For Scarlett Riney, a career spent designing large-scale commercial spaces has led to a more intimate goal — helping people feel at home in spaces that are uniquely their own.
Riney, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, is preparing to launch her own residential interior design firm, Mary Scarlett Interiors, after more than five years working in commercial design.
“I went to the University of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019, and I majored in interior design there,” Riney said.
Her interest in the field began well before college, sparked by a high school class that introduced her to design software.
“We had a class where we used SketchUp, and one of my teachers suggested interior design to me,” she said. “It stuck with me as a career option, and I knew even in high school that it was what I wanted to do.”
After graduating, Riney spent over five and a half years working in commercial interior design, gaining experience alongside architects and engineers — a foundation she said was critical before venturing out on her own.
“My goal was to work under an architect and obtain my NCIDQ, which is the National Council for Interior Design Qualification,” she said. “I wanted to accomplish that before I would consider doing this.”
Riney earned her NCIDQ certification last year, marking a milestone that helped solidify her decision to start her own firm.
While her background is rooted in commercial work, she said the shift to residential design is driven by a desire to create more meaningful, personal spaces.
“I’ve been working in commercial design for a long time, and while those public spaces impact many people, homes are much more personal to the people who live in them — there’s something about them that feels a lot more sacred and thoughtful in a personal way,” she said.
That philosophy also shapes her approach to design style.
“My personal style is a mix of many. Being a designer, it’s hard to pick just one,” Riney said. “I think the best designs blend both old and new elements. I tend to lean toward warmth and have a great appreciation for traditional architecture and elements. But ultimately, style should be personal and defined by the person using the space.”
Through Mary Scarlett Interiors, Riney plans to operate as a full-service interior design firm, offering services such as space planning, concept development, and furniture selection.
“I think I’ll really shine in space planning, offering help with layout concepts and finishing selections,” she said.
The name of her business also carries personal significance, drawing inspiration from her family and long-held aspirations.
“The name was inspired by my mom and my younger self, because it represents a big dream,” she said.
She plans to begin working with her first client on May 19 and expects to take on additional clients by early to mid-June. For now, she said social media will serve as the primary way for potential clients to connect as she continues building her website.
Riney said the response since announcing her business has already exceeded expectations.
“The support I’ve received since announcing makes me feel so grateful and has already led to several inquiries,” she said. “I am really looking forward to getting started and people allowing me to be a part of shaping their homes.”
Looking ahead, Riney hopes her work will have a lasting impact on both her clients and the community by improving how people experience their homes on a daily basis.
“I think helping people create a home that fits their lifestyle and makes them happy when they walk in the door every day is the goal,” she said.
As she begins her first year in business, Riney acknowledges there are still many unknowns but remains focused on growth and adapting to the transition.
“I hope to be busy, and I think that I will be,” she said. “My goal is to grow, but right now I’m just hoping everything works out. I don’t know where it’ll take me, but I think it’ll become more clear. I’m just going to try to get through the growing pains and the change first.”
