--- title: "Susan Wagner Designs — Countertop | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/susan-wagner-designs-pfvwus-pf~1133141278 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1133141278.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Susan Wagner Designs" category: ["Countertop"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c733d85d05ba8c6d_8208-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2575 B Mission St, Santa Cruz, California 95060, United States" latitude: 37.0313 longitude: -122.1198 phone: "(831) 426-2393" website: http://susanwagnerdesigns.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 54 last_updated: 2026-11-10 --- # Susan Wagner Designs Original Houzz profile: [Susan Wagner Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/susan-wagner-designs-pfvwus-pf~1133141278) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Countertop - **Location:** Santa Cruz, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, San Francisco, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Capitola, Ben Lomond, Opal Cliffs, Boulder Creek, Felton, Bonny Doon, Mount Hermon, Brookdale, Pasatiempo, Lompico, Davenport, Paradise Park, Zayante, Holy City, International, Monterey County, New York, Redwood Estates, United States - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Transforming the ordinary into a distinctive personalized statement through listening, discussion and discovery. Susan works one-on-one with her clients to add dramatic beauty to living, work and worship environments, choosing a perfect combination from a hand-crafted palette of glass and concrete modules. All work is crafted in her Santa Cruz, California studio, with projects found locally, throughout the US and internationally. ### Services Provided - Custom Countertops - Tile Sales - Decorative Concrete - Art Installation - Backsplashes - Commissioned Artwork - Custom Artwork - Custom Entry Doors - Design Consultation - Fireplace Surrounds - Fireplaces - Stained Glass Repair & Design - Stained Glass Windows - Wall Features ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - San Francisco - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Santa Cruz - Los Gatos - Scotts Valley - Soquel - Capitola - Ben Lomond - Opal Cliffs - Boulder Creek - Felton - Bonny Doon - Mount Hermon - Brookdale - Pasatiempo - Lompico - Davenport - Paradise Park - Zayante - Holy City - International - Monterey County - New York - Redwood Estates - United States ### Typical Job Cost $1,500 - 50,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Susan Wagner Designs | | Address | 2575 B Mission St, Santa Cruz, California 95060, United States | | Phone | (831) 426-2393 | | Website | http://susanwagnerdesigns.com | | Followers on Houzz | 54 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/susanwagnerdesigns - Blog — susanwagnerdesigns.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Susan Wagner Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/susan-wagner-designs-pfvwus-pf~1133141278) - **Website:** http://susanwagnerdesigns.com - **Phone:** (831) 426-2393 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Home & Design Magazine - New Product Award 2008 - Ministry and Liturgy Magazine, Award for Design - Degree in Fine Arts and Architecture, Cornell University - Open Studios Showcase, Santa Cruz - Michaelangelo Gallery Exhibitions - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2016–2019), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Linda Murphy, Feb. 2018** > In working with Susan on a design for an interior window, we became part of her artistic process. She looked at the space, noting the design elements already in the room, and brought some books for us to peruse and find examples of what we might want. She made some quick sketches, all the while listening to what we thought we'd want and what would fit into the style of our home. Later, meeting at her studio, she had four distinct drawings, with one in particular standing out for us. We discussed proportions, looked at the glass she had on hand, and ended up choosing a design. Later, again meeting at her studio, she had produced a full-scale drawing with which we could then try-out some changes, ultimately coming up with just the right design. She came back to our house to measure the space once more, and then she was ready to create the actual window. She installed it yesterday. It's beautiful, is integrated with the room, and is exactly what we wanted. Being part of the process in its creation was an important plus for us, one we hadn't considered. Susan worked so well with us, including and listening to us, but also offering a variety of ideas that helped spark and expand what we thought possible. Truly a collaborative effort with an exceptional artist. **★★★★★ — ringwalker12, Feb. 2018** > Susan’s designs and attention to detail make her work amazingly wonderful. We love the tiles she created for our beach home. The blown glass in the tide pool tiles are creative, imaginative, and beautiful. The beehive tiles captured the spirit of the ocean and are stunning. Everyone loves the kitchen when they see it because Susan’s designs made it extra special. Patti and Matt **★★★★★ — Boyle Graul, Aug. 2017** > We found Susan Wagner Designs on Houzz while looking for a unique glass artist to design and craft two six-foot glass panels for the doors of a custom-built wine closet. We wanted the glass to be elegant with a simple but compelling design that allowed some view inside, but left more to the imagination. We also wanted to be able to back-light the glass design to show off its beauty. We visited Susan’s studio, felt an immediate connection with her, and thoroughly liked all the creations we saw. Susan worked closely with the cabinet maker to ensure the glass panels fit inside the cherry wood doors. The result is stunning and we highly recommend Susan and her remarkable designs to anyone seeking an outstanding glass artist. Her exceptional glass art panels have more than met our goal, bringing graceful splendor to our home. **★★★★★ — Felicita Ballesteros, Aug. 2017** > If you want a unique focal point in your kitchen, see Ms. Wagner. I was hesitant at first to consider a custom made back splash for my gas range top but once I visited Ms. Wagner's studio, I was sold. Ms. Wagner is a highly talented artist who made the process very easy and professional. I am extremely happy with the beautiful design and material that Ms. Wagner made for my kitchen. My friends and family are stunned with how incredibly detailed her work is and how she was willing to work with me on the other mosaic tiles. She is a dedicated artist who provides outstanding customer service and is committed to ensuring her work is beautifully displayed in your custom kitchen. **★★★★★ — Michael Ray, Nov. 2016** > Susan goes beyond the ordinary with a sense of place that makes everything fit. She uses unusual materials and fits them together to produce striking and perfectly appropriate pieces. I bought several things from her for a redecorating project and they worked beautifully. I look forward to working with her when we have something more extensive to do. She has excellent taste and great craftsmanship. **★★★★★ — Indesign, Nov. 2016** > Susan, > > WOW! There are few words that can express how BEAUTIFUL your work is installed in our clients home! > Thank you for your creativity and hard work! > > Sara **★★★★★ — jodylambuth, May 2016** > I hired Susan Wagner Designs for a special piece to be installed on my kitchen backsplash. Susan was great to work with, even creating a new design for me from some mutual brainstorming. The quality of her work is excellent and the artwork she created for me is the centerpiece of my kitchen. She even created a few options on the pieces so that I could see what worked best with my backsplash tile. I purchased the new fan design with the surrounding metal pieces in bronze and moss with a 2" fused glass border. It's beautiful! **★★★★★ — cgsquilts, May 2016** > We actually saw Susan's work on another houzz photo. My husband was intrigued with her work and since she was located relatively near our home, we made an appointment to visit her studio in Santa Cruz. We viewed her many projects and then consulted with her on the design for our back splash in our newly remodeled kitchen. Susan visited our home to see both the daylight and artificial light that would influence the color choice. She was even helpful in locating a tile contractor that could apply her art installation. Our open kitchen design is very minimal so the back splash is the focal point of the entire room. Her unique use of materials, fused glass and concrete tiles is stunning. **★★★★★ — dickdaniels, March 2016** > We had a great time working with Susan on the entry doors and sidelights for our home. The house design is an open arc that nestles into the hillside landscape. Susan picked up the idea of curving lines and presented us and our architect with several concepts to choose from. We picked our favorite, and Susan carried the project from concept to final installation. Our entryway is definitely one-of-a-kind and makes an impressive, welcoming statement for our guests. > While visiting her studio, the concrete tiles we saw got us thinking about where else we could use her art. The kitchen backsplash was a good opportunity and we picked a bronze -colored fan tile to be installed over the stove and a row of “ginko” tiles to run the perimeter of the counters. > After we settled in we asked Susan to give us some design ideas for a natural-edged coffee table to go in front of a curved sofa. We went together to a local mill to select the perfect wood, and furniture-maker Peter Clarot fabricated the table with his impeccable craftsmanship. > > Entry Door.jpeg > Curved House Entryway. jpg.jpeg **★★★★★ — Sarah Michael, March 2016** > Susan designed and built a truly lovely window for the interior of our house, replacing something that we didn't care for. She carefully listened to our ideas and desires, showed us drawings that were surprising in their unique interpretation of our requests, and produced a piece of art that attracts comments and compliments from everyone that sees it. She is a pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — jfgerhardt, March 2016** > We purchased an original glass, metal, and cement sculpture from Sisan for our brand new house. It's in our living room above the fire place. We really like it. It's a wonderful point of focus for the room. **★★★★★ — mcollins1949, Oct. 2015** > Susan Wagner Designs, LLC, created a one of a kind backsplash for my new kitchen. She > was great to work with, had lots of ideas to chose among and then made a beautiful design for the oddly shaped space. I was particularly happy with the way she picked up some of the colors in the living and dining room which are open from the kitchen. And then when the tiles were being installed she created additional glass pieces to fit the odd spaces within days of discovering we had this additional need. I am delighted with the results. Working with Susan was delightful. And to add to that, she helped me find a good tile setter who did a great job and the price was as she estimated it to be. Doesn't get much better. /Users/maggiecollins/Desktop/Maggie's Fan wall .jpeg > /Users/maggiecollins/Desktop/Maggie's backsplash 1 .jpeg **Comment from Susan Wagner Designs:** > Maggie, > Thanks for taking the time to write this review. I think the collaboration was mutually delightful! > All the best, Susan ## Selected projects - [rrevv gallery, Santa Cruz California](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rrevv-gallery-santa-cruz-california-pj-vj~6814975) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Fireplace at Casa Colibri](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fireplace-at-casa-colibri-pj-vj~6077333) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 3 - [Distinctive Fireplace Surround Art](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/distinctive-fireplace-surround-art-pj-vj~3020732) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Concrete and Glass artwork for around and above a wood stove or gas-burning fireplace - [Backsplash Tiles for a Mountain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backsplash-tiles-for-a-mountain-home-pj-vj~5722001) - Location: Carmel Valley, CA - Photos: 4 - [LA Contemporary kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-contemporary-kitchen-pj-vj~3010909) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Contemporary backsplash with a handcrafted touch combines glass and concrete in a new look. Custom made to order to compliment your color palette. - [Monterey Contemporary Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/monterey-contemporary-kitchen-pj-vj~1227514) - Location: Salinas, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: A kitchen of natural wood cabinets spiced with a backsplash of silver and glass tiles is an elegant and joyful setting for everyday and special occassions. - [Handcrafted Carmel Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/handcrafted-carmel-home-pj-vj~1765138) - Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Handmade stone and glass tile create an artwork feature for the kitchen backsplash in a home inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. The artwork fills the 40" x 35" space between a granite countertop and exhaust fan. - [Ocean Energy Kitchen Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-energy-kitchen-backsplash-pj-vj~2168077) - Location: Aptos, CA - Photos: 2 - [Traditional Stained Glass](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-stained-glass-pj-vj~2957984) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 3 - [Asian Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asian-backsplash-pj-vj~2659862) - Location: Fremont, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: A Poppy Fan Mural from our workshop in Santa Cruz is set in a field of glass mosaic suggesting bamboo forests. - [Entry Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entry-ideas-pj-vj~2756259) - Location: Boulder Creek, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Wheel-engraved glass panels invites while adding privacy. - [Artistic Backsplash, Fireplace and Bathroom Installations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artistic-backsplash-fireplace-and-bathroom-installations-pj-vj~1128467) - Location: Monterey, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Artist Susan Wagner brings a new concept in interior design, bridging the worlds of gallery fine arts and the useful things we use in daily life. She's adapted her personal art to functioning wall installations as a backsplash, fireplace or feature walls. Scaled to any location, each work is individually hand-crafted in her Santa Cruz, California studio. - [Asian style backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/asian-style-backsplash-pj-vj~2469315) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: The flavor of Japan elegantly stated in soft of green and silver tones.... handmade to order in Santa Cruz, California. Our cast stone tiles are designed by award-winning artist Susan Wagner. Overall size is 18" x 36" - [Customizing a Stone Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/customizing-a-stone-backsplash-pj-vj~1765023) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 4 - [Contemporary Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-kitchen-pj-vj~2498707) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: The texture of hammered metal is captured in our inch by nine inch concrete tile. Perfect fit for the standard 18 inch space between countertop and cabinets of most kitchen layouts. - [Japanese Art Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-art-backsplash-pj-vj~1635061) - Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Inspired by Japanese brush painting, Susan designed a metallic-toned concrete fan that serves as the focal point for a Carmel kitchen. The Monterey Pine Branch Fan is 30" x 14" and framed by hammered textured concrete and wide bands of amber glass. - [Ocean Theme Backsplash - "Poseidon's Perch"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-theme-backsplash-poseidon-s-perch-pj-vj~2189710) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Waves and the shimmer of the surrounding ocean are captured in a glass and concrete backsplash hand-made in our Santa Cruz, California studio. Kitchen design by Indesign of Charlevoix, Michigan. - [Contemporary Santa Cruz Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-santa-cruz-kitchen-pj-vj~1436754) - Location: Santa Cruz, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Small, but every inch made beautiful with a hand-made Zen Art Mosaic backsplash. A bronze-tone 30" Flower Fan is the focal point, surrounded by textured modulart tiles in bronze and Silver Moss. - [Distinctive Contemporary Glass Art](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/distinctive-contemporary-glass-art-pj-vj~1227469) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: The combination of materials...glass, concrete, wood and metal...is contemporary with a "soft" edge.... strikingly different and easy on the eye. Susan's use of modular units allows for a design to be expanded to meet the architectural scale. Free-hanging artwork is adaptable to installation as a backsplash, fireplace surround, hallway or anywhere an artistic statement is needed. - [Japanese-Inspired Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-inspired-home-pj-vj~1472792) - Location: Prunedale, CA - Photos: 17 [See all 30 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/susan-wagner-designs-pfvwus-pf~1133141278) ## Ideabooks - [New Fireplace Concepts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90910837/list/new-fireplace-concepts) — 7 ideas - [BATHROOM IDEAS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/97815953/list/bathroom-ideas) — 4 ideas - [Kitchen Backsplashes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81048202/list/kitchen-backsplashes) — 3 ideas - [Concrete and Glass Backsplash Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67411277/list/concrete-and-glass-backsplash-ideas) — 10 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/susanwiederwagner) ## Community Q&A **Q: where can we find these tiles?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Pamela, The tiles are made at my studio in Santa Cruz, California. They are currently available directly from Susan Wagner Designs. **Q: reflective jewel-tone glass** *(in Photo Questions)* What is a manufacturer of these glass inserts? A: They are made at my studio ( Susan Wagner Designs, LLC) in Santa Cruz, California **Q: Backsplash tile with glass inserts** *(in Photo Questions)* What would be the approximate cost for 39 s/f of this tile with glass inserts plus shipping to FL? A: Hi, I've checked with a shipper I previously used to deliver to a Florida address... cost is an estimate that would be confirmed prior to shipment.... about $550.00 ( including cost of a crate) Would delivery be to a commercial or residential address? Thanks, Susan **Q: Is the stove blue?** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the grates on the stovetop blue? And, if so...what kind of stove is it? A: The grates are standard black, but they reflect the surrounding blues in the backsplash and countertop. **Q: Backsplash tile** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the name of this tile and where can it be purchased? A: The tile is called Strata Subway 4 x 12" and can be purchased directly from Susan Wagner Designs, the manufacturer, in Santa Cruz, California. The glass insets in jewel tones are also by Susan Wagner Designs. **Q: Looking for a red front door color** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you tell me the color of the garage doors please? ❤️ A: I didn't choose the paint, so can't help you with the name or brand. But it sure does look good! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-10.*