DESIGNER DIALOGUES - NATALIE HAGER OF NATALIE HAGER INTERIORS

I am fascinated by the creative process.

For each artist and designer, it's as unique as a fingerprint, with each step shaped by their individual inclinations.

For some, they begin by looking outward, searching shelves and skimming pages for pieces and projects to guide them on the rest of the journey. Others turn inwards, setting off on walks and letting their minds run wild. 

Tennessee Wanderlust, by Natalie Hager Interiors

No matter how the beginning unfolds, the journey soon feels like a climb. Sometimes it’s a smooth ascent, with a clear path towards the peak. Other times it winds with switchbacks, brambles tugging at every step. Yet whatever the path demands, we climb toward the same summit: the creation of something tangible, something that gives shape to an inner world—our own, or that of the one who has entrusted us with their dream.

For Natalie Hager of Natalie Hager Interiors, she begins with a question: “What if your home told a story?” By crafting a written narrative of what her clients envision for their space at the onset of every project, she becomes more than an interior designer - she becomes an interior storyteller. It is through that lens that she creates spaces that speak, that showcase the dreams of those who dwell there. 

In today’s installment of Designer Dialogues,  I am pleased to introduce you to Natalie, as she shares a bit about her unique insights into the world of interior design and the journey that has shaped her outlook. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN STYLE?

 I describe my style as modern-classic: interiors that honor the elegance of traditional design while reinterpreting it through modern materials, clean lines, and layered natural textures. The result is a timeless blend of classical architecture and contemporary minimalism, warm and refined, and always reflective of the unique personalities of my clients.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DESIGNER?

·       I had always dreamed of pursuing a creative career, but it wasn’t until my final year at Vanderbilt, while completing my senior thesis in creative writing, that I discovered where my true passion lay. I realized I was far more captivated by crafting the settings of my stories than by the stories themselves. The worlds I was building around the characters mattered more to me than the characters did. That realization led me to interior design. After graduation, I enrolled at Parsons School of Design, where I completely fell in love with the art of shaping interiors.

IF YOU WEREN’T AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, WHAT OTHER CREATIVE PATH DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE PURSUED?

I always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. As a child, I spent hours at the kitchen table sketching with my stepmom’s Prismacolor markers. She had studied at the Fashion Institute in New York. My mom has incredible style, and shopping together was and still is one of our favorite pastimes. I also dabbled in sewing on my grandmother’s old Singer machine, which I later inherited, though I never fully learned the craft. Perhaps one day, when I finally grow up, I will come back around to fashion design.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION THESE DAYS?

Travel is always at the top of my list. I have a special love for Europe, and especially for France. During college, I had the incredible opportunity to live in Aix-en-Provence for a semester, where I studied French and immersed myself in the culture. The colors of the South of France continue to inspire me. They are whimsical, classic, and fresh all at once. 

Equally inspiring, though in a completely different way, is New York City. I especially love visiting during the holidays to take in the magic of the window displays. People watching and observing fashion on the streets fuels my creativity. I draw a great deal of inspiration from clothing and style, since I often feel that interiors follow just a step behind fashion. Walking through New York gives me a sense of what design trends might emerge next.

WHAT DESIGN TRENDS EXCITE YOU MOST RIGHT NOW, AND WHICH ONES DO YOU THINK ARE FLEETING?

I believe there is a lasting trend toward heritage, identity, and narrative in interiors. There is a growing appreciation for history, craft, and detail. Classical architecture connects us to cultural memory and emphasizes craftsmanship that feels both rooted and timeless. Designers and homeowners alike are placing more value on context, story, and cultural resonance. 

Another enduring movement is the pushback against disposability. Much like the idea of “slow décor,” this mindset emphasizes quality, permanence, and traditional building methods. It resonates deeply in an era where sustainability and environmental impact matter, and where constantly replacing cheaply made items feels increasingly out of step with how people want to live.

DO YOU SEE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN YOUR LOVE OF WRITING AND STORYTELLING AND YOUR DESIGN WORK?

I believe every home should tell a story, and I begin each design with a written narrative that personifies the project. Writing not only satisfies my creative impulse, it also grounds the concept for my clients and serves as a springboard for the project team’s imagination. One of my favorite examples is a project I called Tennessee Wanderlust. 

What began as a simple cabin evolved into a beautiful homestead, almost like a modern-day fairytale. It was truly a dream project for me, and I love that it all began with a story.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN A HOUSE TO DESIGN, AND WHY?

The kitchen, without question. The saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home may feel cliché, but it is also absolutely true. When I design an entire house, I almost always begin with the kitchen because it sets the tone for the rest of the project.

I love the process of space planning, developing architectural details, selecting materials, and creating drawings and renderings for a kitchen. It is such a practical and functional space, yet it also offers endless opportunities for beauty and refinement. Not all of my clients love to cook, but because I do, I enjoy finding the right balance between function and beauty in every kitchen I design.

WHO OR WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

 My mom’s fashion sense has had a profound influence on my interior style. She has always said that a white t-shirt and jeans can be elevated with the right purse and shoes. I see design in much the same way: a room should feel approachable and inviting, but a few carefully chosen pieces can take it to another level.

My time at Parsons also shaped me tremendously as a designer. I would not have the tools or skills I rely on today without that experience. It challenged me to think beyond tradition and explore minimalism and modernism. One of my professors once told me that creating less can often be more difficult than creating more. I do not think I would have fully understood the value of that perspective without my exposure to contemporary design.

Finally, my semester in Aix-en-Provence continues to inform my choices with color, pattern, material, and furnishings. I always aim to weave something artisanal into my work, a sensibility rooted in the French culture and craft that left such a lasting impression on me.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NATALIE HAGER INTERIORS? ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR DREAMS ON THE HORIZON?

I am dreaming of creating another project like Tennessee Wanderlust. My team thrives on ground-up new construction, where we can begin with a concept and carry it through every stage — from drawings and construction to furniture and furnishings. Our goal is always to ensure that every detail reflects the personality of the client. These projects are my favorite because they allow us to shape a cohesive story for the home while also making the process fun and enjoyable for both the homeowners and the rest of the design team.

I would also love the opportunity to design the interiors of a restaurant, boutique, or small hotel. Earlier in my career, while working at architecture firms, I had the chance to contribute to projects like these, and I was struck by the sense of ownership and creativity they allowed. I would be thrilled to bring that same artistry and storytelling approach to a commercial space again.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOU AND FOLLOW ALONG WITH YOUR DESIGN WORK?

Instagram is the best place to see our latest projects. This fall, one of our kitchen renovations in Leiper’s Fork will be featured in the November issue of Country Living — a fun and colorful green kitchen that we are so excited to share. I have also recently begun writing on Substack, where I will be offering a closer look at our design process and stories from our projects. And while we do not typically offer consultation work, we are available on TALD, where you can book a one-on-one session with us.

I would like to thank Natalie for sharing her thoughts and her beautiful project with us all. I hope you found her answers as inspirational and interesting as I did. 

xx,

Brooke