--- title: "Kathryn Long — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/kathryn-long-pfvwus-pf~1510028022 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1510028022.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Kathryn Long" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e3430eca0de8e8ae_1105-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "817 Quill Gordon Court, Biltmore Lake, North Carolina 28715, United States" latitude: 35.5376 longitude: -82.7001 phone: "(828) 230-7446" website: http://ambianceasheville.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 32 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 548 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # Kathryn Long Original Houzz profile: [Kathryn Long](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/kathryn-long-pfvwus-pf~1510028022) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Biltmore Lake, NC - **Serves:** Asheville, Arden, Fletcher, Woodfin, Royal Pines, Weaverville, Avery Creek, Biltmore Forest, Hoopers Creek, Bent Creek, Alexander, Candler, Enka, Leicester, Skyland - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (32 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Meet our team! Kathryn S. Long, ASID: Kathryn has an early memory of her home burning to the ground on Christmas Day, in 1953. The four-year-old girl was held by a fireman that day, and she remembers the family salvaged a set of building blocks for her to play with. From that she progressed to drawing house plans on church bulletins. It seemed natural to major in interior design at East Carolina. After education, travel abroad, and work in New York, she returned to Asheville to set up shop in the back corner of Sluder Furniture Company, a fixture of downtown Asheville since 1905, which her parents had bought in 1964. Ray and Sarah Long encouraged their daughter to open her own shop, Ambiance Interiors, in 1977. B.F.A., East Carolina University, Interior Design • M.A., University of Georgia, Art History • NCIDQ • Winner of 11 awards for Design Excellence from Carolinas Chapter, ASID • Winner of 2006 Dora Gray Designer of Distinction Award from CCASID ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Custom Cabinets - Custom Built-ins - Cabinetry Design - Fixture & appliance selection for Baths & Kitchens - Material & Finish Selections - Moulding & Fireplace Design - Paint Colors for Interior & Exterior - Tile Selections & Designs - Window Treatment Design ### Areas Served - Asheville - Arden - Fletcher - Woodfin - Royal Pines - Weaverville - Avery Creek - Biltmore Forest - Hoopers Creek - Bent Creek - Alexander - Candler - Enka - Leicester - Skyland ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Kathryn Long | | Address | 817 Quill Gordon Court, Biltmore Lake, North Carolina 28715, United States | | Phone | (828) 230-7446 | | Website | http://ambianceasheville.com | | Followers on Houzz | 548 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/ambianceasheville ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Kathryn Long](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/kathryn-long-pfvwus-pf~1510028022) - **Website:** http://ambianceasheville.com - **Phone:** (828) 230-7446 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2021), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 32 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Ginny Plaisted, March 2019** > Kathryn from Ambiance helped me make our great room much mor3e user friendly. The contractors she recommended were organized, on time, and talented. > I really miss the time Kathryn and I spent together doing this project. **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Ginny-Thanks for those kind words. I think we made a great team. You were the best kind of client who "kept up her end" to ensure that things kept moving. After all, we needed: an electrician, a tile setter, a custom cabinet builder, an AV guy, and a painter. Then we needed all the products, plus some new furnishings and lighting. > > Stay in touch! Thanks, Kathryn **★★★★★ — STELLA TAYLOR, Nov. 2018** > No job too small! Kathryn Long assisted me with basic projects as I moved into my new-to-me home. My home did not need a complete remodel. Before I moved in, she consulted on site about furniture placement and paint color selection for each room. Her expertise in both areas helped make these decisions quick and easy. Her suggestions about paint were exactly right! After my move in, she worked with me to refine furniture placement, providing many ideas about one difficult room. She also provided useful referrals for a variety of local resources. These few hours of her time were immensely helpful! **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Thanks, Stella. It was a pleasure to help with yur move from California! Welcome to WNC. Best, Kathryn **★★★★★ — Dershie McDevitt, March 2018** > I don’t just do projects with Linda Constable though she carried me on her back through a complete house renovation. What I do is try and think of reasons to see or use her gifts. ( my husband’s law office, my daughter’s new chair cover, which of my deceased mother’s treasures would work in my house, best colors for exterior of a rental house we own). You get the picture? She is immensely talented, humble and a joy to know. **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Thank you, Dershie. I completely agree about how varied Linda Constable's talents are. You are also a joy to know! Best, Kathryn **★★★★★ — Dream Closets Asheville, Jan. 2018** > I've been a colleague of Ambiance Interiors for over a decade. I am continually impressed with their professionalism, attention to detail, fun, positive attitude, and the total care they give their clients. If I could use only two descriptive words for Ambiance Interiors: CLASS and COMFORT are the ones that come to mind. What a great combination! **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Dear Barb, Thanks for you comments. All of the designers here at Ambiance love to recommend your services, I appreciate your passion for closet design, and so do our clients. > ...looking forward to more transformations together. Kathryn **★★★★★ — Julie Gros, Dec. 2017** > Kathryn proved to be a crucial player in helping us design the renovation and revive the decor in our 100 year old home. Adding a fresh welcoming look while respecting the architecture and spirit of the house was a daunting challenge that she met with grace and energy. We truly love the results and continue to receive compliments on the one-of-a-kind environment we have created. **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Dear Julie, Thanks! Since I have always loved the historic house you and Francois so lovingly renovated, I was thrilled to get the call to help you! What a great transformation. > Al the best, Kathryn **★★★★★ — Elaine Andersen, Nov. 2017** > Kathryn and Melissa were very easy to work with. They were very professional, always kept us informed on the order in which decisions needed to be made. We love the colors Kathryn helped us choose and are very happy with the sofas and the rug she helped us purchase. Ours was not a large project but we were treated with the same importance as if it was. We would highly recommend Ambiance Interiors! **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Dear Elaine, Experiencing the transformation of your home by updating the lighting, changing wall colors, and creating a new kitchen was very rewarding! You and your husband were ideal clients in that you always kept up your end of the project. Your great room is so inviting, with the new furnishings and rug. > Thanks for the opportunity to have worked together. Best, Kathryn **★★★★ — User, Nov. 2017** > My husband and I were looking to redecorate our guest room. As we have worked with Kathryn in the past, we contacted her and we pulled the project together very quickly and efficiently. The guest room turned out beautifully; our guests truly feel as though they are at a romantic B&B retreat in the mountains. Thanks so much. **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Dear Robin, Yes, your guest room is certainly a unique retreat. I really enjoy working with you and Tony, because you both have such a good vision. This was true throughout other phases of our working together. Your artwork collection is also an inspiration! Thank you, Kathryn **★★★★★ — BlackBird Frame & Art, Oct. 2017** > On all the many occasions we have worked with the designers at Ambiance, they have consistently exemplified the highest levels of professionalism and integrity. As owners of BlackBird Frame & Art, we have witnessed their excellent rapport with clients, showing the utmost respect for their wishes, needs and budgets while offering creative solutions. Always a pleasure to work with Ambiance! **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Thanks, John, It is always a please to bring clients to Blackbird Frame and Art! Your work has met or exceeded client expectations every time. Thank you. Kathryn **★★★★★ — Gina Skelton, July 2017** > Linda Constable and Tessa Eaton from Ambiance Interiors are truly professional, productive, and enjoyable to work with. Linda and Tessa caught my vision from our first meeting and guided me in making design decisions in our new home and excelled in merging existing furnishings with new pieces. They say the devil is in the details, but not with this team! Every question and concern was answered and solved efficiently and expertly. Thanks, also, to Kathryn Long who began the journey with us during the blueprint ,choosing fixtures and casegoods phase. > Due to Linda Constable and Tessa Eaton and Ambiance Interiors, our home is a lovely mountain haven that exceeded my dreams and expectations! **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Dear Gina, Thanks! Your home is truly a personal mountain retreat. Incorporating some things from your former home was strategic in the final results. Thanks for being a wonderfully open minded client. Best, Kathryn **★★★★★ — Carl Giesenschlag, Dec. 2016** > As a cabinetmaker, I have been involved with dozens of projects over the years. The projects that I have done with Ambiance Interiors have been made easier due to their ability to manage and coordinate all the various components those projects encompassed. They have the ability and creative force to insure a positive outcome and I highly recommend them. Working with them has always been a very positive experience. **★★★★★ — Jeff and Sarah Carter, Dec. 2016** > Kathryn and Tessa were wonderful designers as they took us on the whole journey of bringing an older home back to life. Kathryn is extremely organized and kept us on track, while allowing us time to make all of the decisions and put our own stamp on it. Her wealth of experience really shows, and she is especially gifted in helping select colors. Tessa helped make the children's rooms fun and individual, as well as the family room cozy and modern. We are very pleased! **★★★★★ — User, Nov. 2016** > We have had the privilege of working with Kathryn on two projects in the Asheville area. Kathryn's designs include a remarkable combination of aesthetic, comfort, and utility; her designs are unique and creative, while comfortable and inviting. And Kathryn and her staff are a pleasure to work with; we look forward to our next project with Ambiance Interiors! **Comment from Kathryn Long:** > Yes, I definitely look forward to our next collaboration, Jane! ## Selected projects - [Craftsman Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-master-bath-pj-vj~2904870) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 8 - Description: Designer: Kathryn Long, ASID Architect: Vince Wiegman: Weigman Archtiecture, PA The update of a 1920s home in the Grove Park Neighborhood of Asheville: Orginally a sleeping porch, the space was reconfigured into a spacious an dlight filled master bath. - [Craftsman Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~2904547) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 11 - Description: Designer: Kathryn Long, ASID Architect: Vince Wiegman A spacious kitchen with a large center island emerged from what was originally four odd spaces in this 1920s home in Grove Park, Asheville N.C. - [Traditional Breakfast Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-breakfast-dining-room-pj-vj~2902196) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 6 - Description: Designer: Kathryn Long. ASID Architectural Designer: Scott Marks Contractor: The Hands of Sean Perry Plaster Specialist: Eli Orling Photography: Nick King with Open Door Photography A challenging space architecturally, new solutions resulted in a well balanced and comfortable room in Asheville, N.C. - [Eclectic Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eclectic-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~2904388) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 13 - Description: Designer: Kathryn Long, ASID Cabinet Builder: Chris Perryman: Goldsplinter Woodworking Contractor: Everett and Brownlee Lighting Consultant: Jonathan Bissett: Lux Lighting Countertops: Mountain Marble + Granite Updating a kitchen from the 1980s in North Asheville created a colorful, fun and inviting space. - [Mountain Dream Home at Fontana Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-dream-home-at-fontana-lake-pj-vj~2366806) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: Designer: Kathryn Long, ASID Samsel Arcitects Builder: Bill Baxter Photographer: John Warner Photography Near Asheville, N.C. the location dictated the design of this home with Craftsman details. The designers worked closely with Nathan Bryant of Samsel Architects from the beginning of the project. - [Simply Serene at Mountain Air](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simply-serene-at-mountain-air-pj-vj~2142880) - Location: Burnsville, NC - Photos: 11 - Description: Interior Design by Kathryn Long, ASID, assisted by Tessa Eaton, Allied ASID. For a couple from Texas, creating a home to share with family in the cool mountains was a dream come true. Architect: Platt Architecture - [Rustic Home at Mountain Air](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-home-at-mountain-air-pj-vj~1993088) - Location: Burnsville, NC - Photos: 26 - Description: A retired couple from Oklahoma build their dream home in the mountains of North Carolina. The Style of the home has been described as rustic with an elegant twist. Designer: Kathryn Long, ASID assisted by Tessa Eaton, Allied ASID - [Big Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/big-hill-pj-vj~2592265) - Location: Brevard, NC - Photos: 24 - [Kathryn's Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kathryn-s-kitchen-pj-vj~2147531) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 5 - [Biltmore Forest Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/biltmore-forest-retreat-pj-vj~2263927) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 17 - [Country Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-cottage-pj-vj~2145424) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 5 - [Mountain Air](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-air-pj-vj~415476) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Kimberly Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kimberly-avenue-pj-vj~2145628) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 3 - [Ramble House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ramble-house-pj-vj~144239) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 26 - [Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~1055567) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 4 - [Kathryn's Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kathryn-s-home-pj-vj~117780) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 15 - Description: Who lives here: Kathryn Long, ASID, part-owner of Ambiance Interiors, Asheville NC, with her husband Axel Graumann, a NOAA meteorologist. Size: 2983 square feet: three bedrooms, two office areas, three and a half baths Location: Biltmore Lake, a community a few miles west of Asheville NC My Houzz: Color, light, and vintage character transform a 2005 suburban home from ordinary to warm and inviting. Finding the right house to blend two lives was no easy task for Kathryn and Axel, who after meetin… - [Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-pj-vj~2145657) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - [Miscellaneous projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miscellaneous-projects-pj-vj~415480) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 11 - [Lake Toxaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-toxaway-pj-vj~94119) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Cockoo's Nest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cockoo-s-nest-pj-vj~2145356) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 7 [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/kathryn-long-pfvwus-pf~1510028022) ## Ideabooks - [Matthews bath remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88350617/list/matthews-bath-remodel) — 1 idea - [kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26611131/list/kitchen) — 14 ideas - [Girls rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47212077/list/girls-rooms) — 11 ideas - [Melchoir, Ann](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50562366/list/melchoir-ann) — 6 ideas - [ideas for Carter](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47960185/list/ideas-for-carter) — 4 ideas - [library](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39332079/list/library) — 1 idea - [Front Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29655616/list/front-doors) — 16 ideas - [exterior stone/board and batton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28616867/list/exterior-stone-board-and-batton) — 5 ideas - [mullholand](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28440490/list/mullholand) — 13 ideas - [ideas for Lohf](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6491789/list/ideas-for-lohf) — 4 ideas - [doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22393378/list/doors) — 9 ideas - [Julie Gros](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22036924/list/julie-gros) — 1 idea - [Reif](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22036726/list/reif) — 2 ideas - [Starbuck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22036613/list/starbuck) — 2 ideas - [glass types](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19175340/list/glass-types) — 7 ideas - [Krone, Marilyn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15505933/list/krone-marilyn) — 4 ideas - [fireplace ideas for Silver](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14988984/list/fireplace-ideas-for-silver) — 12 ideas - [barn doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14363295/list/barn-doors) — 7 ideas - [Tudor style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10401417/list/tudor-style) — 4 ideas - [bathrooms for Lohf](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7161433/list/bathrooms-for-lohf) — 2 ideas [See all 27 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ambianceinteriors) ## Community Q&A **Q: trim swap with travertine?** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful bathroom. We are working with a Claros silver Versailles floor and are wondering if your wall design would work with travertine trim? (Pencil and chair rail) with the white walls and white base molding? Or would travertine base molding be a better fit with the matching trim? A: Thanks you for the compliment about the bathroom design. It was done several years ago. The use of a vintage type tile made the design timeless. I wish I could help you with your question, but it is too general and vague to answer. Are you another designer or a home owner? If you are a home owner, I would suggest that you work with a local designer who can see the samples of the products you are suggesting. You might try looking for a designer who is a member of ASID, or who at least has a four year degree in interior design. ...best of everything with your design. Kathryn Long, ASID **Q: paint color on the ship lap** *(in Photo Questions)* C A: Thanks for noticing the paint on the ship-lap paneled walls at the this home at Lake Toxaway. Every wall was glazed by a decorative artist, so there is no one color. It's a combination of colors. If you could see the details, you would see more of the worn look. It was a compromise between the husband and wife. He would have preferred a more masculine stained approach, and the wife wanted everything painted a solid color. Fortunately, they had the budget necessary to employ the decorative painter for the months it took to glaze these walls and ceilings along with those in several adjoining areas. Thanks for you interest. I have been traveling, so I apologize for the delay in answering. Best, Kathryn Long, ASID **Q: Ou peut-on trouver les moulures noires en céramique ?** *(in Photo Questions)* J'ai cherché sur plusieurs sites de fournisseurs de céramique, mais je ne trouve pas ce genre de moulure.... A: Dear Victorie, Although I read French, I can't write it well enough for a reply in French. So, in English: In the USA, it is pretty easy to find these black trim pieces. I am pretty sure these tiles came from American Olean company. However, I think you could find them online with Wayfair. but that is here in the USA. Ann Sacks has similar. There is a Spanish company, ADEX, that I have also used. They have a "studio collection" that might have black trim pieces. Good luck! Best, Kathryn Long, ASID **Q: Love Everything** *(in Photo Questions)* Wondering how you finished shiplap. What color whitewash and what color on cabinets A: Dear Julia, In response to your questions about the colors in the photo from the home at Mountain Air: ?the paneled walls are "V" groove, not ship-lap. there are ship-lap walls in other rooms in this house, though. All of the walls were painted. Since this project was several years ago, I no longer have a record of any of the colors used for walls or cabinets. The clients have since sold the home. However, I know the paints we used were Benjamin Moore. My recommendation would be to begin with their "Historical Colors" to find a color similar to the cabinet color. Whatever color will look different in the natural light in your own home. Be sure to get a large swatch of the color, or buy one of B. Moore's "pots of paints" to sample an area. good luck with your project. Thanks for your compliments. The house was pretty fabulous! I hope you have enjoyed all the photos. I worked closely with the architects, PLATT out of Brevard, N.C. **Q: where can I find this dining table?** *(in Photo Questions)* where can I find this dining table? A: The dining table in the photo is a furniture piece my clients have had for a very long time. This room was redesigned a few years ago. We changed the window treatments, draperies, and the overall architectural design. However, we kept the table and the chairs, only recovering the chair seats to relate to the new drapery. I'm afraid finding this table would be impossible. **Q: Decking** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, love this house. What is the decking material? Thank you!! A: This is a stone terrace. Since the project was completed a few years ago, I no longer have a record of what kind of stone. The architects were Samsel Architects, Asheville, NC. They might be able to identify exactly what stone was used. I will say to be careful when selecting a stone "tile" or any kind of tile for exterior use. Many will not weather well with the changes of cold and hot that most of the USA experiences. Best of luck, Kathryn Long, ASID --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*