OLD SOUL IN THE NEW SOUTH
By Brandy Woods Snow; Photography by Reid Lambshead
This article appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of Home Design & Decor’s Triangle edition.
A Georgian home rooted in history is refreshed for today’s modern family but with a few secrets you’d never expect.
When a Texas family of six set their sights on Wilmington, North Carolina, they already knew exactly who to call to make their new chapter feel like home. Interior designer Cary Ray had guided them through previous projects, so when they found a 1952 Georgian brimming with charm but begging for an update, she was the natural choice.
The home’s classic bones—arched millwork, original windows, a gracious stairwell, and distinctive fireplace surrounds—immediately spoke to her. But, as Ray put it, the house needed “new life” to support the rhythm of a big, lively family. Working alongside architect John Parker and builder Kyle Lackey, she embarked on a partial gut renovation that honored the Georgian character while ushering it gracefully into modern family living.
“We kept most of the walls but reconfigured many spaces,” Ray says. “We also fully furnished the home, updated the lighting and plumbing fixtures, and commissioned artwork throughout.”
The kitchen, though, became the heart of the transformation. Originally chopped up by an office and an outdated secondary staircase, the layout simply didn’t function. Ray reimagined the entire space, removing both elements and creating a generous butler’s pantry that hides hardworking appliances and adds beloved everyday storage. The kitchen itself was stripped to the studs and rebuilt with a large family-friendly island, upgraded appliances, a dedicated wine bar, and a coffee bar. Every inch was maximized to feel elevated yet effortless.
That spirit of “classic, but comfortable” carried throughout the home—from custom cabinetry and impactful lighting choices to thoughtfully selected antiques sprinkled among modern furnishings. Handmade tiles, curated art commissions, and a walnut console crafted by a Texas friend added the soulful touches that give the home its warmth. Every detail was chosen to feel natural to the house, as if each piece had been collected over time rather than installed all at once.
Just weeks into the project, the homeowners asked Ray if she could also turn their bare-bones attic into a speakeasy. They gave her a tiny wish list—including a hidden door—but asked not to see a single plan, trusting the designer completely. The result is a tucked-away retreat accessed through what appears to be a bookcase, a playful nod to the home’s more whimsical side.
For Ray, designing within the framework of a well-built historic home is a creative delight. She believes in continuing a story rather than overwriting one, and the expansive property—with views framed by mature native trees—helped guide her palette and mood for the interiors. “When the bones are this good,” she says, “the design becomes about honoring what’s already there.”
In the end, the project became a career milestone as a gracious Southern home rebuilt with intention, layered personality, and the full trust of clients who simply let their designer shine.