--- title: "balance design studio — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/balance-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1543626349 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1543626349.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "balance design studio" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/40d37d8b0f0cef3b_1888-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "38 Diamond Street, Portland, Maine 04101, United States" latitude: 43.6606 longitude: -70.2589 phone: "(207) 272-4025" website: http://www.balancedesign.studio/ rating: 4.9 review_count: 56 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 173 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # balance design studio Original Houzz profile: [balance design studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/balance-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1543626349) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers - **Location:** Portland, ME - **Serves:** Portland, West Scarborough, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, Scarborough, Saco, Westbrook, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Old Orchard Beach, Yarmouth, Falmouth Foreside, South Windham, Chebeague Island, Little Falls, Cousins Island, Long Island, Littlejohn Island, Cliff Island, Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, New England, Peaks Island, South Freeport - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (56 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2012–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Published nationally I am a sustainability-oriented designer. To learn more about what that means, please visit these two pages: https://www.balancedesign.studio/sustainability-1 and https://www.balancedesign.studio/approach I design kitchens - for large projects with other rooms, let’s talk. I charge a flat fee to develop your concept using mood boards, line drawings, and renderings. The fee includes three revisions and basic assistance with material selection. Full-service material selection is available. I am an independent designer in partnership with Performance Building Supply; together, we are a showroom; a cabinetry purchase is expected. Our go-to cabinet line has the healthiest spec we can find. And it’s made within 150 miles from us. Typical cabinet purchases are $30K+ We also love sourcing unique, vintage/existing cabinetry to supplement new. For typical projects, a portion of the fee is applied to the cabinetry purchase. For smaller projects, the full fee is retained. I work with your contracting team or, for certain regions in Maine, I can refer the team. Want to learn more? Contact me. I’d like to learn more about you too. ### Services Provided - Kitchen Design - Custom Cabinets - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - 3D Rendering - Custom Countertops - Custom Pantries - Floor Plans - Project Management - Pantry Design - Sustainable Design - Green Building - Kitchen Remodeling - Interior design & installation ### Areas Served - Portland - West Scarborough - South Portland - South Portland Gardens - Scarborough - Saco - Westbrook - Windham - Gorham - Falmouth - Cape Elizabeth - Old Orchard Beach - Yarmouth - Falmouth Foreside - South Windham - Chebeague Island - Little Falls - Cousins Island - Long Island - Littlejohn Island - Cliff Island - Cumberland Center - Cumberland Foreside - New England - Peaks Island - South Freeport ### Typical Job Cost $75,000 - 200,000 Typical Job Costs refer to total project costs, which include design fees, materials, and construction costs ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | balance design studio | | Address | 38 Diamond Street, Portland, Maine 04101, United States | | Phone | (207) 272-4025 | | Website | http://www.balancedesign.studio/ | | Followers on Houzz | 173 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/balance-design-studio-328535203961801/ - Blog — https://www.balancedesign.studio/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [balance design studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/balance-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1543626349) - **Website:** http://www.balancedesign.studio/ - **Phone:** (207) 272-4025 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2012–2024), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 56 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 36.0 - Communication: 36.0 - Value: 36.0 ### Reviews **★ — Jennifer Griffin, March 2023** > We spent a fortune on her mid-level cabinets - $57,000 - then lost another $2,600 when she “assumed” a 42” kitchen workstation would fit in a 42” cabinet, rather than call the manufacturer and question the spec. Anyone want to buy a very nice kitchen sink? Don’t use Catherine unless you have money to burn! **Comment from balance design studio:** > Hi Jennifer. I agree that it is highly unfortunate that your sink did not fit the cabinet size that the sink manufacturer stated in their documentation! As I shared with you, I’ve not encountered anything like that in my fifteen years of doing this work. So I sympathize with your frustration. And cabinet prices did indeed skyrocket during the pandemic making it all the more stressful for people building a new home. I hope that, after getting settled, you will find joy and serenity in your beautiful new home. **★★★★★ — shunter21, March 2023** > Catherine has been the absolute best to work with throughout our kitchen renovation project. Her attention to detail is NEXT LEVEL and she doesn't skip a beat. Her knowledge and experience in designing the layout of our cabinets was so appreciated and her expertise was the crucial ingredient needed to get it done the right way. My husband and I both highly recommend Catherine to anyone heading into a kitchen renovation who is looking for the best in professionalism, organization and dependability. **Comment from balance design studio:** > Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate them! I loved working with you guys on your project and am delighted that you are happy with the outcome. Thank you again. Kindness like this warms my heart :) **★★★★★ — Joanne Berg, Jan. 2022** > My husband and I worked with Catherine from spring of 2019 to winter of 2021. We insulated, updated and expanded our cabin in Cumberland, ME. This included a brand-new kitchen. Catherine was terrific to work with; professional, organized, knowledgeable and precise. We were in the throes of the COVID pandemic, which wreaked havoc on the construction industry. > > Catherine’s presentations were fabulous and included floor plans and elevations of how our kitchen would function as well as how it would look within our home. > > She kept her cool in all situations and helped us do the same. We had to switch cabinet manufacturers mid-job and Catherine came to us prepared with alternatives and selections for us to consider. The kitchen countertop installation process was fraught with issues, and Catherine was our advocate and mediator. She presented the situation clearly and had solutions ready for us to consider. > > We have moved a number of times and planned many renovations; each with its own issues. We were also living in Arizona during this process and conducting most of business via zoom and telephone; something we had never done before.Catherine was a great help through all the phases of this project and we could not have done it without her. > > Jim and Joanne Berg, Cumberland, ME **Comment from balance design studio:** > Thanks so much Joanne and Jim! The pandemic certainly presented challenges. You guys (and your home) came through like a champ! I have so enjoyed working with you and the team. Seeing the beautiful final result makes it all worth it!! Wishing you many many warm and wonderful memories in your new home :) **★★★★★ — O'Brien Wood & Iron LLC, March 2020** > Catherine is a joy to work with! She is our go to recommendation to clients for design and we always receive positive feedback from our clients after they have worked with her. She has a great eye for design, listens to her customers' needs and is realistic about budgets. Super professional and one of the nicest people you'll meet. **★★★★★ — Ben Hemberger, March 2020** > Great service and an excellent eye for design! Catherine has been a pleasure to work with on several of our recent high-end projects. **Comment from balance design studio:** > Thank you Ben! I have loved working with you and your team. Such great teamwork! **★★★★★ — HU-886191469, Feb. 2020** > Catherine was recommended by our builder to design our kitchen and we could not be happier with her services. > > She asked the right question to help us determine our needs, created a plan , complete with rendering, that reflected our needs and wants, and communicated regularly with us and our builder to see the project through. > > She is very thorough and insightful, and caught and resolved potential issues before they became problematic. > > We are so pleased with the final product! **★★★★★ — Jeff Pettyjohn, June 2019** > I worked with Catherine at Balance Design Studio while creating a proposal for a government remodeling contract. I could not be happier with her professionalism as well as her customer service. The requirements of the job in meeting a variety of specifications were very complex, and Catherine was very helpful in making sure all were met. > > The project was derailed from the government's end, so I did not have the pleasure of working with Catherine and Balance Design Studio further. I would certainly work with Balance Design Studio again, both professionally as well as personally. **★★★★★ — lynn rutter, Jan. 2019** > WOW. I am drawn to Catherine's designs even when browsing houzz. She designed a kitchen for us and I love her style and ideas. Soon to be built. **Comment from balance design studio:** > Thank you so much Lynn! Can't wait to help you cross the finish line on this very special home! **★★★★★ — HU-696065750, Dec. 2018** > I am completely satisfied with the design consultation and final results provided by Catherine in the total renovation of my kitchen. **★★★★★ — Sarah Barmby, Dec. 2018** > Catherine is a joy to work with! She thinks of every last detail when she worked on our project. She asks great questions to get an idea of what exactly the space is going to be used for and gives suggestions when needed. Would highly recommend! **★★★★★ — Kathleen Pratt, Dec. 2018** > Working with Catherine at Balance Design Studio was a dream! We did a full kitchen remodel with her and she came up with a design that was perfect for our home and our family. Before working on her designs, she came and spent time with our family to get a feel for our personal needs for this space. The final product was spot on and beyond what we could have even hoped for! **★★★★★ — Laura Barger, Dec. 2018** > Catherine was a true pleasure to work with! She took time to really understand the way we wanted to use our kitchen, and helped us tremendously with our space planning. She also worked effectively within our budget without compromising any quality. We would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for space planning and high-quality materials! ## Selected projects - [Introducing balance design studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/introducing-balance-design-studio-pj-vj~6146686) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 1 - [Pine Point home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pine-point-home-pj-vj~6381937) - Location: Scarborough, ME - Photos: 9 - [Built for gathering](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/built-for-gathering-pj-vj~7025065) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Orange pop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/orange-pop-pj-vj~2741131) - Location: Harpswell, ME - Photos: 5 - [Yarmouth Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yarmouth-cottage-pj-vj~590318) - Location: Yarmouth, ME - Photos: 4 - [Old Home gets a New Look](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-home-gets-a-new-look-pj-vj~6298579) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 3 - [Old World Meets New](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-world-meets-new-pj-vj~2367178) - Location: Kennebunkport, ME - Photos: 5 - [New take on Old World](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-take-on-old-world-pj-vj~6016388) - Location: Gorham, ME - Photos: 10 - [Timeless antique](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/timeless-antique-pj-vj~6493119) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Transitional waterfront in Yarmouth](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-waterfront-in-yarmouth-pj-vj~1139194) - Location: Yarmouth, ME - Photos: 5 - [Organic Modern in Ipswich MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/organic-modern-in-ipswich-ma-pj-vj~590302) - Location: Ipswich, MA - Photos: 5 - [Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renderings-pj-vj~2504654) - Location: Portland, ME - Photos: 46 - [Featured In](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/featured-in-pj-vj~568786) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Trailside Net Zero](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/trailside-net-zero-pj-vj~5820422) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: At the apex of a quiet cul de sac, with the Brunswick Commons trail meandering just footsteps from the backyard, an active retired couple wanted to build their forever home. They wanted the most efficient house they could build with at least 100% of the energy coming from their rooftop solar array. Even with a wall of pine trees directly to the south Michael Maines was able to design a house that, with high attention to detailing, we were able to make a net positive energy home. The 48 solar pan… - [Eiderdown](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eiderdown-pj-vj~2706617) - Location: Saco, ME - Photos: 7 - [video](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/video-pj-vj~6317867) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/balance-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1543626349) ## Ideabooks - [2018 Showroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105754726/list/2018-showroom) — 3 ideas - [showroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87612027/list/showroom) — 2 ideas - [frameless](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23867377/list/frameless) — 3 ideas - [design inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30462199/list/design-inspiration) — 37 ideas - [Things to see before you decide...](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2834595/list/things-to-see-before-you-decide) — 16 ideas - [appliances](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/41237736/list/appliances) — 4 ideas - [fun stuff](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6764512/list/fun-stuff) — 10 ideas - [patina spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17662479/list/patina-spaces) — 17 ideas - [microwave designs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30752059/list/microwave-designs) — 1 idea - [storage solutions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30733027/list/storage-solutions) — 1 idea - [Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5394257/list/contemporary) — 10 ideas - [Bathroom ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28809524/list/bathroom-ideas) — 4 ideas - [handles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25363016/list/handles) — 13 ideas - [Hyla's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26791166/list/hyla-s-ideas) — 8 ideas - [Great ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2834343/list/great-ideas) — 15 ideas - [Shades of white: upscale cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2834841/list/shades-of-white-upscale-cottage) — 3 ideas - [goulet](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25774202/list/goulet) — 3 ideas - [Fridge next to wall oven](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25638431/list/fridge-next-to-wall-oven) — 6 ideas - [new house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11597050/list/new-house) — 61 ideas - [angled ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24832799/list/angled-ceilings) — 7 ideas [See all 36 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cxweiland) ## Community Q&A **Q: Details please, this is such a pretty kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the countertop? What is the hardware? Great job!! A: Hi Elizabeth. This project is a few years old. The countertop is a quartz that is no longer produced. The client purchased their hardware, so unfortunately, I don't have records to answer you. Thank you for your kind words. **Q: hi, could you tell me where the tile was sourced? thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* Kitchen backsplash tile A: Hi Cathy. This project was installed over 15 years ago. So unfortunately, I no longer have records of the tile used for this project. But if you show this picture to your local tile retailer, I'm sure that they could either identify it (if it's still being made) or help you find great alternatives. Good luck! **Q: love this kitchen!!!** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the island countertop? A: Hi there. Thank you for your kind words! The countertop is Silestone's Calacatta Gold. The pattern doesn't really show in any of the pictures. It is subtle. **Q: What are the floors ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Brand and color would be great! A: Carlisle flooring, White Oak, clear matte. **Q: Cabinet details?** *(in Photo Questions)* Very nice mid-century modern kitchen! What is the wood species, stain, and source for the cabinets? Thank you! A: Thank you! The wood species is Quarter sawn white oak. Stain was custom and cabinets were made by the contractor who is \*really\* talented. Getting grain that runs continuously like this is a big part of the look and is not a common option. If you're buying manufactured cabinets, look for a something above "mid" grade for this option. Good luck! **Q: I would love to know what the countertops are made of. Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* I am looking or something elegant on top of wooden cabinets. A: Yes, of course! How about I give you a call to discuss your needs as a first step. Just let me know a few good times to chat and the best number to reach you. Feel free to email me directly at Catherine@balancedesign.studio. Thanks! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*