Start with the Art: How Natalie Papier Inspires Home Design through Art

Discover Natalie Papier’s art-first design approach and her inspiring coffee table book, "Start with the Art," transforming homes into personal, artful sanctuaries.

Natalie Papier, an acclaimed interior designer, art curator, and television personality, has built a career around the principle that every meaningful design journey begins with art. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Natalie is known for creating spaces that are soulful and inviting, reflecting the personalities of the people who live in them. Her new coffee table book, Start with the Art, just released on October 29, 2024, invites readers to discover the profound impact that art can have on transforming spaces, and it encapsulates her design philosophy in a way that’s accessible, inspirational, and deeply personal.

Natalie Papier's Art-Centered Approach to Interior Design

Natalie Papier, a renowned interior designer, television personality, and art curator based in Charlotte, North Carolina, believes every great design begins with art. Known for creating soulful, inviting spaces, Natalie’s signature style reflects the personalities of her clients, infusing their homes with warmth and character. Her newly released coffee table book, Start with the Art (October 29, 2024), encapsulates her philosophy, offering readers an accessible and personal roadmap to designing art-inspired spaces.

Natalie Papier's Journey to Becoming an Art-First Designer

Natalie’s design career didn’t follow a traditional path. Growing up in a creative household, she watched her parents restore their Victorian home using thrifted treasures and art, which planted the seeds for her unique approach. From a young age, Natalie embraced the idea that art tells a story. She carried this belief into her design career, crafting rooms that serve as reflections of the people who live in them.

In Natalie’s words, “A home should reflect its inhabitants.” This philosophy became the cornerstone of her work, ultimately inspiring her debut book, Start with the Art. Today, she stars in the Magnolia Network’s Artfully Designed, now in its second season, where her relatable, art-focused aesthetic has captivated design enthusiasts worldwide.

Inside Natalie Papier's New Book: Start with the Art

How the Idea Came to Life

Natalie’s book, Start with the Art, was born from years of experience helping clients design meaningful spaces. Her process always began by selecting a piece of art that resonated deeply with her clients, allowing the rest of the room to build around that one statement piece.

This “book baby,” as she affectionately calls it, took three years to come to fruition, and it was no small feat. Natalie shares, “This isn’t just a book for design enthusiasts; it’s a love letter to art lovers and anyone wanting to create a home that feels truly like their own.” From selecting art that speaks to you to translating that piece’s energy into every design element, Start with the Art takes readers on a journey of self-expression through home design.

What Readers Can Expect

The book offers a step-by-step guide for anyone looking to design a home that feels personal, starting with art as the centerpiece. It emphasizes selecting art that moves you and building your space’s colors, textures, and furniture around that piece’s energy. Natalie’s approachable writing style makes it perfect for seasoned design enthusiasts and those just beginning their journey.

Why Art is the Heart of Good Design

For Natalie, art isn’t just an accessory—it’s the foundation of a home’s design. “Art holds a person’s story, memories, and spirit,” she says. By using a beloved painting, photograph, or sculpture as the starting point, Natalie creates spaces that feel uniquely intimate and cohesive.

Art as a Reflection of Your Personality

Natalie’s art-first approach allows homeowners to express their individuality. Instead of following fleeting trends, she builds spaces around personal stories and emotions, ensuring the design feels timeless and meaningful. Rather than designing for the “big reveal,” Natalie focuses on creating homes that feel authentic and lived-in. By centering the design on art, she helps clients achieve spaces that are both beautiful and full of character.

Staying True to Your Style in a Trend-Focused World

In a world of rapidly changing design trends, Natalie encourages both clients and creatives to prioritize authenticity. She advises against chasing social media “party tricks” and instead focuses on showcasing work that reflects personal values and style.

Her commitment to authenticity has earned her loyal clients and long-term brand partnerships, proving that staying true to your design philosophy is the key to success.

Why Start with the Art is a Belong on Your Coffee Table

Natalie Papier’s Start with the Art is more than a design book—it’s a source of inspiration for creating spaces that reflect your personal story. It challenges readers to think of art as the starting point for design, making the process feel intentional, approachable, and full of heart.

Whether you’re an experienced designer or just beginning to explore home decor, this book offers a fresh perspective on crafting spaces that feel meaningful. Natalie’s advice is simple yet transformative: “Pick a piece of art that moves you, and let that joy inform your entire space.

Where to Buy Start with the Art

Natalie Papier’s work serves as an invitation to make your home a canvas of self-expression. Her book, Start with the Art, is available for purchase at Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble, and promises to be an inspiring guide for anyone looking to bring artful intention into their living spaces. To learn more about Natalie and explore her design projects, visit her website, HomeEcOp.

In Start with the Art, Natalie Papier offers a roadmap for designing spaces that feel deeply personal, beginning with the art that speaks to you. Whether you’re a creative professional or a home decor enthusiast, Natalie’s approach will encourage you to find beauty and warmth in the spaces you call home.