Influenced by the California lifestyle and shaped by over two decades of residential design, Terri Brien Interiors creates warm, character filled spaces for homes throughout Orange County and Southern California
Terri Brien Interiors is a full-service interior design firm based in San Clemente, serving homeowners throughout Orange County and the surrounding Southern California communities. The studio specializes in residential renovations, custom home design, and furnishing projects, with a focus on spaces that feel layered, deeply considered, and genuinely personal.
Every project begins with understanding how a client actually lives. Not just what they are drawn to visually, but how they move through their home, how they entertain, and how their family uses each space day to day. That layer of understanding is what separates a beautiful room from a home that genuinely works. From there, the design is built around those realities, shaped by thoughtful material choices, textural layering, and a discerning eye for the details that quietly add depth and character.
The approach blends warmth with intention across every layer of the design, from the architectural details and custom millwork to the finishes, fixtures, and furnishings that complete a space. Every texture, material, and form is chosen with purpose, contributing to a home that feels collected and considered from the ground up rather than simply assembled. The result is never trend-driven or formulaic. It is storied, cohesive, and deeply reflective of the people living in it.
With more than twenty years of residential design expertise and a process rooted in clarity, Terri Brien Interiors leads clients through every decision with confidence. From early planning through final installation, needs are anticipated before they become issues and the design intent is protected every step of the way. The result is a home that feels effortless and elevated, beautifully aligned with how you live today and thoughtfully built to grow with you.continue to build.
THE STUDIO
Terri Brien has expertise in her more than 20 years of high-end residential design and is undyingly passionate about building beautiful spaces.
Terri has spent more than two decades in high-end residential interior design. Not dabbling. Not figuring it out. Actually doing the work, leading teams, and developing the kind of hands-on expertise that only comes from years in the field. She launched Terri Brien Interiors in 2022 because after twenty years of designing for others, she was ready to build something entirely her own.
Before founding the studio, she led and mentored design teams on complex residential projects, developing deep experience in project oversight, material sourcing, contractor coordination, and the early decisions that protect both the design and the investment. She understands how renovations actually unfold in Southern California, where things tend to go sideways, and how to get ahead of problems before they happen. That’s what her clients are really hiring.
Her design point of view is shaped by Southern California living, her travels, and a strong pull toward pieces with history. She gravitates toward materials and details that bring character into a home, whether that’s a vintage find, a custom element, or something unexpected that quietly anchors the space. The result is homes that feel collected over time, not pulled together in a single install.
Her work and perspective have been featured in Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and Newsweek, among others. The recognition reflects a consistent point of view and a reputation for work that holds up over time.
Terri lives in South Orange County with her husband Will and their French Bulldog Mugsy. When she’s not deep in a finish schedule or sourcing for a project, you’ll usually find her at an antique fair, trying a new restaurant, or walking the San Clemente beach trail.
MEET THE FOUNDER
