At what moment, or in what experience, did you decide to become an interior designer? It was the birth our daughter that gave me the license to follow this dream. I saw Naomi and thought, “No way I raise this girl to follow her dreams and I am not the living embodiment of that.”
Q. Tell us about your design firm. How long have you been in business?
A. We turn 5 in October and I can hardly believe it. Muse Noire journeys clients to the intersection of culture and interior wellness. I intentionally make space for people of color to experience the luxury of design with a firm built for them. Through our shared experiences, we reintroduce a sense of connection through the community of their heritage. Through our design process we find ways to curate and steward lasting elements of wellness. Think of Muse Noire as Magnolia for the Culture. My aim is to place a revolutionary emphasis on ensuring people of color feel safe and seen in our homes.
Item Features: Modern Farmhouse – Collins Chest
Product Dimensions: 38W X 19D X 29H
Finish: Weathered Gray
Q. Tell us a little bit about your project.
A. This is a guest room at my private residence. Our home is so special to me for a myriad of reasons, but this space specifically may have been the most fun to design. I knew I could really let my imagination run wild, so I did. Throughout our home I think you’ll find design moments that evoke subtle waves of emotions. For each room I thought what does the person entering this space need the most when they cross the threshold? So, the biggest challenge for this guest room was finding common ground between how we use the space as a family and how our guest would. In addressing that challenge, I decided to go with the idea of developing something nostalgic like, something culturally whimsical that could speak to both children and adults or the inner child of an adult. Because who wouldn’t want to share joy with a guest in your home? The concept is a historically black sleep away camp!
Q. This room certainly brings the drama. Is that a hallmark of your work?
A. I think drama has too many negative connotations for me to hang my hat there. Perhaps it is our contemporary global aesthetic that makes this visually delighting in the best ways. My work is always a heavy tactile experience grounded in culture, and I love to find the restraint within every concept. The finished product isn’t really where you start but rather where you choose to stop [adding things].
Items Featured: Coastal Living Weekender – Surf City Bed and Modern Farmhouse – Collins Chest
Q. Why did you choose Universal Furniture as your partner for this project?
A. Two things drew me to Universal. The first is the way quality and design always meet the moment. As a designer, I see tons of beautiful things, but is it made well? I had an opportunity to visit the plant in Conover, N.C., and to say the least I was thoroughly impressed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail. That made me an instant lover of all things Universal because the tour gave me more than enough information to sell product into client projects beyond the idea of having just another pretty thing in their home.. So for us, having this historic home celebrating its 104th year standing, I wanted equally well made furniture, and that’s 100% Universal. The second thing was absolutely the twin wave headboards! I love a challenge and when I saw them in the Coastal Living section of the showroom, I instantly wanted to place them in a design concept that could not be furthest from beach vibes. Hopefully I nailed it and people can reimagine these in other aesthetics.
Item Featured: Kinetic Stool
Material: Cast Aluminum
Q. What makes Universal different, or stand out among other furnishing partners?
A. There are loads of cool things coming out of the Universal brand, but I most appreciate the attention to business development on all fronts. Universal is the only brand that I know can host the advancement of your business education during the world’s largest furniture market, host new and innovative products alongside the technology to visualize and source the sale, and produce a B2B publication always keeping their design partners forward facing. I only call them silent because I don’t think enough people are hip to the ease and power of design with Universal.
Q. Do you have some favorite pieces or collections from Universal? Why do they get your vote?
A. My favorite Universal piece right now is the Kira Stool from the Modern Collection. I am a tactile driven designer so that juxtaposition between the texture of the base and the texture on the seat is a home run.
Interview by: Mary Leigh Howell
Interviewee: Ashley Ross, Muse Noir Interiors
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