aBOUT

our mission

Creating Spaces That Feel Like Home — Because You Deserve to Live Beautifully.

At Studio One Nine Design, we believe your home should be your sanctuary — a soulful reflection of your journey, your style, and your dreams. We create elevated, functional, and welcoming spaces for modern professionals who crave beauty without sacrificing livability.

Through thoughtful design, personalized touches, and a heart-led approach, we help transform everyday living into something extraordinary. Whether you’re creating your dream space from scratch or enhancing an existing one, we’re here to lead every step of the design process.

Soulful dining space blending contemporary style with cultural touches, created for a professional couple in Durham. 
Romans 8:28 ♥
CEO + PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER

Marlaya Ross

is the founder of Studio One Nine Design, a boutique interior design studio creating soulful, elevated spaces for modern professionals in Raleigh-Durham NC and beyond. She is a proud UNC Chapel Hill alumna, a member of the national Interior Design Society (IDS), and she holds a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Bank of America x Cornell University.

With a Liberian-American heritage and a former career as an immigration paralegal, Marlaya brings a unique global design aesthetic and a streamlined, client-centered process to every project — crafting interiors where clients can exhale, recharge, and live beautifully every day.

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The Principles Behind Every Project

Beautiful design must first be livable and lasting. We never sacrifice comfort for aesthetics.

The best spaces are built on trust, intention, and collaboration – between the client and designer, trades and vendors.

Home should tell your story – paying homage to where you’ve been, and honoring where you’re going.

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CORE VALUES

Authenticity

Integrity

Intentionality

Generosity

  • “What can I say about Studio One Nine Design? Incredible! Marlaya was so attentive and It was truly like speaking to a good friend about my wants and needs. Marlaya makes you feel comfortable and confident in her process, while keeping it light and fun. From the design presentation to the reveal day, we could not be happier with our experience. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Can't wait to do the next room!”

    KAILA H. — Owner + Principal Brand Strategist | Holly Springs, NC

  • If you are looking for top notch design, contact Studio One Nine Design - you will not be disappointed! The collaboration was amazing, and the space is truly breathtaking! It photographs extremely well and as a result our Airbnb booked solid almost immediately. This was a great experience and I look forward to doing it again!

    M. LINDON — Deployment Analyst | Charlotte, NC

  • Marlaya is incredibly responsive before, during, and after consultation, and she will give you truthful and helpful feedback, opinions, and ideas - and tell you kindly but directly if your ideas may not work and why. She cares about your style preferences rather than her personal ones as some designers do, and she takes your home's build and architecture into account. We were very pleased with her service and would definitely recommend!

    EVAN A. — Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist | Greensboro, NC

LET’S CREATE A HOME THAT FEELS AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

If you’re ready for a home that’s soulful, functional, and unmistakably yours,
We would love to connect.

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