--- title: "Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/marlene-oliphant-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132854582 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1132854582.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c1b3709100fdf1fd_6294-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Contact For Appointment, San Clemente, California 92673, United States" latitude: 33.4615 longitude: -117.6375 phone: "(949) 208-1152" website: http://www.marleneoliphant.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 38 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 386 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC Original Houzz profile: [Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/marlene-oliphant-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132854582) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** San Clemente, CA - **Serves:** Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Coto De Caza, Corona del Mar, Capistrano Beach - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (38 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves My name is Marlene Oliphant, and it has been my privilege to redesign homes throughout the Orange County and Los Angeles area as well as in Florida and the Midwest. As an Interior Designer since 2002, I have become an expert at helping Clients maximize the beauty and potential of their homes. By far the most exciting part of design for me is providing the final Big Reveal, when everything comes together on delivery day and my Clients experience the thrill of seeing their beautiful new space for the first time! There is just nothing like it and it is why I love helping our clients fall in love with their homes.. I specialize in room redesigns, custom furnishings, color consultations, window treatments, shopping consultations and personalized home consultations. Clients tend to be on-the-go professionals who desire not only creativity but great service, convenience and peace of mind. I strive for a happy collaboration because I care very much about how my Clients will feel in their new spaces. My experience as an award-winning designer includes over 15 years of set design experience, working as a Senior Editor of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, and I was educated in Interior Design. I am also a Certified Interior Designer by examination. There are many details to consider on even the simplest project, and that is my forte. If you are interested in working with a highly experienced designer who places your wishes at the forefront of your project, I would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you. For more information please visit my website (see link above). ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Home Office Design & Construction - Custom Built-ins - Floor Plans - Entry Design - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - Custom Home Bars - Closet Design - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Rugs - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Shelving - Downsizing - Decluttering - Custom Murphy Beds ### Areas Served - Costa Mesa - Mission Viejo - Newport Beach - Lake Forest - Laguna Niguel - San Clemente - Aliso Viejo - San Juan Capistrano - Dana Point - Laguna Hills - Ladera Ranch - Laguna Beach - Laguna Woods - Coto De Caza - Corona del Mar - Capistrano Beach ### Typical Job Cost Fees range from consultations to hourly fees to project fees; depends on the size of the project. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC | | Address | Contact For Appointment, San Clemente, California 92673, United States | | Phone | (949) 208-1152 | | Website | http://www.marleneoliphant.com/ | | License Number | 6107 | | Followers on Houzz | 386 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/marlene.oliphant - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67403322&trk=tab\_pro ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/marlene-oliphant-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132854582) - **Website:** http://www.marleneoliphant.com/ - **Phone:** (949) 208-1152 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Interior Designer \# 6107. Projects featured on four Home Tours: In Florida, Pasadena and Burbank. Received the Golden Key Award from The American Society of Interior Designers, Pasadena, and Designer of the Year Award in 2014 and 2015. - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2018), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [CCIDC, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ccidc-inc-pfvwus-pf~1385158534) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 38 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Greg Preston, Dec. 2017** > I hired Marlene for consulting services after I inherited a house that needed updating. Marlene provided me a comprehensive list of the fixes I should do within the remodeling budget I had. She also gave me paint color suggestions and helpful links. I did a whole house update within my 45k budget. My general contractor remarked that the decisions she guided me on were smart choices and made this house stand out in the sea of available rentals in our market. Marlene's recommendations made this ordinary house look spectacular! I rented the house at top value to the first couple to look at it. **★★★★★ — Judy Walker, Nov. 2016** > Marlene Oliphant was absolutely wonderful in bringing all our rooms together with the new galley kitchen in our small comfortable home. > From the beginning with her wonderful cooking assessment questionnaire which made me realize what things I wanted in the dream kitchen IF space and budget allowed. > Marlene was very through and would come with lots of wonderful ideas and choices for me to decide, she already knew everything she showed me would fit with the plan but wanted me to select what I liked best. > Marlene was fast getting back with the plans. > With my difficulty of seeing beyond the paper plan Marlene was very positive that all of it would come together. When completed it came together not just great but strikingly beautiful, gorgeous and functional. > I sure appreciated Marlene's skillful eye, talent , knowledge, patience and kindness she showed me. LOVE my new fantastic galley kitchen!! **Comment from Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC:** > Judy, Thank you for the great review and for the privilege of working with you and John Thomas! **★★★★★ — Gary Lee Studio Inc., Oct. 2016** > Marlene is a professional and talented designer to work with. She brings her conceptual designs into reality for her clients. It has been an enjoyable experience for me to service her company with computer generated drawings for her design projects. **★★★★★ — Diana Walker, Sept. 2016** > Marlene's professionalism, thoroughness to detail and her positive attitude made the process of the remodel of our home seem effortless. Marlene's guidance and great communication made the process fun. She truly looked out for our best interest. Marlene made every step of the way a fun adventure. We would highly recommend Marlene. All her contractors were just as professional and did quality work. We can highly recommend Marlene for anyone who wants to see their home transformed into a showcase! **★★★★★ — J.S. Shiah Company, June 2016** > We are in the picture framing and art business. We have been working with Marlene for few years now and she is a delight to work with! She is very professional and organized. She has great concepts and has style and integrity in her work. I would highly recommend her as an interior designer. **★★★★★ — User, May 2016** > We used Marlene Oliphant Designs for our small, but complex "grandparent" house build out. She was, to say the least, presented with a tight (850 sq. ft.) space constraint that needed to be designed for comfortable, yet utilitarian living. From the start, Marlene and her team listened, surveyed and discussed our needs and desires; then returned with creative, cost effective alternatives. > > As the build out progressed, Marlene was there every step. Our builder commented that he "had never worked with such a through, professional set of design specs." > > Her work was of the highest quality and we are thrilled with the finished product. **Comment from Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC:** > Thank you, Roy and Cindy! We are thrilled that you are so happy in your La Canada home. I hope you will enjoy it for many years to come! **★★★★★ — DEFINITIVE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN INC, May 2016** > My name is Karen Burgos, I been a General Contractor and in the building trades since 1985. I met Marlene a few years back and we have worked together recently. Her style and efficiency is among the highest I have had the pleasure to work with. Anyone thinking of hiring and Interior Designer for a small or large job should call her and give her the opportunity to make your vision a reality. You will be glad you did. **★★★★★ — dianeandersonbrown, April 2016** > I had a wonderful experience with Marlene Oliphant. Marlene is very professional, friendly and easy to work with. She was very respectful of my budget as well as my design taste and knew exactly what I would like. I was amazed at the creative ideas and designs she came up with, ideas I never would have thought of. > I highly recommend Marlene Oliphant. **Comment from Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC:** > Diane, It was a lot of fun brainstorming ideas for your spaces! Thank you for a wonderful endorsement. Warm regards, Marlene **★★★★★ — par\_053, April 2016** > We had a major kitchen remodel! > At first, I suggested to my wife that she could work with Marlene in developing an overall color scheme for the kitchen that would flow with the other rooms in our house. Not only did Marlene do that; but she was able to generate a virtual kitchen that showed where appliances should go. > Marlene and her staff worked together with our general contractor to make sure all of our wish list was met. Marlene even went to the granite store to suggest slabs that would work well in the kitchen. > I would highly recommend Marlene for any house remodel. In fact, we plan on using her again for our upcoming bathroom(s) remodel! **★★★★★ — patticook230, March 2016** > I know Marlene through several of my clients and I have seen her fabulous work firsthand. She has assisted me with my window treatments and color scheme for my business. Her sage advice has saved me on several occasions! I heartily recommend Marlene to everyone I know, whether it is a new room design or a complicated remodel. Marlene is a wonderful person to have in your corner! **Comment from Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC:** > Patti, thank you for your referrals and for the opportunity to help you in your business! Warm regards, Marlene **★★★★★ — lgarvinwar, March 2016** > Marlene did an incredible paint scheme for our home. I cannot believe the change! We love it all and we plan to use Marlene again on future projects. **Comment from Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC:** > Thank you for your review, I really enjoyed working with you! **★★★★★ — Carol Peterson, Feb. 2016** > When my husband was moving to an assisted living facility, Marlene took the responsibility of helping me choose the furniture and accessories from home for his new location. She decorated his room to make him feel most at home. Then she took the room at home and completely updated it to make it an attractive office/guest room: new wallpaper, paint, carpet, cabinetry, lighting and fixtures. It seem so easy with her coordinating all the work and helping me select samples, etc... I'm very happy with the outcome of both rooms. **Comment from Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC:** > Carol, it was my pleasure to work with you, and a privilege to help you out with Richard. Thank you! ## Selected projects - [Transitional Estate Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-estate-home-pj-vj~396716) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - Description: This spacious two-story home was partially remodeled; the rest of the first floor was gifted with a complete facelift. Everything from a gracious new entryway to wood flooring, a dining room addition, new den and den fireplace,laundry room update, new master suite, guest rooms and his new office, new tv/sound system, and a redesigned iiving room, along with complementary custom window treatments throughout. Photos by Harry Chamberlain. - [Traditional Family Home Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-family-home-transformation-pj-vj~172107) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Every part of this expansive home was remodeled and redesigned. A collaboration between the designer and the owner, this project started with the owner's love of red, and the color scheme became that of gold, chocolate and cream with red accents. This family lives in every inch of this home and large family gatherings and parties with friends are the norm. - [Florida Gulf Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/florida-gulf-home-pj-vj~376378) - Location: Punta Gorda, FL - Photos: 19 - Description: This gorgeous gulf coast home looks out on a beautiful lanai with pool and spa, and the canal beyond. The home was designed in the colors of the sea and sky. It features the owner's extensive poster art collection in the blue and green color palate. Fabrics were chosen for durability and colorfastness, so a lot of Sunbrella fabrics were selected. Darker woods on some pieces offer contrast. Glass and mirror were used to reflect the light outside. - [California Ranch Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-ranch-remodel-pj-vj~171066) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This l964 ranch home was remodeled and redesigned from top to bottom. The kitchen was completely gutted and remodeled 19 years ago, and recently was refreshed with new painted cabinets, tile, new window treatments, flooring, and updated accessories. The 3 baths and the laundry room were also remodeled completely within the past couple of years. Bedrooms and office were updated too. The patio and garden in back also received a "zen" makeover, sans the grass. - [Pasadena CA Condo Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pasadena-ca-condo-remodel-pj-vj~171114) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This 3-level condo was completely remodeled from the top down. The kitchen, 3 baths, 2 bedrooms, a laundry/craft room, living and dining rooms, entry way and the loft were all given a completely new design. The actual remodel was completed in 6 months. - [Tudor Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-transformation-pj-vj~2909480) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Delectable Dining Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/delectable-dining-rooms-pj-vj~423919) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: Here are Dining Rooms I have designed in various styles for different projects in the Los Angeles area and the Florida Gulf Coast. From watery greens and blues to a pop of vibrant mandarin orange, to a formal dining space for a client who loves red, these spaces express the personality of the clients for which these rooms were custom-designed. Bon Appetit! - [Spanish Bungalow Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-bungalow-update-pj-vj~1382342) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: A l924 Spanish home in Southern CA was purchased by my clients. The clients brought a few furnishings with them, but every room needed to be updated. So new furnishings, lighting, area rugs, accessories and window treatments, along with paint colors, were used to update all spaces. The fireplace was remodeled with new tile, a new hearth, new sconces and accessories. The kitchen eating area received a new built-in banquette. - [Children's Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/children-s-rooms-pj-vj~423973) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Spanish Family Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-family-home-pj-vj~2909468) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Window Treatment Designs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/window-treatment-designs-pj-vj~2784909) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/marlene-oliphant-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1132854582) ## Ideabooks - [Entry Ways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101161444/list/entry-ways) — 4 ideas - [Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113678514/list/kitchen-ideas) — 6 ideas - [Bath Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113678568/list/bath-ideas) — 1 idea - [Tall Walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/101161033/list/tall-walls) — 40 ideas - [Bathroom Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28164497/list/bathroom-inspiration) — 13 ideas - [Glamorous but Comfortable Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21027534/list/glamorous-but-comfortable-spaces) — 12 ideas - [Easy Living Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20126618/list/easy-living-spaces) — 11 ideas - [Midcentury Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75167137/list/midcentury-modern) — 10 ideas - [Fireplace Transformations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20572125/list/fireplace-transformations) — 6 ideas - [Baths by Marlene](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28165264/list/baths-by-marlene) — 30 ideas - [Kitchens by Marlene](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7698513/list/kitchens-by-marlene) — 34 ideas - [Tromp L oeil Ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23495002/list/tromp-l-oeil-ceilings) — 1 idea - [Fabulous Fabrics](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23082205/list/fabulous-fabrics) — 5 ideas - [Lush Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22806244/list/lush-lighting) — 8 ideas - [Favorite Fabrics](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7710581/list/favorite-fabrics) — 25 ideas - [TV Coverups](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7706813/list/tv-coverups) — 3 ideas [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mbolip) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the countertop material?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is a granite countertop; I don't know the name, but every vendor uses their own name anyway. Take the photo to your granite yard and they will give you the right product. Best of luck to you! **Q: Stone stain to grey** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hi all! As u see my walls r thin ice color n stone is cream.. They were suppose to b white but it came out cream.. N they r not going along! Do u have any exp with stain the stone? Can I do it to light grey may be? Please suggest! A: T.C. I think orange would not be a good idea, you could do a dark chocolate color within the arch. Flank the arch with some contemporary sconces and place some artwork in the arch. **Q: Help needed on redecorating entry** *(in Design Dilemma)* Help is needed on redecorating this long hallway entry. I hate the door, but it's an expensive Pella that is in good condition. Perhaps I should paint it? I hate the floor and am pricing out replacing it. But I don't know what to replace with? Suggestions would be helpful. I also need to change out the light fixture. The ceiling is too low for a chandelier, so I need a flush or semi flush. I'm not sure if I should go with a crystal fixture or not. Also thinking of wallpaper or painting. Hallway table is new, but I can use it elsewhere if necessary. A: Hi, Here is what I would recommend to a client with this hallway: paint the door a high-gloss creamy white. Remove the wallpaper and replace it with a wide vertical striped wallpaper, perhaps a cream paper with wide gold or butterscotch stripes. Or just choose a happy color, such as pale green or gold. Paint the crown a creamy high gloss white. For interest, paint the ceiling a pale blue. Over your hall table you could place a large rectangular mirror with a 2- 3-inch frame (It can be almost the width of your hall table). For the floor, select a large format tile (24 x 24"); a cream or travertine-look tile would be nice. Lay the tile on the diagonal to visually expand the space. Or you could have a large sisal runner made to fit the hallway; you could have a 3-inch contrasting band of chocolate fabric or leather attached all around the outside edge of the runner. Make it the width and length of your hallway (unless the door won't go over it; then start it after the door swing.) At the kitchen door end I would look into expanding that opening as much as possible (I cannot tell what is on the other side to the right). Remove the door casing and take it up as far as you can and make it as wide as you can. I hope this helps! For the ceiling light you could go with a star-shaped fixture that is ceiling light, there are lots of nice options for ceiling fixtures now. Here is a long hallway that I designed for one client: Good luck with your project! www.marleneoliphant.com **Q: wood floors and wood cabinets- help!** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are getting ready to remodel our home with a focus on our kitchen. We have maple cabinets we'd like to keep (but maybe paint the lower cabinets??) but also want wood floors throughout the house. I'd love suggestions on a wood floor color and/or countertop/backsplash colors that would allow the kitchen to not feel dark and to diffuse some of the orangey color of the maple wood. The appliances will be stainless. Thanks! A: Hi, You could leave the cabinets as they are and add new hardware. You could also paint the upper cabinets white and re-stain the bottom cabinets in an espresso finish, that would look great with the new stainless appliances. If you keep the cabinets as they are, try a bleached oak floor, which would contrast well and keep a light feel going on in there. If you paint the cabinets white on top and bottom, then go with an espresso or dark wood floor. Basically, if you have dark cabinets, go with a light floor; light cabinets, use a lighter wood such as the bleached oak, or go several shades darker with wood or tile on the floor. In any case, use a light granite for the countertops with a white or cream background and if you can afford it, take it up the backsplash, which will create another beautiful focal point for your kitchen. Here are some ideas from projects we have designed: **Q: Guest bath redo: To tub or not to tub?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I am contemplating the options for renovating our guest bathroom upstairs. It will primarily be a cosmetic facelift to bring the room into the 21st century. I am wrestling with whether to replace the existing tub/shower combo with just a walk-in shower (no tub) or whether to include a tub. We have a separate tub and shower in the master bathroom, and a shower/wetroom on the first floor. I am hoping this community can offer suggestions and pros/ cons. Thanks. Photos show the current mid-80s guest bath. I also included a shot of the master. House style is northwest/prairie/asian. A: Hi, I would ask you first how long you plan to stay in your home. In most of the renovations we design, the tub goes and is replaced with a shower and bench. Unless you are updating the home for a sale, I would mot hesitate to remove the tub. Several of my clients prepare their guest room and bath for elderly relatives who visit, and for them especially, I recommend installing a shower only. A roll-in shower (with no dam to step over) is also very practical for older users. Following are examples of renovations we made in a home for retirees and a condo bath for guests. www.marleneoliphant.com **Q: Flooring options for stairs** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have a 2 story home, and would prefer an affordable, safe alternative to carpeting for my staircase and upstairs rooms. Any suggestions? I don't want a slippery floor. A: P.S. I know you said you don't want carpet but I would urge you to reconsider. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*