---
title: "Design Studio LLC — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~2114117932
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114117932.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Design Studio LLC"
category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/24b33b8d00918f87_7068-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "6505 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, United States"
latitude: 38.9896
longitude: -77.1538
phone: "(301) 320-8730"
website: http://www.DesignStudioBethesda.com
rating: 4.4
review_count: 7
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 36
last_updated: 2026-09-10
---

# Design Studio LLC

Original Houzz profile: [Design Studio LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~2114117932)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators
- **Location:** Bethesda, MD
- **Serves:** Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda, Aspen Hill, Wheaton, North Bethesda, Potomac, Chillum, North Potomac, Hyattsville, Langley Park, Takoma Park, Adelphi, Cloverly, Glenmont, White Oak, Kemp Mill, Colesville, Travilah, Chevy Chase, Leisure World, North Kensington, South Kensington, Rossmoor, Four Corners, Forest Glen, Darnestown, Layhill, Hillandale, Jefferson, Vienna, Arlington, Baileys Crossroads, DC (Washington), Dunn Loring, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Idylwood, Lake Barcroft, Mantua, Mclean, Oakton, Pimmit Hills, Reston, Seven Corners, Tysons Corner, Washington
- **Houzz rating:** 4.4 out of 5 (7 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100 Ideabook Saves

Full Service Interior Design Service.  Focused on senior executives based on my blend with a design degree, MBA, corporate experience, 3D digital renderings. I have proven to be artistic, a visual thinker, a computer guru and a disciplined project manager that provides the final project to your doorstep without flaw.

### Services Provided

- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Color Consulting
- Space Planning
- Kids Bedroom Design
- Custom Cabinets
- Lighting Design
- Custom Kitchen Cabinets
- Custom Built-ins
- Floor Plans
- Playroom Design
- Custom Furniture
- Nursery Design
- Custom Blinds & Shades
- House Plans
- Custom Home Bars
- Closet Design
- Universal Design
- 3D Rendering
- Custom Bookcases
- Custom Walk-in Closets
- Custom Entertainment Centers
- Sunroom Design & Construction
- Custom Rugs
- Wine Cellar Design
- Custom Shelving
- Custom Pantries
- Downsizing
- Drafting
- Holiday Decorating
- Decluttering
- Kitchen Remodeling

### Areas Served

- Silver Spring
- Gaithersburg
- Rockville
- Bethesda
- Aspen Hill
- Wheaton
- North Bethesda
- Potomac
- Chillum
- North Potomac
- Hyattsville
- Langley Park
- Takoma Park
- Adelphi
- Cloverly
- Glenmont
- White Oak
- Kemp Mill
- Colesville
- Travilah
- Chevy Chase
- Leisure World
- North Kensington
- South Kensington
- Rossmoor
- Four Corners
- Forest Glen
- Darnestown
- Layhill
- Hillandale
- Jefferson
- Vienna
- Arlington
- Baileys Crossroads
- DC (Washington)
- Dunn Loring
- Fairfax
- Falls Church
- Great Falls
- Idylwood
- Lake Barcroft
- Mantua
- Mclean
- Oakton
- Pimmit Hills
- Reston
- Seven Corners
- Tysons Corner
- Washington

### Typical Job Cost

I provide you a fixed price Work Order once we have discussed your needs.  It can be adjusted upwards  or downwards if things change.  I want you to know The total price before we start.  Not "Oh My Goodness" invoices

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Design Studio LLC |
| Address | 6505 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, United States |
| Phone | (301) 320-8730 |
| Website | http://www.DesignStudioBethesda.com |
| License Number | 1860128 |
| Followers on Houzz | 36 |

## Offers

(DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Design Studio LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~2114117932)
- **Website:** http://www.DesignStudioBethesda.com
- **Phone:** (301) 320-8730

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- BS in Interior Design, MBA from Johns Hopkins, Certified Stager and Universal Design.
- Awarded as one of the "Top Designers" of Washington DC area by Washingtonian Magazine.  Published in Spaces, Home and Design, Bethesda Magazine, Washington Post and Washingtonian Magazine

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 — 7 reviews**

### All 7 reviews

**★ — Shafer Minnick, Jan. 2017**

> Susan started off quite strong, but ended up being a giant disappointment. She was unable to arrive at meetings on time, unable to provide the appropriate selections for items (bath, kitchen, etc). She postponed or delayed meetings when there was a very short lead time to complete tasks and ultimately ended up tasking me back as the client. STEER CLEAR!

**Comment from Design Studio LLC:**

> Wow Mark.  We only worked together for about a week and a half.  How did all of that happen in that time period.  If you recall, you were screaming and swearing at me for a small mistake.  I figured this was a big job and if this little incident (I multiplied the same faucets by 4 for the 4 bathrooms and you wanted it divided) I couldn't imagine working with you for an entire property so I called it quits.  As I remember your plumber and contractor also quit on you.  Plus this happened about 3-4 years ago.  You might want to talk to your doctor about some new meds.  BTW - Houzz voted me Best Designer and Best Designer for Service for 3 years.  Hmmmm.

**★★★★★ — Karen Manning, July 2014**

> I worked with Susan Utley from Design Studios on both my retirement home in SC and my condo in RI.  She is a delight to work with.  Not only did she provide me with expert advice on decorating and purchasing quality furniture without over-spending, but we had a lot of fun.  Susan has great style and shared her knowledge with me, helping me to make decisions.  From rugs, to drapes, to furniture and accessories,  I love the way the rooms have come alive!

**★★★★★ — vnheine, July 2014**

> Design Studio assisted me in the following areas:  selection of paint quality, color and texture throughout the whole house; selection of floor covering, including the selection of six unique and custom made carpets; selection of light fixtures; and selection and placement of furniture and pictures.
>
> We have a large home and Susan Utley single handedly made it feel warm and welcoming by her selection of paint colors and the flow and diversity from room to room.  She did a terrific job then of helping to select carpets and pulling unique and minor colors from the carpets by her selection of furnishings and pictures.  Guests continue to comment on how much the love the color and flow within our home - and it's been several years since we did this work.
>
> Working with Design Studio was a pleasure.  Susan Utley took time to understand my goals, my personality and my preferences (which were sometimes conflicting).  She did an excellent job of taking initiative and providing just the right amount of options for me to select from when it came to making furniture decisions.
>
> I highly recommend Design Studio and, in particular, Susan Utley.

**★★★★★ — dkskt, July 2014**

> Design Studio provided outstanding design services for my new condo in Reston Town Center.  All aspects of design were addressed: paint, faux, window treatments, carpets, light fixtures and furniture.  I was provided a wide variety of options.  Delivery a was on time and communication was always excellent. By using Susan's services as a designer I saved time and money on my new condo.  I recommend her without reservation.

**★★★★★ — Jasmin Kordi, July 2014**

> Susan has a fantastic eye for color and textures. She was great when we designed my home office and recreation room. I ordered beautiful custom leather furniture from her and it has held up extremely well over several years. I would highly recommend Susan for any decoration project.

**★★★★★ — mkohutan, July 2014**

> Design Studio LLC helped me to design and furnish two rooms in my house.  In each case, Susan worked within my budget, listened carefully for my tastes and preferences, worked with what I had and complemented the rooms with new beautiful pieces that fit right in.  I was astounded to discover that the custom-made couches she provided actually cost less than ready-made ones that I had seen in stores!  Susan and her team are incredibly professional, and work tirelessly to meet their customer's needs.  I have recommended this company to several of my friends.

**★★★★★ — dfc\_wa, July 2014**

> Susan has excellent taste. She is very thoughtful and listens to her client's desires and creates a vision that they fall in love with.
>
> Susan has a unique way of showing clients what their vision will look like with actual samples and three-dimensional renderings so that the client can make changes without incurring cost or a schedule impact.
>
> Because of her extensive knowledge of the industry, she offers choices of products and fabrics, helping clients weigh the pros and cons. She provides a budget impact of the choices so that client can stay within bounds they have set.
>
> Susan is always professional and keeps everyone on track so that her clients have successful projects.

## Selected projects

- [Living Areas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-areas-pj-vj~393921)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~393857)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Let your bathroom be your sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/let-your-bathroom-be-your-sanctuary-pj-vj~393833)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Various](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-pj-vj~393915)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bedrooms-pj-vj~393880)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Dining Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dining-rooms-pj-vj~393897)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Unused closets to a Wine Celler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/unused-closets-to-a-wine-celler-pj-vj~276645)
  - Location: Oakton, VA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Clutter unused closets can add a real charm as a wine celler.
- [See the finished room BEFORE you start.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/see-the-finished-room-before-you-start-pj-vj~276669)
  - Location: Bethesda, MD
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: You never have to make a mistake again! See the finished room with digitally drawn renderings. Your selected fabric can even be uploaded to the rendering.
- [New vibrancy in an old sun room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-vibrancy-in-an-old-sun-room-pj-vj~276655)
  - Location: Falls Church, VA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: She wanted her "OWN" cave but wanted it to be a happy place.
- [Transform an odd room in an important place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transform-an-odd-room-in-an-important-place-pj-vj~276652)
  - Location: Bethesda, MD
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: What to do with an odd room in an important place - right in the middle of her entry. Every guest would have to walk past this room.
- [Want a gas fireplace - why not !](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/want-a-gas-fireplace-why-not-pj-vj~276649)
  - Location: Oakton, VA
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Nothing is better to add charm and coziness to a basement than a fireplace. It is very possible to install, vent to the outside and insulate for a TV above the fireplace. This area was right off of their pool area, which made it a wonderful entertaining area.
- [What a difference paint can make](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/what-a-difference-paint-can-make-pj-vj~276658)
  - Location: Reston, VA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: What a difference paint can make. See the finished result before you strt your project

[See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/design-studio-llc-pfvwus-pf~2114117932)

## Ideabooks

- [Susan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69946372/list/susan) — 2 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/designstudiollc)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-10.*