---
title: "Mint Design Studio — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/mint-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1294144181
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1294144181.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Mint Design Studio"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/82a3e0eb0c12b2ff_9343-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "3912 Portola Dr., Suite 1, Santa Cruz, CA, California 95062, United States"
latitude: 36.9721
longitude: -121.9881
phone: "(831) 217-7939"
website: http://www.mintstudiodesigns.com
rating: 0
review_count: 0
followers: 14
last_updated: 2026-09-10
---

# Mint Design Studio

Original Houzz profile: [Mint Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/mint-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1294144181)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Santa Cruz, CA, CA
- **Serves:** San Jose, Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, Monterey, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Capitola, Rio Del Mar, Ben Lomond, Aptos, Opal Cliffs, Felton, Seacliff, Day Valley, Bonny Doon, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Mount Hermon, Pasatiempo, Lompico, Paradise Park, Zayante, Twin Lakes
- **Houzz rating:** 0.0 out of 5 (0 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- 500 Ideabook Saves

Owner and Principal Designer Sharai Simpkins has been fascinated with architecture and design of all styles ever since she was a child. She loves to integrate the client's tastes into a fun and classic mix that is both functional and beautiful for the whole family. After earning her degree in Interior Design, she gained expertise with both Architects and Interior Designers, and dove into the custom furniture industry by managing a local home and lifestyle boutique. An allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, she is well equipped to manage projects of all sizes and enjoys working with local builders and professionals to get the job done.

Mint Design Studio is located in Santa Cruz, California. We serve all of Santa Cruz County and the surrounding areas including Monterey, Los Gatos, San Jose and Santa Clara County.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Living Room Design
- Bedroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Furniture Selection
- Kids Bedroom Design
- Dining Room Design
- Custom Cabinets
- Lighting Design
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Home Office Design & Construction
- Custom Built-ins
- Entry Design
- Floor Plans
- Playroom Design
- Project Management
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Custom Furniture
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- House Plans
- Custom Home Bars
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- 3D Rendering
- Custom Bookcases
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Custom Entertainment Centers
- Sunroom Design & Construction
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Custom Fireplace Mantels
- Sustainable Design
- Custom Shelving
- Custom Pantries
- Drafting
- Holiday Decorating
- Green Building
- Custom Beds
- Custom Storage
- Garage Design
- Interior Design Photography
- Architectural Remodels

### Areas Served

- San Jose
- Santa Cruz
- Los Gatos
- Monterey
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Capitola
- Rio Del Mar
- Ben Lomond
- Aptos
- Opal Cliffs
- Felton
- Seacliff
- Day Valley
- Bonny Doon
- Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley
- Mount Hermon
- Pasatiempo
- Lompico
- Paradise Park
- Zayante
- Twin Lakes

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Mint Design Studio |
| Address | 3912 Portola Dr., Suite 1, Santa Cruz, CA, California 95062, United States |
| Phone | (831) 217-7939 |
| Website | http://www.mintstudiodesigns.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 14 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pg/mintstudiodesigns/photos/?ref=page\_internal
- Blog — https://www.instagram.com/mint.design.studio/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Mint Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/mint-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1294144181)
- **Website:** http://www.mintstudiodesigns.com
- **Phone:** (831) 217-7939

## Credentials

**Affiliations**
- [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642)

## Selected projects

- [Depot Hill Kitchen Addition + Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/depot-hill-kitchen-addition-renovation-pj-vj~5514359)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: This historical home addition and renovation aimed to create a bright and open living/dining space that took advantage of the beautiful outdoors. Classic lines merge with contemporary features to seamlessly blend the old with the new. The airy kitchen is the centerpiece of the home, perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining. Historic buildings can pose some unique restrictions, but those extra hurdles can present design opportunities as well. With a new metal roof, spacious back patio, and com…
- [Capitola Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capitola-beach-house-pj-vj~5514361)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This family friendly classic home renovation was completed in 2016. To make room for their growing family, the formal dining room was re-purposed to make a sweet nursery. This allowed the larger family room to become an open dining area with a play space that fit the family's lifestyle. The custom built-in dining nook is comfortable and reflects that classic beach style of Capitola living while offering much needed storage space. What was traditional craftsman is now remade into a contemporary,…
- [Children's Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/children-s-room-pj-vj~5514333)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 1
- [Mini Mint Retail Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mini-mint-retail-space-pj-vj~5514355)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: Mini Mint- Earth Friendly Goods for Minis and Mamas- is a children's and lifestyle retail extension of Mint Design Studio.
- [Aptos Landscape Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aptos-landscape-addition-pj-vj~5527618)
  - Location: Aptos, CA
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: The Aptos side yard project incorporates a new exterior living space for a young growing family. An expansive deck includes dining and an outdoor kitchen, while the seating area is tucked underneath the oak canopy. Two levels of recreational space offer separation of the game area and the seating area, and helps to designate specific space for flexible activity zones.
- [Pleasure Point Beach Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasure-point-beach-bungalow-pj-vj~5527611)
  - Location: Aptos, CA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Inspired by the lifeguard towers installed throughout the county, this home was designed for entertaining, surfing, and relaxation. The open floor plan incorporates a backyard entertainment oasis; including a relaxing outdoor shower, hot tub, and sauna - which all provide the perfect spot to unwind after a great surfing session. The upper floor is designed to maximize morning sunlight and ocean views, while providing privacy from the street and surrounding homes. This is a great example of a sma…
- [Santa Cruz Home Development](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-home-development-pj-vj~5527612)
  - Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: As a three parcel bundle, our vision for this project was to break the mold of traditional development and do something completely new. The three designs are made to look like a cohesive, clean lined modern development while also offering strong identity to each other and the surrounding neighborhood. The exterior utilizes linear composite paneling and anodized aluminum to create a fresh look, and smart interior features including an open floor plan ensure flexible use, high quality living, and…
- [Modern Boho Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-boho-renovation-pj-vj~5527601)
  - Location: Capitola, CA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Located in one of Capitola’s highly desired neighborhoods, this renovation took a 1940’s box and turned it into the focal point of the street. The client had a fun modern boho style, which was expressed within the interior renovation to make the home feel lively and comfortable. The exterior takes the modern cube concept and adds beach flare to create a unique style. The existing building was non-conforming to current codes, which made the renovation challenging and the design restrictive, but s…

[See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/mint-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1294144181)

## Ideabooks

- [mintstudio\_sharai's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74864380/list/mintstudio-sharai-s-ideas) — 47 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74864379/list/wish-list) — 12 ideas

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mintstudio-sharai)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Can you please tell me where this table was purchased?** *(in Photo Questions)*

The dining table

A: Hi! It's from Restoration Hardware. It was the unfinished table, and we treated it with a wood oil to protect the surface. This did darken it a bit.

**Q: Receiving Warehouse for Interior Design in NW Ohio** *(in Home Decorating)*

I recently moved to Northwestern Ohio and am trying to find a receiving warehouse in the Findlay/Toledo/Perrysburg area that specializes in interior decor. Bonus if they also have white glove home delivery. Any designers in the area able to send me in the right direction for this?

Thanks!
Whitney

A: If you are a designer looking for this, try posting in the Houzz pro to pro discussion section. I'm sure there is someone in your area with that info!

**Q: Kitchen Hardware Dilemma. Help Please!** *(in Remodeling)*

Hi all, I am in search of some help/opinions on hardware choices for part of a small kitchen remodel. I'm doing bar pulls with backplates on the drawers on the island (4 drawers) as well as the drawers on either side of the range (6 drawers, photo included) , but I am just having a ridiculously hard time deciding what to do on the two glass uppers and the whole area around the refrigerator and pantry cabinet.  I had always planned on using a mix of bars and knobs in this kitchen (I like the mixed look), but I'm just so worried about making a mistake that I've just shut down over what to do. I know, I know...first world problems for real. 

I would love your opinions/ideas etc. WWYD? 

FYI, island is rift white oak, perimeter cabs are pure white and I will be using Misterio (quartz) for the counters with the aformentioned bar pulls and backplates on drawers in brushed satin nickel. Also attaching the original layout plan in case that helps. 

Thank you so much in advance! <3

A: I love those bar pulls. I would also do bar pulls on the pantry doors, and the corner cabinets by the pantry too since they are the same size. Knobs make sense everywhere else, especially on the glass front cabinets, the pulls would be too heavy over there. Just find something with a similar shape and feel as the pulls, likely the manufacturer will have some coordinated styles. Your kitchen looks beautiful!

**Q: 2 pane interior doors** *(in Home Decorating)*

I would like to hear anything you have to say about these two panel doors and hardware color.
Disregard trims.
Thank you

A: I like the simplicity of the top shaker style door. Satin nickel hardware looks great too.

**Q: Which chandelier looks best over my table?** *(in Lighting)*

Still struggling with this kitchen remodel.  Chandelier over table will replace this ceiling fan and will be centered.  All of these chandeliers are between 26 and 28 inches wide.  Table is 66 x 40.  9 foot ceilings.  Open to great room.  Also have can lighting.  Room is south facing with a lot of natural light.  Choices below plus my kitchen choices to match.  Thank you!!





Choice \#1 - Is it too gothic and heavy?



\#2


\#3 It's a little taller and I worry it's too big.  29 1/2 W x 30 Height


\#4 - I worry about the lights being harsh with no shades:



The rest of my kitchen! White Shaker Cabinets


Black Pearl Leathered Granite
Travertine Backsplash


Thank you everyone!  I always appreciate the input because this is not my forte!

A: \#2 is nice design but also lightweight. I agree that \#1 is too heavy for a low ceiling

**Q: Stairs with storage** *(in Polls)*

Hello all,

I would like to update an early 80's open staircase as shown in the photo below.
The stair stringers and support pieces are rough timber that has been painted.
A neighbor with the same floorplan updated his staircase by covering the timber members with smooth-texture drywall and building in a storage closet, as shown in the picture below:


The area where the storage area opens to is a dining area, and the area behind the stairs is the living room.  From a marketability perspective (I'm planning to sell this house), should I put in that storage area, or leave it open?

A: I would simply update the space and update the stairs. An impressive staircase will sell better than a tiny closet that most won’t really even notice. The window is also awkwardly close to the closet in the photo below. When you stage it put some large plants over there to make it feel spacious.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-10.*