For Natalie Kraiem, a love of beauty was instilled very early in life. “From a young age I was exposed to art and interior design in many different forms. My grandmother comes from an immigrant family where European antiques and art could be appreciated in our homes,” she says. “My mother was an interior designer many years ago and is now an artist. Beautiful things always surrounded me.” Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the New York-based designer spent much of her formative years traveling. The exposure to new cities and cultures helped inform her eye, but also gave her a diverse visual vocabulary that she continues to draw upon today in her modern-yet-glamorous interior designs.
Piedmont Swivel Chair, Velvet King Bed, Cotton Blend Ashford Bench
With such an innate understanding for decor, it might surprise you that Kraiem didn’t immediately go into interior design as a full-time career. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 2005 Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Finance, Kraiem worked in New York City doing private banking for high-net-worth clients until 2009. The experience gave her a unique understanding of what it took to run a business, giving her the building blocks to start her own company, Natalie Kraiem Interiors.
The designer is constantly on the hunt for ideas. “I find inspiration anywhere from a window on Madison Avenue to the Home department floor at Bergdorf Goodman,” Kraiem says. “I also love to observe and learn from my favorite designers.” Instagram is another favorite source of inspiration, though she also has an appreciation the old school way of finding gorgeous photos. “I love to read printed design magazines. There is nothing like holding a magazine and reading it.”
Sophisticated, elegant, with a mix of eclecticism and an unexpected touch.
Mohair Sectional Sofa, Regency Steel Frame Coffee Table, Jonathan Adler Silver Burst Throw Pillow
When working with clients, Kraiem takes a collaborative approach. “I like to talk to my clients and get to know their personalities and lifestyle,” she says. “From there, I can visualize the type of home that will suit the client and reflect their style. It all flows easily from there and it never fails.”
1930s Floor Lamp, Donghia Velvet Villa Club Chair, Vintage Murano Glass Sconces
Natalie Kraiem is the founder of Natalie Kraiem Interiors, a New York-based award-winning interior design firm. With an emphasis on strategically integrating different styles, Natalie Kraiem Interiors create sophisticated, dramatic and timeless designs such that a space is not merely observed but it is wholly experienced.
2 Comments
by Eileen
Love her work!
by Debbie Viola
So classy.
Debbie Viola