The Russell home is a labor or love that has been 25 years in the making; however, the family has only occupied the house for a year and a half. “It’s still a new baby,” designer and homeowner Arrington laughs. Son Harrison agrees, “The best part of the house is when everyone comes over and says ‘woooooooow.’”
Having a background in medical sales, Arrington Russell always had an interest in design, but always considered that a side passion. In 2014, a friend suggested she help others with home interiors, so she put a few photos up on social media and offered her services. Arrington was eager to get started and said “Yes, please!” to projects, “But the work never stopped!” She hasn’t slowed down since, but she did take some time to establish this dream home of her own for her family. Her clients come to her via word of mouth, and she has worked in homes as far away as California and Illinois, as well as in Tennessee.
One especially touching feature Arrington incorporates into each room is a tribute to her mother who passed away at a very young age. Her mother owned a bookstore and collected antique books, so Arrington grew up living with many book collections. Usually, her mother’s representation in the rooms is a piece of her furniture or library books on Shakespeare or art, but the guest room includes a box holding her mother’s library card and a bookmark from her store. Married with two sons, Arrington claims that the guest room is her one “girlie room” in the house. “It’s cuter than it is functional,” she laughs.
Each space has its own theme and art to reflect that unique look. The laundry room reminds the family of a vacation at Hilton Head with its coastal undertones for instance; “Anything that brings nature into a space” is the look Arrington is shooting for. “Each time I include something,” Arrington says, “more needs to be added, usually a piece of art to conclude the look of the space.”
Many antique furniture pieces are featured in the home, mostly pieces from her mother or her great grandmother. Some of the items were purchased though, as Arrington is an avid collector. “I would love to have more time to antique hunt!” she says. One of the most used spaces in the home that contains only all modern equipment is the workout room that everyone in the house frequents. “We get a lot of wear out of the home gym,” they all agree; with Harrison chiming in, “There’s a lot of energy in here!”
Arrington’s 25-year project is what she loves the most about their family home. “I dreamed of it for so long, and to see the boys grow up in it is so special,” she says, “It’s my forever home. I plan to stay here the rest of my life.”