Interview with Anthony Ray: From Musical Theatre to Interior Design Master
Anthony Ray, an Ealing-based Interior Designer and Stylist, has made a remarkable transition from the world of musical theatre to the art of interior design. After over a decade of performing on stage, Anthony brought his flair for storytelling and drama into the realm of interiors. This year, he was one of the standout designers on BBC One’s Interior Design Masters, where he had the opportunity to showcase and evolve his unique design approach. With a background rich in theatrical experience and a deep passion for creating stunning spaces, Anthony has become a sought-after designer, curating luxurious interiors for some of London’s most prestigious homes and events.
In 2021, Anthony adopted his son, embracing the role of a full-time dad while continuing to juggle his responsibilities as an interior stylist and property renovator. His journey into interior design was fueled by a desire to merge his creative passions with a more practical, sustainable approach to living spaces. On Interior Design Masters, he impressed both judges and viewers alike with his ability to balance bold aesthetics with thoughtful, functional design.
We spoke to Anthony about his journey from the stage to design, his experience on Interior Design Masters, and how he incorporates sustainability into his work.
Q: How did your background in musical theatre influence your approach to interior design, especially when creating dynamic and expressive spaces?
Anthony Ray: Theatre is all about storytelling, emotion, and creating immersive environments that make an impact from the moment you enter the space. In both acting and design, there’s a focus on understanding how a space or scene makes people feel and how each element contributes to the overall experience.
In theatre, you’re constantly thinking about flow, movement, and how to guide the audience’s attention. I apply the same principles when designing interiors—creating dynamic spaces that tell a story and reflect the personality of my clients. I love layering colours, textures, and lighting to create depth, so the space feels expressive and engaging from every angle.
Ultimately, I see interior design as a form of performance, where every element contributes to the ‘show’ that a space puts on, whether it’s vibrant and bold or more subtle and intimate.
Q: What was the most challenging design brief you encountered on BBC One’s Interior Design Masters, and how did you overcome it to showcase your unique style?
Anthony Ray: Two design briefs really stand out—Shops Week and Ascot Week. But Ascot was by far the trickiest because the brief called for a luxurious and opulent hospitality box—yet the budget was just £2,000. Achieving that level of grandeur on such a tight budget was a real challenge, but it pushed me to come up with clever, creative solutions.
I focused on finding cost-effective ways to make the space feel high-end, from carefully selecting materials to using colour and texture strategically to convey a sense of luxury. It was about creating impact without overspending, and I still had to ensure the space reflected my personal design style as well as suiting the client's needs.
What made it even more rewarding was receiving incredible feedback from both Kelly Hoppen and Michelle Ogundehin, and ultimately winning standout space for that week. It was a great feeling to have created something truly luxurious and opulent within such constraints.
Q: As a designer who values sustainability, how do you incorporate upcycling and eco-friendly practices into your projects while maintaining a luxurious and stylish aesthetic?
Anthony Ray: My approach to sustainability is centered on transforming and working with existing items, rather than always replacing them with something new. Upcycling plays a crucial role in this. I love taking furniture that might otherwise be discarded and giving it a new lease of life—whether through a fresh coat of paint, reupholstery, or reimagining its purpose entirely. This not only keeps perfectly good items out of landfill but also allows me to create unique, statement pieces that add character and personality to a space.
Upcycling is especially useful when working with clients on a tight budget, as it offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on style. Repurposing furniture reduces the need for new purchases, which aligns with my eco-friendly values while still achieving a luxurious look. It’s about finding creative ways to make each piece work harder, blending sustainability with style.
By prioritising sustainable materials, like reclaimed wood or eco-friendly fabrics, and focusing on timeless rather than trend-driven designs, I ensure that the spaces I create are both environmentally conscious and enduring. This approach proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.