Business Details
Interior Design Services in Petaluma, CA
With over two decades of experience in the design industry, I specialize in creating thoughtfully curated spaces that blend aesthetic vision with functional practicality. My career spans award-winning projects in brand identity, retail environments, exhibitions, and both residential and commercial interiors. I collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and artisans to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to each client's unique needs and budget. Holding a BFA in Design from California College of the Arts and a BA from UC Berkeley, I bring a multidisciplinary approach rooted in user experience and site-specific design.My work at institutions like SFMOMA and Wired Magazine, combined with my independent consultancy, has honed my ability to transform spaces through strategic design thinking. I prioritize transparent communication and offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to understand client objectives before proposing creative solutions. My artistic background in glasswork, ceramics, and sculpture informs my holistic approach to interior and exterior environments. Based in Petaluma, California, I serve both local and regional clients seeking innovative design partnerships.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Design
Interior Design
Exterior Design
Event Design
Brand Strategy
User Experience Design
Exhibit Design
Furniture Sourcing
Art Selection
Highlights and features
- We offer a complimentary 30-minute site consultation for personalized project planning
- Our holistic approach integrates partnerships with architects and contractors for comprehensive execution
- BFA in Design from California College of the Arts demonstrates formal design expertise
- 20+ years of experience across residential, commercial, and exhibition design disciplines
- Transparent communication process prioritizing client goals and budgetary constraints
Services
Residential Design
Creating functional living spaces that reflect homeowner personalities while optimizing spatial efficiency. Our process begins with understanding lifestyle needs before developing customized floor plans, material selections, and furnishing strategies. We manage projects from initial concept through final installation.
Commercial Design
Developing workspace environments that enhance productivity and brand identity. Services include space planning, wayfinding systems, and material specification tailored to business operations. We coordinate with contractors to ensure minimal disruption during renovations while maintaining code compliance.
Exhibit Design
Crafting immersive environments for museums, galleries, and trade shows. Our approach combines storytelling with spatial organization to create engaging visitor experiences. We handle everything from initial concept sketches to fabrication oversight for temporary and permanent installations.
Brand Strategy
Building cohesive brand systems that translate across physical and digital platforms. Services include logo development, color palettes, typography systems, and application guidelines for consistent brand presentation in both print and environmental contexts.
Art Selection
Curating artwork collections that enhance spatial aesthetics while reflecting client preferences. We source original pieces, manage acquisitions, and coordinate professional installation for residential and commercial settings to create visually compelling environments.
People
Ellen Manerud Design
Interior Designer
Award-winning designer with 20+ years experience in residential and commercial spaces. BFA from California College of the Arts and background at SFMOMA. Specializes in transforming environments through strategic design partnerships.
Questions
What design services do you specialize in?
I specialize in residential and commercial interior/exterior design, exhibit design, brand strategy, and user experience solutions tailored to client goals and budgets.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, I provide a complimentary 30-minute site consultation to discuss project objectives and fee structure.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Petaluma, California, I serve both local and regional clients for residential and commercial design projects.
How do you approach design projects?
I use a collaborative approach partnering with architects, contractors, and artisans to deliver comprehensive solutions that balance creativity with practical execution.
What is your design background?
With BFA in Design from California College of the Arts and experience at SFMOMA and Wired Magazine, I bring multidisciplinary expertise to each project.
Reviews (5)
Scott H.
Feb 17, 2017
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Top notch! I've worked at the largest design firm in the world with top people in the industry. Ellen is a special find, bringing the expertise of the large firms out to us. My accounting firm benefited from Ellen's care. She delivered business cards I am proud to hand out and a logo which shares the right first impression.
Aaron D.
Dec 16, 2016
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Ellen is fantastic with all aspects of design. As a member of a corporation that takes pride in its branding I was really impressed with the attention to detail that Ellen noticed in our branding. She continued to impress me with the way I heard she worked with her clients so I decided to have a client of mine work with her. This client was having a major conflict on which way their brand should go in terms of style. Ellen was patient and gave expert advice and guidance. The client was so pleased with the experience and I have been so fortunate to have her as a quality and reliable resource for
Christopher D.
Jul 05, 2016
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Ellen helped me design a magazine ad. I had an idea/thoughts about what I wanted to see, but no clue where to begin. She made it a reality, and made it better that I imagined it could be. She was fast, efficient, knowledgeable but above all delivered a stellar design. I would recommend her in a second to anyone in need of design work. And if you own a business, or are thinking of starting one, you need design and you need Ellen!
Vishal S.
Jan 25, 2016
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Ellen helped our business with a newsletter outreach and website design. Ellen took her time to understand my needs and gave us few options. We were delighted with the process and final results. She is great at building and enhancing business marketing material. Good work Ellen.
Nancy L.
Aug 06, 2015
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Ellen designed some packaging for a new c.d. I am offering to clients. I gave her a logo and minimal written input. She did a bang up job designing the box to ship the cd in as well as a terrific jewel case insert. I was very pleased; the turnaround time was quick, she coordinated with the printer and others, and I found the cost to be reasonable. I would highly recommend her, and have.
Nancy L.
Nancy L.
