Greg Natale has spent nearly three decades shaping the world of interior design, both in Australia and abroad. Since launching Greg Natale Design in 2001, he has built a brand known for its fearless approach to pattern, color, and form. His career, rooted in tenacity and constant evolution, reflects his deep understanding of an industry driven by trends but anchored in timeless design.
Formal education played a pivotal role in shaping Natale’s approach. Studying interior design and architecture at UTS gave him the ability to think critically and develop a structured creative process. While he believes on-the-job experience teaches essential skills, he credits his academic background with laying the foundation for his career. He encourages aspiring designers to commit to a full-length degree rather than opting for short courses, arguing that the deeper learning experience is crucial for long-term success.
Before starting his own firm, Natale gained experience across various sectors—high-end residential, commercial, and retail design—allowing him to refine his vision. By the time he launched his business at 27, he was ready to pursue his own aesthetic with complete creative freedom. His approach is fluid, adapting to changing tastes while maintaining a distinct signature. Interior design, he acknowledges, is a trend-driven field, but he insists that true success comes from balancing innovation with a sense of permanence.
His foray into product design happened by chance when he won a rug in a design competition. That unexpected opportunity led to a partnership with Designer Rugs, eventually expanding into wallpaper, bed linen, and home décor. He built his brand with a strong focus on quality, ensuring that every product reflected the same meticulous craftsmanship seen in his interiors. While Sydney was once dominated by minimalism, he took a risk by embracing bold patterns—an approach that paid off when Hollywood Regency surged in popularity, earning him international recognition.
Natale’s work has taken him far beyond Australia, with major projects in New York, London, and China. Managing international assignments requires strong relationships with local builders and the ability to work remotely. With communication tools and frequent travel, overseeing projects in different time zones has become second nature. Australian clients living abroad have been key in expanding his global presence, seeking him out for his distinctive style and trusted reputation.
His business continues to evolve, balancing in-house product design with licensed collections for larger items like rugs and furniture. Experience has taught him to refine his collections, focusing on what sells while maintaining exclusivity. Retail, he believes, is moving toward boutique experiences, where quality and uniqueness are valued over mass production.
As he looks ahead, Natale has no plans to slow down. New projects include an apartment building in Athens, a home in Switzerland, and upcoming launches in décor and bedding. Eventually, he and his partner plan to merge their home and office into a new space, further integrating work and life. Through it all, Sydney remains home—a city that, despite his global reach, continues to inspire his ever-evolving vision.