Talk Shop: Ariene Bethea // Dressing Rooms Vintage Shop
ABOUT ARIENE
Ariene Bethea is the zesty founder and shopkeeper behind Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio, a boutique vintage furniture shop we recently found through a fun House Beautiful article about shopping vintage goods on Instagram. Fueled by the thrill of the hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, Ariene has a flair for mixing vintage with modern day furnishings to create bold and culturally inspired designs. Ariene grew up in a home infused with art and culture, which has undoubtedly influenced her casual collected style and playful use of patterns and colors. The huntress’s wise take on vintage shopping? Collecting is about “judgement, taste and imagination.” We couldn't possibly agree more!
Ariene has sold her finds on design retail sites such as One Kings Lane and Chairish, where she curates a colorful and interesting array of offerings. She has shared her styling expertise on how to seamlessly mix vintage pieces from different eras alongside modern finds on some of our favorite sites, like Design Sponge, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda Magazine. We love Ariene for her fearless sense of style and pep in her step (her email signature reads: “With Grace, Guts, and Gumption!” – how great is that?!) We sat down with the Charlotte, NC resident, who resides with her college sweetheart and husband Daren, and dog Mini Cooper Bethea, to chat about all things design.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Cultured, curated and casual.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mother, old design magazines, and fashion.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started by shop on Etsy with $350. My favorite thing in the hunt, I never know what I will find. A close second is styling my finds in the shop.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I didn’t have a mentor per se, instead I have a group of women that believed in me and are my sounding board. I joke that they are my internal board of directors.
What does your home say about you:
It says that I appreciate and respect Black, African and Asian culture. That I love color, texture and layering in pattern.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere!
Who are your style icons:
Tracie Ellis Ross and Beyonce.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A curated playlist, candles and fresh flowers.
Do you collect anything:
Yes, I have a collection of masks.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration: @michellenussbaumer, @atlantishome, @pierceandward.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Follow: Art at eye level (single piece not gallery wall). Rule to break: Mix all the metals.
What are you working on right now:
Two residential homes. One that is going to be for sale soon, the other is a renovation.
Wardrobe staples:
A dress, tennis shoes and statement earrings.
Best interior advice you ever received:
A designer once told me I have a great eye and didn’t need to go to design school.
Best career advice you ever received:
You are the brand, trust your gut.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in art and lighting, and I save on coffee table books.
Your greatest extravagance:
Healthy food.
Favorite places to shop for home:
My shop!
Most prized possession and why:
My mom’s 1960s vintage Bernhardt sectional. I’m so glad I had the forethought to keep in it when she passed 14 years ago.
Your interiors motto:
It’s your house, you can do whatever you want!
Your life motto:
There is room for everyone.
Take Ten: My Favorite...
Food: Pizza
Drink: Coconut Water
Film: Love Jones
Hotel: Kimpton Hotel
City: Washington, DC
Bedding: West Elm
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Tea, no sugar.
Playlist: My curated Grown-up Rap Mix
Weekend Activity: sofa, movies and homemade popcorn
Design Book: Holiday House, Ten Years of Decorating for a Cure
