Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Bene.
Hi Ellen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My path to interior design definitely wasn’t a straight line. Looking back, though, every twist ended up preparing me for what I do today.
I’ve always loved homes. Even as a kid, I was fascinated by walking into someone’s house because every home told a story. You could learn so much about people just by seeing how they lived, and I also realized early on that our surroundings really affect how we feel.
I actually started with a degree in psychology, which at the time felt like I was heading in the wrong direction. Now I realize it’s one of the most valuable parts of my design career. Great design isn’t just about choosing beautiful finishes. It’s about listening, understanding how people live, and creating spaces that truly support their everyday lives.
That’s still how I approach every project. I want my clients’ homes to feel beautiful, but more importantly, I want them to function well and reflect who they are. When a home is designed around the people who live there, it can genuinely improve their quality of life, and that’s what I love most about this profession.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenges was realizing that life wasn’t going to follow the timeline I’d planned.
After college, I worked in corporate operations for a financial company. It was a great job, and it’s where I met my husband, but I missed having a creative outlet. I eventually went back to school for interior design, but halfway through the program we had our daughter. Then came our son, a move to California, several more moves, and some unexpected health challenges. For a while, it felt like my career kept getting pushed further into the future.
When we finally settled in Portland, things started falling into place. I worked in a luxury showroom specializing in custom furnishings, which gave me invaluable experience with both design and clients. Around the same time, my husband and I renovated an investment property. That project completely changed my direction. I discovered how much I loved residential remodeling, and before long, friends and neighbors started asking for help with their own homes. Those referrals eventually grew into Bené Interiors.
Looking back, I don’t see those years as setbacks anymore. They gave me real-life experience that helps me relate to my clients because I’ve lived through renovations, raised a family, and know firsthand what it takes to create a home that truly works.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bené Interiors is a full-service interior design studio specializing in renovations, additions, new construction, and curated furnishings throughout the Portland area.
Every project starts with getting to know my clients and understanding how they live. We talk about what’s working, what isn’t, and what they want their home to feel like. From there, I gather measurements, inspiration, and design goals before presenting concepts and creating 3D models that help them visualize the finished space.
Once the design is finalized, I curate all of the materials, finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. We often visit showrooms together to make selections, and then I handle the details behind the scenes. I coordinate everything from ordering, deliveries to working with contractors and overseeing the finishing touches, so the entire process feels as seamless as possible.
I believe beautiful design should also be highly functional. A home should make everyday life easier while reflecting the people who live there, not just the latest trends. My goal is to create spaces that feel timeless, personal, and comfortable. There is nothing more rewarding than watching clients walk into their completed home and seeing that it feels unmistakably like them, only better than they ever imagined.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I never had one official mentor, but I’ve been fortunate to learn from a lot of people throughout my career.
Some of my greatest teachers have been clients, contractors, cabinet makers, architects, showroom representatives, and skilled tradespeople who generously shared their knowledge. Early on, working in a luxury furniture showroom taught me the value of quality craftsmanship, proportion, and attention to detail. Renovating my own investment properties gave me a completely different education because there’s no substitute for experiencing the construction process firsthand.
I’ve also found incredible support through my local Interior Design Society and National Kitchen & Bath Association chapters. Those communities have connected me with talented designers and industry professionals who have encouraged me, challenged me, and helped me grow.
One thing I’ve learned is that design is an industry where you’re never finished learning. Every project teaches me something new, and I think staying curious has probably been the best mentor of all.
Pricing:
- Hourly Consults $125/hr
- Renovations Priced per Project
- Furnishings Priced per Project
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beneinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneinteriorspdx/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-bené-42329367/
