We sat down with stylist and content creator Natalie Seretis from By Natalie to talk interiors, the joys of adaptable furniture, and why Relaxhouse fits so well into her evolving sense of home. From her early days in visual merchandising with some of Australia’s favourite homeware brands to styling products in her own home, Natalie shares her journey, styling tips, and thoughts on timeless design with a relaxed edge.
Natalie, thanks for chatting with us. Let’s start with your background. How did you find your way into interiors and styling?
Thanks for having me. My interest in design really started in high school. I was always drawn to art and creative expression, but I wasn’t quite sure where that would lead. I ended up studying visual merchandising at RMIT, which was a great fit and opened up a lot of doors. I spent several years working in the homewares and furniture industry, before stepping back when I became a mum.
My husband and I started a residential building business, and through that I began working with clients on the interior side – helping to create concepts for their homes or developments. In the past couple of years, I’ve come back to what I love – styling and working with beautiful brands – but in a way that fits around family life. I now create content from home, showcasing products and ideas in real, liveable spaces, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.
Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you?
Absolutely. It always starts with school drop-off for my two boys. Then I’ll sit down with a coffee and go through emails or brand briefs. From there, I start planning content – thinking about how to best present a product in a way that feels natural and authentic in my home. That might mean pulling together mood boards, planning a shoot, styling a corner of the house, and capturing photos or videos. It’s a mix of creative and practical work, and every day looks a bit different.
Your style feels very calm and cohesive. How would you describe it?
I think my style has grown with me. It’s never been about chasing trends.It’s more about how I want to feel in a space. I’d say it’s relaxed, clean, and warm. I love a neutral base, and then I’ll layer in colour depending on the season or my mood. It might be earthy tones in autumn, or a hit of yellow in summer. For me, interiors should feel positive and adaptable.
And when you’re choosing key furniture pieces, what’s most important to you?
Comfort is number one. There’s nothing worse than a beautiful piece that doesn’t feel good to sit on or use. So, I look for a balance of form and function. It needs to look great and work hard. Materiality is also a big one. I’m really drawn to natural textures and well-crafted pieces. Not everything in a room needs to be high-end, but the pieces you use every day, your sofa, dining chairs, bed, are worth investing in for quality and longevity.
Let’s talk about Relaxhouse. How did you first come across the brand?
I came across Relaxhouse when we were furnishing our newly renovated home. I was looking for pieces that felt stylish but also practical, and their range really stood out. I started browsing online, but visiting the showroom made such a difference. Seeing everything in person helped me get a better sense of how the pieces worked together, and the team were great to talk to.
Do you remember which piece first stood out to you?
Yes – the Mia dining chairs. I loved the natural timber and the tan leather seat, and that beautiful, curved back. We entertain often, so I needed chairs that were both stylish and genuinely comfortable for long dinners. Even my parents and in-laws commented on how lovely they were to sit in, not something you always hear about dining chairs!
What other pieces have found their way into your home from Relaxhouse?
We’ve added the Atticus modular sofa, which I absolutely love for its versatility. Our living room layout changes depending on what we’re doing – entertaining, movie nights, kids’ birthdays – and the Atticus lets us reconfigure the space easily. It’s a piece that grows with us, which is something I really value.
You’ve mentioned you’re drawn to neutral palettes. Are you bringing in any new tones this season?
Always! Right now I’m loving deep burgundy and warm autumnal tones. I keep my core pieces neutral, so I can shift the mood with smaller changes like cushions, throws, ceramics, or floral accents. It keeps things fresh without needing to overhaul the whole space.
Is there anything you’re currently looking for to update your home?
Yes, I’m actually looking for some new bar stools for our kitchen. We spend a lot of time around the bench having coffee, chatting, playing with the kids, so I want something that’s comfortable, but still fits the look of the space. I’m leaning towards a timber style with a simple, sculptural shape. Something that feels warm and timeless without being too heavy something like the Grayson or Mia stool.
Do you have any tips for people looking to refresh their space but not sure where to start?
A great first step is to visit the showroom and speak with the in-store team. Bring your measurements, take a few photos of your space, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It really helps to have a rough idea of what you need – how many seats around the table, the length of your sofa, the kind of atmosphere you’re going for – and then build from there. Also, don’t overthink it. Your home should reflect you. If you love it, it works.
And how about styling advice, any small touches that make a big difference?
Make it personal. A lot of people hold back because they think a home has to look ‘styled’ or perfect. But perfection can be cold. Instead, create a space that reflects your personality. Embrace colour if you love it. Mix textures. Layer in things that bring you joy. I always say – it’s your home, and it should make you feel good.
Finally, where can people see more of your work?
You can find me on Instagram at @bynatalie.s. I also share content on TikTok and Facebook.
Natalie Serafis-S. is a stylist and content creator based in Melbourne. Her work with Relaxhouse brings together an instinct for comfort, a love of lasting design, and an eye for styling spaces that feel genuinely lived in and loved.