EP 402 | Start with the Art: How Meaningful Artwork Shapes Interior Design with Natalie Papier
Art gives a home its soul—but too often, interior designers leave art selection to chance or avoid it altogether. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Natalie Papier to demystify the process of choosing art and show why it’s one of the most powerful tools designers have.
Natalie explains that meaningful art doesn’t have to come from intimidating galleries or massive budgets. From inherited pieces and flea-market finds to textiles, pottery, and children’s artwork, art tells a client’s story—and can guide the entire design direction of a home.
If you’ve ever hesitated to make art recommendations, this episode will help you approach art with confidence and use it as a foundation for richer, more personal design.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why art can come from personal, unexpected, and meaningful sources
- Where to find great art beyond traditional galleries
- How starting with art helps define a home’s color palette
- Why mood matters more than “matching” artwork
- How art brings personality, history, and emotion into a space
GET THE BOOK | Start with the Art, published by Voracious.
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Trust your gut. Don’t compare yourself to others. Stay true to yourself.
About Natalie Papier
Natalie Papier is a designer, art curator, and TV personality based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She believes that meaningful design starts with the art.
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Watch this episode on YouTube
Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!
DHC simplifies your design business, offering everything you need in one place. No more wasting time managing orders—they’ve got it covered, so you can concentrate on creating beautiful spaces. Plus, they offer some of the best trade pricing on top brands like Four Hands, Currey & Co., and Hudson Valley lighting with flat-rate shipping.
To join, visit DanielHouse.Club and use code BOD2024 for 50% off of your first year of their Pro+ Membership. And for you longtime members of DHC, they want to reward you for your loyalty. Use code PROFIT2024 at checkout to receive 10% off the value of your next order.
Join Daniel House Club now and experience how easy managing your design business can be.
🎙️ SUBSCRIBE to the Business of Design® Podcast
Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Music | SoundCloud
Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
BOD™ Pricing Playbook
Get the exact pricing strategy that helped 1,000s of designers grow profitable, client-aligned businesses (without burnout), delivered right to your inbox.
No spam. Just support and helpful tips from Business of Design®. Unsubscribe anytime.
