Artistic Interiors began from the idea of a young designer while working in a small kitchen and bath shop in Anderson, SC in the late 90’s. Amy Lee was completing her BFA in Interior Design from Anderson University. She knew she would one day venture beyond her southern roots. For two years, Amy Lee worked side-by-side with the owner of the Kitchen and bath shop, a retired NYC firefighter and cabinet designer who mentored her while she honed in on her knowledge of kitchen and bath design. This collaboration ultimately inspired Amy to move to New York City to further and refine her design skills.
Upon completing her education, Amy relocated to Atlanta, GA. It is there that she joined a large architectural firm focused on commercial and hospitality projects, broadening her knowledge for architecture and construction. After the events of that fateful day of 9/11, Atlanta, along with the much of the country, took a hit economically, oddly enough, Amy was able to seek out numerous job opportunities in her destined New York City. She moved and joined a small, boutique, architectural firm in Manhattan, where she worked on many high-profile exciting projects for Clients including Christian Dior and Fendi, as well as high-end residential kitchen and bath remodels for New York’s elite.
It wasn’t until 2003, that Amy took the initiative to form her own interior design firm. Initially operating out of a 750 sq. ft. studio in Hell’s Kitchen. At the onset, Amy built her business around high-end residential design and hospitality projects. Amy made the difficult decision to walk away from the city and business that she had poured her blood, sweat and tears into for the opportunity to create a better home life for her family. Thus, the decision to leave New York City was not an easy one.
The ultimate decision was to relocate back to the South where Amy and her family settled in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Here, Amy believed she had found the perfect place to begin her new life and move forward with her interior design practice.
It did not take long before Amy was recognized as one of the only local designers who had ‘Big City’ experience, affording her Clients a cleaner, sophisticated, and simple approach to their projects. Her portfolio illustrated her inclination to embrace a cleaner aesthetic. Amy has developed a full-service practice that does not cater to a certain style. Artistic Interiors focuses on involving the Client’s personal taste while complimenting the overall landscape and location of their home.
A follower could say there is a common design element that runs throughout that says, “this is Amy’s work,” however, no two projects look alike – each with their own personal flair. Artistic Interiors genre ranges from coastal/casual chic to modern glam, mountain side retreat and mid-century modern to name a few. Further, the firms Client base is throughout the East Coast embracing Amy’s roots in New York City to Florida, which allows for diversity to create a look that is new and ‘never seen before’.
Artistic Interiors essentially operates as three businesses in one: an architecture firm, general contracting business, and furniture showroom. Services offered are as diverse as architectural planning of a new home to new home construction, to a full gut interior remodels and custom interior design and styling. Their breadth of services expands beyond simply choosing a faucet or a paint color, by providing a full interior design concept for each project, complete with architectural drawings and specifications for construction.
Overall, the firm prides itself on being a fun, relaxed, family style design environment where each designer is given the opportunity to thrive and grow in their respective career. Amy had created an atmosphere where each staff member feels valued, respected, and taken care of, and where they are able to benefit from the growth of the company. Their customer service and project management services set them apart. In fact, Amy’s best friend, Mark Coffino, is the firm’s Operations Manager, providing superior a white glove service to all their clientele while keeping their projects organized and on-track. If there is a problem to solve, Mark usually finds a way and enjoys every moment of it.
Amy is continuously developing her business while juggling the demands of being a single mom to now 16- and 12-year-old children.
Every square inch of the design intent for Wells Residence featured here was custom designed by Artistic Interiors, ranging from each interior detail to the soap pumps on the counters. While the project is located on Lake Norman, this is not a typical lake front home. The large, modern windows created the perfect backdrop to develop a classic yet modern and edgy interior. The ability to use diverse materials like Romo Wallpapers Flocked Wallpaper in the primary bedroom to the gorgeous custom range hood and Arteriors stools in the kitchen sets this project apart from the rest highlighted in the Artistic Design portfolio.
Amy Lee, ASID | Owner/Interior Designer
Artistic Interior Design
704-274-3606 (office)
