---
title: "Carley M Design Studio — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carley-m-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862485652
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862485652.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Carley M Design Studio"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/49e32b4200002048_6636-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Austin, Texas 91011, United States"
phone: "(801) 600-1315"
website: https://carleymontgomery.com
rating: 5
review_count: 12
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 501
last_updated: 2026-08-16
---

# Carley M Design Studio

Original Houzz profile: [Carley M Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carley-m-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862485652)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Serves:** Austin, Los Angeles, TX, Utah
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2024), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Eco-friendly
- Online consultation

California born designer, art curator and general contractor based in Guatemala, Austin and Salt Lake City. Her portfolio on Houzz primarily reflects her career as a developer in Los Angeles before she left in 2015 to Central America and eventually landed in Guatemala where she fell in love with the culture, art and textiles. Since living abroad her focus has shifted to integrate natural building techniques, organic art and regenerative agriculture in her designs creating spaces where the inhabitants and planet thrive. Her experience building public, commercial and residential construction in the US gives her the unique ability to integrate construction management into her client offerings.

Carley has an intuitive ability to read her client to customize a space that fully integrates the clients personality and style while paying special detail to the clients unique way of life. Her passion and relationships with artists, artisans and furniture designers invoke a feeling of a carefully curated gallery in each of her spaces. 

She is available for online design consultations, custom furniture and handwoven custom fabric orders worldwide.

### 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
- Design Consultation
- Project Management
- Entry Design
- Custom Bathroom Vanities
- Custom Furniture
- Playroom Design
- Laundry Room Design
- Mudroom Design
- Nursery Design
- House Plans
- Art Selection
- Closet Design
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Design
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Custom Rugs
- Sustainable Design
- Custom Shelving
- Custom Pantries
- Home Staging
- Downsizing
- Holiday Decorating
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Green Building
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Attic Conversion
- Decluttering
- Historic Building Conservation
- Garage Design
- Garage Storage
- Home Remodeling
- Building Design
- Site Planning
- Tiny House Construction

### Areas Served

- Austin
- Los Angeles
- TX
- Utah

### Typical Job Cost

$10,000 - 10 million

Carley's hourly consultations are for anyone interested in making Improvements to their property.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Carley M Design Studio |
| Address | Austin, Texas 91011, United States |
| Phone | (801) 600-1315 |
| Website | https://carleymontgomery.com |
| License Number | CSLB 1007225 |
| Followers on Houzz | 501 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/newutopiadesign
- Blog — www.carleymontgomery.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Carley M Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carley-m-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862485652)
- **Website:** https://carleymontgomery.com
- **Phone:** (801) 600-1315

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best of Houzz 2015
- Best of Houzz 2017

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2024), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 12 reviews

**★★★★★ — Downtown ATX, March 2023**

> Carley has an excellent eye and styled my new downtown space with a mix of comfortable, design, just the right amount of authentic Austin vibe, and her own unique touch. I had some great ideas and art she was able to take those and refine them - such a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended to anyone who wants something truly unique to them with a great understanding of space and classic design.

**★★★★★ — montecitohouse, June 2016**

> We hired Carley to help us with the remodel of our house, (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms).
>
> Carley is an extremely talented designer / builder with impeccable taste and a great eye for style and detail.  She was able to bring her ideas and blend it with what we were looking to accomplish.  She is also a savvy contractor. Carley's skills of problem solving in order to fit into our budget allowed us to minimize the creative compromises we were facing.  And perhaps most importantly, through her practical ideas and wide range of knowledge she was able to protected us from falling into the usual pitfalls of construction.  Last, but not least,  the resources she has at her finger tips made it possible for us to have custom work without the custom budget.
>
> We worked very well together. Carley is truly a delight. We couldn't recommend her highly enough.

**★★★★★ — jatkinson192, March 2016**

> Carley came and styled our home, using a majority of furniture and decor that was already here. She has such an eye, is super knowledgable regarding modern design and was fun to work with! Worth every penny.

**★★★★★ — Mad Mod Home, Feb. 2016**

> We worked with Carley Montgomery and her team at New Utopia Design Build to stage three separate spec houses. Each home was architecturally stunning -- with materials chosen by Carley to reflect the diverse, artistic and eclectic tastes of the Northeast Los Angeles region. It was a joy to stage these spaces, as Carley had made excellent finish choices -- cement tile, Italian plaster, sleek modern cabinetry, rustic wood flooring and clean, crisp angles everywhere. Her design sensibilities are spot-on, as evidenced by her numerous successful development projects. We look forward to working with her on future projects!

**★★★★★ — David Faller, Oct. 2014**

> We discovered Carley while browsing a renovated home in Silverlake...it wasn't the right property for us to purchase, but we loved the design choices and decor so we inquired about the brains behind the project.  After meeting Carley, my wife & I felt relieved to have met a designer who clearly understands the vibe we're looking for (mid-century/hip), and we really appreciate her responsiveness and positive energy.  I was nervous that Carley might be in too high of demand for our project scope and budget, but she continues to make us feel empowered and supported with her ideas and network of trustworthy subcontractors.
>
> Carley is helping us transform the house we recently purchased into something that reflects us and feels like "ours"...and, best of all, with her expertise and ingenuity we are likely going to invest about half of what we had originally budgeted!  I would strongly recommend Carley for any project, big or small;  she is extremely thoughtful and enjoyable to collaborate with...and after working closely with her, I'm happy to now call her a friend :)

**★★★★★ — Morgan Pasco, Aug. 2014**

> Carley is truly a visionary with meticulous attention to detail. Amazing to work with and proud to call my friend. We met at a new project that I was the listing agent and Carley was the contractor. She was involved in every step of the way and was a valuable resource to have. Looking forward to working with her for many years to come! Some of her past projects we had the privilege of working with Carley on were:
>
> http://www.334hobart.com
>
> http:www.1011stanley.com
>
> http://www.3505london.com

**★★★★★ — emeneses1983, July 2014**

> We have worked with Carley very closely over the past year and can't recommend her highly enough.
> Dedication, creativity, unique and timeless design, Carley brings all of this to the table. Looking forward to  many more projects in the future!
> -Eddie Meneses
> Morgan Real Estate Group, LLC

**★★★★★ — jessiethurston, July 2014**

> Carley is extremely talented, knowledgeable, professional and personable. She's an absolute angel! I know all of this because I worked closely with her on the sale of a beautiful craftsman she had renovated. I've been spreading her name all around town ever since. Thanks again Carley, I look forward to the next one. It's been such a pleasure!

**★★★★★ — lorrainewoody, July 2014**

> Carley Montgomery has the unique quality and talent of combining construction knowledge and skills with color and design knowledge and skills.  A planter on the south boundry of our driveway needed sprinklers.  Carley cut the concrete to install the water lines across the driveway then created a design with brick to cover the water lines.  we have sprinklers in the planter, and a driveway with brick accents that matches and flows with the existing brick hardscape of the front of the house. The interior of the house has been transformed from 60s and 70s dated rooms and baths with step up platforms to pratical one level marble and travertine baths with soaking tubs and pedestal sinks on custom cabinets, a stacked stone fire place from floor to ceiling with a flag stone hearth, a family room, dinning room and livingroom with wood floors and a kitchen that has been rearranged with stainless steel appliances, granite counter top on custom cabinets with art glass cabinet doors.  Carley has created a structurally accessible and practical home with design features we will enjoy and be proud of

**★★★★★ — robert\_gajic, July 2014**

> We just purchased our first home to flip, and was referred to Carley through a mutual friend.  She didn’t disappoint!  Carley was one time, excited about the house and its prospects, and her ideas were on point in every aspect.  She has a phenomenal eye for design, motifs and colors. Carley worked with us, blending our ideas with her expertise.  She has a contractors license which was extremely helpful in the schedule for the flip, as it’s a live-in during construction.  Being new to flipping she also gave us suggestions for vendors throughout the Los Angeles area.  The experience was absolutely wonderful and we will continue to call on her expertise from now on.

**★★★★★ — leeziff, July 2014**

> Carley Montgomery is a general contractor and designer with extensive experience and a great eye for both construction and finish design.  I hired Carley as a construction consultant to help me layout the design of our remodel and to later supervise the construction.
>
> On her first site visit Carley immediately picked up on some challenges that my architect had missed.  She helped me tweak the design to both improve it and make it less expensive.   I love it when you can achieve both those goals at the same time!
>
> Carley really knows how to properly plan for the construction, getting all the pieces of the project ready ahead of time in order to make the job run smoothly and ON TIME.  She really got on me about ordering the items that she knew might later hold us up.  I'm glad she was on the ball because no one else (including me) seemed to be.
>
> Carley is generous with her time and ideas and should raise her rates...as soon as I don't have any more work for her!  :-)

**★★★★★ — alastaird58, June 2014**

> I first met Carley when my clients bought a house she had redesigned and renovated. The quality of her work was so impressive that I started referring her to other clients of mine and all of them have nothing but the highest praise for her and her work. She communicates well, stays on budget, is always positive, and these qualities along with her love of design, attention to detail and experience in all aspects of construction make her the first person I turn to when I need anything from advice to complete design services.

## Selected projects

- [Modern Silverlake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-silverlake-residence-pj-vj~1261782)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 27
  - Description: Clean lines and simplicity make this home a modern day case study. Every room frames the view of the downtown Los Angeles Skyline.
- [Modern Waterloo Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-waterloo-residence-pj-vj~1261834)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: Brand new modern home in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. The Waterloo Residence is a warm house with clean lines, high ceilings and lots of light. Designed to take advantage of California's indoor/ outdoor lifestyle. Beautiful wood floors are in balance with sleek stone, stainless steel appliances and fully equipped guest house. Architectural photography by: Eric Charles.
- [Hillandale Craftsman Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillandale-craftsman-bungalow-pj-vj~706481)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: Rehab of 1920's Craftsman Bungalow in Highland Park.
- [London Street - Silverlake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/london-street-silverlake-pj-vj~578901)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 19
- [Ave. 63 - An Historic Renovation in Highland Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ave-63-an-historic-renovation-in-highland-park-pj-vj~470711)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Renovation of historic home in Garvanza neighborhood of Highland Park. Bright and Modern updated interior with restored Victorian exterior. Design and Construction by Carley Montgomery, staging by Agofofu.
- [Modern Hobart Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-hobart-craftsman-pj-vj~470699)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Modern Craftsman in Korea Town/Wilshire Center Neighborhood of Los Angeles. Design, Construction and Staging by Carley Montgomery.
- [Vestal Avenue Rehab](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vestal-avenue-rehab-pj-vj~594422)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Westchester Rehab](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-rehab-pj-vj~362271)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Rehab of Mid Century Modern House. Design, Construction Management and Staging by Carley Montgomery.
- [Benton Way](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/benton-way-pj-vj~370899)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Stanley Rehab](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stanley-rehab-pj-vj~394810)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Renovation of historic home in Mid City Los Angeles. Design, Construction and Staging by Carley Montgomery.
- [Cumberland Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cumberland-street-pj-vj~1182974)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: A rental project in the Silverlake, Los Feliz area.
- [Allesandro St. - Silverlake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/allesandro-st-silverlake-pj-vj~887420)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Staging project for friend's flip in Silverlake.
- [Tracey St. - Silverlake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tracey-st-silverlake-pj-vj~1105004)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
- [Seal Beach Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seal-beach-cottage-pj-vj~1166951)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 25
- [Westport, Huntington Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westport-huntington-beach-pj-vj~6662283)
  - Location: Huntington Beach, CA
  - Photos: 11

[See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/carley-m-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~1862485652)

## Ideabooks

- [Franklin Ave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116469928/list/franklin-ave) — 6 ideas
- [Westport](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54986751/list/westport) — 21 ideas
- [Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3236728/list/baths) — 57 ideas
- [Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4785075/list/landscapes) — 12 ideas
- [Ladona Rehab](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47252806/list/ladona-rehab) — 12 ideas
- [Cabinets and Organization](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25199750/list/cabinets-and-organization) — 14 ideas
- [Waterloo Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12493565/list/waterloo-exteriors) — 158 ideas
- [Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19442781/list/interiors) — 19 ideas
- [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46377753/list/lighting) — 10 ideas
- [Hollywood Condo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46073306/list/hollywood-condo) — 71 ideas
- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46377653/list/wish-list) — 3 ideas
- [Staging](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18832407/list/staging) — 54 ideas
- [Waterloo Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12662032/list/waterloo-baths) — 26 ideas
- [Waterloo Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12662614/list/waterloo-interiors) — 43 ideas
- [Adam Hobbs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32848011/list/adam-hobbs) — 1 idea
- [Rainglen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25307288/list/rainglen) — 15 ideas
- [Hillandale](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29157243/list/hillandale) — 10 ideas
- [Hillandale Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31251458/list/hillandale-landscape) — 10 ideas
- [Benton Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4701340/list/benton-modern) — 165 ideas
- [Slab Wood Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28677112/list/slab-wood-furniture) — 4 ideas

[See all 45 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/carley-montgomery)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Where is the tile from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It’s a common 1” hexagon ceramic tile in matte black. I got mine at LA Tile and Stone in Glasssel Park but I’m sure you can find it online.

**Q: Bath installation?** *(in Photo Questions)*

We are having a bath remodeled and were told by our contractor the tub weight would be too much on the tile to have it flush mounted like that. Seeing lots of installations like this and wondering how we can have it done too. Thanks!

A: Have the contractor look at the specifications for the tub installation.  It needs to be supported by it's own wood frame.  Furthermore the bottom of the tub needs to be supported.  Usually the manufacturers call out to have the tum set in a motor bed.  A lot of contractors mess this up and causes cracking later on.  Please check the installation instructions and make sure your contractor is doing it right.

**Q: Walls** *(in Photo Questions)*

I LOVE your work! What white did you use on the walls? Are all the walls the same shade? Thank you so much! Big fan!

A: THANK YOU!  The walls are off the shelf white.

**Q: Size of tile??** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The tile is 3"x6" white ceramic

**Q: Is that an Ikea sink?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It is an IKEA sink but I don't recommend them for various reasons.

**Q: Love the curved bench.** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where can I find it?

A: I've seen them in import stores around LA.  It's a Balinese piece.  Contact me at 562-826-2983 if you would like to purchase it from my collection.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*