Nora Dumoulin is a Belgian content creator inspiring her audience in all things interior design and home rennovation. We sat down with her to learn about her career journey and what inspires her creative process.
Welcome to our Inner Worlds series, where we step into the personal realms of art lovers from all walks of life, exploring the profound ways in which art is integrated into their lives.
Delve into Nora’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of her favorite pieces on SINGULART:
Can you introduce yourself, your background, and what you do for a living?
My name is Nora, I am 25 years old, and I live in Malmedy, a small town in Belgium. I studied to become a speech therapist and currently work part-time in a school. I have been sharing content on Instagram for over 8 years, and in 2019, I started my own business to collaborate with brands on social media. My Instagram account, @noracontetout, now has over 290,000 followers. Recently, I also launched a YouTube channel under the same name, which I am looking to grow further.
How did you start your career as a DIY and interior design influencer?
I have always dreamed of becoming a homeowner at a young age, and renovation has always fascinated me. Since I was a child, I’ve always loved building and creating things with my hands. During my time as a student, I looked for ways to decorate my apartment beautifully on a tight budget. After finishing my studies, my partner and I planned to move in together, but the idea of paying rent without being able to personalize our living space was very discouraging. Buying and renovating a property seemed like the perfect solution. I managed to convince my partner, who initially had no experience with DIY or renovation, to take the plunge. We bought our first property: a house divided into two apartments. We had just finished our studies and had a limited budget, so we decided to do everything ourselves. The entire place needed to be redone from top to bottom, and with only €50,000 to spend, hiring professionals was out of the question.
I was already sharing bits of my daily life on social media, including some DIY projects for my bedroom at my parents’ house. Naturally, it made sense to share this new adventure online as well, to show that anyone can do it, and that even with a small budget, you don’t have to give up on creating your dream interior.
I was already collaborating with lifestyle brands that trusted me to highlight their products and services. But once I started sharing more about home improvement, renovation, and DIY, I began working with brands in this niche. I truly enjoy this field because it allows me to fully express my creativity.
Your website features tutorials and tips for DIY enthusiasts. What motivated you to start teaching and sharing your knowledge with others?
I’ve always been fascinated by the process of creating everything around me. It felt natural for me to share not only beautiful things but also their conceptions. I wanted people to be able to recreate what I share. That’s why I make it a point to provide detailed information about the materials, steps, and tips for each of my creations. I’m always amazed when I receive photos from followers who have replicated the objects or furniture I designed. It’s incredibly rewarding to see others bring my ideas to life.
What principles and values guide your approach to DIY and interior design?
I believe the main message I want to convey through my content is that budget constraints shouldn’t stop you from having a beautiful home and feeling comfortable in your space. You can create amazing things with your own hands using a limited budget and by repurposing materials.
Who or what are your main sources of inspiration when it comes to DIY and interior design?
I don’t have a single source of inspiration; instead, I draw from everything around me. My mind is constantly on alert, always looking for new ideas from every object or material I encounter. I find inspiration during my travels, on Pinterest, and through social media by observing what other content creators are doing. I also get inspired by visiting hardware stores and looking at different materials, as well as spending time in beautifully decorated places like shops, cafes, and restaurants.
How would you describe your personal style when it comes to home decor? Are there any design trends or elements that you’re particularly drawn to?
I’ve never labeled my interior design style, but my preferences align closely with minimalist, Scandinavian, and Mediterranean styles. I favor neutral colors like white and beige, avoid excessive clutter, and use raw materials such as concrete, travertine, and lime.
What role does art play in reflecting your style and creating a sense of ambiance and personality in your home?
Art is not just a decorative element but an extension of my personality and emotions. Art allows me to add a personal and intimate touch to every space, infusing it with a story—whether it’s an inspiration from a trip or the repurposing of an object or material. Each piece contributes to creating a calming and refined ambiance in my home.
Do you consider your projects as works of art?
For me, art is a mix of emotions. Each creation evokes positive feelings when I look at it. It tells a story and gives me immense satisfaction because I made it myself. My goal is always to create something visually appealing that elicits an immediate reaction. To achieve this, I play with shapes, textures, and colors. For example, in one project, I transformed an old wooden pallet into a stylish coffee table by experimenting with geometric patterns and bold paint colors. Another project involved creating a wall art piece using various fabric textures and natural elements, which brought a unique, tactile dimension to the space. These projects are not just functional; they also serve as artistic expressions that enhance the overall aesthetic of the room.
Among the projects you’ve worked on, do you have any favorites that hold special meaning for you? What makes them stand out from the rest?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite project because many of them hold special meaning for me. However, I would say my TV stand is the one I’m most proud of. It was the first DIY project I completed for our home, and I created my dream piece entirely by myself because I couldn’t afford to buy a designer piece on the market.
Another standout is the central piece in our home: the niche cabinet. I transformed simple IKEA shelves into an incredible piece of furniture, and I’m very proud of it.
Lastly, I’ve launched a concept where I transform spaces for some of my followers. We rolled out the first season this year, and we have many exciting plans for the future seasons. Fulfilling this long-time dream and giving my followers the joy of living in a space they love is indescribable.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your career? Are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue?
My goal is to keep sharing as many ideas as possible for people to replicate and to allow them to follow our projects from start to finish. My ultimate aim is to help as many people as possible feel comfortable and happy in their homes, as our living environment has a significant impact on our mindset and mental well-being.
What advice would you give to interior design enthusiasts who want to incorporate art into their projects but may feel unsure or intimidated?
I would tell anyone who feels unsure or intimidated to trust their instincts and remember that making mistakes is not a failure. Start with small projects; there’s no need to aim too high right away. Follow your emotions, experiment, and adjust as you go.
Delve into Nora’s artistic universe, with a hand-picked selection of her favorite pieces on SINGULART:
