At Home with Furniture Designer Lex Williams
Images by Leif Prenzlau
Nestled in Byron Bay, artist and furniture designer Lex Williams has made a home that holds everything he needs, a flat of considered quiet, shaped by art, proximity to the ocean, and life with his partner Ashleigh, daughter Ophelia, and their cat Cous Cous. Designed by local glass artist Colin Heaney, the space is small but full of life, art, objects and books gathered over time giving it its character.
We visited Lex and family on a sunny morning to talk through his home, his work, and the rhythms of life on the Northern Rivers.
Lex & Ashleigh's bed feat. Organic Cotton percale in Milk and Textured Cotton cushions
On their home in the Northern Rivers...
“We rent a flat in Byron Bay, close to Dolphins beach. It’s a particularly special space designed by local glass artist Colin Heaney.
We’ve been here for two years. It’s small, but it holds everything we need while raising Ophelia. We can live close to the beach and national parks while working in the art and design industries.”
It feels easy to live here, close to our friends and community
On mornings IN BED…
“It’s calm but full of life. We wake up with Ophelia, who’s always chatty and playful, and our cat meowing for breakfast. We have a very comfortable king bed with a headboard I made custom to fit our bed frame. Above it hangs a weaving by Yolŋu Mandhalpuy artist Mary Dhalapany from Ramingining in Arnhem Land, which really anchors the energy of the room."
On their interior style…
"We keep the furnishings quite refined and neutral so the art can stand out. The space shifts a lot as I bring pieces home to test.
Ashleigh is a gallery director, so with her love for art, we have a growing collection of works and objects and books that shape and bring warmth to the space.”
On recent acquisitions for their home...
"Our first big acquisition for our home was a deep, comfortable sofa. More recently, an Artek dining table. We’re currently coveting rugs by Fratwae for the next big acquisition."
On Lex's work & inspiration...
“I’ve been lucky to work with architects, private clients and brands who trust how I work. Being able to approach projects in a way that feels natural to me is something I value most.
For me , inspiration can come from any where, it could be word shared in a conversation or a feeling that allows ideas to come fluidly.”
On living in the region…
“We love being so close to beautiful beaches like The Pass and Broken Head.
We often walk to the tea tree lake in Arakwal National Park, I’m always fascinated to see how the lake changes in appearance and mood as the seasons and tides change.”
Bedtime rituals…
“We’re still figuring it out with Ophelia, but we love going for a walk at sunset, either towards the water tower or just around the block. It’s a nice way to wind down.”
On plans for the rest of 2026…
"I’ve just finished a project working for Welsh artist, Simon Gaiger and after some time off with Ashleigh and Ophelia, I feel ready to get back into the studio.
I’m looking forward to testing new ideas and getting back into a creative rhythm.”