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Charlotte, NC-based interior designer Ariene Bethea is known for her keen eye for mixing colors, patterns, and vintage furnishings — a whole lot, but never “too much.” That signature maximalist aesthetic set the stage for a retail shop, Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio. While the shop’s brick-and-mortar location recently closed its doors, its online presence is going strong, offering everything from one-of-a-kind artwork and furniture to fragrances, pillows, and Art Deco jewelry. We caught up with Ariene to hear more about her design philosophy, shopping tips, and more!

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Say “hello” to our newest Interior Designer Crush, Charlotte-based Ariene Bethea of Dressing Room Interiors Studio. Image: Corrie Huggins

What inspired your design career, and what did that trajectory look like?

The inheritance of vintage furniture and decor from my mother and grandmother ignited my interest in blending these pieces into my home, cultivating a profound love for historical narratives and storytelling. This journey refined my unique design vision and style, ultimately inspiring me to open my own brick-and-mortar store.

How would you describe your aesthetic? Do you have a recurring theme or element you like to incorporate in all (or most) of your projects?

It is a distinctive approach of using rich, layered colors, a blend of cultural influences, and a nuanced interplay of vintage and modern pieces.

What is your favorite project to date?

My favorite project to date is a retail cocktailery.

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Merging contemporary and vintage pieces is the crux of Ariene’s design style. Image: Lynette Martin
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Colors, patterns, and textures, oh my! Image: Lynette Martin
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A dainty floral teacup offsets a primal couch and classic throw pillows. Image: Lynette Martin

Tell us about Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio.

Our store is now exclusively online. Customers can enjoy the same quality products and services with the ease of shopping from anywhere. We will use our social media channels to showcase styled vignettes to illustrate how our pieces can be used in your home. Our custom lacquered lamp shades will ship through our website soon.

Where are your favorite places to go “treasure hunting”?

First, shop your home! Try a piece of art, a mirror, or a pair of lamps in a different room. It’s amazing what a new perspective moving things around gives space. I also love going to antique malls; they are filled with treasures.

What piece of design advice can you offer us to elevate our homes?

Go for it! The best designs — the designs that grab our collective attention — have one thing in common. They didn’t hold back. They wallpapered the entire room. They painted the ceiling. They didn’t play small.

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Ariene advises not to “play small” when it comes to designing your home. Such is the case in this beautiful office space, where a grand mirror pops in bright orange. Image: Laura Sumrak
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Ariene prides herself on being a visual storyteller, often incorporating photographs and art to broaden the narrative. Image: Laura Sumrak

What is your favorite space or design element in your own home, and why?

My home office, a blend of my design philosophy and vision, continues to captivate me with its ability to narrate generational tales and weave a soulful story through color, patterns, and objects.

If you could collaborate with anyone in the world — be it another designer or a dream client — who would it be?

This question caused me great pause. Too many choices — everything from fashion (which I love) to design. My dream client is Tracee Ellis Ross.

I typically don’t chase trends, yet I’m thrilled to see vintage pieces gaining popularity in home decor.

Can you describe your design philosophy in five words?

Colorful storytelling through meaningful objects.

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Describing her style as “colorful storytelling through meaningful objects” perfectly sums up this gorgeous and vibrant living room vignette. Image: Brie Williams
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Even neutrals pop when surrounded by splashes of vivid color, artistic patterns, and varying textures. Image: Brie Williams

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Jenna Bratcher
About the Author
Jenna Bratcher

Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.