Meet Natalie Papier | Interior Designer & Art Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Papier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Authenticity. Not only staying true to my design style but for what feels right for me and my brand. If you are doing something that feels too outside of what you have built your brand to be, it will be insincere. Not just to you but your audience.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is Home Ec., an interior design firm that focuses on a colorful, meaningful, art forward approach to design in both residential and commercial setting. I’m so proud I could take my passion of art and storytelling in our homes to make these the focus of my business. It wasn’t easy trying to understand and implement the business side of Home Ec. This took time and help to set up and feel confident about what I was charging, what to take on, what to pass on. I am still learning everyday.

I also think imposter syndrome can be really hard in this business. It’s very hard to not compare yourself with what your peers are doing. But I have learned if you try to shut down that noise and hone in on what your particular skill set is, that that feeling dissipates more and allows you to focus better on what you do best. I work a lot with color and when I started my business there was more of a neutral farmhouse style trend. But you learn that there are plenty of people out there looking for something a little different too. It truly helps to define what sets you apart and why you’re unique in what you do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love when my friends visit me! We would start out by grabbing some lunch at Optimistic Hall, where there is something for everyone. From there, we would head to NoDa and bop in the small business shops like OldNews Vintage, Smitten Boutique and admire the murals and street art along the way. After that a cup of coffee and a pastry at Amelie’s and head over to Camp North End where we would visit my favorite plant and gift shop Grow. Lots of artists have their studios at Camp so it’s a really inspiring fun place to be. After flipping through some vinyl at Hardy Boy Records & Comics and hitting up Windy O’ Connor art and home, we’d go check out what was new at Goodyear Art. If we’re lucky, we’ll run into my pal Frankie Zombie out working in his studio.

Now it’s time for a beverage.. I’m a beer girl so it’s a toss up between NoDa Brewing Company, Heist, Resident Culture,Burial or Legion. But it would be fun to take my friends over to the Plaza Midwood neighborhood to shop around some at Moxie Mercantile for jewelry, home decor and gift items before we go over to Slate Interiors in Wesley Heights. From there we head to South End and grab dinner before we catch a show at Visualite.

Sounds like a pretty solid day to me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love this question. I owe so many friends thanks for helping encourage me to start my business and continue to stretch and grow. The ladies in my book club group from Oak Park, IL, when I expressed interest in wanting to get into interior design, made me feel confident that this was something I could do. Throughout the years I have my family, Instagram community and friends from different aspects of life that have continued to support me in my growth. These people are worth their weight in gold.

Website: https://www.homeecop.com

Instagram: @home_ec_op

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeecop/

Image Credits
Megan Easterday @easterdaycreative
Margaret Rajic @margaretrajic