Deena Knight is North-grown creative who took interior design by storm in North Carolina. Being a BSB with Southern roots, her style can be best described as a rustic charm mixed with city-girl trends like metallic home accessories. Learn more Deena and our feature below and learn how you can enhance your home decor her way.
Images by Ariel Perry Photography and Deena Knight Interiors
Name
Deena Knight
Title
Creative Director
Organization
Deena Knight Interiors
Hometown
Cincinnati, Ohio
Current City
Charlotte, North Carolina
Website
What is your favorite room in your home?
My Kitchen!
During the holidays, what were some of your favorite decor pieces to incorporate?
My mom’s gold flatware. She bought it years ago before brass and gold made this comeback and then she gifted it to me because it was “too fancy” and more suited to my style.
How would you describe your home decor style?
Rustic elegance: I love mixing reclaimed wood with metallic gold pieces and crystal chandeliers.
What is your favorite piece of art in your home and why?
I have a painting in my family room that I got in Haiti. I loved that it was in my favorite neutrals but still so full of life. We bartered and I was so happy to get this original work. Only, I walked to the next booth and found the same painting in a different color scheme. I must have seen it in 5 more booths after that. LOL. So I guess it’s not really an original, but it still makes me happy.
Did your mother inspire any of the pieces in your home?
My mother is really not into decorating. From a very young age, she allowed me to pick out accessories for our home!
What is your motto when it comes to decorating your home?
“Rules are made to be broken!” In every other area of my life, I try to be a rule-follower. I believe your home should reflect you and not what THEY say is right or on trend.
Did you do any DIY projects in your home?
If so, what did you do? I’ve painted my front door (twice). It’s such an easy DIY, but the impact on your exterior can be major. I also painted the original light fixture in my kitchen. It was black wrought iron with shades on each individual bulb. I had the electrician take it down during our renovations and just sprayed it metallic gold. I ditched the shades altogether. It served its purpose, but I’ve recently bought a new fixture to put there!
What are some uniquely southern items in your home?
I recently bought some tobacco baskets from a local antique store to hang in our family room. I hesitated, considering the unsavory history of tobacco, but I was drawn to their geometric design and square shape.
How does living in the south affect your home decor style?
I don’t think I have a traditional southern style. I went to college in California (at Stanford) and I think that open and airy feel has stuck with me most. But I do appreciate the way southern women tend to want to have their homes feel finished. Oh! and monogramming…I’ve certainly embraced monogramming.
Do you utilize local furniture brands?
I’m a fan of several brands that are made right here in North Carolina, notably Wesley Hall and Henredon. Also, when we were remodeling our home, we had our cabinets, barn door and open shelving crafted by local artisans.
Do you have any family heirlooms?
If so, what and tell us more about them? I don’t have any that have been passed down to me, however, there are a few things that I am holding
If so, what and tell us more about them? I don’t have any that have been passed down to me, however there are a few things that I am holding on to give to my children (should they want them): a chandelier, currently in my master bedroom, that was a gift from my husband 4 houses ago, my son’s gorgeous baby crib, handpainted in french blue, and my daughter’s black wrought iron bed.
What are some of your mother’s home decor traits or styles that you inherited?
My mother is pretty conservative and she mostly gravitates towards neutrals. So I think I inherited that trait from her.
What is your fondest memory or home decor shopping with your husband?
My husband pretty much leaves the home decor to me. But I do remember shopping for furniture for his first apartment back in 1997. We went to Arhaus Furniture and bought a very transitional bedroom suit: sleigh bed, armoire, dresser, side table (all matching!), that we kept up until last year.
In your kitchen, what piece of decor is the most functional and stylish and why? My barn door! I’ve wanted one for a long while, simply because I love the look of them. But in this
My barn door! I’ve wanted one for a long while, simply because I love the look of them. But in this home, it truly does serve an important purpose. If I want to shut off the back hall (mudroom and laundry room mess) for company, I can just pull it shut.
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
