Table of Contents
- EA: What was your path into the design industry?
- EA: Looking back on the early days of your business, is there anything you wish you had known then?
- EA: How would you describe your signature style?
- EA: How has California shaped your design style?
- EA: Do you have a stand-out project in your career? A turning point in your career, or something you're most proud of?
Barclay Butera has been the creative force behind his prestigious design firm and showroom since 1994. His success in Newport Beach, California prompted Butera to establish a second design studio in Park City, Utah. Butera is renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous, chic interiors. His venture into licensing has landed him an unprecedented number of the industry’s most respected partners including: Lexington Home Brands furniture, Kravet indoor and outdoor textiles and carpets, Leftbank Art, Jaipur Living rugs, and many more. Butera is also a best-selling author of 6 coffee table books, including his most recent release — The New Traditional.
Eastern Accents has been proud to partner with Barclay Butera for over a decade, creating a wide range of luxury bedding collections and decorative pillows. Hand-crafted in Eastern Accents' Chicago factory, these collections coordinate with Butera's successful lifestyle home furnishings products; his signature look of richly layered design and elegant, yet lived-in, decor mesh seamlessly with Coastal, Mountain, Desert, and City styles.
Here, Butera discusses with Eastern Accents the early days of his career, his evolving style, how he envisions the future...
EA: What was your path into the design industry?
BB: Design has always been in my DNA; I grew up immersed in the world of interiors! My mother was a talented designer, and I spent my early years learning from her. That hands-on experience led me to develop a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and the art of layering. I officially launched my firm in 1994 with the goal of creating timeless, approachable luxury, and I’ve never looked back.
EA: Looking back on the early days of your business, is there anything you wish you had known then?
BB: I was lucky enough to understand the power of branding from the beginning. Design is about storytelling, and the strongest brands tell a consistent, compelling story. Over time, I learned to embrace not just the design work itself but also the business of design—building a strong team, nurturing client relationships, and creating products that resonate with people.
EA: How would you describe your signature style?
BB: My style is a blend of classic with a fresh twist, sophisticated yet inviting. I love to mix traditional elements with contemporary touches, creating interiors that feel effortlessly elegant but livable. I gravitate toward rich textures, layered patterns, and unique details that bring warmth and depth to a space.
Palisades Collection
Brentwood Collection
Over the years, Barclay has remained rooted in California, drawing inspiration from the Golden State in many of his projects in both name and style.
EA: How has California shaped your design style?
BB: California living is all about indoor-outdoor flow, relaxed luxury, and effortless elegance. My designs embrace that lifestyle—whether it’s a breezy coastal home, a refined mountain retreat, or a sophisticated city residence, I always prioritize comfort and beauty in equal measure. The natural landscapes here, from the beaches to the desert, inspire my use of color, texture, and light.
EA: Do you have a stand-out project in your career? A turning point in your career, or something you're most proud of?
BB: There have been many incredible moments, but launching my first showroom in Newport Beach was a defining milestone. Also, designing the guest bedroom coach house at the 2003 House Beautiful Bel Air showhouse was a turning point in my career. At the age of 30, it garnered significant attention from national publications and the Hollywood community. That project set the stage for the incredible opportunities that followed. It eventually led to licensing deals, nationwide recognition, and expanding into different aspects of the industry. I’m also incredibly proud of my collaborations with top-tier brands in furniture, lighting, textiles, and accessories, which have allowed me to share my aesthetic with a broader audience.
Ojai, our newest bedding collection, represents Barclay’s love for California, signature blue and white color scheme, and knack for mixing patterns and textures. Inspired by California’s idyllic bohemian town, this collection artfully blends a coastal aesthetic with global design elements. Its linen duvet cover and denim-blue Euro shams create a breezy, seaside backdrop—accented by artisanal touches of jute embroidery and medallion-print decorative pillows. Whether styled in a transitional interior or beachside bungalow, Ojai’s refined spirit is sure to shine.
Shop the Look
We asked Barclay how he imagines the future for himself and his firm...
BB: The future is about evolution— taking on exciting new interior design projects and expanding our presence in the home furnishings space, while continuing to push the boundaries of what luxury living can be. I see my brand growing in a way that allow more people to experience my approach to design, whether through retail, hospitality, or even new media platforms. At the end of the day, it’s about creating beautiful spaces that enhance the way people live. 
Indulge in more of Barclay’s elegant bedding designs with Barclay Butera for Eastern Accents. For more information on design services, published works, licensing projects and more, please visit Barclay Butera.
