Inside the Lens: Nicole Franzen on Natural Light & Interiors
people • PHOTOGRAPHERS
From a childhood enchanted by Spanish-style homes along the Californian coast to becoming a celebrated lifestyle and interior design photographer in NYC, Nicole Franzen’s path is defined by nostalgia, exploration, and artistic evolution. Known for her exquisite use of natural light and mastery of architecture and interior design photography, Nicole captures spaces with historical richness and contemporary charm. Her visual storytelling blends vintage details with refined minimalism. In this interview, discover her inspirations, creative process, and the collaborative mindset behind her most memorable interior shoots.
WEBSITE: nicolefranzen.com INSTAGRAM: @nicole_franzen
Words: designeers
September 2018
designeers
How did you get started in interior design photography?
nicole
For as early as I can remember I was drawn to homes, spaces and aesthetics. As a young girl living in California during the 90's, I recall visiting friends' homes in awe. Scanning the rooms, absorbing every detail I could. A Spanish style home perched on the hillside, wrought iron awnings draped over windows with views of the ocean and trellises of bougainvillea. A living room with hand-sponged yellow walls, furniture in jewel toned jacquard fabric and a murano glass ball collection sat on the coffee table. It was then that my interest was truly sparked and a non-stop love affair with interior design and architecture began to bloom. Always curious, always asking questions.
I was an only child who spent far too much time watching renovation and makeover shows to entertain myself while my mom was at work. She worked in a furniture store, so naturally I spent a good chunk of time there. I would rearrange my room over and over again and I tortured my friends doing the same (still do!). A nostalgic creature by nature and forever documentarian, the camera has always been my favourite tool to capture life. It wasn't until much later that I realised I could join the ranks of photographic artists, turning all my loves—spaces, aesthetics, storytelling—into a career. I spent over a decade working in fine dining and living around the world. When I finally figured it out, there was no stopping me. Since then, I’ve built a career as an interior design photographer in NYC, working on projects that reflect my lifelong passions..
designeers
One interior designer whose interior you wish you could shoot?
nicole
I can't choose just one... Pierre Yovanovitch, Laura Gonzalez, Festen Architecture, Hugo Toro, Axel Vervoordt, Rose Uniacke, Clements Design, Jake Arnold, Atelier AM, Dimore and Joseph Dirand... There's 11!
Their work deeply inspires me—not just in interior design but in how I approach composition and storytelling. In the same way, I find resonance with the refined, layered work of contemporary photographers who continually push aesthetic boundaries.
designeers
How do you collaborate with interior designers, architects, or clients to ensure you capture their vision accurately?
nicole
It's truly a collaboration, I am very involved and most likely annoyingly opinionated at times. I care about all the things, furniture, flowers, accessories etc. I’m not just a photographer who shoots spaces—I’m deeply invested in the design language of architectural photography interiors, from vintage furniture to bespoke finishes. When clients initially reach out they share with me scouting shots, renderings or furniture plans. If they are a new client we typically will have a call and discuss the needs for the project. Often, at times we bring in interior stylists who can help with florals and source any gaps that might need to be filled. Some designers prefer to do it themselves. Typically we frame up the shot. It’s a process that blends styling, lighting, and the storytelling principles of architecture and interior design photography. I do my best to cover all the details that the designer has worked on for years.
designeers
What's your favourite style of interior to shoot?
nicole
It honestly changes very often. You can imagine that when you shoot so many spaces you start to get fatigued by the same trends repeating over and over. Instagram is mostly to blame, as it's all become so saturated. I am appreciating seeing more imperfections in contemporary photography, embracing more authenticity and raw aesthetics. I crave to shoot rich layered spaces that feel very personal and have lots of vintage and historical touches. Also trying to break my own patterns and pushing myself to see things differently.
“Each block of marble is unique, with inimitable veins which leaves wide possibilities of experimentation and imagination.”
MARBERA
designeers
Are there any trends you are enjoying within interior design photography?
nicole
I am appreciating seeing more imperfections in interior photography and more film. While I think it would be challenging to shoot only film for our projects. I adore shooting film for personal projects and travel—especially capturing the atmosphere of coastal towns and lush gardens through a landscape photography lens, even though interiors remain my focus. In terms of trends in interior design. I find myself gravitating heavily towards Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Always appreciating a mix of eras coming together harmoniously.
designeers
What do you do when you’re not photographing?
nicole
I love to cook, I'm a regular at the farmers market. Based in New York, I'm fortunate to be constantly inspired by the city's eclectic mix of contemporary design and architecture. If I had a garden I'd be in it, instead find myself admiring gardens and parks. Always happiest near the sea. Simple pleasures.
designeers
Your must-visit, favourite restaurant:
nicole
Probably Via Carota, Italian food is definitely my ultimate.
designeers
Penthouse or townhouse?
nicole
BOTH. I love a handsome block full of townhouses, even though they can be tricky to shoot? At the end of the day your legs hurt from lugging gear up and downstairs. Lower levels can have quite low or no light. I adore a penthouse with sweeping views and lots of great light.
designeers
Favourite hotel in the world?
nicole
Here's 3 as one isn't enough:
Estelle Manor - Oxfordshire, England
Hôtel Les Roches Rouges - Côte d'Azur, France
Saint James Hotel - Paris, France
designeers
Favourite film?
nicole
Huge Nancy Meyer fan, It's Complicated, Something's Gotta Give, Father of the Bride.
