Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Mayes.
Hi Natalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been drawn to design—the process of creating something beautiful from nothing. As a child, I was constantly gathering found materials and turning them into little works of art. Every few years, I’d ask my mom if I could redo my room, and for better or worse, she always said yes. One year, I painted every wall with a cloud mural and even found a matching comforter to complete the look—thanks, Mom.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to step into the world of residential construction, and I took it without hesitation. Through hands-on experience and the guidance of incredible mentors, I learned the ins and outs of building homes from the ground up.
Today, after being part of designing nearly 100 homes in Nashville, that same excitement I felt as a kid is still there. Every new project is a chance to create, refine, and push my craft further. The reward that I feel each time a home is styled and photographed is the cherry on top and I’m grateful each day that I get to do something I love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most, I learned a lot of what I know now the hard way: trial and error. I would have an idea or see a look I wanted to accomplish and would select each element individually without fully thinking through how each one worked together and often times they didn’t! Thankfully, I worked with some very patient coworkers and subs who mentored me and helped guide me along the way. I now have a much clearer understanding of how each element (trim, tile, electrical, plumbing, finishes, etc) all must work together cohesively to create that Instagram worthy look that only looks effortless.
I’m also learning that not every project that holds potential is one that should be pursued. I’ve become increasingly aware that overextending—no matter how promising the work—can dilute both the process and the outcome. Choosing fewer projects, with greater intention, allows for a deeper level of commitment, but the outcome is one that I can be proud of.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m not afraid to try something new and advocate for my vision, even if it’s a little risky. In design it’s easy to just copy what you’ve seen before or to play it safe and do what you know works, but where’s the fun in that? For this reason, I’m most drawn to mid century modern design. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Robert Frey, and several inspiring homes in the Palm Springs area where the creativity and ingenuity of these one of a kind structures inspire me to no end; the “rules of design” that we so often see in new construction don’t apply so each one is unique and quirky. Mid century modern reconstruction homes are my favorite kinds of projects because there’s often a problem to solve or some design element to work around and it creates an opportunity to build something that you won’t find in any other home. For example, I worked on a lake house that was built in the 50’s and had tons of mid century charm, but when we enclosed part of the outdoor porch we needed additional support and there was going to be an unsightly post right in the middle of the dinning room. I took this opportunity to design a planter box that served as a divider between the living room and dining room and created a feature that felt both useful and relevant to the time period. Stay tuned for another one I’m working on right in the heart of Brentwood; she’s sure to be a stunner!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Of course everyone is talking about AI and what it will mean for industries like mine. I think it can be a really helpful tool and one that I use to help create proposals, simplify repetitive tasks, and communicate general visual concepts with. However, it can never replace experience, taste, creativity, problem solving, advocacy for clients, and the relationships with trades that I provide. Anyone (including artificial intelligence) can copy what they see online, but having vision, an understanding of what a client needs and taking a concept into reality is where strong designers will always prevail.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: natalie_mayes_design
