Business Details
28 Years
experience
Award-Winning Interior Design Services for Livable Luxury Spaces
For nearly 25 years, Design Matters has partnered with clients to create spaces that reflect their unique lifestyles and enhance the relationship between architecture, design, and the natural environment. Our award-winning team specializes in Livable Luxury, blending functional sensibility with artistic balance across diverse regional settings including Northern California, Wine Country, and mountain communities in Utah, Wyoming, and beyond.With expertise in spatial design, material selection, and project management, we offer end-to-end services from concept to completion. Our process emphasizes personalized collaboration, ensuring each project aligns with client needs while maintaining regional aesthetic integrity. Recognized for innovative problem-solving and a passion for design storytelling, we deliver timeless spaces that evolve with our clients' lives.
Services
Interior Design
Architectural Development
CAD Drawings
3D Renderings
Furnishings & Styling
Project Management
Material Selection
Space Planning
Showroom Consultation
Design Storytelling
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25 years of experience creating Livable Luxury spaces
- Award-winning team with regional design expertise
- End-to-end project management from concept to completion
- Personalized approach with attention to regional aesthetics
- Proven track record with satisfied clients across diverse markets
Associations and certifications
- ASID
- CID#5922
What people say
Brilliant at what she does
Immense amount of value
Outstanding work
Contagious passion
Worthwhile and fun process
Services
Interior Design
Our interior design service creates Livable Luxury spaces that balance functionality with aesthetic beauty. We specialize in custom solutions for residential properties across diverse environments, from mountain retreats to coastal homes. Our designers collaborate closely with clients to understand their lifestyle needs and translate them into cohesive, functional spaces that reflect personal style while maintaining regional architectural integrity.
Architectural Development
We develop comprehensive architectural plans that integrate seamlessly with interior spaces. Our team creates detailed CAD drawings and 3D renderings to visualize projects before implementation. This service ensures structural elements complement interior design concepts while maintaining practical functionality and adherence to building requirements across various regional settings.
Furnishings & Styling
Our curated furnishings and styling service transforms spaces with carefully selected furniture, lighting, and decor. We leverage industry relationships to source high-quality pieces that align with client preferences and architectural context. This service includes procurement, delivery coordination, and final styling to create polished, inviting environments that reflect individual tastes.
Project Management
We provide end-to-end project management for design implementations. Our team coordinates with architects, contractors, and vendors to ensure seamless execution of design plans. This service includes material ordering, timeline coordination, and on-site supervision to maintain design integrity throughout the construction or renovation process.
Showroom Consultation
Our physical showrooms offer hands-on experiences with design materials and concepts. Clients can explore cabinetry, countertops, and finish samples while receiving expert guidance from our design team. This service provides tangible references for material selections and design decisions, enhancing the overall design process.
People
Julie Cavanaugh
Founder and Principal Interior Designer
ASID member and CID#5922 licensed designer with 25 years of experience creating Livable Luxury spaces. Specializes in regional design storytelling and spatial relationships, transforming homes into personalized sanctuaries that harmonize with natural environments.
Roberta Wilson
Interior Designer | Showroom Manager
Experienced interior designer with expertise in showroom operations and client consultations. Provides hands-on design solutions and material selection guidance to clients in the Los Gatos location.
Tayler Ellis
Interior Designer | Showroom Manager
Dedicated design professional managing showroom operations in Utah. Offers personalized design consultations and helps clients visualize their spaces through material selections and showroom displays.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Northern California, Wine Country, and mountain communities in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, and Montana.
What design styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in Livable Luxury, blending modern, traditional, and regional styles to create functional, personalized spaces.
How does your design process work?
Our three-step process includes initial consultation and design development, material selection and ordering, followed by construction coordination and implementation.
Do you offer showroom consultations?
Yes, we have showrooms in Menlo Park, Los Gatos, and Park City with hands-on material displays and expert design guidance.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine 25 years of experience with regional expertise, creating spaces that tell each client's unique design story through Livable Luxury.
How do you handle project timelines?
We coordinate material lead times with construction schedules to ensure efficient project execution from concept to completion.
Reviews (5)
Diana P.
Oct 05, 2021
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I first used Design Matters in 2020 for a kitchen remodel. I really liked the designer's suggestions and knowledge of materials and suppliers. However, there were several problems along the way including mis-measuring the size of the sink (causing me additional return fees and time), not enough tile ordered for the backsplash (causing a week delay during construction), and not ordering the correct number of door knobs/drawer pulls (causing further delay in the completion of the project). When I started to plan for a bathroom remodel earlier this year my first thought was to select the materials
Joe R.
Oct 14, 2018
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Julie and team certainly are very well qualified and skilled design professionals. They have impeccable skills in terms of providing the right combination of design plans. Getting them to devote the right weekly time on your calendar and accounting it can however be a challenge - it appears they are overbooked.. other than this - I came out with great respect for the integrity and skills of everyone in the design team - especially Julie and wish them all the best !
Michelle B.
Sep 11, 2018
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Kinda flaky, they appear to be busy then when you finally get on the calendar and prepare a quote they don't return your calls. I waited to give them a second chance because I like the designer when she did respond but she scheduled an in home appt then changed it to another designer in the store. I didn't care for the experience.
W. D.
Jan 16, 2018
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We have been doing business with Design Matters now for many years and have had nothing but exceptional correspondence with every team member. Each member on their staff are extremely 'hands on' and trained professionals. We find in design that both creativity and the logistics side must be balanced if you are going to have a smooth transition for remodel, and these designers know that balance. The overall efficiency and quality of work at Design Matters, with Julie as their lead, will alleviate your concerns, but also streamline the entire process so that you and your family may enjoy
Phyllis S.
Aug 02, 2011
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I am upset that my previous review giving Julie Cavanaugh at design 101 5 stars and describing my outstanding experience has been blocked. One of the reviews currently shown suggests that all the 5 star reviews of Julie are "suspect" and should be removed. I would be glad to supply any information requested to substantiate my remodel done with Julie. There are awards and magazine photos supporting my description of the work she did for us. To say we were thrilled to have worked with her is an understatement. I applaud your right to disagree with me. I deplore your accusation that I have
