--- title: "LaDyne Design — Building Designers and Drafters | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/ladyne-design-pfvwus-pf~1956489801 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1956489801.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "LaDyne Design" category: ["Building Designers and Drafters"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/dab32888086d9112_8348-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Fairfax, CA, California, United States" latitude: 37.2502 longitude: -119.7513 phone: "(415) 200-6046" website: http://ladynedesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 18 last_updated: 2026-08-31 --- # LaDyne Design Original Houzz profile: [LaDyne Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/ladyne-design-pfvwus-pf~1956489801) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Building Designers and Drafters - **Location:** Fairfax, CA, CA - **Serves:** Marin County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves LaDyne Design is a residential design practice based in Marin, California serving the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We offer design and construction guidance to homeowners. We specialize in both modern and arts & craft style. Our services can be as little or as much help needed to bring together a vision and move forward. Projects include: New Homes \| Reconfigure Floor Plans & Flow \| Kitchen & Bathrooms \| Additions \| Studios & Accessory Dwelling Units ### Services Provided - 3D Home Design - 3D Rendering - Architectural Design - Architectural Drawings - Attic Conversion - Building Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Drafting - Earthquake Retrofitting - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Green Building - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Home Remodeling - Home Restoration - House Plans - New Home Construction - Remodeling - Site Planning - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Marin County ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | LaDyne Design | | Address | Fairfax, CA, California, United States | | Phone | (415) 200-6046 | | Website | http://ladynedesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 18 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [LaDyne Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/ladyne-design-pfvwus-pf~1956489801) - **Website:** http://ladynedesign.com - **Phone:** (415) 200-6046 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2018), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — J.R. Ross, Feb. 2019** > We hired Stephen to help redesign and re-envision our ranch style home. We couldn't be happier with his work, client service and the value he delivered to our remodel. Stephen has a great eye, is hyper focused on details we would have overlooked and did a fantastic job presenting different layouts for us and mapping out the pros/cons of each. I appreciated his focus on not just design and aesthetics but also practicalities and utility. He also was great working with our structural engineer and other project parties to ensure everything went smoothly. We are thrilled with how everything turned out **★★★★★ — nicole arena, May 2018** > A+. Highly recommend Stephen. He is a good listener and a creative problem solver with a great sense of design. Stephen spends time getting to know his clients and the style in which they live and what needs they have. He figured out how to get the most out of a very small space without sacrificing the aesthetic. He is a delight, on time and dependable. I'd hire him again in an instant. **★★★★★ — Ruth Kalb, April 2018** > Stephen has been terrific guiding us through a very complicated permitting process in Marin County. He's a good listener, thorough and practical, very knowledgable about both design and the intricacies of county code. He knows how to navigate the system - no small feat when the system can be so confounding! He knows when to be patient and when to politely push things along. He plays well with others, always a benefit when there are different personalities in the mix, as there are with any building project. And he's just a sane, kind and responsive person. You will be well served if you choose to hire him. **★★★★★ — ROGER BENNETTS, April 2018** > Steven LaDyne is a first rate designer. He is easy to communicate with and is very helpful in solving even small details that make any building project go smoothly. He is extremely organized and has knowledge of all phases of the planning and construction process. He can Also consult with clients regarding project priorities as well as getting through the often difficult plan approval process. He has helped me with a complex home rebuild and I have enjoyed having him as an integral member of my team . **★★★★★ — Karen Drever Duisenberg, Dec. 2017** > As a general contractor my husband has built and remodeled many beautiful homes. For our own home we had multiple plans from some of those same architects we admire and respect but just could not move forward with the project. Working together, Stephen helped us reel it in, consider what we really wanted and needed with how we live our lives. We then made a new plan that allowed us to make the next step. Our pop out and kitchen remodel is almost complete. We have gained quite a bit of functional space for our family and we love it. **★★★★★ — Terry Bryant, Aug. 2017** > I used LaDyne Design for my remodel in Fairfax, CA. Stephen’s creativity along with > knowledge of the local building codes made the entire process go seamlessly. Stephen > took my ideas and conceptualized them with scale drawings, this allowed Stephen and I to refine my ideas and really bring them to life. > > Working with Stephen was a real pleasure. Stephen was always available and always > listened to my wants and needs for the design of my home. I would and have recommended LaDyne Design to family and friends. **★★★★★ — Linda Becker, Jan. 2017** > Stephen LaDyne designed and built several projects for my over-painted largely ignored 1919 Craftsman cottage. Whether a major remodel (the whole backside of our house was extended to add a lovely window-wrapped dining room and yoga studio/office) or a small improvement (a horrible basement stairway was rebuilt and now even has gallery space for my photographs), Stephen's skill and insight brought out the charm of this old house. His communication skills make working with him a pleasure! ## Selected projects - [West Marin Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-marin-guest-house-pj-vj~3065709) - Location: Woodacre, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: LADYNE DESIGN http://ladynedesign.com Rustic Modern Farmhouse - West Marin, CA Guest House surrounded by nature. Blend of Modern with Artful Rustic. - [Craftsman Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-restoration-pj-vj~2232580) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Challenge: Restore 1915 Craftsman after decades of ill-concieved changes Design Features: - Complete interior gut and re-design of floor plan and flow - Relocate kitchen to integrate prior addition and access to yard - Restore fir floors and all new fir trim, doors and built-ins - Restore exterior siding, period details and energy efficient windows - Radiant heat retrofit under wood floors and new stained concrete - Landscaping, stone walkways, new deck - [Mid-Century Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-pj-vj~2232512) - Location: Fairfax, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: 1950's Eichler rehab. Mid-Century Modern with beautiful yet economical materials. Kitchen relocated to face backyard and abundant natural light. Highly functional butcher block island and semi-custom cabinetry. Radiant heated bamboo floor. - [SF Wine Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sf-wine-pantry-pj-vj~2232540) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Wine room with storage in San Francisco modern property. Side by side Gaggeneau wine refrigerators. Quartersawn walnut veneer custom cabinets. Custom diamond "X" wine rack. Pullout storage in tall pantries. - [Daylight Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/daylight-basement-pj-vj~2234772) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 1 - [San Anselmo Cottage Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-anselmo-cottage-restoration-pj-vj~5531621) - Location: San Anselmo, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: LADYNE DESIGN --- Total Restoration of 1940's Cottage in Marin County. Features include: - Redesigned front entry and exterior - Modern new kitchen - Vaulted ceilings Addition/conversion into 3 Bed / 2 Bath from original 2 Bed / 1 Bath. -- [See all 6 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/building-designers-and-drafters/ladyne-design-pfvwus-pf~1956489801) ## Ideabooks - [KENNY.REICHARD](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135630175/list/kenny-reichard) — 17 ideas - [Tustin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121977396/list/tustin) — 1 idea - [Cascade Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121442108/list/cascade-landscape) — 6 ideas - [GERDES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120342332/list/gerdes) — 3 ideas - [TEMEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118295497/list/temen) — 9 ideas - [HARMS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117869131/list/harms) — 3 ideas - [SMITH / NUMAINVILLE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115859326/list/smith-numainville) — 45 ideas - [Bishay - Arroyo - Longhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93183273/list/bishay-arroyo-longhouse) — 65 ideas - [Photoshoots](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112291998/list/photoshoots) — 16 ideas - [Dudgeon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/99022698/list/dudgeon) — 65 ideas - [KROUZMAN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111709524/list/krouzman) — 5 ideas - [GARAGES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111632800/list/garages) — 4 ideas - [Garibaldi](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96902027/list/garibaldi) — 31 ideas - [Woodlane](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110031293/list/woodlane) — 7 ideas - [White](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108474470/list/white) — 9 ideas - [Stephen Likes These](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75128870/list/stephen-likes-these) — 29 ideas - [LaMarca](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82033655/list/lamarca) — 11 ideas - [Cascade](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80756661/list/cascade) — 18 ideas - [modern siding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60939122/list/modern-siding) — 16 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60934588/list/wish-list) — 1 idea [See all 37 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ladyne-design) ## Community Q&A **Q: What size reveal did you use for your lap/hardiboard siding?** *(in Building a Home)* Have you noticed that building a house makes you ponder minute details that have never crossed your mind previously? This particular week it is the size of reveal for my LP Smartside. This has led to lots of googling for example photos and has me wondering why architects choose a certain size over another. How do different sizes convey different looks for a house? What size are you using in your build and why? What size tends to be more traditional vrs modern? What else should be considered when choossing siding styles? A: Here is the link to Hardie’s architectural “Aspyre” collection and examples: https://www.aspyredesign.com/lookbook This one webpage alone has a some fabulous examples and with the various appropriate architectural styles. I’d think you’d be able find something that inspires you. Good luck! **Q: Looking for online plumbing retailer recommendations** *(in Building a Home)* I am looking for online retailer recommendations. Is eFaucets.com any good? I am willing to pay more to get the correct items shipped and accurate online inventory/estimated ship dates. I would rather buy items from a local store like Home Depot, but the items I am looking for are out of stock (at the store and online). A: Checkout: www.build.com I’ve purchased several entire housefulls of fixtures from their site. Same items as supply house. They aren’t necessarily always the absolute cheapest, but they are competitive and seem to have the best search and filtering capabilities by far. They will also instantly price match any item from any website or local supplier if you just call or use the online chat. I also get all my door knobs, cabinet pulls, hardware etc... lighting is hit or miss. Similar to Houzz “ideabooks” you can create “projects” and further organize by rooms. All manufacturer specs avail per item. Save all your items to “project” over time, get rough-in PDF specs, etc... then order once ready for install. Items arrive fast usually. For me it’s workflow efficiency and organization more than anything. Just make sure your fixtures meet your low-flow code requirements (here in California extra strict codes). Items typically can’t be ordered to ship to CA if they don’t comply, but it’s good to double check anyways. Good luck! **Q: Initial ideas for bathroom update, comments welcome** *(in Bathrooms)* I am going to update our powder room, inexpensively. Durability and ease of cleanig are very important. I will paint the existing simple built in vanity with dark gel stain. Here is what I am thinking for products so far. I need to pick flooring and a countertop and lighting. I love oil rubbed bronze, but I like how durable chrome is, so I am thinking of having a chrome faucet but dark lights and accessories. Any suggestions are welcome! I am trying to imagine how it will all work together. ========================================= American Standard round front skirted toilet, about $303 Kohler Vox rectangle sink, about $200, or Kohler reve sink about $380. Which one? Generic 30 x 40 mirror I got from WalMart for $15 (can change if needed but it was a steal) Vigo Nico Faucet , Chrome, about $150 I want a light color solid surface countertop, maybe Corian rain cloud, or solid white I need small mini pendant lighting. A paint color I like from grabbed samples at HD is Behr Dolphin Fin (light gray). It's pretty neutral. A: In your original post you'd expressed interest in mixing oil rubbed bronze with chrome. Also in your pix above you liked the Farm house rustic style. Here's an example with all of those elements (and the rest of the bath is all chrome). There is a pleasant juxtaposition from mixing rustic/distressed with modern/sleek. For example the reclaimed lumber vanity is paired with square edge extra thick counter top and single hole faucet (both modern). Good luck! **Q: Looking for feedback on IKEA kitchen plan for new construction** *(in Kitchens)* I have been lurking on these forums for awhile, and I'm coming out of the woodwork now in hopes of getting some feedback on my kitchen design for the house we are building. The house is going to be a white farmhouse style with black and wood accents that we are building on acreage. I realize that many would not put an IKEA kitchen in their house, but we economizing in the kitchen and splurging on the land. The kitchen can always be updated, but this land won't always be available! I am planning on using the new Lerhyttan cabinet fronts that come in light gray and black. I love the black, but I am afraid it would be too dark and moody, especially here in the PNW, so I have mixed the two. I am thinking about doing white quartz on the black island to brighten things up, but using soapstone on the countertops along the walls. The wall with the fridge on it is definitely on the dark side, but I love the look of dark cabinets with the soapstone and brass accents. In the pantry I would like to put a slab of marble for the worktop. The backsplash in the kitchen would most likely be some type of white tile. I am definitely not a kitchen designer, so maybe this would end up being to much mixing and matching? Any feedback on this would be appreciated, as well as on the layout, drawer and cabinet sizes, etc. I am happy to answer any questions or clarify points if needed, but I am trying to keep this brief for now! House floor plan Kitchen Dimensions This is a picture of the new Lerhyttan cabinet fronts. A: I would +1 on the idea that you can use Ikea cabs as a basis for "semi-custom" when necessary by budget. Some alternations you can make: \- Change the depth of cabs as necessary. Island example, take a 24" deep cab and cut to 21", then pair with a 15" deep upper cabinet on the opposite side. This will get to a 36" island base depth and match the avail refrigerator end panels banded on two edges. See pix below of island. \- Use different insert systems. Here is my favorite garbage/recycle pullout. Mounts on standard 18" door/18" cab. https://www.amazon.com/Rev-Shelf-5349-18DM-2-Pull-Out-Container/dp/B007C9MUPA/ \- Use different drawers. I'm not a fan of their metal boxes (lost space). Either order dovetail pre-finished online, or have GC make from pre-finished, pre-banded, pre-rabbetted 1/2" ply (avail at most decent real lumber stores). Order the Blum hardware online. \- Ditch their goofy feet system, and have GC build a full length base from 2x4's with shims to level. Then simply slide boxes on. Toekick skins nail to base. \- And last. Consider stacking kitchen base cabs as Linen closet inserts (or similar built in closet locations). You get the max usable width and depth with the benefit of adjustable shelves and attractive soft close doors. Avoid cost of the front framing, sheetrock and regular door, when it can simply be framed as an unfinished rough opening / with no sheetrock inside - THEN after wall painting - just slide cabinets in the rough opening and trim out/flat tape. Again, cut the back of cab to required depth. Stack multiple base cabinets or use a base with a tall cabinet for 9' ceilings. Here's an example of an Ikea cab kitchen with the island hack - custom cut base cabs, back to back with upper cabs. **Q: Help with vanity lighting.** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have two separate vanity lights I need to get for my master bath but have no idea what I would like to choose and need ideas. I have already bought my chandelier above my tub because I just loved it and wanted it. I have no clue as to what to choose. I call my style rustic romantic. https://www.houzz.com/products/crown-6-light-chandelier-prvw-vr~38790051 A: I like that expression "rustic romantic". Clever. Seeded glass provides a rustic look as do Edison bulbs. This project is "farm rustic" in oil rubbed bronze & reclaimed wood, but you can see the seeded glass in the lighting. You'd likely find something in distressed white to accompany your chandelier. Good luck! **Q: Looking for wainscoting accent wall ideas/advice** *(in Design Dilemma)* Would like to do something with this wall behind the television. Don't want anything too heavy like shiplap. Thinking large floor to ceiling wainscoting boxes? We do have half-wall wainscoting with chair rails in various places around the house. Picture frame type I think it is called (thin frames - not board and batten type). Thinking of perhaps the same thing here - three floor to ceiling boxes perhaps? Also, what color would I paint the wall? All wainscoting half walls in our house are semi-gloss white. Would I also do this wall in semi gloss? Should I do it all white or the same color as the rest of the walls or a darker color? HELP!! A: Whatever you do should fit the overall style of your house. I'll make assumptions it's traditional based on the photo (double hung windows, crown molding, and your desire for wainscoting). Consider a traditional built-in hearth approach, and make the full wall both architectural as well as functional. It gives the woodwork a purpose for being there, and in your case the TV takes the center position, along with great covered storage. This photo is fairly close to your layout. Painted white it blends nicely, yet makes the full wall a feature. Design your built-in with the right level of cabinet detail to fit your overall house style. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-31.*