A Wellness Blogger's Calming, Light-Filled Austin Home

Jules Acree, an Austin, TX-based blogger, wellness entrepreneur, and yoga and mindfulness teacher works to help others bring holistic wellness into their lives, so it’s no surprise that her home instantly creates a sense of calm and comfort upon entering. The minimal, modern bohemian and earthy home features soothing colors, beautiful textures and so many vibrant plants, and was virtually designed by Decorist designer Erika Dale. Find out more about Jules and her home, and get ready to take notes on how she incorporates self-care and wellness into her daily life.

Tell us about your home!

We bought our house in May of 2019. As first-time homebuyers, it was a new process for us, but I’m so grateful for how well everything has worked out. I wake up every day with so much gratitude to have a home we absolutely love and that truly reflects our aesthetic as a conscious and creative couple. My home makes me feel cozy, calm and inspired.

How would you describe your décor style?

I’d describe my style as minimal, modern bohemian and a little earthy. I really gravitate toward a natural color palette with bohemian textures and a few pops of color. This allows me to feel at peace in my space. I’ve learned that too many busy prints or patterns overwhelm me, so I try to cultivate a space that feels open and like a breath of fresh air.

Now that we’re “sheltering in place,” which spots in your home are bringing you the most joy?

I’ve put a lot of effort and intention into making our home a peaceful retreat. I really love every room, but I do enjoy getting some fresh air and sunshine. We recently upgraded our outdoor patio, and so that is now my favorite spot to be. I’d say I spend about 40 percent of my day sitting out there, doing work and drinking my matcha.

Favorite places to shop for home décor?

I like to mix the artisanal with the affordable. I love The Citizenry for one-of-a-kind textiles and throw pillows and Parachute for the best linen sheets and bedding on the planet. Most of my big pieces of furniture are from West Elm, like our couch, bed, dresser and so on. There are also lots of great finds at World Market and Target.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I used to say, “It looks different every day,” but after running my biz full-time for more than three years, I’ve become really intentional with my schedule and my time. My day actually starts with some of my morning non-negotiables. Committing to a strong morning routine has been life-changing for me so I continue to make this a priority. By designing my mornings to promote a more positive, calm and joyful mindset, I’m a better (and more productive) person for it. No matter how my morning routine ebbs and flows, it always starts off with a matcha latte and movement of some kind. I also like to clear and declutter my space before I start work each day to help create an environment where I can focus and feel productive. I strongly believe in task-batching and themed workdays.

How has your routine changed since staying home due to COVID-19?

It hasn’t changed all that much really, because I was already in the groove with working from home! I think more than anything it’s been a practice of settling into our new norm and practicing patience with myself…and letting go of making plans for “when this is all over.” It’s OK to look forward to the future, but I want to focus on being present, living the life I have now and making the most of it.

What tips do you have for our readers for staying healthy and active during this time at home?

My first motto has been to meet yourself where you are at, and my second motto is to do what you can with what you have. For me, the mental benefits of movement far outweigh the physical benefits. I know it can be harder than ever to find motivation when you feel cooped up, and that’s OK. We will have those days. So, just find compassion for yourself, but also remind yourself that you can do the hard things. If you feel stuck in a rut, I highly recommend asking a friend to work out with you virtually to hold you accountable! There are so many free live workouts on Instagram these days.

Favorite at-home workout?

I have been rollin’ out my yoga mat both indoors and outdoors recently. During this time, I’ve been gravitating toward more healing movements and power yoga over HIIT workout. I also like to bike, roller skate (badly) and take walks with my dogs.

What’s always in your fridge?

I’m such a creature of habit when it comes to mealtimes. I stock my fridge with most of the same foods every week, but I do mix and match to keep things interesting. Especially when you’re busy, it takes so much of the guesswork and decision-making out of the process to have a few staples you can make without too much effort. You’ll always find matcha, greens, berries, avocados, oats and coconut yogurt in my fridge. I try to eat the rainbow. When I eat food that’s vibrant, I feel vibrant.

Do you like to cook? What’s the best thing you make?

I do enjoy cooking! Lately, I’ve been enjoying recreating Korean dishes that my mom and grandmother used to make. I love simple recipes that can easily be thrown together and mixed and matched to make simple sautéed bowls, salads, snack plates and more. I make a really delicious chicken pad thai, Korean bibimbop and a yummy maple curried cauliflower dish.

Coffee or tea?

Matcha! Drinking my superfood matcha latte is honestly one of the best parts of my morning! It brings me joy, it helps me focus, it calms my nerves and it nourishes me.

What is your go-to outfit?

For staying at home: bike shorts and a crop top. For going out: I’m a jeans and a crop top kind of gal, or I wear a cute boho blouse.

Current beauty routine?

When it comes to creating a clean beauty routine, I think it starts with finding brands you love and trust, and swap one thing at a time. Now that I’m fully invested in clean beauty, I love finding new and sustainable swaps. When it comes to makeup, I can’t say that I wear it every day and when I do, I try to keep it natural. I always, always, always start with sunscreen.

What does self-care look like for you?

Self-care doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Self-care can simply be about checking in with yourself, listening to the answers, acknowledging what it is that you need and willing yourself to take action on it. For me, it’s all about creating a calm mindset where I can tap into my creativity, and find gratitude and peace. It’s also about showing self-compassion on the days when that’s not so easy to do. I enjoy things like going for a bike ride, journaling, doing a face mask or at-home dance parties.

What are your all-time favorite, must-read books?

There are endless books I could say, but the book that has stuck with me most is Essentialism by Greg McKeown.

Currently listening to?

My favorite playlist on Spotify is “Indie Sunshine.” It’s such good music to listen to while working from home. It keeps me energized and calm at the same time. It just makes me very happy.

Are there any podcasts you love?

To be honest, I’ve taken a break from podcasts lately. I realized I needed to get more in tune with my own thoughts. With all of the external noise, media, opinions, etc., I just gravitate toward music over a podcast right now.

What does your bedtime routine look like?

Honestly, up until a few years ago, I was a terrible sleeper so I decided to make sleep hygiene a priority. Like anything else, change can take time. Now, it’s so darn nice to actually feel well-rested in the morning! One thing my bedtime ritual includes is a screen-time boundary during the weekdays. I set a time when my phone goes away for the evening, ideally an hour or so before bedtime. By using that last hour of my day to read or spend some quality time with my main squeeze, I’m a happier human for it. Another mindful boundary I try to stick to is no tech in the bedroom. Keep your notifications, emails, tasks, to-dos and scrolling temptations out of there. Don’t worry, it’ll all be waiting for you tomorrow. Another thing that’s also really helped me is using lavender essential oil in a diffuser as I wind down for the evening. I try to keep clutter to a minimum, and I made the mindful decision to turn my bedroom into a space where I actually want to be—one that feels calm and welcoming.

What’s currently on your nightstand?

A big glass of water (that I end up knocking over at least once a month), CBD oil, a fiction book for the first time in forever. I’m currently reading Outlander, because I’m hooked on the show.

Favorite quote?

“Little by little, one walks far.”