Around the World in 500 Square Feet

Mobilia designer honed her chops in fascinating locales

Erin Riley puts her wanderlust to work.
Portrait by Matt Rose

Erin Riley is so on top of sustainable design she’s able to distill the complex concept into perfectly timed maxims: “Personal is more interesting than perfect” is one example. The Charlotte native is a member of the design team at Mobilia in downtown Asheville, a home store full of stunning contemporary furniture collections and accessories. 

How did you fall in love with design?

My mother was the creative director of a multidisciplinary design firm in Charlotte. As an old-school graphic designer, she regularly brought home fancy marker sets, crazy papers, and Letraset rub-on letters to keep us busy. A high school interior-design class led to earning my BS in Interior Design from the University of Alabama, which had a great program. After college I worked for several years at a Charlotte commercial design firm. 

Then the itch to travel hit? 

I had wanderlust and wanted to do something really different, so I moved to New Zealand for a year. I got food and shelter in exchange for my labor on building projects — a work-trade arrangement. I got to work with architects on job sites and identify things I wanted to learn more about. I saw that many people lived smaller and more simply than I’d ever thought about; it changed my perspective on what’s really needed to make a home. 

Did these projects fuel your interest in sustainability?

They did. I performed varied tasks, like installing the flooring in a greenhouse. Sometimes I’d work with a group and other times alone, which was valuable. … When the Mobilia team goes to High Point Market, we see lots of beauty, but sustainability and durability are equally important. We choose thoughtfully produced and designed goods for the store, but really the most sustainable piece is one you’ll keep forever. … After I returned to the States, I still wanted to travel. I found a work-trade opportunity in Colorado that led to a stint working on a team for the nonprofit Community Rebuilds. They built sustainable housing for low-income families in Moab, Utah. I drew plans, helped level the ground, and worked on building two straw-bale homes from the ground up, with cob floors. The experience was a privilege. 

And you still have a way of finding unusual opportunities … 

I got lots of creative freedom when I worked on a hotel project in Bermuda, as the owners have a house here.

What about people who think that hiring an interior designer is out of reach for them?

We offer complimentary assistance with choosing furniture and upholstery, and charge a $100 flat fee to create three space plans and pull color and lighting ideas for you. If you just need some ideas on fitting a new sofa into your space, we’ll brainstorm that, too. I help guide the process, but it’s very collaborative, also. I want the client’s space to represent their style and unique personality. … I recently worked with a nurse and we created a modern look around a gorgeous painting she already owned. For another client, we incorporated old pictures of a much-loved garden into her brand-new space, which paved the way for us to pull in purples and greens. 

Anything that might surprise us about you?

My partner and I live in a 500-square-foot space, so I’m all about maximizing it through a good hack. I put my heavy, metal coffee table on furniture sliders so it’s easy to move when I want to do yoga or host a dance party. I have Mobilia’s stacking chairs for guest seating when needed. I also love the Container Store. With a small space, organization is key. 

So you practice what you preach, and buy from your own store?

I’ve gotten quite a few things for our home at Mobilia and [sister store] Four Corners Home, and when I consider something, the William Morris quote “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” is my mantra. At the same time, we need to allow for our spaces to be fun. Otherwise, what’s the point? 

Erin Riley, Mobilia, 43 Haywood St., Asheville. For more information, e-mail erin@mobilianc.com or call 828-252-8322. www.mobilianc.com.

0 replies on “Around the World in 500 Square Feet”