C·Top Design
Natalie Holden
Interior designer
“I’m aiming to work with materials that have less impact on the environment moving forward. ‘Responsibility’ is one of our core company values at Natalie Holden Interiors.”
Graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2010 with a 1st class honours BA Interior Design degree, for Natalie Holden good design is a powerful tool that can transform positive change in people’s lives; creating the foundations for a happy home or a successful business. Her brand, Natalie Holden Interiors, began as a blog back in 2012; a space for Natalie to journal her passions of interior design, art, property, travel and architecture. In 2018 she turned her skill and passion into a business with a mission to change the perception of Interior Design.
Photo: © Paul Wilcock
From a very young age I would spend hours making homes on ‘The Sims’ computer game!
I began my career working for a number of luxury furniture stores as an in house interior designer and I worked with some high profile clients which at the time felt really exciting! I then migrated to the commercial sector for a short period working on large schemes in both the private and public sector; whilst less glamorous it taught me the importance of taking budgets seriously. I’ve always been drawn to anything creative and artsy, however the world of interiors really fascinated me from a very young age as I enjoyed watching ‘Changing Rooms’ and I would spend hours making homes on ‘The Sims’ computer game! A few months ago whilst doing a clear out I discovered a folder of drawings that I’d created when I was in my early teens. It was filled with furniture plans and sketches of how I was planning to decorate my bedroom. I was obviously destined to be an interior designer!
My first project took place whilst I was in 3rd year of uni
I had the chance to design a new bar with another student which was an amazing opportunity, however it was a real eye opener very early on in my career on the importance of contracts and agreeing payment terms before a project begins. We never ended up being paid for that job even though a fee was verbally promised.
Mixing classic styles with a contemporary twist
I love designing the interiors of period properties from a Victorian, Georgian or Edwardian period but with a contemporary twist with the decor.
Sustainable credentials + great design
I’ve used both the Dekton and Silestone ranges for my interior projects on kitchen worktops and splashbacks. I chose Cosentino’s Ethereal Glow finish for my own kitchen renovation because of its sustainable credentials, but also because I loved the marble effect and colours. I’m aiming to work with materials that have less impact on the environment moving forward. ‘Responsibility’ is one of our core company values at Natalie Holden Interiors, and it’s really important for us to put health, wellbeing and sustainability at the forefront of our design choices in every project.
My interior style as refined, eclectic and comfortable
I enjoy mixing different styles of furniture together in a considered and cohesive way and love working with bold colours’ and patterns when a client is brave enough to be pushed outside of their comfort zone. Even though I have my own preferred style, each project is very much led by my client’s aspirations and the property style we are working with.
Photo: © Paul Wilcock
A full house renovation in Heswall
I am most proud of my Heswall interior design project which was a full house renovation. We worked on the interior of this project over the pandemic so we had so many challenges to overcome due to international stock, import and lead time issues within a strict 6 month project schedule. We were able to guide the client on the best product choices to avoid problems and with careful planning everything went successfully. Not only did the project run smoothly, we recently styled the property for a photoshoot and the interior looked amazing! I’m really proud of how the photos turned out.
My biggest challenge has been working on projects over the pandemic
With so many uncertainties and logistical problems to solve every single day, it makes a job that is already difficult even more challenging. There where times where I’d wake up in the morning with a feeling of despair thinking how am I going to cope with all of this?! Luckily we’ve been surrounded by very patient clients, a hardworking and supportive team, pro-active suppliers and partners where we’ve all pulled together. The main learning experience I’ve taken from it all is the importance of planning ahead so there is enough time to rectify any issues that crop up.
CONTEMPORARY HOUSE RENOVATION
A contemporary family home in Heswall on the Wirral was designed with a scandi luxe interior style. We created a truly bespoke home incorporating custom furniture, joinery, lighting and soft furnishings. ``We designed the full interior including interior architectural elements such as the bespoke joinery, secret door and cladded panelling into the utility and kitchen, lighting and electrical layouts, furniture specification, kitchen, utility and bathroom design, finish specifications, fireplace design, staircase slatted panelling and bespoke soft furnishings.``
Photos: © Jamie Thomson
Work with time
I’m trying to educate potential clients to leave plenty of time for the design process so there are no rushed decisions and to get a designer on board in a project as early as they possibly can so if any delays or stock issues occur, there’s enough time to look for other solutions or have items delivered early to avoid delivery delays that could hold a project up.
“I chose Cosentino’s Ethereal Glow finish for my own kitchen renovation because of its sustainable credentials, but also because I loved the marble effect and colours.”
Natalie Holden
Interior Designer
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