30-Second Summary
- Orange County is quickly becoming a hotspot for small-space living, with a growing trend in ADUs, studio apartments, and micro-lofts. In this article, we spotlight 13 of the top interior designers in Orange County who specialize in transforming compact spaces into luxurious, functional homes.
- From maximizing square footage in Orange County with multifunctional furniture to using stunning materials like porcelain mosaic tile and marble tiles, these designers are experts in space optimization. Find inspiration for your next small-space project, and learn how Mosaicenter can help with high-quality finishes like ceramic and glass tiles.
Introduction
The increasing demand for small-space living in Orange County has prompted a surge in interest for interior designers who specialize in maximizing limited square footage. From ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in Costa Mesa to studio apartment in Orange County, homeowners and renters alike are seeking ways to transform compact areas into stylish, functional, and luxurious homes.
In this article, we’ll highlight 13 top-tier interior designers in Orange County who have mastered the art of small-space design. These experts offer innovative solutions, from built-in storage to multifunctional furniture, ensuring that every inch of a space is utilized to its fullest potential. Whether you're working with a Newport Beach cottage, a designer for ADUs in Orange County, or a high-rise apartment in Irvine, these designers know how to create spaces that feel open and luxurious, even when square footage is limited.
Furthermore, we’ll explore how materials like porcelain mosaic tile, marble tiles, and glass tiles can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of small spaces. Mosaicenter is your go-to partner for high-quality tiles that fit perfectly into any small-space design. So, let’s dive into the world of small-space living, where creativity meets practicality.
Becki Owens is a household name in the world of interior design, particularly when it comes to small-space transformations. Known for her light and airy style, Becki has a special knack for turning compact homes into open, inviting spaces. Her work often incorporates porcelain mosaic tile, which adds texture and visual interest while helping to reflect light and make the room feel larger.
What sets Becki apart is her ability to integrate built-in storage seamlessly into her designs. In small spaces, where storage can be a challenge, Becki’s custom shelving, hidden compartments, and multifunctional furniture solutions are indispensable. Her designs feature smart storage solutions that keep clutter at bay while still providing easy access to essential items.
Small-Space Tactic: Becki Owens is a master of multifunctional furniture. In a recent Costa Mesa studio transformation, she used a Murphy bed to create a dual-purpose living space. By day, the room functions as a cozy lounge area, and by night, it transforms into a comfortable bedroom, maximizing the use of limited space.
For those who appreciate a coastal lifestyle, Pure Salt Interiors, co-founded by Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, is the ultimate choice. Specializing in creating serene, coastal-inspired spaces, their designs effortlessly evoke a sense of openness and tranquility, especially in small homes. They skillfully use natural materials and light, airy finishes to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and comfort. One of their favorite materials is glass tiles, often incorporated into kitchen backsplashes and accent walls. These tiles not only reflect light, creating the illusion of more space, but also add an elegant touch to any room. Pure Salt Interiors’ designs epitomize relaxed luxury, blending functionality with timeless beauty.
Small-Space Tactic: A signature tactic that Pure Salt Interiors uses to optimize space is the installation of pocket doors. These sliding doors require much less room than traditional hinged doors, making them ideal for compact areas. Their open design also helps create a seamless flow between rooms, enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness.
For fans of modern minimalist design, Lindye Galloway is a standout figure in Orange County. Her design philosophy focuses on creating clean, simple spaces that feel both functional and sophisticated. She often incorporates marble tiles in her designs, particularly in small kitchens and bathrooms, where the elegant material can make a big impact without overwhelming the space.
Lindye’s approach to small-space design goes beyond just aesthetics; she is a pro at space planning. Using a combination of vertical storage, open shelving, and custom cabinetry, she maximizes storage without sacrificing style. Her work often features built-in storage solutions that help declutter tight spaces and create a more organized living environment.
Small-Space Tactic: One of Lindye’s go-to small-space solutions is the use of tall cabinetry and vertical storage. By extending storage upward, she frees up valuable floor space, creating a more open and airy feel in small homes. Her work often includes integrated shelving that makes use of every available inch.
Mindy Gayer is an expert in blending functionality with style, making her an excellent choice for small-space design. Known for her use of ceramic tiles in neutral tones, Mindy creates spaces that feel both expansive and elegant. Ceramic tiles are a versatile material that can be used in various applications, from backsplashes to flooring, and they offer durability and easy maintenance for small spaces.
Mindy is also known for her innovative use of multifunctional furniture. In many of her designs, she incorporates pieces that serve more than one purpose, think of a coffee table that doubles as a desk or a sofa that transforms into a guest bed. These pieces are essential in small homes, where space is at a premium and every piece of furniture needs to earn its place.
Small-Space Tactic: Mindy’s approach to small-space living includes creative furniture solutions, such as a Murphy bed in a recent Newport Beach studio. The bed folds up into the wall during the day, opening up the room for other activities, such as working, entertaining, or exercising.
When it comes to high-end small-space design, Blackband Design, co-founded by Greg and Wendy Blackband, is a name that commands attention. Known for their sophisticated and luxurious designs, they specialize in creating elegant environments even in compact spaces. One of the key materials they often incorporate is porcelain mosaic tiles. These tiles, with their reflective surfaces, not only add texture and beauty but also help to visually expand a room, making it feel more open and brighter, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. What sets Blackband Design apart is its ability to blend style with functionality. Their designs frequently feature multifunctional furniture, such as ottomans that double as storage and bookshelves that serve as room dividers, ensuring spaces are both beautiful and practical.
Small-Space Tactic: A signature strategy in their small-space designs is the use of modular seating. These versatile pieces can be easily rearranged to suit various needs—from entertaining guests to unwinding after a long day, making them ideal for apartments, condos, and other compact living spaces.
Raili Clasen of Raili CA Design is a Newport Beach-based designer known for her creative and functional approach to small-space living. Her designs often incorporate glass tiles, which add a sleek, modern feel to kitchens and bathrooms. Glass tiles are particularly useful in small spaces because they reflect light and help make the room feel larger and brighter.
Raili is also an expert in using pocket doors to maximize space. These sliding doors eliminate the need for the clearance required by traditional hinged doors, allowing for more flexibility in how rooms are arranged.
Small-Space Tactic: Raili’s use of pocket doors has become one of her hallmark small-space tactics. By replacing swinging doors with pocket doors, she creates more usable space in areas like bathrooms, closets, and kitchens.
Sandy Z., the lead designer at 27 Diamonds Interior Design, is known for her ability to create luxurious yet functional spaces, even in smaller homes. The firm, founded by Anna Shiwlall in 2009, is celebrated for its personalized approach to design and its ability to transform spaces with thoughtful details. Sandy often incorporates marble tiles in her designs, particularly in bathrooms, where the elegance and timeless appeal of marble elevate the space while making it feel more expansive. The cool tones and sophisticated texture of marble tiles help visually expand smaller areas, adding both style and a sense of openness.
Sandy’s design philosophy is grounded in creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional. She is a strong advocate for built-in storage solutions, including custom cabinetry and shelving, which help maximize space and keep rooms organized. This thoughtful integration of storage ensures that every space, no matter how small, is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Small-Space Tactic: Sandy’s signature small-space tactic is the incorporation of built-in storage in every room. Whether through custom-designed cabinetry or cleverly planned shelving, her designs ensure that each space is optimized for both beauty and efficiency.
Denise Morrison of Morrison Interiors is known for her ability to turn small spaces into stylish and practical homes. Denise often uses a combination of ceramic tiles and sleek wood finishes to create a modern, clean aesthetic. Ceramic tiles are especially useful in small spaces because they are durable, easy to maintain, and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Denise is a big fan of using multifunctional furniture and modular seating to make the most of limited space. Her designs emphasize flexibility, with furniture pieces that can be moved or adjusted to suit different needs throughout the day.
Small-Space Tactic: Denise’s go-to trick for small spaces is layering textures and colors. By using a neutral base and incorporating pops of color through accessories and tiles, she creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Amber Sokolowski, the founder of Soko Design, is known for transforming everyday spaces into stylish, functional environments that reflect her clients' unique personalities. By incorporating modular seating and multifunctional furniture, Amber maximizes space and flexibility, allowing her clients to adapt their homes for various needs. She also uses porcelain mosaic tiles to add texture and visual interest, particularly in smaller kitchens and bathrooms, where their reflective surface brightens the space and creates a sense of openness.
Amber's designs combine modern style with practical solutions, ensuring each project is both beautiful and livable.
Brittany Stiles of Brittany Stiles Design specializes in creating personalized small spaces that reflect the personality of the homeowner. Her designs often incorporate glass tiles to add shine and sophistication to kitchens and bathrooms. Brittany is a master of creating multifunctional spaces that serve multiple purposes.
Small-Space Tactic: Brittany’s key strategy is creating rooms that serve multiple functions. For example, a small living room may double as a workspace, and a guest bedroom might serve as a home office when not in use.
Ali Faulkner, the founder and principal designer of AEF Interiors, is known for her ability to create contemporary, character-driven spaces that are both elegant and livable. Based in Costa Mesa, California, Ali brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to every project. With a background in hospitality and consulting, she emphasizes clear processes and strong communication, ensuring that each design aligns with her clients' vision and lifestyle. AEF Interiors specializes in full-service interior design, focusing on creating spaces that reflect the personality of the homeowner while maintaining functionality and timeless appeal.
Bita Taherian, the CEO and principal designer of BT Design Studio, brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to her design work. Based in Orange County, California, Bita's designs reflect a sophisticated aesthetic with a focus on detail and functionality. With an artistic upbringing and a family background in architecture, she offers a wide range of services, including interior design, styling, photography, and web development. Bita’s approach to design is deeply rooted in the belief that every space should be a reflection of its owner's personality, blending art and practicality seamlessly.
Mari Garcia is the founder and principal designer of Blush House Interiors, a full-service design studio based in Irvine, California. Known for her organic modern style, Mari has a passion for curating spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles. Offering both local and global design services, Mari emphasizes a personalized approach, ensuring each project is tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Her designs are a fusion of natural elements, clean lines, and functional spaces, creating environments that feel both stylish and inviting. Through online consultations, Mari extends her expertise to clients worldwide.
Conclusion
Transforming small spaces into luxurious, functional homes requires expertise, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. The 13 designers featured in this article are masters of small-space design, and their innovative use of materials like porcelain mosaic tile, marble tiles, and glass tiles can elevate any space. Whether you're redesigning an Irvine high-rise, a Newport Beach cottage, or a Costa Mesa studio, these professionals know how to maximize square footage without sacrificing style.
If you're ready to take the next step in your small-space project, Mosaicenter is here to help. Explore our collection of high-quality porcelain mosaic tile, ceramic tile, and marble tiles to add the perfect finishing touch to your design.
FAQs
Q. What makes an interior designer ideal for small spaces?
The best designers for small spaces are those who specialize in maximizing square footage through creative solutions like multifunctional furniture, built-in storage, and strategic use of light-reflecting materials like glass tiles and porcelain mosaic tile.
Q. How much does it cost to hire an interior designer for a small space in Orange County?
Costs vary depending on the designer’s experience and the scope of the project. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour for a qualified interior designer.
Q. Can I use porcelain mosaic tile in a small bathroom?
Absolutely! Porcelain mosaic tile is a great choice for small bathrooms because it adds texture, reflects light, and creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Q. How can I make my small apartment feel larger using interior design?
Maximize vertical space with tall shelving and cabinets. Use multifunctional furniture and light-reflecting materials like glass tiles to create an airy, open feel.
Q. What are some key features to consider when designing a studio apartment?
Focus on built-in storage, modular seating, and durable materials like ceramic tile. Use visual dividers like rugs or color schemes to define different zones.
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