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Please note: this page contains reviews and opinions sent in by Berkeley Parents Net subscribers. Your own experience may be different. Please always check references before hiring!
We were referred to Dave Davis Design through a reputable design person, and it turned out to be a perfect match! I thought I would post my thoughts if you are looking for these kinds of services. Since moving to Albany with our two sons, we have had several paint and design people work on our home. It was not until we met Dave that all those elements came together for one design. Dave helped us create color schemes that complemented our pre- existing dHcor, did all the prep and paint work on our project, and was very organized and efficient. He paid attention to every detail, including window treatments, light fixtures, space utilization, and furniture selection and placement. In the end, we love our home looks and feels. We would be happy to recommend Dave Davis for his craftsman style paint work, as well as all the design elements he brings to the job. Dave can be reached at 510.425.2591. Louise and Bruno
I would like to recommend Jeanette Sayre of Ilium Arts as a color consultant. She chose the colors for the exterior of my historic shingle craftsman home and when it was done, it became the showpiece of the neighborhood.
Jeanette has an amazing eye and can visualize what colors and paints will look like on a wall in a way that most of us can't. She brought over paint samples, and painted swatches on the wall so we could see it at different times of the day. She chose 4 colors to go with the shingles and then told us where to place each color. The colors highlighted all the architectural details and blended beautifully with our landscaping.
I was so happy with the results, I have her working on the
interior now. Jeanette can be reached at 510-451-7046 or
www.iliumart.com.
Ann
I would like to recommend Dave Davis, of Dave Davis Designs, for
interior painting and color consulting. I initially hired him for
painting only. But I soon realized that I also needed his
guidance in choosing paint colors in several rooms. He helped me
settle on colors that complemented each other and worked well
under different lighting conditions. He has an eye for detail and
does a meticulous job of painting. On top of that, he was fun to
have around and I feel like I made a friend in this process. I
would use him again, without hesitation. To reach Dave, call
510-684-0132 (cell) or 510-452-2591 (land line). Please feel free
to contact me by email for a reference
barbara
Stephani Lesh was an extemely helpful color consultant when I
painted the interior of my home recently. Her intelligent
guidance and artistic sensibility were invaluable. She works
with Benjamin Moore and/or Pratt and Lambert color decks. And
she's affordable! Call her at 510 843-9493
Berkeley homeowner
Cass Morris, a color and design consultant, came to work for me
recently. I found her on the Berkeley Parents' Network and we really
needed her help!
We had paint swatches all over the interior and exterior of our house
and we could not agree on what to do. Our garage was full of sample
quarts of paint.
During the consultation, Cass quickly showed us which colors harmonized
and which didn't work well together. She managed to bring our family
together in agreement
on color schemes by tweaking some colors slightly and adding some new
colors. We were impressed with her expertise and highly recommend her.
She's really good!
Check out her website at
>> >> http://www.cassmorris.com
or call her at 510-524-1726.
Chris H
David van Dommelen is brilliant. He helped us choose the interior and
exterior colors for our Oakland bungalow which we just sold, and is now
helping us with our new home in N. Berkeley. Very subtle choices, very
refined taste, very flexible and engaging professional.
david[at]vandommelencolorworks.com
happy new homeowner
RE Help with exterior paint and "curb appeal"
We just hired Cass Morris to color consult a second time because we have enjoyed so
much the results for the main floor of our home. Cass designed a color scheme to go
with our dark furniture, carpets and cherry floors. We plan to use her color advice
for a third time when we paint the outside of our house next year.
Cass is a great person to work with; she is fun and has lots of creative ideas. We
highly recommend her! You can see her website at
> > www.cassmorris.com
Karen
I highly recommend Christina Van Horn if you need help choosing beautiful colors for the interior of your home.
We recently sold our Albany home and worked with a WONDERFUL color consultant, Christina Van Horn of Color and Interior Decorating. Her collaborative approach included testing the colors, overseeing the painters, and ensuring that our standards were met, every step of the way. She recommended beautiful, vibrant colors for nearly every room in our house; the house looked fabulous by the time it went on the market and we believe that contributed to how quickly it sold. I highly recommend Christina for color and interior decorating.
Carolie
When I read a recommendation for Cass Morris in the last newsletter, I called her immediately. I was about to paint one room a color we liked and realized we had no idea what color we'd paint any other room - we had no plan whatsoever. Cass is a professional painter, artist, and color consultant, and she guided us in choice of a palette of colors that coordinate. She was so thoughtful and so creative - encouraged us to be less timid with color, suggested that some light fixtures didn't seem appropriate in some rooms, supported our decision to remove the valences over the windows, etc. She gave me tips on choices of paint (grade, sheen) and prep and painting techniques. And we can use her discount at East Bay paint. We'll definitely consult her again when we're ready to paint the outside. She's wonderful.
Cass Morris
We painted the interior of our house ourselves, but hired Cass Morris to color consult. We had some colors we liked, but they didn't seem to go together, and we didn't know where to put them. In a couple of hours with her, we chose a unique and harmonious group of colors that really personalized our home. She also had great advice on furniture placement, and helped us choose from our fabric and tile samples. Cass is a fun, creative person who takes the time to listen, and she has an excellent sense of color! We enjoyed the process very much and highly recommend her as a design and color consultant. With a new baby in the house we will be doing some more updates. We plan on working with her again and look forward to it. Check out her website at http://www.cassmorris.com
Melissa
Angelisse Karol, a color & interior design consultant, came to my house a few weeks ago to give us a consulation on colors for the inside and outside of our house, and I wanted to recommend her to anyone tackling a paint job who wants to get the colors right.
Angelisse listened carefully to what we wanted and worked quickly with us to find the colors we envisioned for the exterior and interiors. I'd never hired an interior designer before and I was suprised by how down to earth and focused she was. Angelisse used to work as a contractor and went to art school, so she knows her stuff. She's just got tons of experience with colors and can gauge what will work and what won't before you waste time and money on the wrong gallon of paint!
She charges $100 an hour, she works very quickly and we ended up doing the entire inside and outside of the house in just over 2 hours. I'm happy to talk to anyone more about my experience with her. I really was thrilled with the experience. Her number is 510-658-2599, angelisse AT comcast.net, www.angelissekarolcolor.com
Rinat
For color consultation, interior design, or re-design using your own stuff, I'd
like to recommend Jennifer Thompson, of jthompsondesign[at]comcast.net.
Jennifer moved into my rental house in Berkeley after 10 years in West Marin
-- some of you may have visited her store in Inverness Park, called
Thompson Design. She has totally transformed my sweet but rather plain
little house into a really vibrant, charming space, and is looking for work
doing more of the same. Her ideas are imaginative without being over the
top, her rates are reasonable, and she's very easy to work with. References
and pictures available. Phone 510 898 1171
Janet
My husband and I have tried painting our first floor
ourselves and we have hated the colors we used each and
every time. I am finally ready to bite the bullet and pay
someone to help us choose a color that will go with
existing decor, but I have no idea where to start. I am
looking for someone inexpensive and willing to work in
Alameda. I would love any suggestions. Thanks! Melanie
Melanie
Hello,
I'm looking for someone in S.F who is excellent with colors and
decorating to help me choose the paint colors for our new
home. I
would really appreciate a referral for someone who is a
professional color consultant-and who of course is really
wonderful and creative!
Thank you,
Cindy
I'm looking for someone to help me pick out paint colors
for the interior of our house as well as help with
decorating ideas/buying and arranging furniture. We live in
the Oakland hills near Redwood Rd.
Monica
i know she recently helped a woman who had already gone
through over 22 colors in her house and just could not
figure out how to achieve the feel and look for the space.
angela spent about 4 hours with her and redirected the
whole process. the client was skeptical but when she saw
the results she was is awe and so happy.
she's also a parent (of two boys and 2 stepchildren) so
she's familiar with designing spaces with family in mind.
anyway, she can be reached at ninereasons AT aol.com or at
510.508.7625
make sure you mention my name, corey...good luck!
Corey
We would like to paint our children's room and a bathroom
ourselves, but are looking for someone to help us choose the
paint colors. We would like something fun and whimsical in the
children's room, but simple. Thank You!
Elise
Stephanie came armed with color samples and books on different
finishes and we had a 4 hour session. The end result was we had
color recommendations all of which we were happy with and some
of which we would have never chosen on our own. It remains to be
seen how the colors will finally look in our house ( we havent
begun painting yet), but we were able to overcome our fear of
bold paint thanks to her encouragement. She was knowledgeable
about color and can look at the existing elements of a room and
pull out colors that work with the decor and light. I was
impressed with her knowledge of different finishes and I think
that if your project include faux finishes etc, you can very
effectively leverage her talent.
I would suggest that you have some documentation of your
agreement with her with regards to price and the exact scope of
the project. Of course, she has her own biases and if you want a
particular color you may need to state that unequivocally. Also
she uses Benjamin Moore paint samples, which are high end
paints, but as she said herself, they maybe more than what you
need for a home. We found it a bit hard to locate shops that
have these paints and also found them to be on the expensive
side.
All in all we were happy with her recommendations and look
forward to seeing our 'new' home after its been painted!
A ''Color''-ed opinion
Can anyone recommend a good, but not too expensive, color consultant who can
help us with interior paint choices that work with our existing furniture and
art? We painted our living room and dining room a perfect color that
transformed into an entirely different wrong color in the morning light. We
want to avoid more mistakes in other rooms, and see if there is a way to
redeem the first paint job short of completely repainting, maybe a sponge
technique over it.
Last updated: Dec 9, 2007
Maryl
June 2005
May 2005
Jan 2005
We are a French/Belgian family who would like to recommend a wonderful
interior designer and color consultant, Jennifer Thompson, of
J.Thompson Design. We bought a house in the Oakland Hills that was
built after the fire; it had interesting architecture, but very
unsatisfactory details, and was cold and unimaginative. Jennifer
helped us transform it into a colorful, stylish, unique home, which
reflects our personalites and gives us a lot of pleasure. We had no
idea how to do home renovation in America, and she handled the whole
job for us q found the contractor and the artisans who created
unique details for us, and oversaw the job, as we were often in
Europe. Not only that, her rates are very reasonable, and we enjoyed
working with her. Call her at 510 898 1171 or email at
jthompsondesign AT comcast.net.
Heddy
Nov 2004
I never thought I would rely on anyone else to pick paint
colors - it seemed silly - but when I remodeled my bathroom
I decided to try it, and am so glad I did. On the
recommendation of a neighbor, I used Victor Cohen Stuart,
654-2965, to help me decide about colors. He is also a
painting contractor, but I just used him to choose the
paint color, for the walls,ceiling and trim in the new
bathroom. He came to my house and in about 20 minutes, he
knew exactly what would look perfect in the new bathroom.
At first I wasn't sure I was going to go with his
recommendations, because the colors didn't seem like they
would be quite right - finally I decided to just put myself
in his hands and go for it and am so glad I did. The
colors look so much better than the ones I was thinking of
using.
His fee was reasonable; by the hour; only charged me a half
hour for my little job. My neighbor has used him for big
jobs (exterior painting) and swears by him.
anon
Megan Melton came to my home today to help me select paint
colors. She was great, she had a clear understanding of
colors and how they would look in different lights. She
picked up cues from my furniture and colors in my home, and
helped me select colors that would bring out the qualities
I most wanted: warmth and elegance. She's the type of
person who can work with all sorts of different themes and
needs. She helped me pick colors that would look really
good from room to room. And listened when some colors just
didnt feel quite right to me. She was great.
She has experience painting as well, charging very, very
reasonable rates. I wish I could have her paint my home,
too!
Megan Melton's number is 510-655-7866. If you call her,
tell her Kirstin referred you.
k
I second the recommendation for Victor Cohen Stuart (510-
654-2965). He helped me with my kitchen and exterior a
few years ago and was incredible. Now I work
professionally in design, and knowing what I know now I am
even more impressed with his talent.
He only seems expensive until you work with him -- my
husband said it was the best $250 he ever spent on a
remodel!
Laurie
I "third" the recommendation for Victor Cohen Stuart. I
hired him after seeing the colors he picked for my friend's
house. And she is an artist! The particular shade of blue
he chose for her bathroom transformed it. Both us of
thought that she needed new tile, because it looked so
dingy. After the walls were painted the tile looked great!
He is more than worth the money. Painting is expensive and
timeconsuming. You don't want to make a mistake, nor do you
want to waste your money on something that is too "safe."
Victor is very fast and he is gifted at what he does. Fran
RE: Interior Painting & Carpets
Hi Ilene,
I think I have just the person for you. Her name is Alicia
Brite (510-568-3217) and she is primarily a color
consultant and specialty painter. She has been a painter
for years and also has project management experience. You
can check out her website: http://www.thecoloreffect.com/.
She has all the lskillsn you need for the specific work but
there are two other reasons I am so excited to turn you on
to her. It sure seems you could use some help making the
space better than just clean and fresh but actually
supportive of all the things going on in your lives. This
is exactly what she does with color. The second reason is
her sensitivity to what her clients really need. I actually
think she does what she does to work with families such as
yours where her work can have a transformational effect.
I wish you the best of luck with your project.
Jenny
Nov 2003
For wonderful color and design recommendations, contact
Rachelle Goodfriend of San Francisco. Her business is
Spirited Spaces Design Consultants. Tel: 415/584-4000,
Email: design AT spiritedspaces.com
merry
I am a color consultant. I've been working as a Scenic Artist for
SF Opera
Co. for over 20 years, but in the last few years that work has
thinned out
significantly and I have broadened out into color consulting.
I have an excellent sense of color, fine tuned by years of scenic
work,
and I enjoy working with people who are not afraid of color. I
can, of
course, be conservative as well, if need be.
I can provide recommendations and have a portfolio of work.
If you'd like to see some samples, I can email image files.
510/843-9493
stephani lesh stefle AT comcast.net
Oct 2003
my very good friend angela coon is an amazing colorist and
interior designer. she designed grasshopper restaurant in
rockridge (on college [at]63rd is you want to check it out),
and second edition bookstore on la salle @ mountain in
montclair. she's also done a hair salon, two body
work/accupuncture spaces, as well as homes.
You might want to give my friend Linda Livings a call. She's
a designer and color consultant who lives in Redwood Heights
and works with many residents in the area. Linda helped us
finalize the color choices for the exterior of our house and
has done beautiful work on other homes in the neighborhood
-- both in helping the owners choose exterior and interior
color schemes and paint contractors, and in advising them on
fabric choices, faux painting options, bathroom design,
''architecturally appropriate'' remodelling, furniture
arrangement, landscaping, etc. We used her for just a few
hours, but others have had her do much more comprehensive
design work for them; she seems open to either. You can
reach Linda at 530-8486 or LLivings AT att.net. Happy
decorating!
Leah
March 2003
I know a good paint colorist: Nancy Brown (510) 843-1904.
Nancy is a trained artist/painter (Rhode Island School of
Design). She is also a house painter by profession--so you
get the best of both worlds. Nancy works with her
parnter's painting company as a color consultant. She will
walk you throught the whole process. Good luck!
Linda
I highly recommend Cathy Farley (forget the name of her
firm) at 527-3904.
Catherine
Our friend Corey Hitchcock picked some great lively colors
for our daughter's room. I would never have thought of
them (sort of a periwinkle blue and two kinds of green) and
in fact had doubts at first, but she was right and it's the
nicest room in the house. The wonderful mural she did of
animals playing music by a pond helps too, of course.
She's a painter and now picks colors professionally; I
can't recommend her enough. Her business is called Living
Color and her number is 524-9575.
Kitty
I'd like to write in about my experience with a color consultant
I found in the UCB parents website- Stephanie Lesh.
I was looking to paint my whole house and wanted a professional
opinion that would factor in utility of a room, existing light
etc.
August 2002
I can recommend Katherine Adams for color consulting. She
has an amazing capacity and experience in choosing colors,
paint sheen etc. It really is an art, and she is very much
a professional. She helped us strictly with color when we
remodeled & painted our entire house and I am thrilled with
the results. I thought her prices were reasonable too. Her
number is: (925) 284-2112.
Nancy
I would recommend Angelisse Karol. She is great. I do not
know her current rates but you can call her to find out. Her
number is 510-533-8143. If you use her, let her know I
recommended her.
Thanks.
Amanda
My aunt is a local artist who has been doing color
consultation for the past few years. No idea what her rates
are, but she has a fantastic eye and aesthetic, and I think
would really work with what you have. Her name is Lois
Wachner-Solomon and can be reached at 510/658-6335.
Lise
We called a color consultant to help us choose an exterior
home color. It was the best $85 bucks we've ever spent. Her
name is Angelesse Carole and her number is 510/533-8143.
Good luck,
-Susan
May I recommend myself? I am a Scenic Artist with
SFOpera Co. with over 20 years experience working
with color. I've done wall glazing and color consulting
during the Opera's off- times and have a portfolio of my
work. And I do have experience altering color with glaze.
Since I haven't officially 'put up my shingle' I am willing
to work inexpensively. If you'd like to talk about it, give
me a call at 510/843-9493.
Stephani
I would like to highly recommend Art Decor to the
person, and anyone else, looking for a color consultant.
I can not praise them enough. It is absolutely amazing
what color can do for your living spaces. These people
are fabulous, creating rooms and spaces that really
work, rooms that are exceptional. I love the way my
rooms/house has been transformed. Upon checking
with them, this is what I received: ''Sure, pass our
company name (art decor) on for color consultation and
interior design services. Color consult starts at $125.
hr. Interior Design fees range depending on the
service provided. I am not really soliciting faux work but
I do incorporate color recipes and instructions in my
color consultation services.''
Kathy also does interior design. I have been greatly
impressed with the photographs and published articles
I have viewed. I know you will enjoy these people and
be delighted at what they can do for you.
Art Decor 510-527-3904
Heather
Myriam Haynal (549-3852) does color and design consulting,
and I believe she may even use a sliding fee scale. I
recently used her to choose paint colors for my entire home
and am very happy with the results. She was incredibly
patient with my indecisiveness, and had a nice way of
making suggestions while always keeping my basic tastes in
mind. She's also really enthusiastic about color/design,
has fun with it, and was really willing to spend time
thinking out lots of different combinations. I know she
also does design consulting (tiles, carpets, windows,
etc.,) and has done work ''staging'' homes for sale.
Alisa
Try Linda Zabel - she's in Berkeley, listed in the phone
book. She is wonderful, and reasonable.
Gwyneth
I want to recommend Brian Thiel (510-841-0368), an artist, who
also is both a color consultant and a house painter. He was very
helpful to us in selecting colors for our home, and he and his
crew did a meticulous job with the painting.
Jeffrey
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