As an interiors and architectural photographer, I am passionate about walking into environments which will allow me to capture the details that emphasize the artistry of my clients. Inherently gravitating towards clean lines and thriving on the intimate details of a space...It’s inspirational creatives like Betsy Berry that make my job so joyous. She is an interior designer that connects with her clients to create clean, beautiful spaces. Her work seeks to inspire and create harmony — featured across platforms like Domino, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Architectural Digest and more. Her portfolio is diverse and full. Sophisticated and relaxed. Innovative yet inviting.

With a long history in New York City and roots tied to the South, where she currently resides with her family, Betsy is a quintessential New Southerner. A breathing example that the movement is expanding to every corner of the country, weaving in, out, and beyond the Deep South. Not only does she speak to the current creative economy but she is another strong female pioneer that is helping to redefine the landscape. Balance through variation, curation and comfort is what Betsy cultivates in every space that she designs. Her love for hand-selected pieces, artisan collaboration, and antique materials speaks to the New Southern style. Unexpected elements and quirkiness are key for her...There’s nothing better than someone who has the ability to stick their roots while innovating with a playful touch.

Interested in her unique artistic background and inspired by her courage, kindness and “never give up” attitude — We couldn’t wait to hear more from Betsy on design and how to turn a house into a soulful home!

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself.

Betsy Berry: After studying fashion design in Italy, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in design. I attended The New York School of Interior Design, and spent eight years working alongside world-renowned designers like David Easton and AD100’s Sills Huniford. I learned the importance of detail-driven design in a world filled with mass production — focusing more on hand-selected pieces, partnering with artisans for custom finishes, and finding newfound beauty in antique materials. In 2013, I returned to her lowcountry roots and launched B. Berry Interiors in Charleston, South Carolina — where I currently live with my husband, Robert, our three-year old daughter, Barker, and dog, Suge.

AR: How are you modernizing / updating southern style when you design?

BB: I think we are in a constant state of “updating” — making a home feel inviting yet clean while respecting the bones and history of the architecture and space. I tend to look to present day French interiors in that the architecture and bones of the Parisian apartments are maintained and respected while the furnishings are more playful and modern to update the space in today’s world. This balance is key for an updated Southern home and always my ultimate goal.

86 Cannon. Photo: ©Katie Charlotte Photography — 86 Cannon. Photo: ©Katie Charlotte Photography

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern Design across the country?

BB: I think the South has come into its own. We are now more predominantly on the national stage and have every right to be. In a world full of ever-changing trends, we stick to our classic roots and innovate with a sense of humor and a playful touch. I love the use of traditional patterns on modern upholstered forms as well any form of gingham held against a sleek lacquered interior. The juxtaposition is really the innovation that our most respected Southern designers deliver best.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

BB: Fritz Porter, The Commons and Open Door Shop.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

BB: Farrow & Ball All White and Off Black.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Betsy Berry, B. Berry Interiors in Charleston, SC

AR: What’s your life motto?

BB: Have courage and be kind. I hope that one day my daughter will learn through the lens of my life that taking the greatest leaps take the greatest amount of courage. Whether it’s moving to the big city or standing up for someone on the playground, there can always be the right amount of courage and kindness to carry us through.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

BB: I love my office at dusk overlooking the water and heroic steeples of downtown Charleston, combined with the right music and a pile of design books. Reaching for the classics and pouring over the details of years past can always excite and inspire me.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

BB: A house needs personality and soul to become a home. I’ve worked on projects in my NYC days that were absolute perfection yet had no soul. To truly feel that sense of home, there needs to be the collected sense of travel and time, as well as personal photographs and a punch of unexpected elements and quirkiness. The warmth of the home is felt through the layers created by love and time — this can always be created and maintained.

The Vintage Lounge. Photo: ©Andrew Cebulka

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

BB: Never ever give up. Simple and strong. If you truly want it, no one will give it to you. Fight for your passion — whatever that may be.

AR: Design advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

BB: Provide the art and provide the service. I feel that within our industry it is sometimes forgotten that we are here to provide a service to our clients. At the end of the day, we are managing projects to deliver an experience both through great client communication and delivery while creating a beautiful space and home.

AR: What’s the best piece of business advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out?

BB: Work for the best. I took the leap and moved to NYC with an air mattress and a suitcase to work for my design idols. I was lucky enough to get a great job and that experience created the foundation for my design life.

Pancito + Lefty. Photo: ©Andrew Cebulka — Pancito + Lefty. Photo: ©Andrew Cebulka

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

BB: A good bottle of wine — let’s celebrate!

AR: Tell us something we probably don’t know.

BB: I took gospel choir as a class in high school. I guess that’s the best part of growing up on an island off the South Carolina coast — I cannot sing for the life of me but they took me in anyways.

AR: Design book you’ll always have on your shelf?

BB: Stephen Sills & Jacques Grange — the greats in my book.

© 2020 alyssa rosenheck

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Betsy Berry

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