BALDWINSVILLE — While working as a private tutor in Virginia, Natalie Greathouse often found her mind wandering.
“I was sitting in clients’ homes while the kids were doing independent work and I’d be rearranging furniture in my mind,” she said.
Greathouse’s interior design dreams remained on the back burner until she and her family moved to Baldwinsville in 2019. A former teacher and stay-at-home parent, Greathouse began redecorating friends’ homes as a side hustle. When her husband was laid off just before the pandemic, Greathouse used the time to reassess her career goals. She decided to launch her business, Greathouse of Decor, in December 2020.
“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but it was also the best thing I’ve ever done,” Greathouse said. “It was a someday dream that turned into ‘I have to do this now.’ My husband trusted me and he knew I had the heart, the talent and the drive.”
Greathouse’s services range from 30-minute virtual consultations to full-scope redesign in which she selects furniture, lighting fixtures, color schemes and even recommendations for remodeling. She travels all over New York State to explore clients’ homes and get a sense of their style, pointing out elements that a homeowner might not have considered.
“I try to give each home I work with a full, cohesive feel instead of just looking at one room in isolation,” she said.
Once a client signs on, Greathouse creates a collaborative Pinterest board to share ideas.
“Even if we don’t have the same ideas, it gives me some idea of what they like,” she said.
Greathouse said her design inspiration comes from her own imagination or browsing home furnishings.
“I don’t watch HGTV,” she said, adding that she enjoys “being able to use my creative spirit and just being able to follow my heart.”
She also has to follow her client’s desires when it comes to certain color schemes or heirlooms a client would like to incorporate.
“The most challenging part is having to work within a client’s limitations: ‘I want this pink color,’ ‘I have to keep this item,’” she said.
The business has helped Greathouse reconnect with her community. She grew up in Liverpool, but having spent 14 years in Virginia she didn’t know as many people in Central New York when she returned.
“I have met so many wonderful people,” she said. “A lot of clients have turned into friends. Just meeting so many people from different walks of life, making connections — I really enjoy that.”
Greathouse has appeared on NewsChannel 9’s “Bridge Street” program, is a member of the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce and partners with local businesses such as Miller’s Crossing Design and Orange and Olive.
“It just feels like a really nice community where everyone tries to look out and support each other. even if they’re not in the same business field as you,” she said.
As for what’s next, Greathouse said she is gearing up for a client’s major kitchen renovation.
“I’m partnering with the client and their contractor. We’re taking the kitchen down to the studs in December,” she said.
To learn more about Greathouse of Decor and its services, visit greathouseofdecor.com or follow @greathouseofdecor on Instagram and Facebook.
