Combining mid-century modern and bohemian, breezy
California style has been spreading across the country and gaining in popularity. As soon as we saw the work of Los Angeles-based Veneer Designs does we knew we had to feature them. Maintaining a reverence for architectural history, an appreciation for the natural environment, and an awareness of current design innovations, Veneer Designs creates stunning interiors that you instantly want to call home. We reached out to owner Natalie and she was nice enough to sit down and answer some design questions for us.
How did you first become interested in design?
I was always drawing and sketching from a young age, but my introduction into interior design must have first happened around 8 or 9 when I was gifted some dollhouse furniture and accessories, then fashioned a dollhouse out of shoe boxes to hold them. Later in college, the formal concept of interior design as a practice came into focus, but the first scaled model I built was that original shoebox house.
What is your approach to design?
I get to know the user (client) first through sharing Pinterest boards and chatting about our lives, like really get into their headspace. Then I can tell what they will like and show it to them, through my uncluttered filter.
You mention wanting to bring your vision of uniquely California inspired modern interiors to your projects - how would you describe the California aesthetic?
The California aesthetic is bright and airy, relaxed with natural textures. An eye to innovation and the unexpected in terms of materials/usage/lifestyle.
What inspires you the most?
Right now I am finding a lot of inspiration through the larger design community, via Instagram. I think it's an amazing medium for seeing what other designers are doing around the world in real time. Discovering new artists, designers, and makers by going down the rabbit hole of following links and tags is thrilling in an immediate way. That could change of course, but in this moment it feels real and satisfying.
What do you think is the most versatile color palette?
Black, white, and nude/natural. Always sophisticated and timeless, appropriate for many styles.
What’s your favorite interior design trend this year?
Terrazzo. I like it on the small temporary scale in wallpaper and fabric patterns, art prints, styling objects and accessories. I especially love it on the larger scale of permanent flooring and tile installs. It may get played out and dated with the temporary versions, but not enough people can commit to it on the large scale so that it will forever be a cool lust-worthy finish for modern interiors.
What one thing do you think every room needs?
A vintage textile (pillow/rug/throw) that tells a story.
What’s your favorite type of space to design for?
Kitchens: the practical yet elegant space where a family comes together to entertain, dine, and keep each other company. Knowing that I can facilitate happy memories from a well designed space makes me feel like I did my job. 
Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Veneer Designs.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your work?
Its different than what everyone else is doing :)
Any advice for aspiring designers?
Know your software. It may be boring and perhaps counterintuitive to get a grasp, but so important. Without AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Photoshop you won't be able to communicate your brilliant ideas to clients, architects, cabinet makers, etc. efficiently and your output will take 4x as long. It's hard to be productive and profitable without using these tools. It's also hard to sell yourself as an employee to established designers without proficiencies in the software.
Thanks again Natalie, for taking the time to chat with us! To see more of what Natalie and Veneer Designs has to offer check out her
website and follow her on
Facebook and
Instagram for more inspiration and stunning interiors. We can’t wait to see what you design next!
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