Everything changed when HGTV came calling. Saying yes meant taking a risk—and stepping into the spotlight. That national exposure gave me the chance to showcase my creativity to a wider audience and led directly to my first paying design clients. It was my first real lesson in the power of visibility: when more people see you, more opportunities follow.

IN 2009

the breakthrough moment

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After my show aired, I made the decision to go back to school and pursue my interior design degree. But just before graduating, I was offered a position at a top design firm & home furnishings showroom in Los Angeles. I packed my bags, took the leap, and immersed myself in bold, high-end design alongside some of the best in the business. That experience didn’t just sharpen my skills—it shaped how I saw myself as a designer. LA didn’t just define my style—it introduced me to the power of personal branding, polished presentation, and what it really takes to market yourself at the luxury level.

IN 2011

the leap to Hollywood

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I returned to Florida with a fresh perspective and relaunched my firm with a bold new vision—one that reflected everything I had learned in LA. This was the official start of John McClain Design as a fully formed brand, along with the opening of my first retail space, Gilded Home, featuring custom furniture and curated finds. It was more than a relaunch—it was the moment my business started to look, sound, and sell like the brand I always knew it could be.

IN 2013

The Birth of My Own Brand

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The natural next step? A home furnishings line that carried my design philosophy into homes around the world. I launched Gilded Home by John McClain—a 100+ SKU collection of bold, refined pieces that reflected my signature style. More than just a product line, it became a global brand extension that introduced my name to a wider audience and positioned me as both designer and tastemaker on an international stage.

IN 2014

my brand goes global

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With growing demand and a growing team, I expanded our Florida office, purchased our first official headquarters, and took on larger, more complex projects with clarity and confidence. I also returned to California—this time leading my own firm—with the opening of our Los Angeles office and clients on both coasts. That season marked a new level of growth: we weren’t just successful—we were scaling, surpassing multiple 7 figures, and proving that a strong brand and solid systems create real, sustainable momentum.

IN 2019

Scaling the Brand: Coast to Coast

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My passion for helping other designers build thriving, fulfilling businesses launched a bold new chapter: coaching and mentoring interior designers ready to step into the spotlight. That same year, I published my first book, The Designer Within: A Professional Guide to a Well-Styled Home, which cemented my voice in the industry and deepened my reach. In 2023, I launched The Designer Within Podcast (now The McClain Method Podcast)—a no-fluff space for designers and creative entrepreneurs to get honest advice on business, mindset, and success. What started as a passion project quickly became a go-to resource for designers ready to level up.

IN 2022 & 2023

From Design Leader to Industry Mentor

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Today, I still take on select design projects—but my true passion lies in sharing the lessons I’ve learned over 15 years in business. Through coaching, courses, speaking, and The McClain Method membership, I help interior designers build businesses as beautiful, intentional, and successful as the spaces they create. Because your brilliance deserves more than admiration—it deserves momentum, recognition, and results.

TODAY

Empowering Creatives at Every Stage

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