aboutmolly
FOUNDER | INTERIOR DESIGNER
MOLLY WINSTEAD-LEAL, CID
Hey there! I know it's cliche, but my love for interior design started in childhood - rearranging my bedroom countless times to find the just right aesthetic and functional balance. That passion grew into a full-fledged career after I earned my Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from VCU, followed by becoming a Certified Interior Designer in Richmond, Virginia. Today I bring that same sense of curiosity, precision, and joy to every custom home design project in the Greater Richmond Region (including, but not limited to, Goochland, Powhatan, Louisa, Short Pump, Chesterfield, Lake Anna, and Richmond City).
ROOTED IN RICHMOND & BUILT ON FAMILY
I'm a proud Richmond native. My husband and I recently took a leap of faith to design and build our dream home and interior design studio in Goochland (Maidens). It's a 1,000 SF studio over our garage that we use as both our creative headquarters and an immersive showroom for our clients - offering real-life inspiration from frameless shower doors, custom fireplaces, wainscoting styles, lots of pillows, and more.
Our home/studio is truly a labor of love. It was built with the help of our entire family and their friends - right down to the bones (literally). That community-built spirit lives on in every client experience we create. We've raised our two children and now share the studio with our two fearless cats and our Golden Retriever mascot, Charlee, who is an ever-present source of joy (and fur).
EXPERIENCED
With over 30 years of experience in commercial and custom residential design, I work hand-in-hand with homeowners and local custom builders. I thrive on helping navigate all phases - from architectural planning and selections to finishes and styling. My clients and partners tell me my ability to stay highly organized, coordinate decisions, manage, and keep projects running smoothly saves everyone time, money and sanity.
TALENTED
If I had to define my interior design style, it would be uncluttered, clean, classic, functional and timeless. I am a bit of an organizational nerd (thanks, OCD/ADD combo!). I find deep joy in turning chaos into beauty. I'm drawn to natural textures, soothing palettes, and creating spaces with a delicate balance of form and function. I'm always exploring, learning, and evolving my approach - whether it's mixing styles or integrating old with new.
Design Philosophy
I believe great design starts with listening. My goal is always to understand how you live, not just what you like. From there, I help you make thoughtful decisions that reflect your vision, work within your budget, and feel cohesive from blueprint to final reveal. Every space should be beautiful — but also livable, timeless, and personal.
COMMITTED
I consider it an honor to design meaningful, personalized spaces for every client. I treat every home like my own, pouring my detail-oriented energy into each decision - big and small. I value clear communication, transparent and collaborative processes, and having a lot of fun and laughs along the way. Clients have called me a relentless advocate, a joy to work with, and even "like working with your best friend who happens to be a designer." I'll take it. I love hard, eat smart, and live with purpose. I want to find what things are most important to you about your home and ensure they are incorporated in a creative and economical way. And when I'm not designing, I'm likely either with my family/friends, working out, watching movies, reading or laughing (many times at myself).
READY TO COLLABORATE?
If you're ready to bring your vision to life and want a designer who cares deeply about creating beautiful, functional, and timeless spaces - you're in the right place. I'd love to chat and show you around our hands-on, family inspired home design studio in Maidens, VA. We can also do a remote, virtual design consult to get you started.
For even more reasons to consider using mollybydesign as your interior design partner in Richmond, go to: ABOUT US then go to CONTACT US and send us an email or call us with how you may want our help!
