WE CREATE SPACES THAT ANCHOR AND ENRICH YOU ON LIFE’S JOURNEY.

A rustic round mirror with a weathered frame on a white wall, flanked by a green vine and hats hung on golden antique pegs, creating a charming and welcoming vignette.

OUR MISSION 

Our goal is to embody the principles of “Whole at Home” in every aspect of our work. For one, we believe in collaboration, which is why we unite our team’s diverse talents with your unique preferences and perspectives. Next, we are committed to promoting you and your family’s sense of wholeness and well-being with our design. Lastly, we carry calm confidence and authenticity with us, contributing to a seamless process for creating your home.

A classic reading nook with a custom taupe leather Eames chair and ottoman next to a tall indoor plant (an Audrey ficus), with soft light filtering through white blinds, set against a steel blue custom bookcase brimming with colorful books.

OUR CORE VALUES

  • Authenticity

    We are genuine when working within our team and with you. What’s more, we help you to identify and embrace design styles that are most health-promoting and authentic to you.

    Transparency

    We are honest and clear at every stage of the design process. Our team will engage you in an ongoing conversation about your goals, our progress, and the evolution of your design.

    Empathy

    We are compassionate listeners who are committed to understanding your distinct needs, desires, and dreams. We know how taxing this process can be and strive to reduce your stress as much as possible.

    Joy

    Our design should spark joy for you and your family, helping you become the happiest and most fulfilled versions of yourselves. Also, the design process itself should inspire a calming sense of ease and delight.

    Respect

    As we partner closely with you, we hold your privacy, preferences, and space as sacred. We are a no-judgment zone where your personal style is never looked down upon and all of your questions and concerns will be addressed with care.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Hi, my name is Erica! At the heart of my interior design approach lies a journey through your personal story.  With detail-oriented processes and thoughtful problem-solving, I create spaces that are aligned to you and ultimately feel like your desired version of “home.”

A confident Black woman with a radiant smile sits casually on a white stool, dressed in a chic blazer and distressed jeans, exuding style and grace against a bright white background. Erica McLain, interior designer.
A father in casual attire diligently measures a piece of construction material while his young daughter, sitting close by, watches curiously amidst the wooden framework of a home under construction.

EARLY INFLUENCES

My design journey began with my exposure to my grandmother's mixed-medium art, my father's construction skills, and my mother’s love of nature. These first influences, in addition to my experiences in over 38 countries as a professional athlete, including representing the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, have expanded my worldview and helped me empathize with diverse lifestyles.

At Facebook and Google, I worked in user experience (UX) design as a product manager, learning about and designing solutions for the movement patterns and needs of a variety of people around the globe. This background in software design is now the lens through which I view design, creating interiors that are tailored to your unique preferences.

A mixed-race family enjoys storytime in a cozy children's room with a forest-themed wall mural, plush faux fur loung chair, and whimsical decor, radiating a sense of adventure and comfort.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

My passion for hunting rare vintage items is more than a hobby–it's a vital component of my design ethos. Each bespoke find for your space adds a sense of character and exclusivity to the design. I treasure the inherent narratives, warmth, and sense of “wabi-sabi” that vintage pieces bring to home interiors, which aligns with my gravitation towards organic materials and shapes.

At the heart of my design philosophy is my family: my husband Jake, and two young children, Emerson and River. Their influence has inspired designs that are not only visually impactful but also pragmatic. I create spaces that consider the various dynamics of family life, making every design beautiful, functional, and conducive to creating lasting memories.

My academic achievements–a BA in Communication and a Minor in Studio Art from Stanford University, an MBA from UC Berkeley focused on Product Development and Brand Strategy, and ongoing studies in Architecture and Interior Design at UCLA–form the foundation of my holistic approach.

As founder and principal of McLain by Design Interiors, I want to invite you on a journey to a personalized living experience. In close partnership with you, I will ensure your home is not only stunningly beautiful but also uniquely narrates your story and supports your lifestyle for years to come.

MCLAIN BY DESIGN INTERIORS IS A SMALL TEAM OF HIGHLY PASSIONATE AND EXPERIENCED CREATIVES.

We are committed to making spaces that enhance your living experience and empower you to be authentically yourself. Because you deserve a space that makes you feel Whole at Home™.

A radiant Black woman lounges on a teal chaise, holding a glass of red wine, with a laptop beside her. Her stylish dress and boots reflect a relaxed yet professional vibe. Erica McLain, Black interior designer.

 PRESS & AFFILIATIONS