Designer Spotlight: Rae Rockwell Studio

Rae Rockwell isn’t afraid to embrace bold design. Or, as the founder of Rae Rockwell Studio puts it, her specialty is “giving spaces a voice.” With multiple design-forward Fireclay projects under her belt, we couldn’t put it better ourselves.

From unexpected checkerboard to a masterful understanding of color, Rae is constantly pushing tile design boundaries to create unforgettable looks that are keenly on-trend and her tile looks have been featured in several familiar publications like Rue Daily, AD, and Homes & Gardens. We chatted with Rae about where she finds inspiration, her best design tips, and more.

Meet Rae!

Can you tell us a bit about Rae Rockwell Studio?

My approach to interior design draws from a wide range of experiences that allow me to think beyond traditional boundaries. I’ve always considered myself a creative, but throughout my career, I often found myself in operational roles, working as a receptionist, executive assistant, and operations manager before eventually founding a company as the CEO. I started a creative agency because I wanted a creative role, but I ended up handling the operational side while my business partner managed the creative aspects. Now, with my interior design firm, I have the opportunity to embrace both roles, balancing the creative side with the business end to craft unique spaces that go beyond just aesthetics to focus on the overall experience.

When working on projects, whether for boutique hotels and restaurants, revitalizing short-term rentals, or transforming residential kitchens and baths, I bring a distinct and personalized style to each space. My experience with content creation, owning a photo studio, and collaborating with brands enhances my attention to detail, ensuring that every angle is considered when I design a space.

What sort of projects do you work on?

I primarily focus on hospitality and commercial spaces because I love creating environments that can impact as many people as possible. I’m particularly drawn to designing bars, restaurants, boutique hotels, short-term vacation rentals, spas, retail spaces, and coffee shops, where I can craft spaces that create a lasting impression. Developing a unique hospitality experience within these properties, where every design element is intentional and evokes a specific feeling, is something I find especially rewarding. I also take on residential projects, focusing specifically on kitchens, baths, and home bars—areas that excite me most creatively [see Rae's AD feature about wet bar design here]. For clients who aren’t local, I offer e-design services, so they can still have a personalized design experience, no matter where they are.

How did you first become interested in design? How did you get your start?

My natural progression into the world of design started with my love for fashion. With a formal education in fashion merchandising, I honed my eye for style and detail. It was during my time working and training under the renowned Sam Edelman that I first discovered my passion for interior design. I started trading my fashion magazines for interior design and travel publications, immersing myself in the latest hospitality trends and collecting inspiration from everywhere.

My first design project was my own short-term vacation rental, Flamingo Social Club, near Joshua Tree. After moving to the desert full-time, I began working on other short-term vacation rentals in the area, which only deepened my passion for design. With no formal interior design education, I threw myself into the process, learning from experience, peers, contractors, and plenty of research.

My first client project came from friends who took a chance on me, and it turned out to be one of my largest, leading to more opportunities and a feature on Rue Daily. In the beginning, I said yes to every project to gain experience, but now I’m able to be more selective with the work I take on. I’ve grown my business through word of mouth, brand collaborations, and sharing my projects on social media, which has helped me connect with a wider audience and strengthen my brand.

Can you tell me about your creative process? What is your favorite part?

My creative process begins with spending time in the space itself, really soaking in the environment to get a sense of its energy, flow, and potential. I think about how the space should feel—whether it needs to be inviting, bold, calming, or energetic—and I work with my clients to define their goals for both the aesthetic and functional aspects. From there, I start pulling inspiration for colors and materials, drawing from my experiences, travels, and what feels right for the space.

I play with different combinations of textures and tones to create a cohesive look, often experimenting with renderings to visualize how everything will come together. It’s a collaborative process, where I keep tweaking the design until it hits that perfect balance between form and function. One of my favorite parts of the design process is sourcing materials and decorative elements, and I love any opportunity to bring antiques, small businesses, and artists into my work. Ultimately, it’s about making sure the final result not only looks incredible but also feels aligned with the story we want the space to tell.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

My approach to design is eclectic and intuitive, based on each project's concept and space. I reject the notion of 'luxury' in favor of a harmonious blend of elements with warmth and authenticity, creating environments that balance comfort, style, and attainability. Known for my versatility, I have a keen sense of color and texture, effortlessly adapting to my clients' needs and switching between different design aesthetics. While the overall style may vary, I consistently incorporate a mix of materials, muted color palettes, and natural elements like stone, tile, and wood. I’m drawn to textures that create warmth and depth, whether through soft fabrics or organic surfaces, with a focus on crafting spaces that feel layered, tactile, and alive.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I find inspiration in so many places—whether it's through my travels, where I’m constantly absorbing new cultures and environments, or wandering through magazine shops and flipping through art books. Antique markets are a treasure trove for me, full of unexpected pieces that spark new ideas. Nature, with its endless variety of textures and colors, is another constant source of inspiration. I also look to creative icons like Georgia O’Keeffe for her bold use of color and form, Wes Anderson for his meticulous attention to detail and quirky aesthetics, and Frank Lloyd Wright for his seamless integration of architecture and nature. Each of these influences helps shape my approach to design, blending the old with the new and the natural with the artistic.

How did you hear about Fireclay Tile? What did you enjoy about the experience?

I first discovered Fireclay Tile through social media, back when I was just starting to explore interior design. I was immediately drawn to their distinctive colors and patterns and found myself looking to their designs for inspiration early on.

When I started working on my primary home, I knew I wanted to source tile from them. The experience was great—everyone on their team was kind, communication was seamless, and the product quality was outstanding. It made the design process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Why do you love to specify tile in your projects?

I love using tile in my designs because it offers endless possibilities for creativity and customization. Tile adds texture, pattern, and depth to a space in ways that few other materials can. Whether I’m creating a bold statement with an intricate pattern or using earthy tones and textures to bring warmth, tile is incredibly versatile. It’s also a great way to introduce durability and timelessness into a space while still making it feel fresh and unique.

What are your 3 best design tips?

My top design tip is to always sample materials first. Take your samples with you to stone yards and other suppliers, and if possible, have them rendered so you can see how they’ll look in the space before making a commitment.

Another crucial tip is to make sure you measure correctly and order 15-20% overage, depending on the material. Many materials have long lead times, and you don’t want to fall short during installation. If you’re working with patterned tile, order even more than you would for a solid color, since the cuts within the pattern limit your usage. The bonus of having overage is that you can use it in unexpected ways, like tiling a fireplace, a nook, or even making side tables.

Finally, don’t be afraid to play with color and mix materials. Bold combinations of different materials, like pairing sleek metals with warm wood or a dynamic stone, can add depth and texture to a space, making the design feel more intentional. Experimenting with tile—whether through rich, vibrant colors, or subtle variations in tone and finish—can elevate a room, creating a layered, personal design that tells a unique story.

Do you have a favorite tile moment in all of your projects?

One of my favorite tile moments is in the sunroom of my primary home, where I used custom hand-painted tile from Fireclay Tile. The combination of Mesa, Mustard Seed, and Ivory creates a playful yet warm vibe, and it's also a nod to the colors of my short-term vacation rental, my very first interior design project. It was a chance to get really creative with color, and the unique pattern instantly draws attention, making the sunroom feel like a vibrant yet serene retreat. That blend of custom craftsmanship and bold color truly reflects my design approach.

If you're feeling inspired by Rae's beautifully eclectic interiors, explore her Pinterest or bring home samples of her favorite Fireclay colors! She curated this palette to include muted, earthy tones that create the serene and inviting atmosphere she's known for.