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Community Highlights: Meet Arrington Russell of Restoration Interiors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arrington Russell.

Arrington, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From the time I was a little girl, I’ve always had a love for beautiful spaces. I used to dream about being an interior designer, rearranging rooms in my head and noticing every little detail in the homes around me. Life, of course, had other plans at first. My academic path took a different direction, and for a season, I had the joy and privilege of staying home with my young children.

It was during that time that a dear friend—one of those people who sees your gifts before you do—asked me to help her design a space in her home. That project lit a fire in me I hadn’t fully realized was there. With her encouragement, I stepped into the world of design, and that moment became the start of a career that’s now been going strong for nearly 12 years.

What began as a passion has grown into a full-time business built on trust, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. As I focused on learning the craft, new opportunities kept coming, and I truly believe each one was a blessing.

I’d describe my own style as timeless and traditional, but most of my clients lean toward a mix of traditional and contemporary—what I like to call “updated classic.” When I meet with a client, I take time to understand both the home’s architecture and the heart of the family living in it. That’s where the magic happens. I always say: if my client doesn’t absolutely love the space, then I haven’t done my job.

Today, I help with everything from custom window treatments and furnishings to full-scale renovations and new builds. Whether it’s a cozy powder room or an entire home, I find so much joy in helping people create spaces that feel like them—warm, inviting, and full of life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
But learning a business from scratch is never easy. I didn’t have formal training. I didn’t have a mentor or a guide. I had to learn everything on my own—from the foundational rules of design to the complexities of running a business. I made mistakes, learned the hard way, and grew through each challenge. There were times when I felt overwhelmed or unsure, but I stayed the course. Thankfully, I was blessed with clients who trusted me, gave me room to grow, and stuck with me as my experience deepened.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a single part of how I got here. The journey—every twist, turn, and lesson along the way—is what shaped me into the designer I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of Restoration Interiors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m proud to run a residential interior design business that’s all about creating timeless, welcoming spaces where families can truly feel at home. My style leans traditional, with classic elements that never go out of fashion—something my clients love because it gives them comfort and joy for years to come.

What sets me apart, I believe, is how personally I take each project. I work closely with every client, no matter the size of the home or the budget. From grand, custom estates to sweet little starter homes, I treat each space with the same care and attention—because every home deserves to be beautiful and every client deserves to feel seen and heard.

Quality is something I never compromise on. I adore the beauty of marble, quartzite, and designer wallpaper—but I also believe in mixing high and low to create an elevated, thoughtful look that’s just right for each home. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create spaces that feel like you—gracious, comfortable, and full of heart.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I recommend reaching out to local interior designers and asking if they need interns. I think this would’ve been a great step I could’ve taken.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ben Flinch

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