While some firms are full service and will both build and design your home or commercial space, there are a lot of talented firms that specialize in interior design, so your home can have the look and feel that fits your taste and lifestyle. A number of Silicon Valley’s best designs are collaborations with architects and contractors and range in style from contemporary to Mid-century and traditional — whether they are private homes tucked away in forests or remodeled Eichler
Hadley House Interiors
Address:
San Jose, CA
Hadley House is an interior design service whose work ranges from smaller residential projects to commercial arenas. Hadley House values honesty, creativity, and a positive attitude. They work and collaborate with a number of architectural firms, general contractors, and engineers, but are open to full-service projects as well. As a company, their goals are to provide spaces that are safe, reflect the client’s style and personality, and are functional and efficient. Hadley House works to provide the right solutions for their clients and feel it is important to know the client’s lifestyle and unique needs. They prefer to meet in person and discuss style ideas, reference photos, and gather the details that will indicate what you are looking for. Services include color consultations, kitchen and bath remodels, designing and commissioning custom pieces, and selecting furniture, textiles, cabinetry, art, and lighting.
Hadley House revamped a guest house in the Los Altos Hills area. The project was to rejuvenate a space that had not been used for a number of years. As a result, the space needed walls removed, new electrical and plumbing, new windows, and a reconfiguration of the entire space. The traditional-style guest home was brought to life with colorful accents and was given personality with hanging light fixtures complemented by clean, wood flooring and sleek cabinets and countertops. A commercial project in the Silicon Valley area featured the remodel of a cafe in Palo Alto. The Sprout Cafe needed an overhaul and a new look to match their brand. The space had an entirely new floor plan, complete with furniture and color consults, and custom wood and metal work, as well as custom graffiti and artwork. Overall, the space was renewed and refreshed with a more industrial, urban style that still has a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Ambiance Interiors
Address:
1027 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Ambiance Interiors was founded by Heidi Menard, who works across both residential and commercial projects. She has extensive experience in new construction and remodeling. Menard’s work is now focused on the Bay Area, but she also has a number of projects in Connecticut, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Oregon. Ambiance offers design services that are tailored to their clients tastes, lifestyle, and budget. Services include residential interior design, commercial design, and remodeling consultation. Ambiance manages all of their projects with a close eye and follows it through to the final touches. They tackle problems of all sizes, whether a minor project or an entire home.
A unique project was a Menlo Park home that needed a design to fit clients who traveled all over the world and have acquired collections and items from their trips. One of the unique features of the home was a framed collection of antique sword guards that was mounted over the fireplace. The Los Altos Home remodel was a 1950s ranch that was bought during the housing boom in 2013. As a result, the client had purchased the home as is and had not looked into much inspection. Upon moving in, they quickly realized that the home needed a lot of repair. Ambiance Interiors helped the homeowners realize their true vision for their dream house. A master bathroom was added with gorgeous detail, including Calcutta marble and mirrored cabinets. The kitchen was expanded and even the ceiling was raised and includes skylights and windows.
Kanika Design
Address:
San Mateo, CA
Kanika Design is an award-winning interior design firm. They specialize in both residential and commercial interior design projects and pride themselves on quality service and design. The firm was founded in 2008 in the Bay Area with a modern and contemporary focus. Bold colors are a central aspect of the Kanika aesthetic, and it shows in both their residential and commercial projects, which include clients like Friendster, Taulia, and Edmodo. Kanika Design provides the following services: remodeling, color consultation, short design consultation, full design consultation, bathroom and kitchen design, space planning, and more. Some of the most vibrant and playful designs are features in Kanika Design’s children’s rooms and nurseries. They often feature bright splashes of color, fun themes, and whimsical decor that can grow and evolve with the child.
Kanika Design completed a beautiful renovation of an outdoor space for a home in Palo Alto. The space features an eclectic combination of Asian and nautical elements to create a fun and engaging area that is perfect for lounging and entertaining. The vibrant textures and blue hues make for a calming and relaxing atmosphere that provides a nice change of pace from the normal hustle and bustle of the Silicon Valley culture. An additional project was a kitchen remodel for a home in Menlo Park, featuring intricate detail that creates a lively environment. The tile detail and upgraded appliances bring the kitchen to life and reimagines a space that a master chef would envy. The multi-use kitchen even creatively incorporates the washer/dryer, while adding a generous amount of counter space.
Arch Studio
Address:
San Jose, CA
Founded by Robin McCarthy in 2004, Arch Studio is a full-service design studio that specializes in custom residential architecture. From brand new custom homes to a remodel, Arch Studio provides design, material selection, drawings, and details that will translate a space. Services that Arch Studio provides are schematic design, strategic planning, design development, design review, permitting, construction documents, big selection, and more. Arch Studio makes this list for their vast number of projects that span the Silicon Valley area, including in neighborhoods like Menlo Park, Mountain View, and Willow Glen.
A notable project from Arch Studio is the West Menlo Park Shingle, a custom, 3,500-square-foot home in Menlo Park. The structure was a Cape Cod-style design featuring an open floor plan that was designed for family living and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen was installed with Mont Blanc quartzite countertops, a center island, and stainless steel appliances. There is a gas-burning fireplace with built-in cabinets and bookshelves in the family room. A Dolby surround sound home theater creates a perfect atmosphere for a movie night. The vaulted ceilings and big windows and skylights allow the home to be filled with light. Another Menlo Park project features a New Dutch Gambrel, a home inspired by the South Hamptons. The front features a Dutch Colonial exterior, which establishes a prominent presence among some of the tall redwoods in the front.
Spectrum Interior Design
Address:
425 First Street, Suite C, Los Altos, CA 94022
Spectrum Interior Design is an award-winning firm with over 20 years of high-end interior design and construction experience. The firm prides itself on the ability to design spaces that are warm, luxurious, and inviting, all while giving clients peace of mind that the firm will handle every step of the process from blueprints to the final finishing touches. Spectrum Interior Design is inspired by the California landscape when it comes to their color palettes and rich textiles. Their approach features a fresh look blended with classic design that creates timeless, elegant interiors. In 2016, the firm was the Gold Winner of the Gentry Home Design Excellence Awards. Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, South Bay Accent, Luxury Home Magazine, and a number of editorial journals.
Spectrum Interior Design worked on a gorgeous Los Altos home with a traditional elegance that maintained a warm and comfortable atmosphere. It features a luxury fireplace in a lush living room, an open kitchen with a substantial island for cooking and entertaining, and beautiful custom cabinetry. There is a cigar room that features rich leather chairs with dark curtains and intricate wallpaper, and a dining room that takes advantage of the natural light with high windows. And, to top it off, the home features its own wine cellar with a glass-enclosed storage area and tasting area. In another home in Los Altos Hills, the project took a more rustic look and feel. The stone exterior makes the home feel like an inviting cottage nestled in the woods. Large windows allow for a welcoming environment. The expansive kitchen features exposed wood beams and blend nicely with the rustic cabinets and wood flooring. Multiple fireplaces emphasize warmth, while the varying textures and tiles in the bathrooms create rich detail.
JKA Design
Address:
2423 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
John K. Anderson is a San Francisco interior designer with a combination of classic and modern tastes. He has over 25 years of experience and works on projects that include residential, commercial, and hospitality. He values his ability to balance styles, such as contemporary, Mid-century, and traditional, and to create interiors that are fresh, exciting, and enduring. Anderson is a both a leader and collaborator and founded JKA Design in 2005 after working with prominent designers in the industry. The studio has been featured in Marie Claire, the Wall Street Journal, and California Home and Design.
The Presidio Heights Residence features an Italian-style home that was originally built in 1923. At that time, it belonged to Henry Zellerbach of the Zellerbach Paper Company. The 2010 remodel by JKA Design featured a complete reconfiguration of the basement and upper levels. As a result, the house has a beautiful, custom, curved staircase with a modern railing. There’s a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the new family room/kitchen, framed by a curved glass bay window. The Twin Peaks residence started out with a dated looking feel from the ‘80s. The space had parts that were completely rebuilt, with an added library and a bar cabinet complete with storage and refrigerator. The master bath was moved in order to get better light. The whole renovation created a fresh update, with vintage European and Mid-century lighting to tie it all together.
Pennington Studios
Address:
947 Industrial Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Pamela Pennington Studios is a Palo Alto-based interior design firm that has been around since 1975, serving key areas of Silicon Valley, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and more. Principal and founder Pamela Pennington is known for her attention to detail and expertise in lighting design and custom cabinetry. Pennington Studios prides itself on lasting relationships with clients that often results in repeat business. Pennington Studio has been recognized through numerous awards including Cosentino’s Bath of the Year and four American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Gold Awards. The studio generally has a contemporary style, and they love to incorporate true craftsmanship and sustainability into their work. As a team, PPS strives to emphasize their philosophy that form follows function.
“I draw inspiration from the same things that have always inspired me. Seeing something beautiful that is original, exciting and fresh in architecture, design, media, and fashion. They all have meaning to me and seeing the creativity behind new ideas gets my juices flowing.” – Pamela Pennington
One of Pamela Pennington Studios’ most gorgeous projects is a bathroom remodel in a Menlo Park home. This 2016 ASID Gold Winner embodies what it means to be a peaceful and serene sanctuary. The light earthy colors balanced between the natural light and mirrors allow for a truly spectacular space. It is made even more impressive by heavily textured walls and fixtures that create movement and flow. Another notable project is a the clean and simplistic bathroom of a Palo Alto home, also an ASID Gold Winner. This project takes a different approach — its draw is the toned down, minimalist aesthetic. Wood panels and stark white countertops make up most of the space, with minimal details, including simple fixtures and handles. The shower is a simple glass structure and is optimized by customized cabinetry that seamlessly blends into the wall.
“I have never done anything else but interior design for the last 45 years. Sometimes we are just programmed from birth to be drawn to certain careers. I was delighted when I entered college to find I could get a 4-year degree in interior design. It was meant to be.” – Pamela Pennington
Sullivan Design Studio
Address:
883 Santa Cruz Avenue #201, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Sullivan Design Studio is an award-winning firm founded by Linda Sullivan. Linda brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm and has become known for her personal approach. She has even been referred to as “the client whisperer.” She values taking the time to listen and understand her client, which allows her to accurately customize solutions for their unique needs. The firm has been featured in number of publications, including Gentry Home, Grail, the Huffington Post, Silicon Valley Magazine, California Home and Design, and PopSugar. Sullivan Design has been recognized by ASID, receiving Gold awards for their designs across residential, corporate, and healthcare spaces since 2010. They received three Gentry Home Design awards in 2016.
One recent project features a beautiful, modern home in Atherton. The clients are a busy Silicon Valley family who needed to come home to a serene and soothing environment. The color palette features soft shades of gray and creates a neutral setting, enabling things like the garden view to be a central focus. The indoor-outdoor setting is achieved with fully open sliding glass doors that bring the poolside right up to the family room. Another Silicon Valley home was a more zen project for the homeowners. The Eastern influence featured limestone floors, creating an outdoor space leading up to a Buddha fountain, which was once owned by Sharon Stone. There are plenty of contrasts, from the fireplace and pool to the custom cabinetry — the decor joins the elements of water, air, earth, and fire, creating a harmonious home.
Urbanism Designs
Address:
Sunnyvale, CA
Urbanism Designs might be one of the list’s most unique firms, but given that this is Silicon Valley, the story may not be surprising. Urbanism Designs was founded by Pamela Lin, who got her start after designing her own home. A former Googler, Lin was approached by family and friends who loved her home, and they hired her to work on theirs. Lin found a new passion and left her job to start her own firm. Since starting her company, Lin’s work has been featured in Dwell, HGTV, and Design Milk. Urbanism Designs works in almost any style, including Mid-century, industrial, rustic, and contemporary. The firm values a home’s ability to feature creativity and personality — their goal is to never be boring.
The Mountain View Whimsy Apartment was a project to help a client who moved from out of the country. The goal was to turn a rental apartment into something they could call their own. They worked on a short timeline to complete the project, and the result is a fun, inviting atmosphere that makes a temporary space feel like home. The living room had only a sofa but was brought to life by decorative pillows, a coffee table, a vibrant rug, and some additional seating and artwork to brighten things up. A San Jose Eichler in the Fairhaven community got a full remodel from Urbanism Designs. The new kitchen created more space and added more functionality. This project was truly a collaboration with the client, as Urbanism Designs provided an initial design as well as material selection, and then allowed the client to run with it and have a result that reflected their personal aesthetics and lifestyle.
Niche Interiors
Address:
555 De Haro Street, Suite 320, San Francisco, CA 94017
Niche Interiors has accumulated growing list of ASID awards, including Silver Awards in 2015 and 2017 and a Gold Award in 2017 for best single room in the private domain. Niche is also on the Gold List of Luxe Interiors + Design 2017. Their designs have been featured Luxe Magazine, Food & Wine, the San Francisco Chronicle, Icon, Refined Home, and more. Niche Interiors specializes in high-end residential projects in the Bay Area. The firm prides itself on simplifying the process of home design and being efficient and transparent with their work. Rue Magazine named principal designer and founder Jennifer Jones as the “Designer to Watch.”
Niche Interiors designed a Palo Alto home for a young couple who were expecting a baby. The clients were in need of a space that could grow with their family and provide a calm atmosphere. Given a new baby, the clients were particularly concerned about anything that might contain harmful chemicals. The furniture selections featured a mix of custom-designed pieces with non-toxic upholstery and natural fabrics. A light and airy palette of greys and ivory blended beautifully with natural wood and textured rugs throughout the home. The Burlingame home was designed for a family on the go who loved to entertain and had a sophisticated style. An upholstered bench and geometric runner brought a lively edge to the foyer. The dining room featured a custom, curved banquette to provide unique space for eating and even just for doing homework in the kitchen.
