and Ripley. I have lived here for the past 15 years and really love that the area is constantly evolving with a great mixture of people. A massive bonus is that I live a 10-minute walk away from almost all my girlfriends. There aren’t really any negatives; I’d love to have a Wholefoods at the top of my road, does that count?

3. If you could choose one place in London to live in, what would it be?

Kate Moss’s house in London. I like to think we share the same shoe and dress size so could you imagine!

4. What restaurants would you recommend?

I am such a creature of habit and adore Italian and Thai food. Aglio O’lio on the Fulham Road has the most delicious grilled calamari, which I have been eating for years. Although it sounds rather dull I honestly wouldn’t dream of ordering anything else. Locally, I enjoy eating at Ciullosteria in Balham. They make a beautiful marinara and also have a great gluten free pasta option. Busaba Eathai is my go to when I’m out and about.

5. Where do you like going out on a weekend?

I actually prefer going out during the week, for me weekends are for catching up on sleep, walking tours, photography and complete relaxation for at least one day. Meeting friends after work is always fun and also helps to balance out my day. Cocktails at Bar Termini or the London Gin club are favourites.

6. If you could choose to have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it in London?

I’m not sure if this is a superpower, but without a doubt I wish I had the power to be able to teleport whenever I wanted. I’d be able to have dinner each week with my mother, have an extra hour lie in each morning, take a quick swim in the ocean whenever desired. The options are endless.

7. Are there any hidden gems you know about that you would like to share?

I have quite a few places I get really excited about visiting in London, but my favourite at the moment would be Italo’s, which is a café & delicatessen in Bonnington square Vauxhall. It is simply charming and is also my father’s name that makes it extra special to me. I love Petersham Nurseries in Richmond. It is like a dream with an impeccable selection of plants, flowers, homewares plus delicious coffee and cake. Finally not quite a hidden gem but such a special place is Liberty. I am a big fan of smaller independent stores, but I love that each year Liberty hosts an Open call for all designers and creatives and stocks their favourite finds.

8. If you could change 3 things about London, what would they be?

I would remove all litter from the streets of London. After all the years I’ve lived here I’m still shocked that it is not taboo to drop rubbish on the ground. I’d also have a beautiful beach and forest easily accessible, protected from all the smog and dirt in the middle of London.

9. Other than London, is there any other city in the world you think is a must? Why?

Without a doubt, Sydney Australia. With beaches, bush, sunshine, amazing food, culture, creative spaces and the biggest draw – family at my fingertips, other than London it is my ultimate city.