Creating homes that reflect the people who live in them.

About Ridgewood Designs

Ridgewood Designs is a full-service boutique interior design firm based in West Hartford, Connecticut, serving clients throughout New England and beyond.

With more than three decades of experience, we specialize in creating timeless, functional, and personalized interiors that support the way our clients live, gather, and grow.

We believe that home is where life happens. Whether you're refreshing a single room, renovating an existing space, or designing a custom home, our team is dedicated to creating environments that feel authentic, beautiful, and uniquely yours. Through a collaborative design process and attention to every detail, we help transform houses into meaningful homes that reflect the personalities, lifestyles, and aspirations of the families who live in them.

Meet Our Team

  • A woman with shoulder-length curly dark hair smiling while sitting on a beige patterned sofa in a modern living room with artwork and decorative objects in the background.

    Leslie Ryan

    For more than 30 years, I have been creating homes that feel timeless, personal, and beautifully lived in. As the co-founder and principal designer of Ridgewood Designs, I helped build our company from the ground up, combining a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for thoughtful design.

    My journey began at sixteen with a roadside plant stand, where I grew and sold my own vegetables. Since then, I have owned and operated several businesses, including a catering company, before finding my true calling in interior design. Those experiences taught me the value of creativity, hard work, and attention to detail—qualities that continue to shape every project I undertake.

    I find inspiration everywhere, from the historic charm of New England to my travels throughout Europe and South America. As a Master Gardener, wine and food enthusiast, avid traveler, and antique lover, I’m constantly collecting ideas from gardens, architecture, local markets, vineyards, and historic homes. I have a particular affection for old barns, antique rugs, vintage furnishings, and the character that only age and craftsmanship can bring.

    When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, tending to my gardens, baking sourdough bread, playing pickleball, and exploring antique shops. These passions continually inspire my work and help me create homes that feel authentic, welcoming, and uniquely personal.

  • A smiling woman with short blonde hair, wearing a black shirt and gold jewelry, sitting in a modern living room with decorative items and artwork in the background.

    Libby Gallant

    Having been born and raised in Connecticut, I’ve always been inspired by the rich history, timeless architecture, and enduring character that define New England. Growing up in a historic home and spending summers on Cape Cod fostered a deep appreciation for spaces that feel welcoming, collected, and full of story. I’m especially drawn to antique rugs, meaningful artwork, and thoughtfully layered interiors that create warmth, comfort, and a true sense of home.

    At the heart of my design philosophy is the belief that every home should reflect the people who live there. I strive to create spaces that feel authentic, personal, and effortlessly inviting— homes that honor the beauty of the past while embracing the needs of modern living. I love mixing old and new, incorporating pieces with history alongside thoughtful, timeless furnishings to create interiors that feel collected over time rather than overly designed.

    I’m inspired by the character found in older homes and the opportunity to preserve what makes them special while creating spaces that work beautifully for the way my clients live today. For me, the most successful interiors are those that feel comfortable and intentional, with a balance of beauty, function, and personality.

    When I’m not designing, you’ll likely find me enjoying time with family and friends, curled up with a good book on history, spending time with my dogs, exploring art and antiques, or fitting in a favorite weekly spin class. The places, people, and traditions I love continue to inspire my work and shape the way I approach every home I design.

  • A woman with shoulder-length black hair and a black long sleeve top smiling while sitting on a beige couch in a room with a bookshelf and houseplants in the background.

    Lauren Castillo

    With a passion for modern design, artistic expression, and the stories that shape the way we live, I create interiors that feel both elevated and deeply personal. I draw inspiration from culture, fashion, art, and the beauty of everyday life, blending contemporary sophistication with unexpected details, rich textures, and a strong sense of individuality.

    My approach is rooted in the belief that a home should be a reflection of the people who inhabit it—a place where creativity, comfort, and connection come together. I understand that every client has a unique vision for the heart of their home, and I strive to capture the things that inspire them in a thoughtful, authentic way. Driven by my love of family, I design spaces that are not only visually captivating but also warm, functional, and made for meaningful moments.

    With an appreciation for textiles, craftsmanship, and global influences, I layer materials, patterns, colors, and collected pieces to create interiors that tell a story. My interest in fashion brings a refined sense of composition, balance, and style, while my love of art and culture encourages a fresh perspective on modern living.

    In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing pickleball, staying active, and exploring my love of food and wine. I also enjoy a good book, life by the water, movies, and Korean culture—all sources of inspiration that continue to inform my creative perspective.

Elegant, timeless interiors designed for the way you live, gather, and grow.