--- title: "GARY FINLEY — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gary-finley-pfvwus-pf~914432512 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~914432512.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "GARY FINLEY" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7753ed360e2bacb3_0179-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "31932 COAST HWY, LAGUNA BEACH, California 92651, United States" latitude: 33.5429 longitude: -117.7813 phone: "(949) 939-0088" website: http://GARYFINLEYINTERIORS.COM rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 621 last_updated: 2026-11-09 --- # GARY FINLEY Original Houzz profile: [GARY FINLEY](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gary-finley-pfvwus-pf~914432512) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** LAGUNA BEACH, CA - **Serves:** Irvine, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Foothill Ranch, San Joaquin Hills, beyond!, Capistrano Beach, East Irvine, Newport Coast - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves GARY FINLEY INTERIORS, INC IS A DESIGN PRACTICE LOCATED IN LAGUNA BEACH, WHERE I SERVE AS DESIGNER/OWNER. "I invite you to contact me regarding your INITIAL IN HOME CONSULTATION AT NO CHARGE. Please call to schedule a time and date." AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER I HAVE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF ALL ASPECTS OF MOST ANY PROJECT. MY WORK RANGES FROM CONTEMPORARY TO TRADITIONAL. WITH YEARS OF NEW CONSTRUCTION/REMODEL EXPERIENCE I AM ABLE TO REPRESENT CLIENTS, TO THEIR CONTRACTOR THROUGH THE MANY PHASES OF THEIR PROJECT. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Furniture Selection - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Home Office Design & Construction - Custom Built-ins - Entry Design - Floor Plans - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Art Selection - Closet Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Rugs - Home Theater Design - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Downsizing - Drafting - Holiday Decorating - Decluttering - Kitchen Remodeling ### Areas Served - Irvine - Costa Mesa - Mission Viejo - Newport Beach - Lake Forest - Laguna Niguel - San Clemente - Aliso Viejo - San Juan Capistrano - Dana Point - Ladera Ranch - Laguna Beach - Corona del Mar - Foothill Ranch - San Joaquin Hills - beyond! - Capistrano Beach - East Irvine - Newport Coast ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 400,000 Initial consult at no cost to the prospective clients! ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | GARY FINLEY | | Address | 31932 COAST HWY, LAGUNA BEACH, California 92651, United States | | Phone | (949) 939-0088 | | Website | http://GARYFINLEYINTERIORS.COM | | License Number | 141866 | | Followers on Houzz | 621 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [GARY FINLEY](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gary-finley-pfvwus-pf~914432512) - **Website:** http://GARYFINLEYINTERIORS.COM - **Phone:** (949) 939-0088 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Awarded 2012 ASID Orange County, Platium Award in recognition of exemplary interior design, in the category of SPECIAL SPACES - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2018), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Kelley Kulina, Jan. 2018** > We asked Gary to provide a second opinion/consultation on our house in Mission Viejo. He was able to mediate very skillfully between me and my husband and get my husband to see his own design flaws when others could not. He is extremely professional and caring. I very enthusiastically recommend Gary, especially to couples. **★★★★★ — Karen Brower, Dec. 2017** > We bought a new home in San Juan Capistrano that was a complete change from our Laguna home. We hired Gary to help us furnish the great room and the study. He came up with ideas that we never would have thought of, and followed through with great care. He helped us realize our dream of owning a slab table and we decorated the room around that. > We moved in 3 months ago and the house is everything we dreamed of, thanks to Gary! **★★★★★ — Jeri Koegel Photography, July 2013** > Gary Finley is an excellent designer. He brings style and creativity to the spaces he creates. It is an honor to work with him, he opens my eyes to possibilities I had not thought of. Additionally, Gary always keeps his client's needs and wants central to the project. His work makes me look good! **★★★★★ — hoberns, Feb. 2013** > Gary is a highly qualified, efficient interior decorator and construction coordinator. Not only did he save us a considerable amount of money on our project , we continue to get compliments on his work . **★★★★★ — peggyd1949, Jan. 2013** > We have used Gary Finley for several projects. Which speaks for itself about the professional work he does. Gary renovated a home in Colorado that was Bavarian style, and turned it into mountain contemporary. His eye for picking out color is amazing, from co-ordinating from floor, wood work etc. He designed a metal and wood staircase which was a challenge and turned out beautiful. He has great vision > > Gary works well with the contractor and homeowner with insisting that we all get what we want. With all that in mind, he also watches your dollar, not always looking for the most expensive way to do things. > > Gary Finley is easy to work with, highly recommend. **★★★★★ — wilbur11, Jan. 2013** > Gary handled a whole house project for us and we are extremely pleased with the result. He has the ability to develop creative solutions, and sketch and explain his ideas.He is very knowledgeable of the materials and furnishings available. He created a home for us that is both pleasing to the eye and comfortable to live in. **★★★★★ — davidinlaguna, Oct. 2012** > Over the years I've had the opportunity to work with Gary on a number of projects in my home. Along the way I've also been able to view his other projects. His work ranges from traditional to contemporary. He is able to draw from his clients taste and needs and create beautiful and useful spaces. **★★★★★ — carolstraub, Oct. 2012** > Gary Finley has done numerous design projects in our home. A major design project was our living room. His creative approach to wall color and material, floor covering, lighting, window covering, furniture and accessories resulted in an eloquent yet functional transformation of our 15 year old living room. He is extremely conscientious, detail oriented, and works well within your budget. Gary is absolutely brilliant as a designer, yet he has a humility about him that makes it a true pleasure to work with him. He continues to exceed our expectations with each design project and we look forward to the next! ## Selected projects - [Oaks Farms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oaks-farms-pj-vj~2830382) - Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA - Photos: 8 - [Laguna Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laguna-beach-pj-vj~109568) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 35 - [2016 Orange County Philharmonic House of Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2016-orange-county-philharmonic-house-of-design-pj-vj~2003814) - Location: Dana Point, CA - Photos: 5 - [Astoria Tower: Irvine, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/astoria-tower-irvine-ca-pj-vj~146532) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 4 - [2012 Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2012-design-pj-vj~53729) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 1 - [Pent House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pent-house-pj-vj~109580) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 3 - [Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-pj-vj~148673) - Location: Beaver Creek, CO - Photos: 4 - Description: Beaver Creek Home - [Contemporary Mountain House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-mountain-house-pj-vj~138072) - Location: Edwards, CO - Photos: 3 - [2013 House of Design Orange County](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2013-house-of-design-orange-county-pj-vj~221740) - Location: Coto de Caza, CA - Photos: 1 - [Irvine Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/irvine-project-pj-vj~53728) - Location: Irvine, CA - Photos: 1 - [Tulsa House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tulsa-house-pj-vj~148662) - Location: Tulsa, OK - Photos: 5 - [House of Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-of-design-pj-vj~138071) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 2 - [Huntington Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/huntington-beach-pj-vj~2880501) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/gary-finley-pfvwus-pf~914432512) ## Ideabooks - [Windows and doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/174036935/list/windows-and-doors) — 10 ideas - [Michael's](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164113447/list/michael-s) — 56 ideas - [kithens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46665212/list/kithens) — 32 ideas - [Browers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146948310/list/browers) — 17 ideas - [staircases](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171066197/list/staircases) — 6 ideas - [garyfinley's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1880580/list/garyfinley-s-ideas) — 77 ideas - [K.GATES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152123153/list/k-gates) — 16 ideas - [JAK](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151990402/list/jak) — 10 ideas - [Chef's kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107854617/list/chef-s-kitchen) — 4 ideas - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25191730/list/fireplaces) — 5 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/garyfinley) ## Community Q&A **Q: Corner cabinet with shelving in dining room ideas** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello! I wanted some advice in regards to decorating the corner cabinet shelving in our dining room. I love the charm and warmth of the oak and so that will be staying ( the rest of our home also has oak trim , cabinets and doors as well) The walls and fireplace will be updated to simply white by Benjamin Moore and there will be a chandelier installed as well as updates to the dining room table itself (my husband is going to build the top so there is a temporary top and table cloth in its place.) I was thinking a long the lines of stacking firewood on the shelving (as shown and I would buy more to actually fill the shelves ) however , I’m unsure if that looks... odd? My taste is more industrial and rustic if that helps any. I’m not a fan of a bunch of plants or nicknacks as I like a more cohesive look. Perhaps old books? Any thoughts and ideas would be appreciated ! A: Study the corned cabinet..............................Do you like it? If you like it and it is to stay, is there really any need to worry about the rest of the room? Your fireplace is lovely and the floor and the window/door is great There is no reason for the cabinet, it takes attention away from the fireplace, the wood running to the ceiling is so bad. Spend what money there is to spend on correcting the poor design elements. I'm resting on those thoughts. **Q: Which Color looks best to carpet the stairs?** *(in Polls)* Which Color looks best to carpet the stairs which leads to a game room only A: keep it simple and get it done!The right one will be nice. If you are willing to spend more money a wood stair would be my choice to match your wood flooring **Q: Experience Having Cork Flooring Installed? Review of the Material?** *(in Flooring)* We just bought a fixer and I am looking into having cork floors installed in the kitchen and dining area. Cork seems like a great material overall (sustainable, soft underfoot, relatively durable, can get printed tiles to look like wood). But the only thing holding me back is the idea of resealing every 4 years. And supposedly pets might gouge the floors? Anyone have cork flooring installed and want to share your thoughts? Is resealing a hassle or easy process? How prone is the material to scratching and dents really? Thanks for taking the time! A: there can be issues with and product. As someone told me once "you can tear up anythng" Myself, I would use white oak flooring. I have used it for clients in baths, kitchens,hallways,etc.... Bamboo can be rather slippery. Remember: when you buy the best you only cry ONCE! **Q: Need advice on how to hide bump out in living room** *(in Remodeling)* Hello houzz Community, Just bought a house that has a really ugly bump out all the way across the back wall of the living room. Originally, we thought we could remove it, but it is actually concrete and serves as part of the foundation for the original house. Our next thought was to raise the floor to that height, but we can't do that due to a masonry fireplace that would cost too much to raise. The last option is to hide it. My husband suggested bookcases, but I don't want an entire wall of bookcases when we no longer buy books! Any other thoughts? The length of the bump out is approximately 20 feet, and there is a staircase railing approximately 4 feet above it (see photos). A: with your bump-out is not going away, it needs to not have interest drawn to it. Blend it in!. The trim/railing and cabinetry (wood elements) should all be painted a slight contrast to the wall color. The wood paneling should be removed and that will allow the ugly seam above the exterior glass door to be gone. As for the bump-out finish it with wood (top and front and side if there is a side). Paint the wood as the other trim. Unless you are willing to spend a great deal on recreating the railing and doing a great deal of construction these ideas may be your best out ? **Q: Can Carrara and Calacatta “go together”?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I am currently in the final stages of our house remodel and need help with our master bathroom shower! I have already chosen a Carrara Quartz countertop that is going on the bathroom double sink vanity (top left of pic). A piece of that is also going on the “lip” of the walk in shower (what you would walk over to walk into the shower). Shower is approximately 4’x4’ with 3 walls. I have also chosen a creamy shades of white subway tile (Bedrosian Cloe Tile in white) going on 2 of the walls, and a tan/neutral accent tile on the other wall (top right of pic). I am wondering whether to also do a carrara 2” hexagon shower floor (bottom left of pic) or a calacatta 2” hexagon floor (bottom right of pic)? Im leaning towards the calacatta so it helps work with the tan/neutral accent tile, but don’t want it to not look right with the carrara strip going in. I hope I explained everything right. Thanks so much!! Here is the pic of all the tile mentioned (except the cloe tile!) A: sounds as though there is a great deal going on. The carrera counter tops seem to be good. I'm assuming the sinks are white? I would not be a fan of the two different slab materials. There seems little reason for calacatta and carrera in the same area. As I see the room with the suggested materials, there is a clean white and gray bath being combined with a warm cream and tan bath. I suggest going one direction and not confusing the bath with cream/white/tan and gray. Even as I type I only see it will be confusing. ? **Q: Rug** *(in Photo Questions)* Very beautiful rug. Can you share where the rug is from/purchased? A: hello JROMAN please phone 949 939 0088 to discuss the rug. Gary Finley --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-09.*