Talk Shop: Barrie Benson // Barrie Benson Interior Design
ABOUT BARRIE
Barrie Benson is a Charlotte-based interior designer who effortlessly blends modern and traditional styles to create interiors with personality and depth. Her signature approach transforms spaces — like her iconic 1950s ranch — by mixing timeless pieces with fresh, unexpected touches for a vibe that’s both classic and current.
Known for adding energy and color to architecturally traditional homes, Barrie brings a new perspective to 20th-century European and American furniture, art, and collections, creating spaces that feel both lived-in and elevated. In addition to her design work, Barrie has a furniture line with Highland House and a collection of decorative hardware and accessories with Addison Weeks. Read on to hear Barrie’s take on mixing periods, staying inspired, and the design pieces she can’t live without.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Collected, colorful, joyful.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel. Purchasing my 1950s mid-century house in 2002. Mentors like Chuck Chewning, Jan Claussen, Dana Holcomb, and Dara Caponigro.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company in 1998 when I was still working 80 hours a week at a hospitality design firm. I took a brief break to teach design in Cortona, Italy. When I returned, many of my friends were beginning to purchase homes and were interested in hiring me, which allowed me to start my own business and hit the ground running.
My favorite part of my job is collaborating with other creative people and mentoring the talented women that I work with.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
One of the first to come to mind is Dara Caponigro (the creative director for Schumacher and Frederic magazine). Many moons ago she was in Charlotte photographing a project for Domino magazine. We connected and I told her my husband and I had recently purchased a 1950s modern ranch and were in the process of renovating it. She asked me if I thought we could have it ready in 9 months (which in its state at the time felt a bit overwhelming). We were able to pull it together in time and she put it on the cover of Domino, which was a huge moment for me. Ever since she’s been an advocate of mine and has become a dear friend. She is wildly talented, wicked smart, and has an amazing eye.
What does your home say about you:
It is a place for the people I love to live comfortably and a reflection of all the places we have traveled. Over the years, I have woven in art, meaningful heirloom pieces, and special objects we have collected through our travels. It is a composition of the things I love the most and a blend of my husband, son, and daughter’s histories along with my own.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, fashion, and art.
Who are your style icons:
I am not sure I can call them icons but I do love the style of Francesa Ruffini and Sophia Coppola.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
The key is making sure I prepare everything ahead of time. That way I am able to relax and enjoy the company when they arrive. If I want the gathering to feel more casual and relaxed, we eat in the kitchen. We have a fireplace in the kitchen so having a fire makes for a cozy and casual dinner. I also collect textiles and china, so I love creating different combinations and pairing pieces that feel unexpected and spark conversation.
Do you collect anything:
My grandmother’s silver and my wedding silver, which is Georg Jensen acorn. I also collect china and linens.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
I try to limit myself on Instagram for inspiration because I feel so much is being repeated, so I often look to old books instead. That said, I always love to see what Tori Mellot, David Netto, Leah O’Connell, and Beata Heuman are up to.
What are you working on right now:
We are working on an old, iconic house in Charlotte that has many entertainment areas with fun, secret party rooms, and an event lawn. We are working to honor the traditional bones of the home while updating it to our clients’ style. Our client has a very interesting art collection and it has been such a fun exercise weaving her contemporary art collection together in this old, beautiful house.
Wardrobe staples:
I have a 50” gold chain that I wear almost every day, it works with everything and really pulls an outfit together. An old pair of YSL penny loafers with tassels that I just can’t quit, they look good with everything…Double-breasted Dries jacket that is the perfect weight for Charlotte and never seems to go out of style.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything from Peg Norriss! It’s like living in a piece of art…
Best career advice you ever received:
Know your strengths and lean into them, and don’t be afraid to hire out for your weaknesses.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in great art, and save by incorporating vintage pieces into your interiors.
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel and clothes.
Favorite places to shop for home:
It changes all the time as I rarely like the same thing twice, but I am very sad that Guinevere Antiques in London closed. Robert Kime, Timothy Langston, and of course 1stdibs.
Most prized possession and why:
My family and a pinky ring by Grainger McKoy that belonged to my mom. She passed away a few years ago and I wear it whenever I need her close.
Your interiors motto:
Strive to pull out the very best version of our client and reflect it in their home.
Your life motto:
Be a great role model for my children and my employees.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Ask for the help of a very close friend who has style and can bring elevation to you on things you love. Sometimes your friends truly know what you love the most and can remind you of that.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Fresh Pasta
Drink: Negroni or a bottle of Italian red, can you tell there is a theme?!
Film: Royal Tenenbaums or the Moonrise Kingdom
Hotel: Bujera Fort outside of Udaipur or Santo Mauro in Madrid.
City: London, Paris or Rome, and Jaipur
Bedding: It’s a tie between de Porthault, Leontine Linen,s and Jenny Allen Custom Linens
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): a whole milk cappuccino
Playlist: I usually leave this up to my husband or my son, so something they have put together! I have a long list of favorites. I'm sentimental so I choose music that reminds me of fun times… Avett Brothers, is a big family favorite because they have played so many times in Chautauqua, our summer respite.
Weekend Activity: A very long walk
Design Book: This one doesn’t feel fair! There are so many, it’s too hard to choose…Billy Haines…More Than Just a House…The New Antiquarians…Studio Ashby…Mama Milano…and of course I love supporting my friends, Heidi Callier’s recent book is another favorite.