Linette Dai

How does one design spaces that are both transportive yet deeply human? If you ask Linette Dai, the secret is to be guided by "a reverence for craftsmanship and a global perspective" and blend storytelling with refined materiality. The Laguna Beach designer, one of the honorees of the LUXE NEXT Class of 2026, finds inspiration in travel, art and the beauty of different cultures, all of which her eponymous studio reinterprets through the lens of California ease. "Innovation feels human here," she enthuses about Southern California. Discover Dai's work and explore the full LUXE NEXT Class of 2026 at the link in bio. Interior Design: @linettedaidesign Photography: @tramp.studio

Finding the perfect stone slab is always a journey, but one we take with intention. Two years ago, with a clear vision in mind, we explored multiple stone yards—seeking not just any slab, but “the one.” After viewing dozens of pink and violet stones, this marble slab instantly stood out. Its rich royal plum hues pull out the lavender from the vintage rose wall tiles, creating a palette that feels both subtle and evocative. Eternally grateful for clients who gift us with the freedom to bring our collective vision to life ✨ Design | @linettedaidesign 📸 | @trampstudio Styling | @emilyedithbowser Special thanks to @stnbuilders for the gorgeous execution 🤍

There’s something sacred about coming home. This midcentury Cliff May ranch was reimagined to hold both memory and movement—honoring its soul while evolving in function, flow, and character. Where nostalgia meets novelty, old bones meet new rituals, and every detail is designed to be lived in. Design @linettedaidesign Builder @stnbuilders 🎥 @knowpassion 🌱 @emilyedithbowser #midcenturymodern #cliffmay #interiordesign #customhome #californialiving #interiorarchitecture #bespokedesign

This little vintage office stool somehow became the star of our client’s Cliff May dining setup. Pulled it in for the photoshoot, and then it basically refused to leave! With vintage, you can’t plan what you’ll find, and that’s part of the beauty. After months, sometimes years, of deliberate planning and execution, leaving space for the unexpected in that final layer is where the magic lives. Thank you @catherinehong100 and @catherine.dipersico for including us in this fun, delightfully written feature in @archdigest @archdigestpro 📝

I never set out to become a designer. This was something I fell into. I originally majored in Art History at UCLA because I had an endless list of interests and no clear idea what to pursue at the time, but I knew I was curious about the stories behind fascinating people, more specifically the stories told through their art. After exploring various careers, I ended up helping a friend flip homes by selecting finishes and working through layouts. Prospective buyers started asking about the “designer,” which led to my first projects. While gaining experience on construction sites, I realized it was the first time something fully integrated the things I’m most drawn to: the creative process, problem-solving, and collaborating closely with people. I went back to school to study interior architecture and started seeking out opportunities to work under designers I admired. I went on to join several studios, and one of my favorite roles was as a project manager for @ginny_macdonald , where I had the privilege of learning from someone so talented with a rigorous work ethic. Loved including the beautiful Topia side table from her furniture collection with @luluandgeorgia here in our Craftsman project. design | @linettedaidesign photography | @tramp.studio styling | @emilyedithbowser

Always drawn to the life held within natural wood. This custom headboard was crafted out of salvaged wood from fallen trees, its organic form and graining bringing a sense of movement while grounding the room. Slides 1-3 photography by @tramp.studio + styled by @emilyedithbowser

We’re looking for a project designer who is deeply thoughtful, highly organized, and energized by the orchestration of beautiful spaces from concept through execution. As our studio continues to grow, Linette Dai Design is seeking someone with strong technical fluency who thrives in both design thinking and project coordination — with the ability to anticipate needs, stay several steps ahead, and help support projects across their full lifespan with precision and care. Candidates should have a 3–5 year background in custom residential interiors or architecture, with demonstrated experience seeing multiple projects through from concept to completion. Must be local to Los Angeles or Orange County, as this role includes 3–4 days per week of in-person studio and site presence. Compensation is based on experience. If you or someone you know is passionate about creating architecturally led, emotionally resonant spaces rooted in materiality, atmosphere, and the human experience, we would love to hear from you. Please send resume and portfolio to [email protected]

A study in maximum function, minimal form Slides 1-2 photography by @tramp.studio

Honored to see our Cliff May project featured in the Best of Design issue of @modernluxuryinteriors 🖋️ The clients first came to us expressing that the home had undergone multiple remodels over the years and gradually drifted from its original midcentury character. Our approach was centered on bringing the house back into alignment with Cliff May’s vision through bespoke millwork and an honest material palette that remains in dialogue with the architecture, while supporting modern living. There is something deeply rewarding about restoring architectural integrity that has been lost over time. What makes this especially moving is seeing our clients experience their home on the pages of a magazine after placing such trust in the process from the very beginning. Grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life, and to @stnbuilders and crew for the beautiful execution and painstaking care in every detail. A heartfelt thank you to @lauraecksteinjones for the gorgeously articulated feature, and to @heyathena for your support throughout 🤎 Story link in bio. Design | @linettedaidesign Photography | @tramp.studio Stylist | @emilyedithbowser

Linette Dai breathes new life into a Cliff May classic, transforming a Rancho Estates gem into a soulful retreat for modern living. ⁠ ⁠ “My design approach is rooted in what I describe as emotional modernism—spaces that feel personal and are layered with atmosphere, shaped by intention and the way they elevate daily experience." - @linettedaidesign ⁠ ⁠ Link in bio to read the full feature.⁠ ⁠ By @lauraecksteinjones ⁠ Photographed by @tramp.studio

Had such a special Thursday during @pacificdesigncenter West Week, joining @discoverzephyr for a panel on brand partnerships alongside the incredibly talented @lhdesigned and @emiinteriordesign . The conversation was both thoughtful and dynamic, guided so beautifully by Sarah Wahl, Zephyr’s VP of Marketing. Grateful to @artwolfgallery for hosting and organizing such a meaningful event in a stunningly curated space, surrounded by the powerful work of the female artists featured in MATRIARCHY. Moments like this are a reminder that beyond the design, this work is really about connection — the energy, the synergy, and the people you build alongside 🤍

Such a meaningful night celebrating LUXE NEXT 2026 ✨🥂 Grateful to have shared this moment with an incredible group of fellow honorees, friends old and new. Another reminder of why I love our community-driven industry. The evening was hosted at the @madegoods founders’ fabulous home, centered around the most enchanting courtyard. My personal favorite was the garden ping-pong table, which made for the perfect manifestation backdrop. Thank you, @luxemagazine @jilleditsluxe and @kellybadal , for placing us in such inspiring company. It’s always surreal to see our project in print, especially alongside peers who know how much dedication and detail go into every project long before it’s ever seen 🤍