21 Sep Inspired living: Q&A with Natalie Hartman

Natalie Hartman, home decor aficionado and co-owner of National Drapery, discovers inspiration in unexpected places. Here, she explains how her company began and shares her sources of creativity.

How did National Drapery come to be?

My family had been in this business for two generations in the Caribbean on the island of Curacao. We continued the business tradition here. My husband and I purchased the name National Drapery in 1994. We dropped all ready-made product and focused on custom signature drapery and innovative shading systems. Today, this includes fine bench-made upholstery and reupholstery. Our nephews, the fourth generation, are involved in the family business back home.

How has the company evolved?

Since we launched, our textile collections have grown to include a vast array of inspiring global brands. Many of these include distinctive designer collections collaborated on by famed design icons. To name but a few: Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks, Barbara Barry, Jonathan Adler for Kravet, and Christiane Lemieux (DwellStudio) for Robert Allen. There is also so much more variety and versatility in our trim collections, providing infinite options for detailing drapery, upholstery, bedding and accessories.

We can offer hands-on service that addresses any interior design and decor needs, with a focus on window dressings and coverings. We have a qualified and creative design team and experienced, highly skilled sewing ladies. We all love what we’re doing.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by art and film. I’m a big fan of the opera, and the ballet. I’ve always loved contemporary art and in the last few years I’ve been drawn to the Renaissance. In a lot of the devotional art of that period, you’ll see the most magnificent, sumptuous, woven damasks and hand-embroideries. Fabric manufacturers are using modern mills and machinery and while the embroidery is done by computer, still beautiful. The exciting thing is that many of these fabricators are pulling historical designs from archives and reintroducing them with a more contemporary flair.

You mentioned art. Which artists have captured your imagination?

I recently went to see the Ai Wei Wei exhibit at the AGO. That was very interesting. He is politically motivated but still produces beautiful things. His installations are inspiring and quite moving. His art is so layered.

What destinations have inspired you?

Recent travels to Italy have ignited a renewed passion in me for luxury brocades, damasks, appliques, and embroideries. The Renaissance trails within the cities of Rome, Florence and Venice are awe-inspiring — not to mention those throughout the towns in neighbouring regions of Tuscany, Veneto and Marches.

What looks are you coveting for fall?

Soft mineral colours, inspired by nature, are definitely my preference for this season. The new luxuriously textured velvets are exquisite and sumptuous, yet contemporary and chic. Exciting is the profusion of multi-coloured, sophisticated abstract digital prints on the interior design scene such as stylized foliage, cascades of blossoms or soaring birds. The big trend I foresee is a renewed love affair with moiré, but in a current, updated, digitized version.