Completely by chance, Edward Ray and his husband Mark Leese came up with a sunny yellow and red kitchen colour scheme that is a perfect match for a collection of Art Deco cups and plates that has been part of Edward’s life since his childhood. The dinner service had belonged to his family’s next-door neighbours, Mr and Mrs Buss. ‘It was their wedding set and I remember admiring its bright floral pattern as a child. I was so fond of them and touched that they had left it to me, along with so many happy memories,’ says Edward. The cherished Hancocks ivoryware is displayed on open shelves in Edward and Mark’s recently refurbished two-bedroom flat in St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex.
Decorating in Harmony with Architecture
Edward, known professionally as Teddy Ray Stylist, is an interiors expert and has made it his mission to decorate and furnish each of the couple’s homes in keeping with their architectural style. ‘Our previous flat was built in 1938, so for that we went Art Deco and mid-century inspired,’ he says. ‘And our 15th-century cottage had a more traditional English look. I worked for Laura Ashley at the time and I just couldn’t help myself. I turned it into a 1980s Laura Ashley show home!’
The aim here was to bring back a sense of Victorian opulence that had been stripped away when the four-storey home was converted into flats. ‘It was uninspiring, with grotty carpets and a basic kitchen. The fireplaces had been removed and the ceilings were lowered, but the bare bones were still good,’ says Edward.
A Collaborative Vision
He and Mark – who owns a London letting agency – chose a new handmade kitchen, which set a bold theme for the decor in the rest of the flat. ‘People assume that because I’m the stylist I’ve made all the design choices, but it’s very much a collab. In fact it was Mark who convinced me the red-and-white floor would look great – I was a bit nervous about it,’ says Edward. ‘Obviously he was right.’
Reinstating a fireplace in the living room required no persuasion, although this time it was a supplier of reclaimed fire surrounds who called the shots. ‘It was just after the pandemic and it took us several attempts to find his workshop open and choose a fireplace,’ says Edward. ‘However, he told us that’s not how it works. He always visits the property, looks at the space and tells the customer which fireplace is right for them.’ His choice of marble surround was perfect, with Edward adding contemporary Delft tiles and a charming 1920s Art Nouveau stove to complete the scene.
Maximalism with Flow
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the kitchen and the living-dining room create airy spaces that welcome strong colours and patterns, and an eclectic blend of accessories from Edward and Mark’s previous homes. ‘We’ve been through quite a journey working together, and in this flat it’s all gelled,’ says Mark. ‘Luckily we both like a maximalist look,’ adds Edward. ‘But we also both need harmony. Although there’s a lot of colour, it flows as you go from room to room.’ Edward often takes the lead with wallcoverings and textiles, bringing in design classics and old chintzy favourites from the country cottage and his Laura Ashley days.
Between them, Mark and Edward have amassed quite an art collection. Most of the paintings were bought second-hand for around £50-£100 each, but there are a few contemporary prints and originals interspersed, along with some new ceramic pieces to create a good balance around the walls. ‘I’d happily spend more on art and would definitely choose more eclectic modern works if Edward didn’t rein me in!’ says Mark.
