--- title: "Intimate Living Interiors — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/intimate-living-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2114055268 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114055268.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Intimate Living Interiors" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/350374400eef8a51_5246-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, California 92075, United States" latitude: 32.9937 longitude: -117.2598 phone: "(858) 436-7127" website: http://www.IntimateLivingInteriors.com rating: 5 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 563 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # Intimate Living Interiors Original Houzz profile: [Intimate Living Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/intimate-living-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2114055268) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Solana Beach, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, University City, Escondido, Carlsbad, San Marcos, La Costa, Encinitas, La Jolla, Solana Beach, Cardiff By The Sea, Del Mar, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, All of California, Del Mar Heights San Diego, Nationwide, Ranch Santa Fe - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2014–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Intimate Living Interiors is an award-winning interior design firm based in Solana Beach, CA. We transform spaces for optimal living through collaborative vision and thoughtful design. We are proud to work with an incredible list of local, national, and international clients. The spaces we live in have a profound effect on our well-being. Colors, textures, and materials are just some of the tangible elements that affect how we feel in our daily lives. But creating a truly inspiring environment goes beyond look and feel. It is essential to know how energy flows through every room, and how light interacts with every surface. We distill individual preferences, translate personal styles, and incorporate worldly fascinations to help each client realize their dream of living in a home that brings them deep joy and an inspired quality of life. ### 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 - Floor Plans - Project Management - Entry Design - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Playroom Design - Laundry Room Design - Mudroom Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - House Plans - Custom Home Bars - Closet Design - Universal Design - 3D Rendering - Basement Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Rugs - Sunroom Design & Construction - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Home Theater Design - Wine Cellar Design - Sustainable Design - Custom Shelving - Custom Pantries - Downsizing - Drafting - Handicap-Accessible Design - Green Building - Energy-Efficient Homes - Historic Building Conservation - Garage Design - Interior Design Photography - Kitchen Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Diego - University City - Escondido - Carlsbad - San Marcos - La Costa - Encinitas - La Jolla - Solana Beach - Cardiff By The Sea - Del Mar - Fairbanks Ranch - Rancho Santa Fe - All of California - Del Mar Heights San Diego - Nationwide - Ranch Santa Fe ### Typical Job Cost $150,000.00 - 2,000,000.00 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Intimate Living Interiors | | Address | 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, California 92075, United States | | Phone | (858) 436-7127 | | Website | http://www.IntimateLivingInteriors.com | | Followers on Houzz | 563 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/intimate-living-interiors/143667889070913?ref=hl\# - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/kariarendsen - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=56970854&trk=hp-identity-photo - Blog — www.intimatelivinginteriors.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Intimate Living Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/intimate-living-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2114055268) - **Website:** http://www.IntimateLivingInteriors.com - **Phone:** (858) 436-7127 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, Volume 16 and 18. - International Interior Design Awards, Nominee - Best Kitchen Design, Houzz - Luxe Magazine Gold List 2017 - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2014–2021), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 15 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jen Crowley, July 2018** > Kari and her team at Intimate Living Interiors were very professional and creative in the interior design of our new home. They help with everything from picking out our tile, marble, and wood floors to our new furniture and accessories. We live our new house and it feels like “home”! We highly recommend ILI! **★★★★★ — Joan Lee, July 2018** > Kari and her entire staff are absolutely the best. Their design approach made us feel part of the process and our opinion was welcomed. The ideas that Kari has are entirely different than any other designer we have worked with. > > I highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — P.S. Platinum Properties, Sept. 2016** > It takes a solid team of professionals to navigate through the process of designing a homes interior. Kari and her team are the best in class. They listened, absorbed how we live, and gave options for us to make our home exactly what we dreamed it to be. Their talent shines through our home daily, and we cannot thank them enough for making the process and end result something we will cherish for years to come. We consider them Family. **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > Beyond grateful for these words. Working with you and Christie and the team was truly a dream come true. Our family has definitely grown leaps and bounds. So much love! **★★★★★ — The Drapery Shop, May 2016** > We have worked in collaboration with Intimate Living for 5+ years. They are always professional and we would definitely recommend their services to other clients in the greater San Diego market. **★★★★★ — lilgirlhm, April 2016** > Kari and her team had their hands all over our house in San Diego. They built and installed a new kitchen island; re-did all our surfaces, backsplash, sinks, etc.; installed two new french doors; picked out and installed new tiling in kitchen and bathrooms; did a re-haul of a powder bathroom, including new wallpaper, floor tiles, mirrors, lighting; turned our garage into a playroom/office; picked the colors for literally every wall in the house; added built-ins to our dining and media rooms; refaced fireplaces; and cultivated a ton of furniture and accessories. They made our so-so home our dream place to live, and all on a tight budget! **★★★★★ — Benchmark Stoneworks Inc., April 2016** > We feel fortunate to have been involved with Kari and her excellent design team over the last several years, installing tile and slab on several of their projects. It's always a great pleasure to see the amazing outcome from each one of their well thought-out, comprehensive and beautiful designs. I have been in the trade for over 25 years and have personally worked alongside ILI's team of professional tradesman and can tell you without a doubt that their skill, experience and finished quality is among the best in the industry. > > > Jeff Trout / CEO > Benchmark Stoneworks Inc. **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > Jeff, we couldn't be more fortunate to have you as a part of our team. You are not only a pleasure to work with but you are a genius at your craft, AND you love our dogs!! **★★★★★ — mallory\_counihan, April 2016** > Kari and her team are true professionals in every aspect of their business. We gave them a vision, and they with ease brought it to life, and EXCEEDED our greatest expectations. **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > Thank you Mallory for the allowing us to be a part of your vision. We are blessed to work with you, Donald and the boys on the La Jolla home and feel extraordinarily fortunate to now be a part of your East Coast project! We are the most lucky! **★★★★★ — annetteozo, March 2016** > Kari and her team at ILI are fantastic! They listened to our ideas and needs, presented their suggestions, and helped translate those into an expression of a wonderful living space. Kari is truly a gifted, world-class designer. > > We consistently get spontaneous feedback from guests saying how beautiful, joyful and peaceful our home is. We're definitely using her on our future homes! **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > Our experience working with your family on your home was such a blessing. It is a magical thing when our clients appreciate the process of design and are willing to learn for themselves the myriad of ways your homes interior can support your largest of ambitions. Thank you for allowing us to show you just how healthy conscious design is for you, and thank you for your continued support. **★★★★★ — jrperell, March 2016** > Kari is great she has an amazing eye and did a phenomenal job on our beach house. I recently purchased a new home and the very first thing I am doing is bringing Kari in to make it our own! **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > Twice gifted by your projects!!! Working with you and Kim on your home(s) is why I LOVE what I do. Our team is supremely inspired by your project. My creative juices are at an all time hight when I get to work with you guys. And thank you for being such amazing people. **★★★★★ — Elizabeth Brady, March 2016** > ILI is currently renovating our dining room for us. Kari's eye for interesting details keeps us returning to ILI for design, sourcing, and project completion. Since a formal dining room would get little use in our home, Kari has created a sitting room/game area easily converted to a formal dining room for the handful of times a year we need one. Given we have been redoing rooms for over 3 years, one of the best talents from the ILI team has been being able to unify the overall look of the house. **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > Working with you guys over that past 3 years has truly been a treat. I love the well rounded interests and hobbies you have collectively as a family. Being able to design a space that fosters these interests has been a challenge we meet willingly and happily. Thank you for trusting us to bring it all together. My only concern is that we have almost completed the entire house! What will we do next? **★★★★★ — christie861, Jan. 2016** > It is a wonderfully talented, efficient, organized design group that is a delight to work with. We are so excited to move into our new home designed by ILI! **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > I can't say enough about how transformative your project has been to our firm. It is a treat to be partnered up with clients that have a true skill and passion for good design. Thank you for allowing us to demonstrate our design sensibilities through the design of your new home.We received much more than a good design experience, we made good friends...we are forever grateful. **★★★★★ — jeffc52, Jan. 2016** > ILI is starting their 2nd project for us. We are now doing our kitchen and dining room along with some additional details we did not do last year. We could not be happier with the professionalism and expertise they bring to their projects. From design to build, they are on top of all the details, leaving us the time we need to handle our business. Knowing that Kari, Jenn and Jared are handling the details makes the remodeling process much less stressful. Their contractors are of the highest quality. They are courteous, do amazing work and are respectful of our home. I feel very confident giving them the highest recommendation. **Comment from Intimate Living Interiors:** > I have enjoyed working with you and family over the past few years and am very grateful. Thank you for being such amazing people and for trusting us to take your home to the next level. ## Selected projects - [Classic Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-farmhouse-pj-vj~5488712) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 75 - [PS Platinum \| Omni La Costa Resort](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ps-platinum-omni-la-costa-resort-pj-vj~3896152) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Our clients wanted an atypical office where their agents could work and entertain. We wanted to create a space where we could really trigger the senses for home purveyors and patrons, giving them something more to consider - a design standard reality not yet thought of when looking for property. We've created a whole new experience for buying and selling real estate. - [Intimate Living Interiors Design Studio \| Solana Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/intimate-living-interiors-design-studio-solana-beach-pj-vj~2977342) - Location: Solana Beach, CA - Photos: 35 - Description: We wanted to create a space where our team, our clients, and industry partners could come and feel at home; browse our shop, Little ILI, enjoy a beverage and be inspired. A space that stimulates every sense; a vision to behold, with bright natural light streaming in, bouncing off every thoughtfully applied surface within a curated design that expresses all types of interior styles. - [PS Platinum \| Del Mar Plaza](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ps-platinum-del-mar-plaza-pj-vj~2977317) - Location: Del Mar, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Our clients wanted an atypical office where their agents could work and entertain. We wanted to create a space where we could really trigger the senses for home purveyors and patrons, giving them something more to consider - a design standard reality not yet thought of when looking for property. We've created a whole new experience for buying and selling real estate. - [Coastal Mediterranean \| Carlsbad](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-mediterranean-carlsbad-pj-vj~2977272) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: This was a full scale remodel project that had its inherent challenges along the way. After a successful design with their first home, the clients returned knowing I would be able to navigate through the challenges creating a home that is supportive to their lifestyle, dreams and ambitions. She is an award winning high-profile Entrepreneur in the tech industry, leading the way for digital marketing. She is also a motivational speaker and shares that her secret to success is Execution - so you ca… - [Modern Farmhouse \| Solana Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-solana-beach-pj-vj~1982459) - Location: Solana Beach, CA - Photos: 37 - Description: Scraped down to the bones, only a single interior wall remaining, this home remodel was every designers dream, with exceptionally wonderful clients that appreciated the process of design. - [Marcella Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marcella-project-pj-vj~2362725) - Location: Chula Vista, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: This project was layered with excitement. Working with Chef Marcela was incredibly exhilarating, this home truly has a pulse... it is very much alive and vibrant! Honoring the integrity of the architecture was vital for the success of this historic renovation. The homes rich history and lovely bones was the source of inspiration behind this uniquely curated home for this talented chef. - [Mar View Lane \| Solana Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mar-view-lane-solana-beach-pj-vj~1627251) - Location: Solana Beach, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: If there is anyone I would want to emulate more of in my life, it is this client. She is a powerhouse by day and a soul-seeker by night. She works (seemingly) effortlessly at maintaining balance in her life, so creating an interior that supports and reflects this same effortless balance was the key driver in achieving success with this project. - [Bluejack Road \| Encinitas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bluejack-road-encinitas-pj-vj~1627190) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 41 - Description: This client travels the globe regularly and has a keen sense of sophisticated, polished style. There was no detail left behind. Just to note, this was also our most impeccably kept job site. - [Ritz Carlton \| Philadelphia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ritz-carlton-philadelphia-pj-vj~412691) - Location: Philadelphia, PA - Photos: 12 - Description: Inspired by the monumental presence of the City Hall building in Penn Square, this interior plays only a supporting role to the beauty of this European Architecture. This surely would have made Sir William very pleased. - [Park Row \| La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-row-la-jolla-pj-vj~25313) - Location: La Jolla, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: Our earlier work, but among our favorite. We had a lot of creative freedom with this home. Too much fun with the countless unique objects wanted to include in design. - [Lynwood Avenue \| Encinitas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lynwood-avenue-encinitas-pj-vj~831252) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: A conservative budget, particular clients and structural challenges are a few of the variables we overcame to win big with this project. - [Crespo Lane \| La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crespo-lane-la-jolla-pj-vj~1627228) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This was the first of three homes we have done for this wonderful family. From the Mid West, to the East Coast, and finally, this pro-athlete and his family have decided to settle here in La Jolla. They are now wonderful friends! - [Las Barazos \| Rancho Santa Fe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/las-barazos-rancho-santa-fe-pj-vj~141869) - Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: This project began as a smaller Scale project, client wanting us to create a "trophy room" for his memorabilia. It very quickly evolved into a full scale remodel. Our most important objective was to create each space as a space for entertainment. - [Ivanhoe Avenue \| La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ivanhoe-avenue-la-jolla-pj-vj~59648) - Location: La Jolla, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: Transplants from NYC, this couple was able to settle into their new home quite nicely. With careful consideration and acute design sensibility, this home was curated to tell the story of this dynamic family's life tale. - [La Jolla Shores \| La Jolla](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-jolla-shores-la-jolla-pj-vj~412697) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Although moving to the United States was a life long dream, they wanted their home to be a reflection of their roots in the English countryside while also infusing a bit of the California coast. - [Artesian Springs \| Rancho Santa Fe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artesian-springs-rancho-santa-fe-pj-vj~172208) - Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: This is the first of two homes we have done for this young family. As a professional athlete, you are on the road a lot, and with a young family, this can be stressful. They really wanted a place to call home and tell the amazing tales of their journey. - [Naples \| Florida](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/naples-florida-pj-vj~831315) - Location: Naples, FL - Photos: 12 - Description: This is the second of two homes we have done for this young family. As a professional athlete, you are on the road a lot, and with a you family this can be stressful. They really wanted a place to call home and place to tell the amazing tales of their journey. - [Encinitas Ranch \| Encinitas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/encinitas-ranch-encinitas-pj-vj~831274) - Location: Encinitas, CA - Photos: 7 - [Pasadena Showcase House \| Pasadena](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pasadena-showcase-house-pasadena-pj-vj~412700) - Location: Pasadena, CA - Photos: 4 [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/intimate-living-interiors-pfvwus-pf~2114055268) ## Ideabooks - [Hartnack](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119640176/list/hartnack) — 2 ideas - [Modern Coastal Del Mar](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78322823/list/modern-coastal-del-mar) — 7 ideas - [Larchet Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46837226/list/larchet-exterior) — 2 ideas - [Fire Place](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46837212/list/fire-place) — 5 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46837197/list/kitchens) — 1 idea - [Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46837096/list/exterior) — 2 ideas - [Statement Pieces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1041910/list/statement-pieces) — 10 ideas [See all 7 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/intimatelivinginteriors) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love everything about the kitchen! Where is hardware (fridge) from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Refrigerators are custom panel face sub-zero and the hardware is Ashley Norton. **Q: Love the baseball holder and bat holder. Where can I find this?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These were custom built to perfectly fit this room. My carpenter built the bat rack and my custom iron artisan built the ball ledge. Both built exactly as I designed. Thank you for reaching out! **Q: Bench** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is the bench in front of fireplace from?? A: Hi there! I am assuming you meant this bench: It is an antique saddlw bench I found in San Francisce that I had reupholstered. Thanks for asking! **Q: Where did you get the pictures and the coffee table? Love love this look!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello there! Thank you for the sweet compliment! This is such a cozy yet sophisticated space . . . it really is one of my favorite. The coffee table I found in a sweet little antique store in La Jolla, Ca. The butterfly prints were found at a store in Orange County, Ca. and I believe they can be ordered. The "Matteo Pagan - Progression in St. Marks Square" are one of a king antique pieces found in the Cedros Design District, Solana Beach, Ca. Thank you again for contacting Intimate Living Interiors - Kari Arendsen - Interior Designer, San Diego **Q: What is the paint color, love your designs!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello and thank you so very very much!! I LOVE this paint color. It is called Chelsea Gray by Dunn Edwards (I think it's Dunn Edwards), however the color has been discontinued. Thank you again for contacting Intimate Living Interiors - Kari Arendsen - Interior Designer, San Diego **Q: Where is the fabric on the chairs from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello there and I apologize for the delayed response. That fabric was found on Joss & Main, it was being sold as a table cloth I had made into cushions. Good thing is, it is a very resillient and washable material. Thank you again for contacting Intimate Living Interiors - Kari Arendsen - Interior Designer, San Diego --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*