An ongoing blog series—Meet Our Team: Designer Spotlight—where we introduce you to each team member at the Elmwood Design Centre.
Tenured employees say a lot about a company. We don't like to brag but this next designer we're about to introduce you to has stuck by our side for almost 17 years. Nathalie has been around the interior design sun a few times and it's safe to say she knows her way around designing the perfect kitchen. Let's learn a little more about her:
Career Beginnings
After graduating with a degree in Interior Design, Nathalie joined the Elmwood Group family in September of 2007. She started her journey with us as a part-time kitchen designer and sales associate in the paint department at our Home Furniture & Lighting sister store. But it didn't take long for her to shine—quickly transitioning to a full-time kitchen designer, where she’s been helping clients turn their kitchen dreams into reality ever since. She followed us to our Design Centre when we opened 4 years ago and played an integral role in designing our showroom—choosing finishes, layout and more—creating the Elmwood Design Centre you all know and love today.
Fun fact: if you've been in our showroom, the custom blue doorway that separates our kitchen section was designed by Nathalie!
Nathalie's approach to design is all about truly understanding and meeting her clients' wants and needs. Whether it’s a cozy kitchen renovation where every inch counts or transforming a blank canvas into the ideal cooking space, Nathalie thrives on the challenge of designing kitchens that are functional, budget conscious and beautiful! Each project is unique, and Nathalie loves guiding her clients through the decision-making process to ensure they’re confident and comfortable with their choices.
"I love the challenge of making all aspects of a design come together—space, function, budget, and style. They’re all important, but most scenarios are unique and I’m here to help narrow the process down so that the clients can make informed decisions they’re comfortable with."
First Project as a Kitchen Designer
While Nathalie has tackled countless kitchen designs over the years, it's difficult to think back to that first go. All she remembers is that her first kitchen project definitely presented it's challenges but just like you can't expect to ride a bike on your first try, practice makes perfect.
One project that stands out over her career was a log cabin kitchen built in Belleisle, New Brunswick. It was a western/country style cabin and the client had a few specific (and rather fun) requests: chicken wire doors on the cabinetry, a custom backsplash with a horse pattern, and cabinets designed to accommodate beloved rooster decor items. A custom island was also involved.
"It was a real out-of-the-box project, but I love that sort of thing. It was designed with a whole 'western country' theme in mind. I remember having to order cabinets in a special size in order for a rooster figurine to be displayed inside. Designing a kitchen in a log home was a different experience too - the island had to be designed around a log support beam which was no easy task."
After hearing about Nathalie's journey in design, we were excited to learn about what inspires her as a designer and dive into some Q&A:
Q: How do you find inspiration for your projects?
A: "Getting to know clients and their wants and needs. I ask lots of questions and try to step into their shoes—that's what really helps me get inspired to work on their project. It’s like the seed that helps me reflect and challenges me to really make their dreams grow into a reality."
Q: What's a common misconception about Interior Design that you'd like to debunk?
A: "Most people get overwhelmed (understandably so) but you can really simplify it. It’s like with any project, you start with the non-negotiables and then step by step, you build on what works and what doesn’t. You just need to be openminded and willing to take chances. And if someone struggles with that, we’re here to help guide them through the process."
Q: Name one design "rule" you love to break and why?
A: "I like it when people go off trend. There’s something to be said about putting personality into a design. At the end of the day, you want your space to greet you with a welcoming sense of home and comfort."
Q: What advice would you give to clients who are taking on a renovation for the first time?
A: "I would say don’t be afraid to seek help and advice from a professional. I always tell my clients that you don't know what you don’t know. Everyone must go through something for the first time at some point in their lives and renovations can be overwhelming. A good saying is 'you wouldn’t ask a gardener to fix your plumbing, so why expect a plumber to landscape your yard?' So, take your time and ask for help (and don’t worry, there are no stupid questions)."
Nathalie is more than just a kitchen designer—she’s a guide, a collaborator, and someone who genuinely cares about turning each space into something her clients will love for years to come. It's hard to go wrong with her wealth of experience and creative approach (it also helps that she's just about the nicest person you'll ever meet). Whether you're planning a small renovation or a complete overhaul, Nathalie is here to make sure the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
That wraps up introductions to our kitchen department at the Elmwood Design Centre. Stay tuned to read about our Interior Designer and Exterior Design Consultant—more articles to follow!
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