Ashley Cardiel Interiors is a full-service interior design firm based in Arkansas. Ashley’s design aesthetic is deeply rooted in travel, art, and telling her clients’ stories, establishing a visual narrative that’s unique to them. Her design philosophy has long been about amplifying her clients’ personal style to its fullest and most authentic expression.
Ashley has worked on projects around the world, including five-star resorts in Dubai, Hong Kong, and on private islands. Traveling is her favorite way to gather design inspiration by immersing herself in various cultures and culinary experiences.
Her appreciation for mid-century modern architecture materialized early on in design school while studying Frank Lloyd Wright and Wright’s apprentice Arkansas native Fay Jones. This educational foundation served her well years later during her firm’s first project of restoring and renovating a well-known 1940s home. The successfully completed project landed her on the pages of At Home in Arkansas Magazine and put her on the map as an emerging talent.
At the helm of her firm, Ashley has strategically built a rockstar team with a diverse set of design backgrounds and strengths. This team works with local and global artists, craftspeople, and creatives as much as possible on their design projects. That collaboration creates a sense of community for everyone involved, even the clients- everybody wins!
Photography Credit: Nancy Nolan & Rett Peek
Q
First investment piece of furniture you purchased?
A.
Living in a community that has an emerging arts scene I always encourage clients to think local first. I custom designed my dining table by collaborating with two area craftsmen to create a sculptural statement of cantilevered concrete and wood as the centerpiece of my open floorplan. I love to entertain and it sets the perfect stage to host family and friends for casual dinners and game nights.
Q
If you could own a second home anywhere you wanted, where would it be?
A.
On the beach, the sound of ocean waves recharges me.
Q
What might the design world look like in 15 years?
A.
I believe things are trending towards the integration of technology and prioritization of wellness in homes. Instead of being considered luxury add-ons I think people will come to see these as everyday essentials that sustain them in our ever evolving and fast paced world.
Given our current state of events with the Covid-19 pandemic we may see this shift happen even more quickly.
Q
Your stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of it what would you eat?
A.
Pizza and Champagne all the way
Q
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
A.
Earlier this year I hiked Angel’s Landing, the deadliest hike in North America, with a fighter pilot!
Q
How do you maintain work/life balance?
A.
When you work in your passion it doesn’t come with an on/off switch but I’ve learned to protect my creative energy. I treat my body like a temple through yoga, cycling, time at the gym and proper nutrition so I can keep my energy on point for tackling big projects and solving challenges. I encourage my team to honor what they need and find a balance for themselves too. A glass of bourbon to end the day never hurts either!
Q
Are you a dog or a cat person?
A.
Dog!
Q
Best compliment you’ve ever received?
A.
“This is so us!” When clients walk into a completed project and feel like we’ve created a place that speaks to their interests be it travel, art or wellness…there is no greater compliment or achievement in my career than giving people a space that reflects them.
Q
A book that everyone should read?
A.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I believe everyone should harness the power of positive thinking.
Q
Most embarrassing song on your spotify?
A.
My team voted ‘03 Bonnie and Clyde – Jay-Z + Beyonce, I can rap the whole thing!
