Passion Meets Patience: Design Star Natalie Anderson

Natalie Anderson is a ten-year Ethan Allen veteran and manager of our Design Center in The Woodlands, Texas. She’s also our latest Design Star.

Community involvement is important to the Texas native, who is president of a professional networking group in the greater Houston area. Natalie lives in Cypress, Texas, with her husband, John, and their six children; she recently took a breather from her busy schedule and shared her thoughts on design.

What is your favorite Ethan Allen project?

I worked with another designer on several spaces for clients who gave us a lot of freedom to design several beautiful rooms. The conservatory was my favorite, a space with lots of windows and light. We chose airy upholstery fabrics, and by adding contrast welting and beautiful trims, we made it all about the details. The magnificent mahogany Thorton coffee table was adorned with White Roses in a Julep Cup and our Traditional Mirrored Silver Tray. A Heriz area rug in gray/ivory served as an anchor to the space, really pulling it together by balancing texture, color, and pattern.

What Ethan Allen item is your favorite?

The Monterey chair, hands down; I had it on my wish list for years. I finally purchased a pair, and when they were delivered it felt like Christmas. I put them in Sundance Saddle leather to give them a worn, comfortable look.  I tell everyone who comes to our home to sit in them because I know they’re the best seats in the house!

What is your favorite design tip?

Be patient! The perfect piece is always worth the wait. Never buy something because you can get it sooner than the piece you really want. I practice this myself and with my clients. I love developing long-term design plans and doing things right the first time. The result will be exactly what the client wanted.

Complete this sentence: every room needs. . .

Light! Lighting has such an important psychological effect and should never be an afterthought. Ambient lighting creates a homey feel and enhances the overall look of a space. I love our lighting selections because they’re so versatile. You have the option of making a statement—or using it as a backdrop for other important pieces.

What is the color you can’t live without?

Black. It goes with everything and everything looks good in black. Black can be crisp and modern or it can add an edgy flair to a more classic space.  Any way you look at it, black is always a good idea!

If you could do any project, anywhere, on any budget, what would it be?

A sprawling ranch in Texas Hill Country. I love wide open spaces, the perfect backdrop for a beautiful home. I’d aim for Texas style: Livable luxury meets rustic elegance. Antique rugs would anchor sleek upholstery, and modern art would be hung on the walls. The best part would be the gorgeous views of rolling hills—what a dream come true!

You can find more of Natalie Anderson’s work on her blog, perrylaneblog.com, on Instagram @perrylaneblog, and her Facebook page.