--- title: "Melinda Mandell Interior Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/melinda-mandell-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1862398880 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862398880.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Melinda Mandell Interior Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a2138ca40eb9a2db_8266-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "555 Bryant Street, #240, palo alto, California 94301, United States" latitude: 37.4443 longitude: -122.1497 phone: "(650) 282-5256" website: http://www.melindamandell.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 336 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Melinda Mandell Interior Design Original Houzz profile: [Melinda Mandell Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/melinda-mandell-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1862398880) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** palo alto, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, San Francisco, Berkeley, San Mateo, Redwood City, Napa, Palo Alto, Danville, Menlo Park, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Stanford, Healdsburg, Hillsborough, Sonoma, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Calistoga, Emerald Lake Hills, Portola Valley, Loyola, West Menlo Park, La Honda, Pescadero, Loma Mar, Ladera - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Eco-friendly - Published locally - High-end Melinda Mandell Interior Design crafts stunningly beautiful and flawlessly functional designs for clients seeking to elevate their lifestyles. As a well-established member of the San Francisco Bay Area design community, MMID has received over a dozen design excellence awards and has been seen in or featured online by Elle Decor, Luxe Interiors + Design, California Home + Design, Modern Luxury Silicon Valley, Rue Magazine, Business of Home, and Livingetc, to name a few. Principal Melinda Mandell founded MMID in 2011. Her artful, welcoming, and verdant aesthetic inspires spaces where her clients are truly able to thrive in every facet of home life. With a growing team and signature penchant for using color, every space MMID designs is as unique as the family it serves. From respectful remodels of historic homes, to gut renovations resulting in modern transformations, to custom ground-up construction, to making homes finished and functional with high-end furnishings, every element of their designs are crafted with purpose, beauty, and excellence. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Lighting Design - Design Consultation - Entry Design - Floor Plans - Project Management - Playroom Design - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Nursery Design - House Plans - Art Selection - Universal Design - Sustainable Design - Handicap-Accessible Design - Historic Building Conservation ### Areas Served - San Diego - San Francisco - Berkeley - San Mateo - Redwood City - Napa - Palo Alto - Danville - Menlo Park - Los Gatos - Los Altos - Burlingame - San Carlos - Belmont - Stanford - Healdsburg - Hillsborough - Sonoma - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Woodside - Calistoga - Emerald Lake Hills - Portola Valley - Loyola - West Menlo Park - La Honda - Pescadero - Loma Mar - Ladera ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 3 million Project cost ranges significantly, depending on scope of and type of project (a few rooms to whole home, and furnishings only to whole home gut renovation plus furnishings). ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Melinda Mandell Interior Design | | Address | 555 Bryant Street, \#240, palo alto, California 94301, United States | | Phone | (650) 282-5256 | | Website | http://www.melindamandell.com | | Followers on Houzz | 336 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/melindamandellinteriordesign - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindamandell - Blog — www.melindamandell.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Melinda Mandell Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/melinda-mandell-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1862398880) - **Website:** http://www.melindamandell.com - **Phone:** (650) 282-5256 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NCIDQ Cert. 028409 - Design Excellence Awards: - ASID 2021 - SILVER Kitchen - ASID 2021 CA - SILVER Bathroom - ASID 2021 CA - BRONZE Singular Space - ASID 2019 CA - GOLD Bathroom - ASID 2019 CA - GOLD Kitchen - ASID 2019 CA - SILVER Living Room - ASID 2017 - FIRST PLACE Commercial - ASID 2015 - GOLD Kitchen - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [ASID California North Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asid-california-north-chapter-pfvwus-pf~848111714) - [ASID California Peninsula Chapter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asid-california-peninsula-chapter-pfvwus-pf~403471035) - [NCIDQ Examination](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncidq-examination-pfvwus-pf~882083937) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Paul Dumesnil, Feb. 2024** > My wife and I live in Palo Alto and have used Melinda and her professional team on several occasions. > We have been more than pleased with each new project (living room, family room and master bedroom). > Melinda listens very well (she’s a quick study). she quickly understood our tastes and desire to blend modern with traditional. With each presentation we were given two very thorough choices and we liked all of them. We were heard. > Melinda and her staff are fun to work with, knowledgable, and have wonderful, creative suggestions. **★★★★★ — Cecelia Lau, Dec. 2018** > Melinda worked with us for about 6 months to develop plans for a huge remodel in Palo Alto (entire new layout including moving walls and stairwells, etc.). She was able to understand and articulate our aesthetic right away, and always brought samples and images that really appealed to us. She was flexible with meeting us at home during times that were convenient for us, which was so helpful as we had a new baby. And she was so patient with our dog who would rifle through her purse constantly! > > We ended up abandoning the remodel project suddenly when we stumbled across a new home we loved. She handled the change of scope so professionally, and quickly pivoted to provide furnishing concepts for the new home. She arranged a day out in San Francisco to choose the big items (sofa, fabrics, etc.), brought tons of wood/textile samples to our home, and also pointed us to the right showrooms for plumbing fixtures, etc. > > She sourced beautiful items both custom made and ready-to-ship which fit perfectly in our new home. I appreciate her enthusiasm for American craftsmanship and her eye for beautiful details. > > Melinda was flexible and easy to work with, and we always felt like her only client even though I know she had multiple projects happening at once. Much of the billing came near the end of the project, and all the bills were detailed and transparent with no surprises. **★★★★★ — Jon and Jan Sherman, Sept. 2018** > After completing a full remodel of our kitchen, we were not satisfied with our result. We realized that we needed a professional designer to help us make changes both with color and materials that best fit our wants and needs. Indecision was a big problem with our initial remodel and we failed to create a kitchen that we enjoyed being in. We met with Melinda and she asked us a lot of questions, listened to our concerns, and encouraged us to go outside our comfort zone. She brought us samples, material specs, plans, and illustrations that were very helpful in the decision process. What was most helpful was the fact that she possessed a pool of tested and qualified contractors. This lowered our anxiety on finding people to do the work. We ended up painting the cabinets, replacing the backsplash and countertops as well as installing new flooring. We also selected materials for window coverings to enhance the look. Her expertise on design and color added just the right touch to make our kitchen beautiful. We also refinished our hardwood floors, painted throughout, and installed new baseboards and crown modeling. We were so impressed with her that we have decided to use her to overhaul and decorate our living room, dining room, breakfast space, and family room. **★★★★★ — Renee Pyle, Sept. 2018** > Melinda's work on our Master Bath/Master Suite remodel exceeded our very high expectations. The project scope included design, permit, materials specification, fixtures, and project management. Melinda is a clear, organized and thorough communicator who kept our project moving along well. She did an excellent job navigating the many different personalities and moving parts of the project. She is a creative problem solver and was able to identify local experts to remedy unexpected issues. We particularly valued Melinda's impeccable reputation with the contractors and subs who often commented, unsolicitedly, that they found her work to be outstanding. She invested the time to deeply understand our style, preferences, and desired outcome and used that to balance making beautiful choices for us that we wouldn't have otherwise considered while at the same time deferring to us in areas where we were particularly opinionated. We trusted Melinda completely and she added tremendous value and insight. We recommend her without hesitation. **★★★★★ — Mindi Jones, Aug. 2017** > I'm so grateful to have worked with Melinda. Our budget was very limited and she was able to point us in some creative directions that allowed us to get function without giving on design. **Comment from Melinda Mandell Interior Design:** > Mindi, thank you for the review! It was great to work with you to bring your vision to life! Opening up your living space and moving your kitchen completely transformed your house into a space so much more supportive of your lifestyle and your family's needs! You were great to work with! **★★★★★ — rnirmala, Dec. 2016** > Melinda did an amazing job for us on a short time frame remodeling project that required a lot of "rolling with the punches". She was very efficient in using our time to get to decisions and chose quite a few elements that really made our home design pop. Melinda is very patient and flexible and has a keen eye for contemporary design. We will seek to work with her for Phase 2! > > \- Nirmala and Jay **Comment from Melinda Mandell Interior Design:** > Thank you so much, Nirmala and Jay! You have been great to work with - especially in efficient decision making, and rolling with the punches as well! Looking forward to Phase 2! **★★★★★ — West Valley College, Dec. 2016** > Melinda is a talented designer. She is professional, punctual, and highly creative. She designed drapery for our formal living and dining rooms that maintained our traditional style but in a fresh, contemporary manner. Melinda was thoughtful in her finish selections. She offered several fabric and material options that all met our budget considerations. Her workroom is fabulous and you can tell that they take great pride in their workmanship. Melinda worked closely with us every step of the way. From concept to install, she kept us involved. It was a wonderful experience working with Melinda and we highly recommend her to anyone considering a remodel or new build. **★★★★★ — Wendy and Ken Woodrow, Dec. 2016** > The perfect balance of form and function, Melinda Mandel was wonderful to work with. She is practical, task oriented, delightful and has great taste. She amazingly balances tact and persuasion to help prevent esthetically unsound decisions. Melinda very quickly was in touch with our vision, as well as our budget. > > She worked really hard to keep everyone involved to meet deadlines, and did so with the utmost tact. She recommended a number of other professionals - lighting, flooring, stone manufacturers etc. and they were all fabulous. Melinda always ensured that the work performed was of the highest quality and made sure that no 'short cuts' were taken. > > Everyone who has worked on our project has since told us how happy they were to work with Melinda and how exceptionally professional she is. > > The end result of Melinda's design and hard work has been beyond our expectations and we couldn't be more thrilled. Melinda is an absolute pleasure to work with and we can't recommend her highly enough. **★★★★★ — Elizabeth Maiaroto, March 2016** > She was fantastic. She didn't have rigid color palettes that many people offer, she really worked with us to find the perfect colors for our house. She knew the colors really well and was flexible. She was a great listener. She was way more expensive than others I spoke with but the end result was fantastic. **Comment from Melinda Mandell Interior Design:** > Thank you for the great review, Elizabeth! It was absolutely wonderful working with you! I am so glad you are thrilled with the experience of working with me! **★★★★★ — marthafle, Dec. 2015** > Color palette, bathroom mirrors and floors, hardwood and / or laminate floors, redesign lighting, kitchen tile and granite countertops, backsplash. Went shopping for sofa, chairs and accessories. I liked working with Melinda. She has great ideas and she's a joy. **★★★★★ — marty2753, Nov. 2015** > Color palette, bathroom mirrors and floors, hardwood and/or laminate floors, redesign lighting, kitchen tile and granite countertops, backsplash-went shopping for sofa, chairs and accessories. I liked working with Melinda, she has great ideas and she's a joy. **★★★★★ — rachna012673, Aug. 2015** > I had hired Melinda to work on a complete remodel of our 4000+ sf home. She completely redesigned the kitchen and family room (these were stripped down to the bare walls) and all the bathrooms in the house. > > My kitchen ended up getting a design award. The family room fireplace is a favorite amongst my friends as is the family room furniture that Melinda helped me select. > > She has great color ideas, and gave very meticulous drawings to the builders. I am very happy with her and have recommended her to a number of my friends. ## Selected projects - [Au Naturel Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/au-naturel-ranch-pj-vj~7389946) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: What began as a kitchen and laundry room renovation quickly grew to include a refresh of almost the entire house. Our empty-nester clients were ready to revive and bring new life into their well-loved family home that they had lived in for nearly twenty years. Our clients gravitate toward a warm and contemporary aesthetic, strongly emphasizing natural materials. We opted for finishes that celebrated their inherent beauty, like quartzite and ceramic tile with naturally imperfect texture. We chose… - [Vintage Style Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vintage-style-bathroom-pj-vj~7442861) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: This bathroom has been transformed into a gorgeous vintage inspired retreat, melding seamlessly into the architecture of the home. Every element was chosen to work inside the compact space while still exuding charm and elegance. The blue leafy wallpaper is hand printed in the UK and the sage green and cream tile is handmade in Oregon. All plumbing fixtures are polished nickel which contrasts with the lovely bronze mirror frame. There is a hidden full length medicine cabinet recessed into the wal… - [Post + Beam Reimagined](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/post-beam-reimagined-pj-vj~7396021) - Location: Portola Valley, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: We blended our client's cool and contemporary style with the home's classic midcentury architecture in this 1954 post and beam renovation. It was important to define each space within this open concept plan with strong symmetrical furniture and lighting. We utilized tailored furniture and subtle tones to achieve a light and spacious feel for entertaining and daily life. The space feels grounded by the new oak hardwood flooring. To create continuity with the outside, we painted the exterior beams… - [Destination: Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/destination-home-pj-vj~7374619) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This project was a complete gut renovation of a 1979 condo in Palo Alto, CA. Our frequent traveler clients needed a place where they could relax and reconnect every time they return, thus the destination is always home. The original layout was a bit tricky - tight walkways, jogging angled walls, and a cramped, closed-in kitchen. It was necessary to reimagine these spaces for better connection between the dining room and the kitchen as well as creating more generous and functional space in the ho… - [The Grown Up Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-grown-up-ranch-pj-vj~7309158) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 15 - [A Taste of Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-taste-of-modern-pj-vj~6591519) - Location: Portola Valley, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: An eclectic modern home in Portola Valley, California. We furnished this home for a young Silicon Valley family with with high-end, hand-crafted pieces, with the majority made in USA or made locally in California! We appreciate knowing who makes our furniture, and supporting artisans work. Designed by Melinda Mandell. Photography by Michelle Drewes. - [Tortoise and Hare](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tortoise-and-hare-pj-vj~7353284) - Location: San Mateo, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This Primary Suite interior design project included remodeling both the bedroom and bathroom, as well as furnishings. Our clients wanted a fresh and updated experience in their Primary Suite. Our goals were to create better flow and function, and update the spaces with warm and interesting finishes. For the bathroom, we improved the layout, and converted a bulky tub/shower combo to a spacious walk-in shower with a bench, handshower, and stacked niches. We added smart storage via bronze framed re… - [House Full of Readers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-full-of-readers-pj-vj~6587096) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: 1930s Tudor Home with original wood windows, parquet floors, and raked plaster cove ceiling. We furnished the spaces with contemporary fine art, soft and vibrant upholstered pieces, and edgy case goods in a variety of wood finishes for an overall eclectic transitional look. - [California Dreaming](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-dreaming-pj-vj~2678747) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This suite of rooms was designed to reduce stress and support healing for families and their children with critical illnesses. We used soothing blues, bright greens, and red accents to create a sense of home, of safety, and of hope. We referenced water, animals, and nature - universal themes. The furniture and fabrics are all durable and comfortable, and include: custom headboards in Romo and Robert Allen fabrics, Baker Furniture, McGuire Furniture, The New Traditionalists furniture via Chairish… - [Modern Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-bungalow-pj-vj~6046617) - Location: Santa Clara, CA - Photos: 19 - [Contemporary Tudor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-tudor-pj-vj~5519632) - Location: Woodside, CA - Photos: 11 - [Chic Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chic-retreat-pj-vj~6046607) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This creative remodel was for a thriving young client, who loves pink, and loves to travel! Photography by Michelle Drewes - [Light and Bright Modern Luxury](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/light-and-bright-modern-luxury-pj-vj~841422) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 43 - Description: This home for a Silicon Valley family bridges traditional and modern. Bright whites and greys are the background for gorgeous candy colors: coral, emerald, teal, peacock. Even the Powder Room has darling strawberry colored acorns in the metallic wallpaper! Traditional detailing on the cabinets is complimented by twists-on-traditional furniture and classic modern pieces, including an authentic Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Plumbing fixtures from Vintage Bath in Los Altos, and Photography by Mic… - [Palo Alto Warmth and Nostalgia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-warmth-and-nostalgia-pj-vj~504941) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This Palo Alto home was a wonderful collaboration with the homeowner. We incorporated pieces brought with the family on their move from East Coast to Silicon Valley, and included many special touches to remind them of treasured memories. Light Fixtures from Vintage Bath, Photography by Michelle Drewes, - [Sneak Peek: Spanish Style New Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sneak-peek-spanish-style-new-construction-pj-vj~2258293) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This Spanish Style New Construction home is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We designed the interiors in a traditional / transitional style, with an emphasis on quality materials and finishes. Iron hardware and brass accents are throughout. Subtle patterns, and traditional motifs are executed in taupes, while rust-red and indigo blue accents add color. This home was created with durable finishes and fabrics in order to be kid friendly, and encourage a worry-free, casual atmosphere. - [Sneak Peek: Faux Bois Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sneak-peek-faux-bois-powder-room-pj-vj~1788371) - Location: Los Altos, CA - Photos: 4 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/melinda-mandell-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~1862398880) ## Ideabooks - [Project: Highland Ave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119793728/list/project-highland-ave) — 4 ideas - [Wine Storage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85706233/list/wine-storage) — 9 ideas - [Bay Area Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47960861/list/bay-area-modern) — 76 ideas - [Modern Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47099774/list/modern-windows) — 62 ideas - [Project: VW](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80709556/list/project-vw) — 16 ideas - [Project: Cereza](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68709463/list/project-cereza) — 76 ideas - [Project: F](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64229764/list/project-f) — 6 ideas - [Project: Anna](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52111220/list/project-anna) — 8 ideas - [Project: Canãda Road](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45621375/list/project-can-da-road) — 97 ideas - [Project: Warm Modern Silicon Valley Offices](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15543591/list/project-warm-modern-silicon-valley-offices) — 46 ideas - [Modern Textures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/874010/list/modern-textures) — 356 ideas - [Traditional with Edge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/874004/list/traditional-with-edge) — 123 ideas - [Architectural Details/Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/969617/list/architectural-details-doors) — 159 ideas - [Bathrooms, Stone, and Tile](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/938058/list/bathrooms-stone-and-tile) — 146 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1050991/list/kitchens) — 185 ideas - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/969623/list/fireplaces) — 61 ideas - [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/937988/list/furniture) — 153 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/970097/list/lighting) — 202 ideas - [Exterior and Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4661667/list/exterior-and-garden) — 45 ideas - [Pets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20702616/list/pets) — 10 ideas [See all 33 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/melindamandell) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*