Your Guide to Asheville Interior Design: Styles, Projects, and Why Hiring a Pro Makes All the Difference
Welcome to Asheville, NC—a city with a vibe as vibrant and eclectic as its design and architecture. From the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains to the historic streets of Montford, this area is bursting with unique style and inspiration. If you’ve ever wondered how interior designers in Asheville bring these elements into homes and businesses or how they are apart of rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, you’re in the right place. Let’s check out the common styles and projects that define this city’s unique design scene—and how working with a local designer can make your dream space a reality.
A City of Diverse Design Styles
Asheville is a melting pot of creativity. The city’s interior design reflects its rich cultural tapestry, historic architecture, and connection to nature. Here are a few of the standout styles you’ll often see in Asheville homes:
Modern Mountain Aesthetic
Picture this: clean lines, natural textures, and oversized windows that frame stunning mountain views. The modern mountain aesthetic is all about blending sleek, contemporary design with organic materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and earthy textiles. Think cozy yet sophisticated—a style that perfectly mirrors Asheville’s love for nature and innovation.
Bohemian Bliss
Asheville’s artsy soul shines in its bohemian-inspired interiors. This style is a celebration of creativity, with layered rugs, bold patterns, unique vintage pieces, and a mix of colors that feel effortlessly cool. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a collected, lived-in look that tells a story.
Farmhouse with a Twist
Rustic yet refined, Asheville’s take on farmhouse style often includes industrial accents like metal light fixtures and exposed brick. You’ll find cozy kitchens with butcher block countertops, airy living spaces with shiplap walls, and a mix of old and new furniture.
Art Deco Revival
Asheville’s historic architecture, including gems like the Grove Arcade, has sparked a renewed love for Art Deco design. Homeowners incorporate geometric patterns, bold jewel tones, and luxurious details like gold hardware or velvet upholstery to add a touch of glamour.
Mid-Century Modern
Clean lines, functional furniture, and pops of retro charm make mid-century modern a favorite for Asheville homeowners. Paired with local artwork or hand-crafted accents, this timeless style feels fresh and approachable in any setting.
The Most Common Interior Design Projects in Asheville
1. Breathing New Life into Historic Homes
Asheville is home to some incredible historic neighborhoods like Montford and Grove Park, where century-old homes still stand tall. Designers here specialize in updating these spaces without erasing their charm—preserving features like original hardwood floors, intricate moldings, or stained glass windows while making the homes functional for modern living. As an Asheville interior designer it is important to bring understanding of the property's history and architectural style into the design and updates for the space.
2. Designing Unforgettable Vacation Rentals
Asheville is a hot spot for tourism, so it’s no surprise that vacation rentals are a huge part of the local housing scene. Experienced interior designers like myself help homeowners create spaces that attract guests and make their stays unforgettable—using local art, mountain-inspired decor, and smart layouts that balance practicality with wow-factor. This type of interior design relies heavily on understanding hospitality and guest preferences to design the space to attract bookings and maximize cash flow and return of investment (ROI).
3. Tailoring Custom Homes
Custom builds are where Asheville’s designers really shine. These projects often involve designing every detail of a home, from floor plans to furniture selection, creating a space that feels uniquely yours. Many clients here are drawn to sustainable and locally sourced materials, making their homes eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind.
4. Small Spaces, Big Impact
From tiny homes to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Asheville embraces the tiny living trend and so do interior designers. Designers use clever storage solutions, multi-functional furniture, and light, airy colors to make small spaces feel spacious and inviting. As many of you may now I personally live in a renovated vintage travel trailer (going on 3 years) so I am a true expert when it comes to small space interiors and tiny house design.
5. Elevating Commercial Spaces
It’s not just homes that get the designer touch—Asheville’s local businesses are known for their creative interiors. From breweries to boutique shops, designers help create spaces that reflect a business’s personality while keeping things functional for employees and customers alike. For example, Soprana the beautiful rooftop cucina with sprawling downtown and mountain views.
Why Hire an Asheville Interior Designer?
You might be wondering: can’t I just decorate my space myself? The short answer: you can, but hiring a pro makes the process so much smoother, keeps the budget and timeline on track, and ensures at the end of it all you are getting the desired outcome.
What Makes Local Designers Stand Out?
They Know the Area. Asheville designers understand the quirks of mountain living, like maximizing natural light, working with uneven terrain, or choosing materials that hold up in varying climates. Added bonus if you end up with an Asheville interior designer that is also a real estate agent;)
They Have Local Connections. Many designers collaborate with Asheville-based artisans to bring unique, custom pieces into your home, from hand-crafted furniture to locally made tile. Because I am both a designer and real estate agents I have recommended vendors for everything from house inspectors to painters to general contractors.
They Save You Time (and Stress). Interior designers take care of the heavy lifting—from sourcing materials to coordinating contractors and scheduled site visits—so you can sit back and enjoy the transformation.
They Protect Your Investment. As an Asheville interior designer and realtor I am always sure to advise clients on the potential impacts of design decisions on the property value, rental income potential, etc. Interior designers should be using design as a tool to help you achieve your goals- whatever they are!
The Journey to Your Dream Space
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of design decisions—or stuck trying to figure out how to make your space reflect your personality—you’re not alone. That’s where interior designers come in: they’re your partner, guide, and creative problem solver.
How the Process Works
(may differ between different designers/design firms)
Consultation: Your designer will get to know you, your space, and your vision.
Design Plan: They’ll create a detailed plan, complete with mood boards, floor plans, and material samples.
Implementation: Once you approve the plan, they’ll bring it to life—managing orders, deliveries, installation, and every detail along the way.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Asheville is a city that inspires, and your home or business should be no exception. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy mountain retreat, or a sleek modern design, or rebuilding after the recent storm, local interior designers are here to help you create a space that’s as unique as Asheville itself.
Ready to get started? Let’s make your vision a reality—together.
Call to Action:
Looking for an interior designer in Asheville, NC? Let’s chat! Schedule a free connection call today and take the first step toward a space that works for you!
If you are looking to transform your space or just want to say hi, I'd love to connect! Reach out here!
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BY SARAH BRONSTEIN