Designer Spotlight! Natalie Konstant
Sunlight, space, accent colors and beautiful finishing details. Silhouettes and structures that make statements, as well as furniture that blends comfort with style. These are all hallmarks of our interior designer spotlight, Natalie Konstant. And while it's one thing to make a statement in the art of design, few have the unique background and talents that Natalie Konstant brings to every project she takes on.
Natalie grew up surrounded by impressive architecture thanks to her father, Paul Konstant, and his prominent Chicagoland architecture firm. "At a young age, he always took the time to explain things in a way I could understand, and I really appreciated that," Natalie shares. "He taught me the importance of scale and material choices—both the good and the bad! Even when we went out to eat, we avoided certain restaurants if they weren’t aesthetically pleasing. My dad is deeply affected by his surroundings, and I’m the same way. I had the privilege of living in beautiful homes and being surrounded by beautiful things, which left a lasting impression on me."
A Career Framed by Architecture
Natalie Konstant may have been inspired by her father, but her success is entirely her own. Her 11-year career in the worlds of architecture and interior design began with a post-college internship in New York. Here, she worked for Victoria Hagan, an award-winning designer known for her approach to modern American luxury. Victoria combines both architecture and interiors in her home design techniques. To Natalie, taking a similar approach and fusing both build and interior design felt natural.
“Whenever I encountered a beautiful product or design, I couldn’t wait to share it with my dad. So when his clients began asking for full-service design—including interiors—it felt like a natural transition.” She returned to Chicago to build out the interiors group for her father's architecture firm. Today, Natalie Konstant Interiors has a dedicated seven-person team that both partners with and works independently from Konstant Architecture.
Working With Her Hero
For this interior designer, collaborating with her father is a key highlight of her career. "Not everyone gets to work with their hero, but I do. My dad is a genius in design, and collaborating with him will always be the highlight of my career," she says. "I especially cherish the small moments—starting the day by chatting with him in his office or seeking his opinion when I’m stuck on a project."
A Design Style That's Konstant
The ultra-modern aesthetic, trends that are bound to fade, and things of the moment ... that's not Natalie. When it comes to their aesthetic, Natalie describes her and her father's combined style as timeless and sophisticated, with a focus on practicality. "Functional, never fussy," she explains. "We aim for fresh, unique ideas, and while we share many design preferences, I tend to be a bit more eclectic than my dad. I’m more open to exploring different styles, and we don’t always agree on everything." One example is from a new installation in her own home. "I recently installed two fixtures in my kitchen that I found in Paris, which he’s begged me to remove, even offering to pay me! I love them, so they’re staying.”
So much of Natalie's inspiration comes from her travels, both across the U.S. and around the world. Wherever she goes she observes the design details of different cultures, then works to incorporate them into her designs flawlessly. "I’m also deeply inspired by art, whether it’s a painting in a gallery or a feature in a magazine," she adds. "Publications like Interiors, Galerie, Frederic, and Milieu are among my favorites."
Crafting the Perfect Kitchen With Abt
When it comes to designing the ideal kitchen, everyone may have different ideas when it comes to factors like color and decor. But Natalie approaches from one powerful angle: function. Function is paramount when designing any kitchen. "A smart layout that maximizes space and creates a natural flow is essential. Durability in material selections comes next, but it’s equally important that the kitchen is aesthetically pleasing. We aim to strike a balance between form and function in every design."
And every kitchen needs its appliances. From a shining French door refrigerator to a matching wall oven, every element should look its best and perform well. That's why Natalie prefers Abt for appliances. "It’s simple—Abt offers exceptional customer service, a vast range of products, and a knowledgeable team. For high-end residential projects, seamless integration of appliances is key, and Abt has always matched our standards. [Abt's] commitment to providing a first-class experience during product selection and installation makes them our trusted partner.”
We're just as happy to partner with Natalie Konstant Interiors for all of their needs. It's our goal to completely satisfy every customer, from designers and builders to individual families. If you're interested in learning more about Natalie Konstant Interiors, explore their website and get a look at some of the group's spectacular home design projects here on their website.
