Lesley Ray | Source | CEO, Owner at Lesley Ray Design
Lesley Ray
Lesley Ray is an award-winning residential Interior Designer (& Violinist). We work with top Silicon Valley tech founders and executives to design custom homes that ignite their creativity.
With 12+ years of design experience, Lesley spent the first part of her career working on complex commercial projects ranging from Easton Town Center (Les Wexner’s $1.5bn innovative lifestyle village) & a ground-up Net-Zero community center in Ohio, to designing/managing multimillion dollar luxury office renovations for some of Silicon Valley’s most innovative technology corporations.
Committed to sustainability: while completing her Bachelor of Science in Interior Space Design, she founded Central Ohio's first US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Emerging Professional Group, which provided resources & connections for students passionate about designing for our climate.
An Ohio native, her client-centric creative process is informed by her upbringing in a family of PhD professors & her background as a musician; having performed works ranging from classical concertos to concerts with Emmy Award-winning composers & iconic rock artists Pat Benatar, Jon Anderson (YES), Mike Garson (David Bowie), & Styx.
A licensed NCIDQ-certified designer, Lesley was also nominated as a “Rising Rockstar” by the Commercial Real Estate Women, Silicon Valley chapter.
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Lesley Ray Design
CEO, Owner
started Sep 2021
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Her biophilic designs create healthier interior spaces
More and more people are recognizing the value of biophilic design — the concept of bringing the outdoors inside. Studies show that simply having a houseplant improves air quality and positive energy in any living space. Now imagine actually using the outdoors as part of the interior design. That’s exactly what Lesley Ray does.
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It’s Official: These Winter Décor Trends Are Huge This Year (Plus An Unexpected Comeback!)
The interior designers weigh in: The top winter décor trends of 2022 are cozy, inviting, and a bit unexpected.
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Transform Small Spaces: Expert Tips to Make Your Home Feel Larger
Lesley suggests using mirrors to reflect light and create an expansive feel. She advises, "Lighter colors will make a space feel much larger." Opt for minimalist furniture with lower profiles and arrange them symmetrically to avoid a cramped look. -
Bold Sofa Colors: Striking the Perfect Balance in Interior Design
Lesley highlights challenges like lighting and style compatibility when selecting bold sofas. Advantages include creating focal points and enhancing mood. Consider lighting, budget, and styling flexibility. Dark sofas resist stains but can clutter spaces, while light sofas brighten rooms but require maintenance. Balance bold colors with neutrals and minimal patterns to complement the room's aesthetic. -
Interior Design 2024: Embracing Sustainability Over Fast Trends
Lesley urges the interior design world to abandon fast design trends in favor of simplicity and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable, high-quality, hand-made materials, which not only benefit the planet but also encourage thoughtful design choices. Lesley says, "I'm saying goodbye to fast design trends."
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Quality countertops will save you money in the long run.
“This makes the kitchen look dated and will wear quickly, therefore needing to be replaced sooner than a stone or solid surface countertop,” says Lesley Ray, interior designer and owner at Lesley Ray Design.