Employee Spotlight with Natalie, Rhode Island Cabinetry Design Specialist Extraordinaire

We’re cabinetry nerds here at Red House, and this month, we’re not going to cupboard it up. So today, we’d like to introduce you to the latest addition to our design team: Rhode Island Cabinetry Design Specialist extraordinaire Natalie! Natalie will be the first to tell you that high-end custom cabinetry isn’t just for your home’s kitchen (spoiler alert), and it’s much more complicated than jamming prefabricated melamine boxes from giant home improvement corporations together. Keep reading to see what Red House’s top-shelf cabinetry designer has to say!

Hi, Natalie, and welcome! Let’s start with the basic introductions. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Born and raised in Rhode Island, I feel like I am one with the Ocean State. In high school, I was part of the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center, where I found one of my interests in Construction Technology. I spent three years there, learning about all the different aspects of the trade. Framing, basic electrical, rafters, and more–I really discovered what goes into a building.
After high school, I began my journey at the New England Institute of Technology, where I studied Interior Design and worked a variety of different jobs. I joined the cabinetry design world, where I specialized in Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry and then Signature Custom Cabinetry. During that time, I got engaged to the man I met, and dated from Construction Class, all those years ago. We got married in 2020 during the pandemic, went on a few vacations, and ended up with two fur children. I became part of a craft store, where I sell handmade jewelry and resin pieces, learned to play a few video games, mostly survival crafting, and became slightly obsessed with cycling. We welcomed our first child, and I became not just a cabinetry designer but a mom.
Then I started my newest adventure as the team’s cabinetry specialist at Red House.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the final product come together. Custom cabinetry can be tricky sometimes, especially when trying to decide what parts are best for each unique situation. I think the best part of cabinetry too, is you can create some very eye-catching spaces with it. The major parts of the homes usually have cabinetry, and with a custom line, so many things are possible, and it’s usually always unique to the client.
What sort of things does your role entail?
As a cabinetry specialist, you guessed it, I work with cabinetry. This role has some major problem-solving skills baked into it. I am always looking for the best solutions to achieve what the client needs/wants. I work not just with cabinet boxes but with many parts and pieces to build some unique pieces. It’s not just kitchens and bathrooms, but closets, benches, and mudrooms. I spent a lot of time drawing details and making sure everything can actually go together, but most importantly, will be eye-catching when completed. Cabinetry isn’t just about the wood species and color; a lot of math and calculations go into it too. When I am not doing math, I am writing orders, checking things twice, sometimes even a fifth time, and making another coffee because being detail-oriented is very important.

I understand the “time for another coffee” sentiment, full-heartedly. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. Sometimes we just like to relax; other times, we do small adventures, and we get to enjoy watching a lot of firsts with our child. In my spare time, I enjoy crafting and making jewelry, embroidery, and resin pieces. My husband and I always enjoy gaming together and trying new restaurants whenever we get the chance.

Do you have a favorite spot in Rhode Island?

My favorite little spot in RI is Blue Beach. It’s a smaller beach with a little walking path to it, and you can see a bridge far out in the distance.

Let’s say you had to leave Rhode Island (I know that’s not a popular option amongst Ocean Staters), but what does your ideal vacation look like?

This one is pretty easy: Disney World. Especially if you can stay at the Polynesian Resort. You can even watch the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks each night from the beach.

Time for the lighting round. What’s the first concert you went to?

The first concert I went to was Kenny Chesney, but the second one was Dropkick Murphys!

Before coming to Red House, what was the most interesting or unusual job you had?

“Popcorn, get your popcorn… that will be $10.” I worked as a concession stand employee at a movie theater.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To never require sleep. I could get so many tasks done!

Impressive–thanks, Natalie! Rhode Island Cabinetry Design Specialists should all be more like you!

Ready to appoint Natalie to your cabinet of home renovations? Contact Red House today to schedule your half-hour discovery call and let’s shake(r) things up!