About Carrie Barad & Barad Interiors

Asheville Interior Design Studio

Growing up in Fairfield County Connecticut right outside of New York City, interior design was a center of my childhood. My mother, a visionary decorator with impeccable taste, included me in her design decisions and process. Several of my friends’ mothers were designers, owned antique shops, or flipped houses. I knew: that is what I’m going to do.

My maternal grandparents were British and their home has always been my happy place. My Irish paternal grandmother was a talented homemaker and also kept a beautiful home. Eclectic British interior design is my primary inspiration.

The elegant style and colonial architecture of New England had a lasting influence on my work.

Through my 20’s, I worked in New York City for Glamor Magazine, studied art history while living in Madrid, took a sabbatical in Paris, and worked as an assistant to world renowned photographers. Over a decade’s experience in art direction informs my love of color, form, pattern, and texture.

Working as gallery manager at a fine art, rare books and antique warehouse in a Colorado Mountain town punctuated my early career. The owners taught me everything they knew about the industry and encouraged me to follow my dream of becoming an interior designer.

In my 30’s, my husband and I bought our first home and started investing in real estate. I applied my design eye and photo styling experience to my own home and then to our vacation rental homes. Our goal was to redesign them to increase our profits by 15 percent. We exceeded our goal and increased our profits per property by over 25 percent.

Eventually, friends became clients. I bring the creative fire and Josh is a logistical genius.

Now we serve clients remotely and locally in Western North Carolina.

I am a lover of characterful period architecture and country charm. I am known for my timeless interiors layered with cozy comforts, unique touches, and simple elegance.