Canton resident and interior designer Christina Ray appeared in our magazine in November 2007 after appearing on the HGTV program “Design Star.”

Catching up with her now, we find that fame hasn’t spoiled her or slowed her down.

Canton resident and interior designer Christina Ray first appeared on the national radar when she landed a coveted spot on the second season cast of HGTV’s hit program “Design Star.”

She had watched the show’s first season and believed her expertise designing residential and commercial spaces would translate well on the show.

It was the holiday season, and Ray, her husband Henry and their two young sons had just moved to the Canton area. The couple was still living out of boxes and had not connected home Internet service, but Ray, an absolute ray of sunshine, was not to be deterred.

Working from local coffee shops and other WiFi hotspots, she compiled and submitted her best work to HGTV.

“It was in God’s hands,” she said. “And then, low and behold, I got a phone call that said they really liked what they saw and wanted more pictures.”

In the end, Ray was selected into the top 10 finals from among more than 6,000 portfolio submissions. She spent weeks on “Design Star,” receiving rave reviews from the judges each week, including Atlanta’s own Vern Yip, before being voted off by two average Joes chosen from off the street.

“It was sad because I felt like, if the judges had reviewed my work, it would have ended differently,” she said.

“It would have been awesome to have my own show but my business has been amazing and everything happens for a reason.”

Since the show, Ray has been busy with her design firm Christina Ray Designs, also based in Canton.

“Business in general has been abundant and busy,” she said. “Any time you’re put on national television it opens the public’s eyes. Even through the difficult economy, I’ve been blessed with business.”

Because she loves interior design so much — she’s constantly making changes in her own home — Ray isn’t picky about the scale of her projects. From surface aesthetics to complete demolition and room rebuild to large-scale commercial projects, each new project makes her heart sing.

“You can put me in the smallest room to the most extravagant room and I get equally excited on any kind of budget.”

For Ray, it’s really about being expressive and letting the creativity flow to find the right style for each client. “The end result of a project is that it makes the person so happy,” she said. “A home is so personal, and the world outside is so crazy. To create a space for a person that they can come home to and it rejuvenates them forms a real connection with that person.”

Despite her inherent love and excitement for design, Ray says her ultimate goal is always to be a great wife and mother.

“My family always comes first but designing is truly in my blood and DNA,” she said. “I know my future is to continue doing interior design and making people happy.”

Want the Star Treatment??

www.christinaraydesign.com

770.345.1358