AT HOME WITH
the theatre industry to a standstill. Around the same time, we adopted our son, so I decided to take two years out to become a full time dad. I absolutely loved that time and feel incredibly grateful that we were in a position to do it, thanks to my partner running his own businesses. When I was ready for a new challenge, I applied for Interior Design Masters on BBC One. I had the best time on the show and loved every challenge, even though they certainly were not easy. We often had just a day and a half to complete a project with only £2,000 to spend. I owe so much to the programme because I honestly do not think I would have started my business without it. Most of my clients discovered me after watching the show. Mary Portas was one of the judges and Be prepared to compromise because your first home is unlikely to tick every box. Try to look beyond what is there now and focus on the property’s potential offered me a position in her London office, which was a huge compliment. It was an incredible experience and confirmed that what I really wanted was to build my own interior design business. That led to the launch of Anthony Ray Design. Since then, I have worked with clients across the UK, from private homeowners to property developers, providing everything from consultations to full bespoke interior design and project management. I am passionate about making great design accessible because I believe everyone deserves to love where they live.You do not need an unlimited budget to create a beautiful home.You just need good ideas and thoughtful design. FTB: Tell us about your latest TV show? AR: I am currently working alongside Stuart and Scarlette Douglas on Can’t Sell, Must Sell for Channel 4 as the on-screen interior
and asked whether our offer still stood. It did, and the house was ours. That is one of my biggest tips for first time buyers. Do not rush into anything. If you are chain-free, you have real negotiating power. Be patient, sit tight and often things will change in your favour. We literally tore the place apart. My dad is a builder, so I grew up watching and working alongside him from a very early age, which means I am pretty handy myself. We completed a loft conversion, knocked down five structural walls, installed new bathrooms and a new kitchen, and completely transformed the interior. I project-managed the entire renovation from concept to completion, and I loved every minute of it. FTB: Tell us about your new home? AR: We now have a four-year-old son, so we have moved to a house much closer to his school. It is a three bedroom Edwardian terrace that we bought through probate, and we fell in love with its original features, particularly the original flooring and decorative cornicing. We are meeting with architects soon to put plans in place for a full scale renovation, but I already have a really strong vision for the property. Phase one will include a large loft conversion alongside a complete reconfiguration of the first floor. The loft will provide two double bedrooms and a wet room, while the first floor will be redesigned to create two generous double bedrooms and a beautiful family bathroom with a freestanding bath, walk-in shower, twin basins and WC. The ground floor also has huge potential, although the current layout is a bit higgledy piggledy. There is an old conservatory at the back that is no longer fit for purpose, so we will demolish it to create a larger garden and build a side return extension. That will give us a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining area with a utility room and downstairs WC, while the existing living and dining rooms will become one large family lounge. Our goal has always been to complete two renovation projects back to back, adding value each time so we can reduce our mortgage. Our aim is to be mortgage- free after our next two renovations. FTB: Tell us about your career? AR: I have always loved design, but my first career was in musical theatre, where I performed professionally for 10 years. I absolutely loved it. Then, in 2020, the pandemic brought
designer, and I’m absolutely loving it. We help homeowners whose properties have struggled to sell by transforming them into homes that are market-ready without spending a fortune. The opportunity actually came through social media. I would love to continue working in television. I really enjoy helping people transform their homes, and I hope to create more programmes centred around practical, affordable interior design that anyone can achieve. FTB: What plans do you have for the future? AR: I will be documenting our latest home renovation on Instagram, and I’m also launching a YouTube channel to share the whole journey. I would love to do more television work, showing people how to transform their homes on a budget and making interior design feel accessible to everyone. Helping people create beautiful homes without spending a fortune is something I am really passionate about, so having the opportunity to share that on television would be incredible. I am also looking forward to continuing to grow Anthony Ray Design, taking on exciting new projects and inspiring more people to see the potential in their homes. I am really excited to see what the future holds. FTB: What advice do you have for first time buyers? AR: It blows my mind how difficult it has become for people to save for a deposit. I have friends who are paying more in rent than they would on a mortgage, so if you have managed to save a deposit and you are ready to buy, I would say go for it. Be prepared to compromise because your first home is unlikely to tick every box. Try to look beyond what is there now and focus on the property’s potential. Areas with improving transport links can offer fantastic opportunities. An extra 15 minutes on your commute could mean getting much more for your money, while also giving you a better chance of seeing your investment grow over time. If you have the budget and the time, do not be afraid of a home that needs some work. Renovating allows you to put your own stamp on a property while adding real value. Just be realistic about what you can take on and avoid overstretching yourself, both financially and practically. A well- planned renovation can be one of the most rewarding investments you will ever make.
@anthonyraydesign
First Time Buyer October/November 2026 15
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting