For the latest edition of our ‘Meet the Journalist’ series, we caught up with Amy Moorea Wong, freelance interiors journalist and author of Kaleidoscope: Modern Homes in Every Colour, a coffee table design book which explores how to playfully bring colour into the home.
After a decade+ in design journalism, Amy has plenty of advice to share with budding journalists and PR’s alike; so, we caught up on what makes a great PR agency, career highlights and any words of wisdom for budding interiors writers…
How did you get started in journalism?
I began in a classic journalistic destination – the cupboard, as an intern for various interiors titles culminating at Livingetc magazine, where I happily hopped into the Editorial Assistant chair, and eventually became News Editor, which I loved.
Why did you become a journalist?
After my Fine Art degree, I very specifically wanted to write for the beautiful, beguiling interiors magazines (hence the many internships) – I am so drawn to homes, I find them fascinating. Decorating is such a unique opportunity for self-expression, it really tells the story of who’s inside in a way that nothing else can.
What titles have you written for over the years?
In my decade+ in design journalism, I’ve written what must be thousands of pages for Livingetc – I’m the magazine’s Colour Expert now – as well ELLE Decoration, where I was Features Editor for a while, The Glossary where I’m Interiors Editor, Homes & Gardens where I have a monthly Address Book feature, and various other modern interiors titles, big and small.
What career highlight stands out to date?
My interior design book Kaleidoscope: Modern Homes in Every Colour came out this year and finally getting to hold it and see my name on the cover was a very surreal moment. It’s a joyful, inspiring guide to how to inject colour into the home in a modern, sometimes surprising, way – which people often find intimidating. I talk through examples of spaces that are doused in the ultra-bright, covered calming pastels and speckled with pops of colour. It’s a beautiful and fun read.
What advice or tips would you give someone wanting to start out in the industry?
Read. Find writers you love. Research. Uncover your niche. Write. Ask people for feedback. Write.
What do you expect for the future of print and journalism?
I think paper and journalism will eventually separate, which we’re obviously in the middle of now. We’ll always need strong brands and high-quality content, wherever they’re published.
What do you think makes a good story?
Something new, unique, or emotive. With great images!
What do you think makes a great PR agency?
Aside from the basics – understanding, knowledge, speed – a personal touch is always nice and it’s great to build relationships with people over the years. I tend to read emails that start with my name rather than ‘Hi there’…
What makes a brand/product stand out for you?
If there are excellent images I’ll always be reeled in to explore something further. Then it needs to tick my many other boxes, which start with being relevant to project I’m working on or a brand I work with.
If you weren’t a journalist what alternative career would you have chosen?
Oooo, something to do with furniture – I have an obsession with chairs, I can’t stop collecting them. Its something about them being functional sculptures… A Chair Museum Curator?
See Amy’s edit of bold, expressive interiors on her Instagram account, as well as in her book Kaleidoscope: Modern Homes in Every Colour.
