At 503found, we love working with all of the talented interior designers in our area – and one whose style especially resonates with us is Newport Beach-based Raili Clasen of RailiCA Design. Her laid-back, coastal cool aesthetic and attention to detail has created a signature style for Raili’s projects – the sliding barn doors, open shelving, use of color, vintage surf pieces – it’s perfection. You’ve likely seen her work in the pages of C Home Magazine, HGTV Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens and Riviera, to name a few. Prior to taking the leap into being a full-time interior designer, Raili enjoyed a lengthy career with Quiksilver and Paul Frank, followed by starting the hip housewares brand Alice Supply Co. with her college friend Maria Barnes. The move into interior design came naturally for Raili, after several of her home projects were featured in magazines, and her own homes showcased on the popular Newport Harbor Home tour. (The Home Tour is coming up May 14 – click here for information and tickets!) Recently, we sat down with Raili -one of the OC Register’s 2015 ‘Designers to Watch’ – to find out what inspires this designing mom of two on a daily basis:
How would you describe your approach to interior design in 3 words or less?
I mostly get design inspiration from seeing super inspiring images or rooms that make my eyes open wide. I especially love New York interior design and the aesthetic that changes so much every time I visit. I also follow two blogs that nail it with their design features and love checking those regularly for design inspo – remodelista.com and mydomaine.com
How does your former career in the fashion industry influence your work in interior design?
I was in sales at Quiksilver and Paul Frank, but made it a point to involve myself with the designers OFTEN (even though they usually did not allow sales people in their offices!). I would continually bring in ideas, samples and tear sheets hoping they would provide additional inspiration. Today I am always drawing influence from the California surf culture which stems from my days at Quiksilver and Paul Frank.
Why do you love California architecture? What kind of “jumping off point” does it provide for your design?
There is so much to love about California architecture. Everything from 1920s bungalows, Craftsman style and 50s Mid-Century Modern all had such significance in our growing state. I love to mix and match styles, but try to always embrace the original style of a home if it is a remodel.
Tell us about a current or recent project that you particularly vibe with – and why.
I am “vibing” with all of the new construction projects I am working on right now. I have been collaborating on several projects with the very talented architect Eric Olsen – which is like being on creative overdrive. We work so well together, which definitely elevates the end product of the project. There is also a special ranch house remodel in Old Del Mar I am working on that I think I was born to design. I literally dream about this house every night!
Why do you love having a home in – and designing in and around – Newport Beach?
Newport is a great place to raise a family, close to a big city and has lots of different styles of homes. I am fairly new to the interior design world and excited that I actually get to do this for a living in a city I love!
Tell us about one of the most satisfying interior design/home furnishing/accessory “finds” you’ve ever made – what was it and where did you find it?
It would have to be the old door that I installed for a boys’ bathroom. It was so thrashed, desperately needed repair, new hardware and re-sizing, but the original hand painting on the old glass (it said “Men’s washroom”) was worth all the time and money it took to fit it into its new space. I found it at Olde Good Things in Downtown LA.
When 503found opened, they immediately had a huge buzz about them. It was soooo great walking in and knowing my job just got a whole lot easier. They are perfect for my business and me.
The gals are experts at pulling together vintage and modern, high/low design and accessories to complete my jobs perfectly. This store has most of everything I need, and if they don’t have it – they find it for me. Right now they are hunting for oversized lighting for a project, and their finds are better than I ever expected!
Tell us about some of your favorite “finds” at 503found that you’ve used in your home and in projects!
Oh boy, I am crazy for everything we have purchased, but if one item jumps out at me, it was the green apple sculpture we put on an etagere full of plain old dinnerware. It took the entire room to a fun and less serious level. Another great purchase was a media cabinet with perforated brass sliding doors. I had never seen anything like it before. For more information on Raili please visit railicadesign.com
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Raili’s Design Philosophy: More Than Just Coastal Cool
Raili’s work is often described as laid-back and coastal, but there is a deeper layer to her approach. She believes a home should tell the story of the people who live there, not just follow a trend. “I always start with the client’s lifestyle,” she explains. “How do they really live? Do they entertain? Do they have kids and dogs? That dictates everything from fabric choices to furniture layout.” This practical mindset, honed during her years in the fast-paced fashion industry, means her spaces are as functional as they are beautiful.
Another key element in Raili’s philosophy is the blend of old and new. She is a firm believer that every room needs something with a history, whether it’s a vintage surfboard, a worn leather chair, or a quirky flea market find. “New furniture can feel sterile,” she says. “Mixing in vintage pieces gives a room soul. It’s like the difference between a hotel lobby and a real home.” This is why she frequently turns to 503found for those one-of-a-kind items that anchor a design.
How Raili Approaches a New Project
Every designer has a process, and Raili’s is refreshingly collaborative. She starts with an in-depth conversation, often over coffee or a walk on the beach, to understand her client’s vision and pain points. Then she creates a concept board that blends inspiration images, material samples, and color palettes. “I want my clients to feel excited from the very first meeting,” she says. “If they’re not smiling when they see the board, I haven’t done my job.”
From there, Raili moves into space planning and sourcing. She is known for her ability to repurpose existing pieces, saving clients money and preserving sentimental value. “Not everything needs to be new,” she notes. “Sometimes a fresh coat of paint or new hardware on a dresser can completely transform it.” This sustainable mindset aligns perfectly with the 503found ethos of giving old pieces new life.
Signature Elements in Raili’s Designs
While every project is unique, certain elements appear again and again in Raili’s work. These signature touches have become her calling card:
- Sliding barn doors: Often custom-made with reclaimed wood, they add rustic charm and save space.
- Open shelving: Raili loves to display curated collections of dishes, books, and found objects, making everyday items part of the decor.
- Pops of color: Against a neutral backdrop, she introduces vibrant accents—think turquoise, coral, or sunny yellow—to keep the space lively.
- Vintage surf and coastal pieces: A nod to her Quiksilver days, these items bring authenticity and a sense of place.
- Mixed metals and textures: Brass, wood, linen, and rattan are layered for depth and warmth.
These elements work together to create spaces that feel effortlessly chic, yet thoroughly livable. “I want people to walk in and immediately feel at ease,” Raili says. “A home should never feel like a museum.”
Raili’s Favorite 503found Moments
Raili is a regular at 503found, and she has countless stories of incredible finds. One of her most memorable was a pair of vintage industrial pendant lights that she used over a kitchen island. “They were so perfectly imperfect,” she recalls. “The patina was unbelievable, and they instantly gave the kitchen a whole new personality.” Another time, she scored a mid-century modern credenza that became the focal point of a living room.
She also appreciates the collaborative spirit of the 503found team. “They know my style so well now that they’ll text me photos of new arrivals before they even hit the floor,” she laughs. “It’s like having a personal shopper for vintage treasures.” This relationship has become an integral part of her design process, allowing her to source unique pieces quickly and efficiently.
Advice for Aspiring Designers and Homeowners
For those looking to break into interior design, Raili offers straightforward advice: “Don’t be afraid to start small. Offer to help friends with their homes, take on small projects, and build your portfolio. And always be learning—visit showrooms, read design blogs, and travel when you can.” She also emphasizes the importance of networking. “This industry is all about relationships. The people you meet today could be your collaborators tomorrow.”
For homeowners tackling their own spaces, Raili suggests starting with one room and one piece you love. “Find that one item—a rug, a piece of art, a vintage chair—that speaks to you, and build the room around it,” she advises. “And don’t rush. Good design takes time. Live in the space for a while before making big decisions.” Above all, she encourages people to have fun. “Your home should reflect who you are, not what a magazine says you should be.”
What’s Next for RailiCA Design
Raili shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to her residential projects, she is exploring product design, with plans to launch a line of home accessories inspired by her coastal aesthetic. “I’ve always loved the idea of creating pieces that people can incorporate into their own homes, even if they can’t hire a designer,” she says. She is also passionate about mentoring young designers and giving back to the community, a value she shares with 503found’s own commitment to giving back.
As her portfolio grows, Raili remains grounded in her love for Newport Beach and the creative community there. “I feel so lucky to do what I do in a place that inspires me every single day,” she reflects. “And having partners like 503found makes it all the more rewarding.” For more on Raili and her work, visit her website or follow her on social media for daily design inspiration.