Clara Jung is the founder and principal designer of Banner Day Interiors, one of the Bay Area’s leading design firms. She began her career in corporate law, but the pull of creativity proved impossible to ignore. Today, her work is defined by bold color, layered pattern, and a charming sense of whimsy. Her talent for thoughtfully updating older homes for the needs of modern life has earned her not only a full roster of repeat clients, but also a devoted social media following. On May 12, her first book, Storied Homes: Designs from Banner Day Interiors, will bring her signature style to design lovers everywhere. She shares more about the journey that led her here. 

When did you first discover your love of interior design?
Not until much later in life. Many interior designers share that story of redecorating their childhood bedrooms over and over again as their origin story—that initial spark. That wasn’t me. It was during law school, where I needed a distraction from the pressures of school, that I retreated into the world of shelter blogs and design magazines. That was the beginning.

How would you describe your style? Do you stay within a particular look or explore interiors on a project-by-project basis?
Our range is broader than many designers’. I truly believe our job is twofold: to reflect the architecture of the home and to reflect the clients who live in it. So, our projects differ stylistically depending on those two factors. That said, there are common threads that run through most of our work—a love of color, a sense of whimsy and layering, and an elevated aesthetic balanced with approachability.

Tell us a bit about the book’s format. What can readers expect?
Each chapter is devoted to a single project and the people who live there. My favorite part is the introduction to each chapter, where we asked clients a series of personal questions. What surprised me is how many of my clients share my love of Negronis. So, if you have a penchant for Negronis and need a designer, you know where to find me. 

Were there any pleasant surprises during the writing process? Any “a-ha” moments you’re most excited to share with readers?
People had told me I had a strong “voice” on social media, and honestly, I didn’t quite believe them. But through the process of writing and revising the book’s text again and again, it became undeniable—I do have a distinctly Clara voice. Discovering and owning that was one of the most unexpected epiphanies of writing this book.

What is one thing you think every room needs?
A solid, quality rug. It provides both the literal and figurative foundation of a room.

Why do you think home design is important or meaningful?
Over the last decade or so, people have increasingly found comfort, safety, and identity in their homes. That’s a shift I deeply embrace — and it’s a reminder of how much the spaces we inhabit truly matter.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career thus far?
The returning clients. I’ve grown alongside so many of them through different chapters of their lives and families. It’s something I never anticipated, but it has turned out to be the most meaningful part of what I do.

Is there one piece of advice you share in the book that you wish you’d had when you were starting out?
Don’t be shy about self-promotion. Talk about your work, share your projects, own your achievements. I was hesitant to do that in my early years, but the truth is—you are your own best advocate.

What do you have planned next?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some truly special projects in the pipeline — I can’t wait to share them. My ongoing goal remains the same: to elevate my practice and keep learning as much as I possibly can about design.

Clara’s book, Storied Homes: Designs from Banner Day Interiors, will be published by Gibbs-Smith on May 12. You can preorder your copy here.