---
title: "Patricia Benson — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/patricia-benson-pfvwus-pf~1040283568
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1040283568.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Patricia Benson"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9c1356a70bb3e422_7455-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Oakland, California 94611, United States"
phone: "(510) 339-3229"
website: http://www.mixmontclair.com/
rating: 5
review_count: 7
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 70
last_updated: 2026-09-23
---

# Patricia Benson

Original Houzz profile: [Patricia Benson](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/patricia-benson-pfvwus-pf~1040283568)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Oakland, CA
- **Serves:** Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Orinda, Moraga, Emeryville, Piedmont
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2026), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves

Our design philosophy: your home should reflect your lifestyle and personality, not look like you hired a designer.  Our design services include a broad range of options from color consultation when you just can't get the right color or combination, to full remodel design and project management.  

Read our design blog at https://www.mixmontclair.com/blog-1

Don't forget to check out our online retail store: www.mixmontclair.com

There you can see all of the services we offer and more, including window coverings and design consultations. 

Pat is a frequent speaker on the subject of interior architecture and design including radio talk show appearances on the top rated Ron Owen's show on KGO radio.

### Services Provided

- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Custom Cabinets
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Custom Built-ins
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Custom Furniture
- Custom Blinds & Shades
- Custom Entertainment Centers
- Custom Fireplace Mantels
- Wine Cellar Design
- Green Building
- Kitchen Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Richmond
- Orinda
- Moraga
- Emeryville
- Piedmont

### Typical Job Cost

$10,000 - 500,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Patricia Benson |
| Address | Oakland, California 94611, United States |
| Phone | (510) 339-3229 |
| Website | http://www.mixmontclair.com/ |
| Followers on Houzz | 70 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/mixmontclair
- Blog — www.mixmontclair.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Patricia Benson](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/patricia-benson-pfvwus-pf~1040283568)
- **Website:** http://www.mixmontclair.com/
- **Phone:** (510) 339-3229

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2026), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 5.0
- Communication: 5.0
- Value: 5.0

### All 7 reviews

**★★★★★ — Karen Andrews, Aug. 2025**

> We have exceptanaly large windows, 20 feet high. We had the house built 30 years ago and now it is time to replace the sun damaged shades. I had a lot of trouble finding anyone who could make roman shades that large.
> Then we found Pat Benson with Harmonique Design in Montclair. My husband and I are so pleased with how the shades turned out. The color looks like an exact match and the sewing is amazing.

**★★★★★ — Mary Anne H., Oct. 2017**

> Pat and her crew are wonderful. Professional, knowledgeable, prompt and amazing customer service. We had shades installed throughout our house a couple of years ago and we've noticed a HUGE improvement in the comfort in the house during these recent heatwaves, by keeping our window coverings closed most the time. It really does block about 80 percent of the heat and keeps it quite comfortable inside (we don't have air conditioning). I really noticed the difference today because yesterday I left the shades up overnight and forgot to pull them down.  I was gone all day and when I got home I truly appreciated the effect of the shades because without the shades blocking out that hot sun it was sweltering inside! The shades themselves are gorgeous, and the price was very competitive. We did a lot of looking around, both retail and online, and Pat's inventory was far superior to anything we'd seen. So glad we went with Pat. It's one of the best home improvement projects we've done. Wish we'd done it years ago.

**Comment from Patricia Benson:**

> Mary Anne:
> Thank you for being such a thoughtful as well as thorough client!  We like it when our window coverings clients are educated on what they are buying, as we do our best to have fair prices on great products.  It was a pleasure serving you!
>
> Pat, Jerry, Sharon & Maertin

**★★★★★ — ace4del, Nov. 2016**

> We hired Pat to help us remodel our living and dining rooms but also design a new pantry and wine rack in another area of the house. Pat's design concepts and color recommendations were right on target especially since we were moving from a European traditional design to very contemporary. She is a great listener and brought multiple options to choose from but also asserted her opinions when we asked her to do so. The contractors she works with are also first rate and were always in good communication and on time. I highly recommend Pat and Harmonique Design for your remodel in the Bay Area!

**★★★★★ — esweaver, April 2016**

> I worked with Pat to design a workable solution for a challenging living room (long and narrow).  From the moment Pat arrived for the initial consultation, she put me at ease (even though she acknowledged the space was challenging).  She worked closely with me and always took care to include my husband in the process and together we determined a plan to create a workable and lovely space.  She created a solar shade solution to our west facing windows. She has a collection of craftspeople and service providers who worked together seamlessly to refinish the wood floors, paint the living and dining rooms and kitchen, did the electrical work for the new lighting and AV system, created a beautiful new concrete fireplace,  built a TV cabinet above the fireplace, with doors so it can be closed off when a more formal look is desired, and built a beautiful shelving unit.   Everyone she referred us to performed high quality work and were a pleasure to work with.
> Towards the end of the project, my husband and I were away for an extended trip and while we were away the new furniture and rug were delivered. In our absence Pat arranged everything and added artwork and furnishings so that when we arrived home it was like walking into a completely new and beautiful new space and yet, it felt exactly like our home.
>
> Pat is a brilliant problem solver with unending patience and calm and humor. It was a joy to work with her.

**★★★★★ — sarahshaver, Aug. 2015**

> I've had the pleasure of working with Pat Benson and her Harmonique Design team on several projects upgrading my 1921 house in Oakland, CA.  She is my 'go-to' person for all decorating matters;  She is an especially gifted color consultant, but has terrific style and organizational skills herself so can manage a job from idea to completion.  Pat imagination and ideas along with her rich experience and contacts make me a very satisfied customer.  We're completing an upgrade of my kitchen but Pat has helped me redecorate my den/office, dining room, and purchase a new sofa for my livingroom, and she has given excellent advice on wall color for my living room, bedrooms and house exterior.  I've referred many friends to Harmonique and they've all been as happy with the association as I am.

**★★★★★ — judithworkman, July 2015**

> Pat was a joy to work with.  She was hired to help me with colour choices for a major redesign of my kitchen ,TV room, and two baths.  Her colour sense is outstanding.  She also helped me pick out tile, bathroom fixtures, flooring, window treatments, for that part of the remodel.  We were so excited by her efforts that we continued to repaint and renew the rest of the house.  The finished project is amazing.  Our house was built in 1939 and had gotten very tired and shabby.  It is now a beautiful and inviting home.

**Comment from Patricia Benson:**

> It's clients like Judy that all of us on this side of the business dream of...and she is the dream client.  She was so enjoyable to work with I didn't want the project to end...but we ran out of rooms!

**★★★★★ — cmaga, July 2015**

> Pat Benson is an excellent designer!   She has helped remodel my living room, bathroom, bedroom, closet & office.  My house changed from a place I live to a warm & beautiful and functional home that I totally enjoy.  I have received many compliments on the look & feel of my home as well.
> She is organized , thorough, insightful and full of unexpected resources & excellent home design ideas & suggestions.  She is fun to work with.  She is able to work with my concerns & needs as well as with the contractor to envision & develop my home's potential and to overcome its limitations and meet my needs.  She has excellent construction resource people and businesses such as cabinet, glass, stone, tile.  We have moved walls, created built ins, redone fireplaces, added skylights to mention a few improvements.  Pat has also helped me select  and place rugs, furniture, lighting, window covers, chairs etc...  So that I end up with an amazing, beautiful place to live.
> I am hiring her again to guide my basement remodel...  She is one of the best professionals I have worked with over the years.  I recommend her highly.

## Selected projects

- [Window Treatments](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/window-treatments-pj-vj~478775)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 32
  - Description: A collection of custom window treatment projects throughout the East Bay featuring motorized shades, roman shades, drapery, and specialty window solutions. Each installation is thoughtfully designed to complement the home’s architecture while providing privacy, light control, and a polished finished look.
- [Master Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-bath-remodel-pj-vj~5589930)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: This home built in 1998 needed a new master bath. The room was demolished down to the studs to create an open concept and maximize use of the space. A curbless open shower stands behind a wall of glass close enough to the window with the view of San Francisco. The freestanding tub is big enough for two, but comfortable for a one-person bubble bath. The bamboo cabinetry and black bamboo-style tile on the black wall infuse the space with serenity. A set of four antique Chinese doors enclose the bi…
- [Black and white guest bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/black-and-white-guest-bath-pj-vj~7758511)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: A 25 year old bath was gutted and updated with all new fixtures and finishes. Plumbing locations unchanged, but added a second sink, lighted medicine cabinets, undercabinet lights on an occupancy sensor, bidet toilet with small footprint to add more space, and a heated towel bar for a little uograde.
- [Refined Modern Bath in Oakland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refined-modern-bath-in-oakland-pj-vj~7840699)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This contemporary bathroom remodel completely reworked the original layout to create a more spacious, functional primary bath. By removing an existing closet, we were able to expand the shower footprint and create a bright, open wet-room feel. The new design features olive green vertical tile, warm walnut accents, floating vanities, acoustic slat detailing, and modern integrated lighting for a spa-inspired finish.
- [Transitional remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-remodel-pj-vj~7269622)
  - Location: Orinda, CA
  - Photos: 11
- [Zen bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-bath-pj-vj~7269641)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This bathroom remodel completely reworked the original layout to create a more open and connected space. By removing the dividing door between the vanity area and the toilet/tub room, the bathroom now feels brighter, larger, and more cohesive. The finished design features geometric floor tile, a floating walnut vanity, integrated mirror lighting, matte black fixtures, and a clean frameless glass shower for a modern spa-inspired feel.
- [Skinny Bathroom (Updated!)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/skinny-bathroom-updated-pj-vj~3596)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: The skinniest bathroom in town got star treatment. We had just enough room for the tub and toilet, with little space to walk past the vanity so our solution was to curve the front of the vanity and make the transition more seamless. The walnut vanity was topped with carrera marble in keeping with the traditional theme. The walls are a cool blue Venetian plaster and the flooring continues the marble but in varying sizes of circular tiles. In this recent refresh, we added whimsical wallpaper, some…
- [Gingko leaf powder room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gingko-leaf-powder-room-pj-vj~7429753)
  - Location: Oakland, California
  - Photos: 1
  - Description: Impact in a small space
- [Stately Home Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stately-home-update-pj-vj~1232623)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [SF Condo update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sf-condo-update-pj-vj~32982)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Modern Galley Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-galley-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~40406)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This 80's kitchen got a clean simple update to bring it into the current decade! We demolished the old kitchen down to the studs but maintained the working footprint with a few improvements. We added LED lighting throughout including special no-glare can lights in the adjoining TV/Family room area, split face granite backsplash over sleek gray Caesarstone counters, and vertical grain oak flat panel cabinetry. Finishing touches included a custom bamboo trapezoid slab dining table, a banquette ful…
- [Traditional Home for a Young Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-home-for-a-young-family-pj-vj~40265)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Goodbye 90's Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goodbye-90-s-kitchen-pj-vj~3598)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Craftsman Kitchen Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-kitchen-update-pj-vj~33046)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Berkeley Condo Kitchen Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berkeley-condo-kitchen-update-pj-vj~3590)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Napa Contemporary Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/napa-contemporary-remodel-pj-vj~3591)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Berkeley 1940's home remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berkeley-1940-s-home-remodel-pj-vj~3571)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [The "hearth" of the Home Fabulous Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-hearth-of-the-home-fabulous-fireplaces-pj-vj~3785)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Oakland Wine Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-wine-room-pj-vj~40262)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
  - Description: This room had a very challenging foundation encroaching on the room, so we embraced it and created beautiful temperature controlled wine storage and a relaxing place to enjoy a glass.
- [Orinda Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orinda-bath-remodel-pj-vj~7163831)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5

[See all 30 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/patricia-benson-pfvwus-pf~1040283568)

## Ideabooks

- [Keesa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185102835/list/keesa) — 1 idea
- [Sally](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180956506/list/sally) — 46 ideas
- [Rene T](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184700996/list/rene-t) — 3 ideas
- [Donna Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181455655/list/donna-bath) — 9 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139590233/list/wish-list) — 6 ideas
- [Sally Master BA](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178411203/list/sally-master-ba) — 1 idea
- [counter](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178410993/list/counter) — 3 ideas
- [Jerry Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118870933/list/jerry-garden) — 5 ideas
- [Kim](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170316917/list/kim) — 6 ideas
- [Slate Sidewalk](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167907359/list/slate-sidewalk) — 18 ideas
- [Mark Guest Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/133656263/list/mark-guest-bath) — 69 ideas
- [Larke](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165581266/list/larke) — 6 ideas
- [Safari](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154134542/list/safari) — 30 ideas
- [Santa Fe](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154685898/list/santa-fe) — 10 ideas
- [Zen bath remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118636260/list/zen-bath-remodel) — 43 ideas
- [Cocalis](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32752/list/cocalis) — 66 ideas
- [Spanish Med](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152312249/list/spanish-med) — 8 ideas
- [Rachel Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130663643/list/rachel-bath) — 58 ideas
- [Knight powder](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118629688/list/knight-powder) — 6 ideas
- [Stella And Anthony](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108827492/list/stella-and-anthony) — 52 ideas

[See all 36 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/harmoniquedesign)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Whats the manufacturer and model of the backsplash?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Whats the manufacturer and model of the backsplash?

A: Unfortunately this particular style is no longer in production. If you look up "split face marble tile" you will get some wonderful alternatives.

**Q: Beautiful combinations.** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the countertop material?  It goes well with the white oak!

A: The counter top on this project was made of Ceasarstone Quartz

**Q: vanity brand/manufacturer?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Please let me know who the vanity manufacturer or brand is?

A: This is a custom cabinet and vanity made by our cabinet-maker.

**Q: Concrete counter?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Who did the counter top? Considering doing the concrete counter top myself, is the process difficult ?

A: Hello:
This countertop is a hand trowelled concrete done by a firm in Martinez, CA called Concrete Interiors.  Although the process looks simple, to get this look requires patience and skill to avoid a DIY-looking result.  The material is custom-colored, then poured into a mold where it goes through several stages, the most important of which is the hand trowelling that creates this interesting finish.  Suggest you contact Terry and get a quote...not do it yourself!
Good Luck, Pat

**Q: simple farm house in 5000 sft** *(in Photo Questions)*

plan and elevation of farm house in 19 ' × 11' room in 5000 sft area

A: Did you have a question for me on this room?

**Q: Any idea who makes this vanity and/or the mirrors?  Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: This was custom designed and built - not an off the shelf product.  The left section is just a mirror over the wall, the middle is a cabinet built between the studs, so only about 7" deep, and the right side mirror opens to reveal a medicine cabinet inset into the wall.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*