From the vibrant and playful Costa Mesa idea house to her modern-yet-charmingly rustic Coronado Dutch Farmhouse, we’ve always been big fans of Raili Clasen’s lively interior design work. Her combination of personality and “rule-breaking” approach to design has made her one of our favorites to follow. Discover her journey, inspiration, and future plans as a designer (spoiler: her next big project isn’t what you think).

All Featured Designs by Raili CA Design

We recently connected with Raili Clasen, owner of Raili CA Interior Design, to talk about her fearless design choices and how she goes about infusing her personality into her designs while also providing the perfect space for her clients.

She also drops a hint or two about an upcoming “side project” due to come out in the spring of 2024 (hint: casual-surf style…).

Tell us more about your childhood - did you always plan to pursue interior design?

“I did not know what an interior designer was until about 10 years ago. My mom used to buy things at garage sales and nail them up in our home, and we called that decorating.”

How did you get started with interior design?

“When my interior designer moved out of the country weeks after we hired her, I decided I was the best person for the job. With zero experience I might add.”

What would you say is your specialty/niche?

“California, Pacific Ocean style with hits of fun, whimsy and unexpected details.”

What is your favorite project that showcases that style?

Our Costa Mesa Idea House

Photography by Karyn Millet

From where do you draw inspiration?

“Every single place I go either for work, dropping kids off at college in the South, or European vacations, I bring back a few wow ideas.”

What's your favorite part about being a designer?

“Every day is new, different and unexpected. I also love working as teams on each of our projects. Our team is full of funny women!”

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a designer? How did you overcome that challenge, or how are you still working to overcome it?

“Our greatest challenges are usually dealing with the problems and issues that come with ordering from hundreds of vendors.. Late deliveries, broken fixtures, incorrect shipments. All those problems give us headaches, and then we have to work through them with both the clients and the contractors to problem solve. Those are never fun calls.”

What's been the most challenging project you've worked on thus far?

“We are at the tail end of a major hotel/event space project, The Richland. It has been AWESOME, but with hotels, there are so many hoops to jump through… ADA compliances, fire ratings.. All these details take so much time and effort, but we have loved every second of the design.”

What's the most valuable thing you've learned as a designer?

“Less is more! We have grown so much in the last few years, and as nice as that sounds, more people, more projects, more stress. My goal is to shift down these next few years, and expand into more collaborations, finish my book, and some other non-design studio projects that are under lock and key”

What sets you apart from other designers with similar design styles?

“I don’t follow a rule book. Our projects seem to have a very cool, happy vibe and our clients always love the little “out of the box” details that sets their home apart from all of their friends.”

What are you currently loving in the design world?

“The endless amount of different styles. I love following designers that are the opposite style, but who stay true to their own brand/style.”

What do you think will be the next big trend?

“I hope it’s casual-surf style because I have a book coming out about this soon. Ha ha!”

Quick-Fire Questions

Q: Favorite place you’ve lived?

A: “Lido Island, Newport Beach”

Q: Favorite vacation spot?

A: “Croatia”

Q: Favorite brand in interior design?

A: “Stahl and Band”

Q: Favorite clothing brand?

A: “Mix of Celine and vintage Levis”

Q: What's the best advice you've been given as a designer?

A: “Do NOT try to be anybody else.. If a client wants you to design their house like designer  ________, run!”

Q: What's your best piece of advice for clients?

A: “TRUST!! Im not sure about other designers, but our best projects have been with clients who trust the process, and the collaboration with the creative team.”

Q: Personal life motto or quote you live by?

A: “I am a gal with strong faith, so I try to leave all the craziness of the world in my back pocket, and stay connected to all things good!”

Stay Tuned…

A sincere thank to Raili for sharing your journey and inspiration with us and our community. We look forward to the wonderful designs you continue to put out through your work, and to the success of your new book!