Interior design can feel intimidating, expensive, or out of reach for a lot of homeowners. On Episode 83 of the Best of Raleigh Podcast, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Donna Verdi and Julie Campbell, interior designers at Arhaus in Fenton, to completely flip that narrative.

From starting small with just one chair to embracing color, texture, and personality, this episode is a deep dive into what modern interior design really looks like in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is less about perfection and price points, and much more about how you actually live in your home.

Meet the Designers Behind Arhaus Fenton

Donna Verdi and Julie Campbell are not just designers, they are collaborators in the truest sense. Based at Arhaus in Fenton, they have built a reputation for working together in a way that puts the client experience first.

Their partnership grew naturally as projects became more comprehensive, covering everything from furniture and accessories to art and full home layouts. Rather than dividing clients or competing for projects, Donna and Julie combine their strengths to create thoughtful, layered spaces that feel both elevated and livable.

This kind of collaboration is rare, even within large design brands, and it is one of the reasons clients trust them with such personal spaces.

Why Interior Design Is More Accessible Than You Think

One of the biggest myths Donna and Julie address is the idea that interior design is only for high budgets or fully furnished homes. According to them, design is not about excess. It is about intention.

They encourage clients to start small. A chair. Two chairs. A well made sofa or a dining table that will last for generations. These foundational pieces matter far more than filling every corner at once.

Design should meet people where they are, whether that means working within a strict budget or building a home slowly over time. At Arhaus Fenton, design services are included with purchase, which many homeowners are surprised to learn. That alone removes a major barrier people assume exists.

Design Is Not About Price, It Is About Experience

Throughout the conversation, one theme comes up again and again, luxury is not about cost. It is about experience.

Just like in real estate, Donna and Julie believe luxury means feeling taken care of, heard, and understood. It means knowing someone is paying attention to the details, communicating clearly, and helping you avoid costly mistakes.

Designing a home is intimate. Clients are inviting someone into their daily life, their routines, and sometimes even their closets. That level of trust is something Donna and Julie take seriously, and it is why so many of their relationships span years and even generations.

Design Trends Making a Big Comeback in Raleigh Homes

If you have felt like everything has been white and gray forever, you are not wrong. According to Donna and Julie, those trends lived a very long life, and homeowners are now craving warmth, personality, and comfort.

Here is what they are seeing now in Raleigh and across the Triangle area:

Color and Texture Are Back
Bold color, layered textures, and rich materials are making a strong return. From cognac leather to velvet upholstery, homes are feeling more expressive and lived in.

Curves and Softer Shapes
Curved sofas, rounded chairs, and organic silhouettes are replacing sharp lines, creating spaces that feel more relaxed and welcoming.

Color Drenching
Color drenching involves enveloping a room in one color, including walls, trim, doors, and even ceilings. The result is a moody, cozy, and cohesive space that feels intentional and warm.

Pattern With Purpose
Large florals, statement headboards, and patterned sofas are showing up in the right homes for the right clients. Pattern does not have to be overwhelming. It can start with pillows, rugs, or accent pieces.

Must Have Pieces for a Dream Home

When asked to name their must have pieces, Donna and Julie highlighted the balance between timeless investment and personal expression.

Julie leans toward classic staples like a leather Chesterfield sofa paired with a cozy coffee table ottoman that invites people to sit and stay awhile.

Donna gravitates toward bold velvet sofas, statement swivel chairs, and layered textures like shearling and faux fur. Her philosophy is simple, you are not married to your furniture. You can change it as your life evolves.

How Homeowners Have Changed Since COVID

Post pandemic, homeowners are thinking differently about their spaces. Open floor plans are giving way to more curated rooms. Comfort and function matter more than ever.

People want their homes to reflect who they are, not what a showroom says they should look like. Family heirlooms, collected antiques, and meaningful pieces are being mixed with modern furniture to create spaces that feel deeply personal.

Homes are no longer designed just to impress guests. They are designed to support real life.

Advice for Anyone Hesitant to Work With a Designer

Donna and Julie hear this all the time, especially from first time homeowners. Their answer is simple. Designers save you from making expensive mistakes, and with Arhaus, it does not cost extra.

There is no required price point. No pressure to do everything at once. No expectation that you already know what you want.

Design starts with listening. Understanding how you live, what matters to you, and how to make your home function better for your family.

Why Arhaus Fenton Is Worth a Visit

Even if you are not actively shopping, the Arhaus store in Fenton is a destination in itself. Light filled, beautifully styled, and welcoming, it offers endless inspiration for homeowners at every stage.

With in stock pieces available and shorter lead times than many people expect, it is also a valuable resource for those relocating to Raleigh with little or no furniture.

Donna and Julie work directly out of the design studio in the back of the store, often collaborating in real time on large screens with mood boards, layouts, and fabric piles spread out. It is creative, hands on, and intentionally human.

Listen to Episode 83 of the Best of Raleigh Podcast

This episode is full of practical advice, trend insights, and thoughtful conversations about what makes a house feel like home.

You can listen to Episode 83 of the Best of Raleigh Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. The video version offers behind the scenes looks at Arhaus Fenton and the dynamic between Donna and Julie that makes their partnership so effective.