How did you end up in the design industry?
I grew up inspired by my late grandfather, a master carpenter and furniture artisan, and developed a love for design while helping renovate my childhood home. Coming from a Caribbean background where creative careers weren’t always prioritized, I still chose to pursue my passion and started Ray George Interiors in 2017 while completing an interior design diploma. My first paid project didn’t come until 2019—after dedicating two years to free projects to build experience. I named my firm in honor of my grandfather’s legacy, and my journey is rooted in a deep love for craftsmanship and a desire to create intentional, luxurious spaces. Turning that passion into a thriving career has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.
What does your team look like?
My team is small, but highly skilled and collaborative. As the founder and lead designer, I work closely with the contractors, artisans, and tradespeople that bring our projects to life. I have administrative and design support, and an architecture student intern who helps with technical drawings and creative input.
Tell us about the project you're sharing.
Last year we transformed a beautiful home for a lovely family who moved from Brooklyn, NY, to Long Island in search of a calmer, quieter lifestyle after the stress of the pandemic. This was a full home renovation that addressed the functional challenges and aesthetic updates to reflect the client’s minimalistic yet modern style.
What was involved in this project?
We refreshed all 1929 square feet of this St. Hill family home including remodeling the kitchen, updating all three bathrooms, repainting the entire home, and reimagining the layout of key living areas to address functional challenges.
In the kitchen, we tackled space planning issues by opening it up to the dining area. This involved removing some walls to create more connection with the other rooms while still keeping them as distinct, intimate spaces. We struck a balance between connection and cozy instead of the an overly open-concept home.
We also fully updated the bathrooms using quirky tile patterns to create a dynamic backdrop to the home’s neutral scheme. We embraced lighter tones and natural woods to complement the clients’ love for clean lines and preserving the charm of the home.
Challenges included an accelerated timeline of 4–6 months and blending the traditional architectural style of the home with the clients’ preference for sleek, modern design. By incorporating thoughtful layering during styling, we brought warmth and character into the space—gently pulling the clients out of their comfort zone while staying true to their vision.
The result was a harmonious blend of functionality, intimacy, and modern simplicity that perfectly reflects our clients’ new lifestyle and design sensibilities.
What's something you were really excited about creating for this project?
One aspect of this project that truly excited me was bringing together the distinct design preferences of the husband and wife and gently guiding the clients out of their comfort zones. It was rewarding to blend their styles seamlessly—creating a space that felt cohesive and reflective of both their personalities, while introducing thoughtful, unexpected elements that elevated the overall design.
What was your biggest learning from this project?
My biggest learning from this project was the importance of adaptability and clear communication when managing the project’s tight timeline. Ensuring both the husband and wife’s unique styles were reflected taught me how crucial it is to stay flexible and proactive. All of these factors reinforced the value of detailed planning, time tracking, and collaborating as a design team.
Thank you Chelsea Graham for sharing more about your business and sharing this beautiful home with us! You can visit Ray George Interiors on their website or Instagram.
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Photography: Andres Inga, @thesnapmarket_
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