The Dreamers #86 - With Photographer Nathalia Crabtree
Nathalia Crabtree leads a purpose-driven existence, nurturing little ones and going between her farm and beach house in Western Australia.
Nathalia is a visual storyteller with a keen eye for aesthetics. Embracing her role as our latest Dreamer, she invites us into her stunning beachside abode, offering glimpses into her life and imparting invaluable styling wisdom.
WELCOME TO THE DREAMERS.
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My baby boy has just started walking around furniture, so that’s keeping me on my toes. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself when I realise we have THREE beautiful children. It’s just the best. We weren’t sure we’d have any at all, and it took a fair bit of effort, fertility treatment-wise, to have our two daughters. Then, the little boy just happened after a miscarriage, so he was a rainbow miracle for us.
Being close to nature and working the land is special, especially for my husband, who’s a third-generation farmer here. The nature around us is incredible (and very Australian, with kangaroos everywhere!), and I try to get us all out every morning to the beach or for a walk along the river. It makes for a great start for both me and the kids. I feel like the days that I don’t get outside, my mood drops, and everything feels a bit overwhelming, especially this time of year when we are harvesting on the farm and the days are long.
Getting outside for some fresh air and vitamin D sets me up to be more patient and grounded. An extra plus is when we walk to the beach with friends, have a chat and have outside time. Nothing better!
I then started working with a few brands, moved into photos of me and my girls and fashion (which I LOVE!) and then moved on to landscapes. It’s given me such a huge appreciation for nature, even more than before. I see beauty differently now and think about how light falls on the trees at sunset and how beautiful the white clouds are against a blue sky.
Farm life can be isolating at times, and photography allows me to work with people all around the world. It gives me a reason to work with beautiful things and share them with others, which excites me. At the moment, with Leo being so little, I’m very selective, and I’ve enjoyed working with brands I absolutely adore, picking pieces with care that I think could add something to other people’s lives.
My home is my haven, truly. I love the beach house as our farmhouse is old and a bit dusty. It’s beautiful, but it takes a lot of work to keep it tidy with all the tractors driving past! I try to keep my house reasonably minimalistic. I love pretty things, but too much clutter makes me feel stressed, so I always put things in the cupboards - my husband would say hide and forget about it!
I love working with neutral tones to start with and add in gentle colours. Currently, pops of blue are my favourite. There are lots of lovely oak pieces I know I will love for a long time. I am very impulsive, but I’ve learnt that I need to think about what furniture pieces I want or need for a long time to get it right. Sometimes impulsive buying works, but I’ve often ended up with things I don’t actually like after a week. So, as I get older, I let things take time and have ended up with items that work together and that work with a wide range of art and textiles, too. A natural base for fun styling is key for me.
Any exciting plans for the rest of the year?
Fav Banabae pieces?
Nathalia Crabtree
Photographer of slow fashion & interiors + our life by the sea
farmer’s wife, mama of three.
Shop Nathalia's favourite pieces:
