Design Mind
Ashley Ross transforms homes into meaningful spaces through her firm Muse Noire Interiors
by Rhonda Rawlings
In the world of interior design, few are shaping the concept of home as thoughtfully and creatively as Ashley Ross, founder and principal designer of Muse Noire Interiors. Ross believes that a space should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but it should also contribute to the wellness of the occupants—an intentional focus on the celebration of culture and creating spaces where people of color feel seen, valued, and completely at home.
Ross has been a star on the design scene since opening Muse Noire in 2019, most recently being named to House Beautiful’s Next Wave Class. Luxe Interior Designs placed Ross on its Design 99 list highlighting 99 designers shaping the future of the industry, and Architectural Digest named the South Jersey native among the 21 Black women changing architecture.
Even with this success, Ross didn’t grow up having creative dreams. “I had no intention for a career in design. I grew up pretty traditional—you go to college, get a job in the field you study, and live life. I didn’t feel like something creative was a viable option, and that mindset took me through a career in nonprofit management, business development, and fundraising. I wouldn’t change any of it because that journey gave me a lot of the transferable skills to accomplish everything I have so far, which I’m super proud of,” she says.
In her residential interior designs, Ross creates contemporary spaces that celebrate the personal stories of the people who live in them; photography courtesy of Muse Noire Interiors.
Ross studied criminology at Johnson C. Smith University. Realizing the field wasn’t for her, she got her degree and then moved on to the University of Illinois for a master’s in public administration with a concentration in grad-level certification in nonprofit management. It was there she realized how vital attending The Boys and Girls Club was for her, particularly the access that the organization provided.
After graduating, Ross began work at the same Boys and Girls Club where she grew up, making a huge impact raising $14 million as the assistant director of grants and contracts. She eventually moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband at the time and began work as executive director of PAL Charlotte. “The timeline of my dream and God’s plan was fast-paced. My goal was to work in fundraising and then move into an executive director position, and here I was.”
Ross’s transformation began in Charlotte after her daughter, Naomi, was born in 2018. A profound shift in perspective occurred while designing her Naomi’s nursery. That process sparked Ross’s realization that spaces have the power to influence emotional and mental wellness. She enrolled in an online design school for a brief time and realized they weren’t teaching the business side of the industry; they were only training her eye, a skill she knew she already had, so she decided to figure things out on her own.
Ross was invited to an exclusive women’s networking club where she introduced herself for the first time as an interior designer. By the end of the night she had booked her first job. From that moment forward, she committed herself to creating interiors that bridge design and well-being, particularly among people of color. Ross believes homes should reflect the stories, traditions, and lived experiences of the people inside them. Her designs often feature curated art, layered textures, vintage elements, and globally inspired pieces that create deeply personal environments rather than trend-driven spaces.
Beyond her projects, Ross continues to advocate for greater diversity and representation within interior design. Through Muse Noire Interiors, she is not simply decorating homes, she is helping redefine what home can mean for future generations.
Muse Noire Interiors, Charlotte, NC, and Dallas, TX; musenoire.com
This story appears in our Summer 2026 issue.
