--- title: "Bilgart Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bilgart-design-pfvwus-pf~1795163058 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1795163058.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Bilgart Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f403e71b01228a0d_8062-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "San Rafael, California 94901, United States" phone: "(415) 847-3585" website: http://bilgartdesign.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 79 last_updated: 2026-09-25 --- # Bilgart Design Original Houzz profile: [Bilgart Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bilgart-design-pfvwus-pf~1795163058) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** San Rafael, CA - **Serves:** San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Marin City, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Inverness, Woodacre, Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Belvedere Tiburon, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Inverness Park, Point Reyes, San Quentin, West Matin County - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 30 years in business Flair, diligence, professionalism and attention to detail. These are words clients often use to describe Paulette Bilgart’s approach to interior design. She is committed to create unique and innovative designs built on solid architectural principles, strong collaboration between clients and contractors, imagination, and sensitivity to her clients’ personal spirit and taste. Originally from Denmark, Paulette opened a clothing design business in Copenhagen, where she designed and made clothes for rock stars including the Rolling Stones, Canned Heat, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young. The industrious Dane launched several stores in the capital offering redesigned vintage clothing as well as an American-themed truck stop restaurant, which caught the eye of Levi Strauss. Recognizing her ability to create a distinct ambiance, the jeans maker hired her to design their booths at the Copenhagen Fashion Expos. Paulette settled in Marin County in the 1970s and became the lead designer and partner in the specialty masonry company M&M Construction. More than three decades of industry experience has been combined with studies at the UC Berkeley Extension’s Interior Design Program, which uniquely positions the Marin designer: Having an in-depth knowledge of building practices and material characteristics gives her a dramatically different, more hands-on platform to work from when advising customers on which design solutions makes sense. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Bedroom Design - Living Room Design - Color Consulting - Furniture Selection - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Lighting Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Home Office Design & Construction - Entry Design - Custom Built-ins - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - House Plans - Custom Home Bars - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Closet Design - 3D Rendering - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Custom Rugs - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Downsizing - Drafting - Custom Table - Handicap-Accessible Design - Green Building - Energy-Efficient Homes - Attic Conversion - Custom Beds - Custom Storage - Decluttering - Feng Shui Design - Custom Murphy Beds - Garage Design - Garage Storage ### Areas Served - San Rafael - Novato - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Kentfield - Sausalito - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - Marin City - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Belvedere - Fairfax - Lagunitas-Forest Knolls - Inverness - Woodacre - Bolinas - Stinson Beach - Muir Beach - San Geronimo - Belvedere Tiburon - Forest Knolls - Greenbrae - Inverness Park - Point Reyes - San Quentin - West Matin County ### Typical Job Cost $30,000 - 250,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Bilgart Design | | Address | San Rafael, California 94901, United States | | Phone | (415) 847-3585 | | Website | http://bilgartdesign.com | | License Number | B \# 1004491 | | Followers on Houzz | 79 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/in/paulettebilgartdesign - Blog — http://www.bilgartdesign.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Bilgart Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bilgart-design-pfvwus-pf~1795163058) - **Website:** http://bilgartdesign.com - **Phone:** (415) 847-3585 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ASID North Chapter, 2nd Place, residential master bath - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2017), for Service. **Affiliations** - [North Bay NARI](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/north-bay-nari-pfvwus-pf~1578180300) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 14 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — sbyrdsf, Dec. 2020** > I am writing a long overdue review for Paulette Bilgart of Bilgart Design. The reason I am finally now writing is I am considering another bathroom design project and I immediately thought to contact Paulette! Paulette designed two beautiful bathrooms for us almost 8 years ago now, and the truth is I am grateful for her work every time I step foot in these spaces! The very unique and locally made tiles Paulette chose for the bathrooms, combined with the simplicity of just the right lighting fixtures, faucets and a custom designed sink made two extremely satisfactory spaces (guests always comment, “I really LOVE this bathroom!”). Paulette was super efficient, fun to work with, and coordinated professionally and seamlessly with the various trades people on the job. In addition to her own high level interior design skill, Paulette has background herself in a variety of the trades so it was like having a full team of knowledge and skill in one individual! I highly recommend Paulette for interior and exterior design in any project! **Comment from Bilgart Design:** > Thank you so much for such a wonderful review - you make me blush :-) > That bathroom is one of my favorites of all the ones I have worked on - it was such a fun collaboration ! And it turned out so beautiful! **★★★★★ — Ellen Peterson, March 2020** > I bought a hand made and hand painted bathroom sink, counter , and extra trim tile, in Fez, Morocco and had it shipped. Needless to say, it needed exacting measurements and creative measures to install once it arrived. I was super grateful for Paulette and team taking such exquisite care and attention to my project. Her design ideas spot on with mine, and almost 6mos later I am still thrilled with the results. It is beautiful and she was wonderful. **★★★★★ — Peggy Kwun, Nov. 2016** > I am so happy to have worked with Paulette for our kitchen+ remodel. I hired her first to design the kitchen and then it was such a pleasure to work with her, I hired her as the contractor to do it too. I interviewed several designers, but her ideas were the least complicated (others suggested enlarging the kitchen by pushing out walls) and the most functional. Our kitchen is the same size as before, but feels so much bigger and is so much better to cook in. The kitchen is perfect! I can't think of anything I'd do differently. We were so happy with the kitchen design that we had Paulette also redo a huge fireplace in our great room (as well as some other great room upgrades) and a half-bath. Everything is beautiful! Paulette is super responsive, easy to work with, only accepts high quality work and gets things done on time. We will definitely go with Bilgart Design for any future home projects. **★★★★★ — Barbara, Dec. 2015** > I hired Bilgart Design to remodel my very old, tired, small and inefficient condo kitchen and to basically give a face lift to the rest of the downstairs living space, consisting of a dining area, living room and powder room. I couldn’t be happier with the results. > > Paulette pays equal attention to form and function. My tiny 8 x 10 kitchen, which was a nightmare to work in, has been transformed into a fully functional and very beautiful and harmonious space. Paulette worked very hard to maximize every inch, which was not an easy task considering the very limited space and configuration. > > No matter what challenge came up at any stage of the project, Paulette was always there with a creative, practical and beautiful solution. She goes the extra mile in every regard. Nothing is ever just “good enough”; it has to be done as well as possible. > > Paulette’s grounded, open and client-centered approach creates a sense of trust in her and in the process. She was very prompt in addressing questions via email, text and phone. No matter how many times I labored over a decision or changed my mind, I never felt pressured by Paulette. On the contrary, she was always understanding and offered clear guidance that was helpful for determining the best choices. I knew I could depend on her. > > Because Paulette has built strong relationships with her subcontractors over many years, they show up on time and stand behind their work. I am very happy with the quality of the work and the quality of the people who spent time in my home working. > > Paulette worked within my budget and within the designated time frame. > > I can enthusiastically recommend Paulette of Bilgart Design for your remodeling project. **★★★★★ — evecollard, Dec. 2015** > Paulette is terrific. She is able to not only think strategically but digs into the detail to ensure a well done project. It's wonderful working with a designer/contractor. I recommend this approach highly. No questions or concerns about reading plans, etc. Paulette has wonderful relationship building skills and is a joy to work with. This coupled with her talent makes her an outstanding partner. I would not hesitate to recommend her. **★★★★★ — eileendenny, Aug. 2014** > How could I put into a short review the impression Paulette made when she remodeled my bathroom? > > She is the perfect match for those who desire: > 1\. Artistic taste > 2\. Trustworthiness > 3\. Economy > 4\. Expertise > Bonus: A great person to do business with. > I am happy to chat with anyone who would like a more in-depth account. **★★★★★ — pcluss, June 2013** > Paulette is very competent and was able to visual the bathroom remodel. She works well on her own to find materials and schedule labor. The project was completed in a timely manner. She is easy and pleasant to work with. > She listens to the customers needs and budget and follows through. The overall result is very good. I would use Paulette again and again. **★★★★★ — 533peninsula, June 2013** > Paulette's kitchen design expertise was just what we needed to pull together our dream kitchen. She provided invaluable guidance regarding kitchen dimensions, lighting, shelving and equipment. Her style is to work with her clients rather than impose her style on them which is a great service. **★★★★★ — coreygoodman, June 2013** > We built a new home on our ranch in West Marin using local craftspeople and local materials. Paulette Bilgart helped design our bathrooms and kitchen, did all of the tile work, and added your artist touch to everything she worked on. Paulette was terrific in every regard. Our bathrooms are beautiful and we have Paulette to thank! I'd recommend her to anyone and everyone! **★★★★★ — onlyperipatetic, June 2013** > My kitchen was in semi-desperate need of an upgrade, when I asked Bilgart Design to offer a few ideas on what could be done to improve it. Paulette Bilgart sat with me, explained how she worked and prepared a very unique design which I thoroughly loved. Then, to get things going, she initiated a series of spreadsheets to control all the steps and ensure that everything was accomplished at the prescribed time. > > My kitchen project included electrical and plumbing upgrades, new appliances, cabinetry, counter tops, back splash, windows and painting...the full works. Throughout the process, Paulette was always quick to communicate how we were doing...something I greatly appreciated. > > The kitchen turned out magnificently...everyone loves it and I owe so much to Bilgart Design...creativity, design, project management, process and completion. A wonderful job. > > Question: Would I hire Bilgart Design to do another project? Of course, and all my friends and colleagues know how I feel. **★★★★ — carriebay, June 2013** > Paulette is a great professional to work with. She listens, spends considerable time and energy exploring options, shares contacts and connections in the field (a rarity and a valuable asset). She gets her work done quickly and on time. I'd work with her again in a minute. And she's fun to boot! **★★★★★ — 2zxcvbnm, June 2013** > I had a ireplace remodel that was unfinished and I also suspected the safety of the fire box construction. I was introduced to Paulette Bilgart who came out and inspected it. She agreed that the fire box did not meet standards for distant from combustibles. So she helped get us on target for a safe project. > > Then we sort of had a design but were not in love with it. Paulette worked with us and helped us focus on what we liked and what was doable. She designed for us an incredible stone mosaic fireplace which captures the spirit of seeing bamboo. The "spacing" between the vertical "bamboo stalks" were mirrored tiles and the whole appearance is that of an alive structure because light plays off the tiles when you move in the room. > > We are extremely pleased with the design amd the work of her husband, Dave, in making it safe and executing her design. > > She then brought in several workmen to redo the floor and ceiling molding, making it more compatible with the fireplace. All the people she referred us to were extremely good. And she had a true artist, Judit, recreate an elaborate non-patterned, gold and bronze wall paper, into a painted mantle for the final touch on the fireplace. > > We enjoyed working with her. She respects her clients and seeks what will truly capture their interest and desired ambience. > > We are working with her now, June 2013, on a new project to up-date other features of our mid-century home. > > It is impossible to recommend her too highly. ## Selected projects - [Marble Luxury](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marble-luxury-pj-vj~3181566) - Location: Kentfield, CA - Photos: 2 - [Marin Hills Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marin-hills-master-bath-pj-vj~1156609) - Location: San Geronimo, CA - Photos: 4 - [Beach bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-bath-pj-vj~1460086) - Location: Bolinas, CA - Photos: 1 - [Dream Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dream-kitchen-pj-vj~2137578) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 3 - [Country Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-bath-pj-vj~171729) - Location: West Marin, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: The rural setting of this ranch house called for locally made rustic materials and fine craftsmanship. - [concrete and tile](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/concrete-and-tile-pj-vj~171958) - Location: West Marin, CA - Photos: 4 - [Zen Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-bath-pj-vj~1156533) - Location: Stinson Beach, CA - Photos: 5 - [Elegant Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elegant-kitchen-pj-vj~171874) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: These client were looking for an elegant upgrade for their old kitchen. Composite quartzite countertops and clever new lighting made it happen. - [Glass Mosaics](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glass-mosaics-pj-vj~171959) - Location: Marin County, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Sleek and modern - [Custom Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-bathrooms-pj-vj~1170711) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Al Fresco Cooking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/al-fresco-cooking-pj-vj~1156589) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fireplaces-pj-vj~171920) - Location: Bay area, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: It's as rich as your imagination - [Beach Cottage Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-cottage-kitchen-pj-vj~1159517) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Custom Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-kitchens-pj-vj~1170671) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Great sinks and a Table](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-sinks-and-a-table-pj-vj~171949) - Location: Marin County, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: It's all in the detail - [Beach House Bath Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-bath-room-pj-vj~171896) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Bath Room with an asian twist - [Rain Forest Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rain-forest-kitchen-pj-vj~171773) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Kitchen Remodel Featuring redeigned pantry wall and stunning Rainforest Marble Counters - [Lady's Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lady-s-bath-pj-vj~1168421) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Ranch Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranch-kitchen-pj-vj~1168400) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Seaside Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-bath-pj-vj~1168356) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 25 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bilgart-design-pfvwus-pf~1795163058) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157484237/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [Sinks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/97920062/list/sinks) — 2 ideas - [Onyx bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90255835/list/onyx-bathrooms) — 1 idea - [jeffra](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54161174/list/jeffra) — 3 ideas - [farm tables](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53654338/list/farm-tables) — 2 ideas - [farmtables](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53654192/list/farmtables) — 1 idea [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/helgabilgart) ## Community Q&A **Q: Ideas for 1-foot space at end of tub?** *(in Design Dilemma)* We’re in the midst of a master bath remodel and the tub just went in today! (btw, that's not a dent; the tub is protected with plastic.) Opposite the tub is the toilet and linen cupboards (vanity in adjoining room). I've been planning on tiling the area at the head of the bath—where Sherman the cat is peeking out of—into a bench. But I wonder: is there any other useful/interesting/creative way to use this 12" x 32" space? My tub will not have a tile skirt, but since the side has a tile flange, we do have to tile on that side. Ideas? A: On my projects I often use that space for a bench. It can become storage for toilet paper etc. accessed from the front of the tub. It is very nice to have, you can put your leg up for shaving and if you have kids or pets, its somewhere for you to sit while you bathe them. You can still have a niche above with either shelves or a cubby to exhibit art or a plant. Don't do tiled shelves. They are hard to install properly ( and nicely) they are hard to clean, because of corners and grout. Instead spring for some tempered Glass shelves. They vcan either be surface mounted ( with brackets ) or tiled in depending on the skill level of your installer.It also looks to me like the electric box is too close to the tub? **Q: what's this** *(in Design Dilemma)* this is part of the wall of entry way in my newly bought house. i'm wondering what it is. who can give me some advice how to decorate it.(every guest who passes by would ask what it is) A: I second that opinion:loose it! **Q: Kitchen color** *(in Design Dilemma)* I just bought a house and want to paint the kitchen a different color... what color should I use? A: With the light cabinets and the dark flooring, why not go a nice warm white. ;lovely simple and light. let the color of your artwork and your furniture do the talking **Q: Help Choosing Furniture Style for 80s Coastal Cabin!** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello! We recently purchased this coastal cabin built in the early 80s. It is a bit eclectic, with both light oak cabinets and trim, fir ceiling and doors, dark beams, a huge river rock fireplace, and spiral staircase. We are looking for some advice on choosing a style to use throughout the house. Not sure how to deal with all the different wood. Suggestions on furniture styles, lighting, paint colors, etc... would be wonderful! Living Room looking into kitchen and dining room with view of upstairs loft. View of kitchen & dining room - Have updated stainless steel fridge and dishwasher, and knick knacks are gone. Eventually we would plan to remodel the kitchen, and replace the kitchen/dining room laminate flooring and update the carpet, but probably not for a few years. Living Room with View of Fireplace. Living room is huge, with a great view, and lots of windows on the wall to the right of the fireplace. Living Room, view opposite fireplace. Note the expansive bookshelves. Any ideas as to what to do with these would be great! Previous owners had a sliding ladder, but they didn't leave it, and we don't plan on adding one. Collection of something? Books just for looks? Loft, looking down into living room. Note the beautiful fir ceilings. Also, the different styles of track lights, which we'd like to replace to make everything cohesive. Thanks so much! A: Perfect, just better with a wooden floor unless you live in the tropics. Tile are cold! keep the wooden floors light ( as in there dining area) as whitish as possible, not yellow. and the other wood in the space a tad bit darker like in the picture. All walls white to show off trim and artwork. good luck **Q: HeLp kitchen** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are remodeling a kitchen and have purchased mocha cabinets. Wondering if a barn wood style tile would go with mocha cabinets? And we have an oak hardwood floor in the house that will be next to the barnwood floor. Should we go with something that matches the oak floor or is the barnwood ok? Thank you! A: Keep the hardwood! It can be refinished. You can add a rug, its classic don't fool with it. Goes with every style. U can get more bang for your $ in other placers. I do not think that The wooden tile floor will feel right against the hardwood and not really be waterproof anyway unless the substrate is waterproofed. **Q: Is this flower arrangement right for this kitchen island?** *(in Polls)* A: Yes, but you have a more narrow island. I still think it disturbs the view, and thus feels odd, but at least on that big island it can be positioned in the middle, so no one can knock it over :-) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-25.*